Awake!, August 8, 1966

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Can Future Events Be Accurately Predicted? PAGE 5

The Clergy in Politics—World Wide

PAGE 13

Diving with "Scuba"

PAGE 17

Paper for a Special Purpose

PAGE 21

AUGUST 8,1966

THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE

News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must be unfettered by censorship and selfish interest. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unhampered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.

The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many languages, by millions of persons.

In every issue "Awakel" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting

the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes In quick review. Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awaken" provides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.

"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden faes and subtle dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establishment of God's righteous new order in this generation.

Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"

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CONTENTS

Avoid a Great Stumbling Block 3

Can Future Events Be Accurately Predicted? 5

When Preaching Becomes an Adventure 9

Pastor Turns Bricklayer 12

The Clergy in Politics—World Wide 13

Diving with "Scuba"

Paper for a Special Purpose

Ministry Instead of Manager

"Your Word Is Truth"

Is the Bible Complete?

Watching the World

Volume XLVII

London, England. August 8, 1956

THE exercise and development of the intellect is essential to the fullest happiness of humans. The ability to think was created in us, and there is a boundless field in which the human mind is free to conduct its explorations. Deprived of such broadening activity, the mind tends to become sluggish and the person inclines toward credulousness and superstition. Developing the thinking ability, on the other hand, offers rich rewards.

In connection with intellectual development, however, we do well to be on guard against a stumbling block that is all the more dangerous because of its insidiousness. The mind can be led gradually to take great pride in human genius. Pride, in fact, can lead to a sort of worship of the intellect. It can undermine the proper humility of the creature before the Creator. It can lead one to give too much weight to the established opinions of the learned. It can result in one's refusing to pay attention to vital information.

In the days of Jesus the learned scribes and doctors of the Jews, for all their intellectual advantages, adopted an attitude

that of itself shut them off from life-giving knowledge. Probably they originated the contemptuous question: "The Christ is not actually coming out of [the remote hill country of] Galilee, is he?" (John 7:41) To one who insisted that Jesus must be someone sent from God, they burst qu agnirly: "You were altogether born in sins,

and yet are you teaching us?" (John 9:34) They refused to descend from their intellectual eminence and learn the simple but beautiful truths spoken by Jesus. They were badly stumbled.

We have other instances of pride and its evil effects among the early Greek and Roman men of letters. The historian Tacitus made record of the unsupported claim that the Jews worshiped the effigy of an ass. Later, the moralist Plutarch echoed the ridiculous idea. (Tacitus' History, Book 5, chapter 2; Plutarch's Symposium, Book 4, Quest. 5) Better informed people today know that the charge is unfounded. Had not those intellectuals taken the trouble to investigate before passing this lie on to posterity? The absence of any evidence for their conclusion convicts them of prejudice—judging a matter without first having heard it fully.

Tacitus also referred to Christianity as a "pernicious superstition." (Annals, Book 15, par. 44) Why? Evidently he had not bothered to locate and read the basic teachings of the new religion, such as the record of Jesus' sermon on the mountain.

Had he deigned to make such an inquiry he could not honestly have written what he did. His verdict, given without amplification or explanation, again convicts him of prejudice and pride. Did he get his information from Christianity's foes? Was he simply parroting the official opinion that prevailed in learned circles?

Numerous other pagan writers had nothing to say about Christianity, though they must have been aware that people were paying with their lives in the arena for this new faith. Perhaps they felt they knew enough about it when they learned that its tenets differed quite radically from the accepted opinions of the day. Intellectual pride prevented them from looking into the kind of faith for which people were willing to give their lives. Would not noble minds have sought to know why?

A modern historian presents another example of intellectual pride. Referring to the Goths in Spain, he wrote: "They were coarse, illiterate, and stupid as carps; moreover, they were not Christians, they were Arians, and they were Arians precisely as they were Goths—they were born so." (History of Spain, Archibald Wilberforce, page 14) The conclusion that Arians were not Christians was that adopted by intolerant Athanasians in the great church controversy over the Trinity that raged in Constantine's time. In much the same way today the intolerant person will charge the one not believing in the trinity with being a heretic and, therefore, no true Christian.

Arianism. Was he parroting the view of earlier church historians, or was he relying on the consensus of orthodox scholars, like the Jews in the time of Jesus?

Had the writer referred to above studied and compared those opposing teachings with the authority of the Bible, and offered reasons for his conclusion, readers would be in position to exercise their own judgment. He not having done so, we must conclude that he was prejudiced against

If you were to consult a religious encyclopedia under the heading "Arius," you would likely read that he was a heresiarch, a chief of heretics, a troublemaker, a blasphemer. If untainted by intellectual pride, you would note that most of the sources for the article were by writers inimical to Arius, those who held firmly to the orthodox consensus, right or wrong. Surely, then, you would want to get the testimony of Arius himself or of some of his friends. You would want to hear him out instead of shutting your ears and yelling as the "learned" doctors of the church did when he was offering his testimony.

How do you react to similar situations? When you read in the news that a certain group of Christians believes, thinks and acts quite differently from the orthodox groups, do you hastily conclude that they must be a bunch of cranks? Do you immediately condemn them, saying you have heard all you want to hear? Do you accept what their enemies say about them? Or, are you sufficiently free of intellectual pride to want to know more about them before reaching a conclusion? This is the nobler course, and puts you in no danger of the humiliation referred to by the wise man at Proverbs 18:13: "When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation."

How saddening it is to see an otherwise bright and active intellect stooping to share the prejudices of the ignorant and the uneducated! Far better it is to suspend judgment on a matter until both sides have been fully and fairly heard. By going to the only dependable authority, God's Word the Bible, you can avoid the dangerous stumbling block of intellectual pride.

AWAKE!

IN June of 1503 two waterlogged vessels limped into a bay on the north coast of the West Indies island of Jamaica. About a year before, Christopher Columbus had set sail from Spain with four ships on his final voyage to the "New World." Now, after months of exploration along the coast of Central

America, Columbus was forced to abandon two of his vessels and, shortly later, managed to beach on Jamaica.

At first the Island's natives received the explorers with kindness, providing them with necessary supplies. But after a while the misconduct of the Europeans alienated the natives, who refused to continue supplying them with food. The situation was critical. It would be some time before another ship arrived to pick up the stranded explorers. However, by making an accurate prediction of a future event Columbus was able to regain the favor of the Indians.

By consulting his almanac, Columbus learned that there was to be a total eclipse of the moon on February 29, 1504. So he told the Indians that the light from the moon would be removed unless they supplied the explorers with plenty of cassava, corn and fish. The Indians gave little credence to the prediction, but before the eclipse was complete they "with great howling and lamentation came running from every direction to the ships laden with provisions." For the remainder of their stay Columbus and his men were provided with necessary supplies.

Many people today have an attitude sim AUGUST 8,1966

ilar to those Indians when it comes to the matter of predicting future events. For instance, when a person opens the Bible to point out its prophecies concerning our day and what lies ahead, many are skeptical. They do not believe it is possible to predict events. Frequently it is those who view themselves as

better educated who are more skeptical than others. As they often say, "No one

knows the future." But to those well acquainted with the facts of science, prediction is very real.

Accurate Predictions

Through observation and a fundamental knowledge of the laws that govern the movement of heavenly bodies, astronomers have long been able to predict celestial phenomena accurately. For example, by observing a variation in the course of the planet Uranus, it was believed by some astronomers that its orbit was being affected by a yet more distant undiscovered planet. The World Book Encyclopedia (1966) explains:

"John C. Adams (1819-1892) of England and Urbain Leverrier (1811-1877) of France figured out where the new planet ought to be. In 1846, Leverrier sent his prediction to a German astronomer, Johann G. Galle (1812-1910). Galle immediately searched for the planet with the help of his young assistant, H. L. d'Arrest (1822-1875). They found the planet in the predicted place. Astronomers named it Neptune." This is merely one of the more

America, Columbus was forced to abandon two of his vessels and, shortly later, managed to beach on Jamaica.

Many people today have an attitude sim AUGUST 8,1966

better educated who are more skeptical than others. As they often say, "No one

knows the future." But to those well acquainted with the facts of science, prediction is very real.

Accurate Predictions

Thus scientific men recognize the possibility of predicting the future; in fact, in predicting all events that are yet to occur. Obviously, however, no human can predict all events; man is not in position to assemble all the necessary information. Does

this mean that such predictions are impossible? For man, yes. But there is One who possesses the knowledge, wisdom and understanding required to have a

That he has the ability to foretell the future accurately, the Bible's Author, Jehovah God, himself proclaims: "I am the Divine One and there is no other God, nor anyone like me; the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done." Jehovah challenges others to match him in his powers of prophecy, saying: "Produce

ARTICLES IN THE NEXT ISSUE

• Why Do Clergymen Espouse Secular Causes?

Amazing Relationships Among Earth's Creatures.

What About the Education of Women?

Fight for Faith Rewarded.

complete comprehension of all events, including those that are yet to occur.

The God of Prophecy

The marvelous law and order that govern the material universe eloquently bespeak such an Intelligent One who possesses this ability. Skepticism, however, is often caused by the vast number of false prophets who, by their erroneous predictions, have brought the matter into disrepute. Other persons are inclined to put all predictions into the same category as those of the astrologer Nostradamus; whose prophecies, one encyclopedia said, "were intentionally obscure and vague and are open to many interpretations."

Nevertheless, an honest examination of the prophecies within the Holy Bible will reveal that they are entirely different. They are even more accurate than reliable predictions of human scientists. This is because they originate with the All-Powerful, Intelligent One who put into operation the marvelous laws of the universe. Yes, the same One who initiated the laws on the basis of which men can accurately predict events affected by the orderly movement of celestial bodies!

and tell to us the things that are going to happen. The first things—what they were—do tell, that we may apply our heart and know the future of them. Or

cause us to hear even the things that are coming. Tell the things that are to come afterward, that we may know that you are gods."—Isa. 46:9, 10; 41:22, 23.

While man, with a knowledge of certain laws set in operation by God, can make some accurate predictions, these are extremely limited. However, they do help a person to appreciate that Jehovah God, who not only possesses all the facts but, in addition, can control all the factors, is unlimited in his powers of prophecy. He is in position to govern the outcome of affairs in harmony with His will!

Reliable Prophecies by God

For example, long in advance Jehovah God foretold the rise and fall of world powers that have dominated earth's affairs. No human could possibly have done this. Under His inspiration, the Hebrew prophet Isalah prophesied in the eighth century B.C.E. that Cyrus the Persian would serve as librator of the captive Israelites from Babylon. This prediction was made many years before Cyrus was even born! God also gave details of the conquest, saying that the river would be dried up and the city gates would be left open.

Nearly two hundred years later Cyrus marched into Babylon, exactly as foretold!—Isa. 44:26-45:3.

When Babylon appeared unconquerable, God foretold through his prophet Daniel the rise of the Medo-Persian World Power. More than that, in unmistakable terms he told about the coming to prominence of the next world power, Greece, its conquest of Medo-Persia, and, in time, its dissolution into four smaller empires after the death of its conquering king, Alexander the Great. Here is how Jehovah God in vision to Daniel revealed in advance these events of history:

"I saw, and, look! a ram standing before the watercourse, and it had two horns. . . I saw the ram making thrusts to the west and to the north and to the south, and no wild beasts kept standing before it, . . . and, look! there was a male of the goats coming from the sunset upon the surface of the whole earth . . . And as regards the he-goat, there was a conspicuous horn between its eyes. And it kept coming all the way to the ram possessing the two horns, which I had seen standing before the watercourse; and it came running toward it in its powerful rage. . . and it proceeded to strike down the ram and to break its two horns . . . And the male of the goats, for its part, put on great airs to an extreme; but as soon as it became mighty, the great horn was broken, and there proceeded to come up conspicuously four instead of it, toward the four winds of the heavens."

Leaving no mistake about the meaning of this prophecy, Jehovah God went on to tell Daniel: "The ram that you saw possessing the two horns stands for the kings of Media and Persia. And the hairy hegoat stands for the king of Greece; and as for the great horn that was between

its eyes, it stands for the first king. [Alexander the Great was that "first king" after Greece's rise to world power.] And that one having been broken, so that there were four that finally stood up instead of it, there are four kingdoms from his nation that will stand up, but not with his power."—Dan. 8:3-8, 20-22.

Any person familiar with history will recognize that these prophecies were fulfilled in the smallest details. This is not a case of where some few forecasts came true, as sometimes occurs in the case of predictions by experts in political history. Not at all! But all of God's prophecies are fulfilled! In fact, the entire course of history of these nations from Babylon down to the present has been foretold and fulfilled. Major prophecies in God's Word are even coming to pass today. Read what the Bible has to say about the "last days" or "conclusion of the system of things" recorded in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Matthew 24:3-14, and note their fulfillment in the very conditions now existing.

But, happily, God points forward to yet future events. According to divine prophecy, soon now, within this generation of mankind, a global destruction comparable to the Noachian flood will completely wipe out wicked mankind. Only those who, like Noah and his associates, seek to walk with God by keeping his commandments will be preserved through alive. (Matt. 24:32-39; Ps. 37:9-11) Then, under the righteous rule of God's promised kingdom, a time of perfect peace and happiness will be realized. (Isa. 11:6-9; Rev. 21:3, 4) Do not scoff at such prophecies! Examine God's past record of fulfilled prophecies, and see that not once has he been wrong. Therefore, trust in His Word and pattern your life in harmony with it.

When PREACHING becomes an ADVENTURE By "Awakel" correspondent in Nicaragua

AT A recent district assembly of Jehovah's witnesses in Managua, it was explained that 50 percent of Nicaragua is not the assigned preaching territory of any congregation of Jehovah's witnesses in Nicaragua. Six missionaries pondered over this information and decided to spend two weeks in visiting people in the interior and along the east coast of this unassigned territory to acquaint them with Jehovah's witnesses and the Bible's teaching. After completing their unusual and adventuresome journey each of the six missionaries wrote a report to the branch office of the Watch Tower Society. Following are a few of the experiences and highlights of their 600-mile trip:

It all began when the branch office invited some of us to take a two-week trip out into parts of our country hitherto unreached by the message of God's kingdom. Plans were made well ahead of time. Literature was ordered and sent to outlying places, where possible, in sufficient quantities. What to take in the way of bedding and clothing was decided upon, with emphasis placed on traveling light. A meeting was held and duties were assigned the night before we left Managua. Our trip by land, one usually made only by air, through the interior of Nicaragua to the east coast was soon to begin.

AUGUST 8, 1966

Making the Most of Boat Stops

We left at 4 a.m. Thursday in a small panel truck converted into a bus. There were seventeen crowded passengers

and the driver. Six hours and one blowout later we reached the end of the gravel road, where we were to board a riverboat that would take us the remaining distance to Bluefields, a small city on the Atlantic Coast side of the country. With two hours to wait for the riverboat we initiated our ministerial program by giving short sermons and offering Bible literature to the people living at this junction. Many had never heard of our Bible work before but responded with appreciation, accepting the literature readily.

On the boat we made only one stop down the sixty-mile serpentine Rio Escondido, or Hidden River. Here the boat was to remain for only twenty minutes of a

We were organized to talk to people on the first street we came to, three on either side.

Surprisingly, ten books were placed in this time before rushing back to the boat.

The river trip was very relaxing and peaceful. Even the alligators were tranquil during the midday period, but not the monkeys. Above the throb of the motor we could hear their cry of protest at being disturbed by the intrusion of modern transportation. Glimpses of them could be seen over the top of the vine-entangled jungle. The silent river, banked by a solid curtain of green, was beautiful to behold; yet we experienced a foreboding sensation as we wondered what would happen if we became lost in such a jumble of jungle greenery, haunted by boa constrictors and spotted leopards. Nighttime overtook us at Bluefields. When the riverboat captain learned of our work and that we were missionaries, he refused to accept any payment for the passage.

The following morning we learned that there would be no boat going that day to Pearl Lagoon, our next stop. Quickly we decided to penetrate another previously unvisited territory, a fishing village across the bay. The humble folk there demonstrated a remarkable interest in the Bible. One man from Spain was overjoyed to find a Bible-based religion that kept separate from politics and did not desire greedly to gather up the industries and the best lands. Many implored us to return again soon to help them learn more of the promises of God's Word. Repeatedly they would ask us what additional literature we had or could send them to further their spiritual knowledge of Jehovah's will. God may be dead in the hearts of many who glory only in man's achievements, but he is very much alive to these people who live a simple life surrounded by His handiwork. We took 104 books and Bibles to

these people, and when we left a short five hours later we were empty-handed.

The next morning we boarded a launch to continue our journey. Snaking our way through a twisting canal, we, at times, had to bend low as the interlocking branches and vines tried to pluck us from the boat. Only the chug of the engine broke the silence of this hidden paradise secluded deep in a rain forest. We had a momentary delay when one of the missionaries stood on the steering cable causing the rudder to jam; instead of making the next sharp turn we ran straight into the bank. But we were soon again on our way to Pearl Lagoon, arriving there that evening.

Hospitality and Suitcases of Literature

Everywhere we went people were very hospitable, opening up their homes or moving out and letting us have their accommodations; for a place to eat or sleep we never lacked. At the Lagoon we found lodgings just before dark. The owner turned his son's house over to us. Only half a dozen houses in the community enjoy electricity and this was one of them. They also provided us excellent meals at a very reasonable cost.

The two principal religions in the community are Roman Catholic and Moravian. Even the religious leaders accepted literature, considering us authorities on the Bible.

Bibles and literature were so readily accepted that we carried suitcases and cartons instead of briefcases as we taught the people and offered them additional Bible publications. Bible studies were started and conducted by flashlight or coal-oil lamps. Two of us placed five books and several magazines while trying to locate an interested person spoken to previously. One man, after taking six books and a Bible, begged for more instruction and pleaded with us to stay longer.

The town's theater was gladly donated We were organized to talk to people on the first street we came to, three on either side.

Surprisingly, ten books were placed in this time before rushing back to the boat.

these people, and when we left a short five hours later we were empty-handed.

Hospitality and Suitcases of Literature

The two principal religions in the community are Roman Catholic and Moravian. Even the religious leaders accepted literature, considering us authorities on the Bible.

The town's theater was gladly donated to see his sister and to arrange with her our necessary meals.

His introduction to her was: "They come to see you about the belly business." And so with these few sincere words the arrangements were made for us.

Penetrating Deeper into Remote Areas

From Tasbapone we were fortunate enough to contract for a forty-two-foot launch, used for the purpose of hauling coconuts, for the next part of our journey. Very few boats pass by this remote section, and our next destination was some fifty miles to the north. Our passage lasted ten hours until we arrived at the village of Prinzapolca, located at the mouth of the large Prinzapolca River. As we approached, the ocean was churning with heavy swells. It seemed we were either looking down at the sea or up at the sky. Most of the turtle liver found its way back to the sea from where it came.

When we did finally arrive at the wharf we found it too high for us, as it was built for oceangoing cargo vessels by a mining company whose ships load ore from this location. As we were bobbing up and down at the side of the towering wharf we finally decided to form a human chain to unload our cargo, since no ladder was available. This we were able to do, with the only loss being an umbrella, which was fumbled overboard.

we remained there, but also gave us passes to ride the ore barge up the river. Then, deep in the interior, the ore barge meets the ore trucks that travel down from the mines. Thus, we were able to penetrate deep into territory where no Witness appears to have ever preached before. Considering that much free transportation was arranged for us and that the national airline generously granted us a discount on our return flight from the mining town, our expenses were far less than anticipated.

The mining company not only located free lodgings for us during the two days

A few days before we arrived at the mining town of Siuna, a fire had ravaged a section of the business district and a great deal of looting took place, thus adding to the loss brought about by the fire. The community appreciated the comforting hope of a restored paradise on earth and enthusiastically accepted 235 Bibles and books, as well as magazines and booklets, during our three-day stay.

That final quantity of literature placed increased the number of Bibles and Bible books distributed during the two weeks to a total of 823. This does not take into consideration the hundreds of magazines and booklets that were also placed. Only one person during our entire two-week trip failed to invite us in or listen to the good news of Jehovah's kingdom. It was with appreciative hearts and with thankfulness to Jehovah that we boarded the plane and winged toward home, thus to end an adventure of a lifetime.

Pastor Turns Bricklayer

In POLITICS

LOOK where we will, the clergy are active in politics. Is there social unrest, or racial strife, or political.

campaigning or turmoil? You may be certain that the clergy are involved, bringing pressure to bear, on one side or the other, or on both sides.

For example, the New York Times, October 18, 1965, told of a leading New York congyman, Dr. D. S. Harrington of the Community Church, who informed his congregation that he was going to vote for John V. Lindsay in the then coming mayoral election and, while he was not asking his parishioners to do the same, he hoped that they would consider all the issues and then do so too.

Then again, for several years now the clergy in the United States have been extremely active in the civil rights issues. Thus one report told of 6,000 Protestant ministers, Roman Catholic priests and nuns and Jewish clergymen or rabbis taking part in the racial demonstrations staged at Selma, Alabama. Dr. James A. Pike, while still Episcopal bishop of California, went on record as claiming that "the church ought to be passionately involved in political struggles, bent on transforming the world."

Currently, with the war in Vietnam, we find the clergy having a new cause for which to be politically active, endeavoring to pressure the government to their way of thinking on things. As one report put it: "Clergymen by the hundreds, representing mostly Protestant but including also other faiths, have signed Vietnam 'manifestos.' Some call merely for stronger

WORLD WIDE

efforts at peace-making in Vietnam, others denounce U.S. 'barbarism' in that wartown country." The press also told of a group called "Clergy Concerned About Vietnam," which was seeking "a strategy of more decisive dissent"; in other words, looking for ways to bring more effective pressure upon the government.

Ironical as it may seem, there is considerable evidence that there would be no war in Vietnam today were it not for clergy interference in politics in the first place. This was the very theme of an article appearing in the Roman Catholic liberal journal, Ramparts. According to it, Roman Catholic influence and pressures, particularly as exercised by New York's Cardinal Spellman, were responsible for the course of action taken by the United States government in favoring Roman Catholic Diem against Ho Chi Minh. This is said also to account for the failure of elections to be held as agreed upon at the 1954 Geneva conference, for the obvious reason that the 10 percent Roman Catholic population did not have much of a chance against the 80 or more percent Buddhist population!

A Worldwide Phenomena

This activity on the part of the clergy in politics is by no means limited to the United States, nor to Christendom.

It is seen in all parts of the world. In particular has religious pressure been strong in South Vietnam, both by the Roman Catholic and by the Buddhist clergy. Thus one press dispatch states: "One of the returned [United States] officers interviewed said that the Vietnamese colonel of his regiment had been pressured into joining the Catholic Church and that other officers had undergone similar pressures." This was at the time when Diem, a very devout Roman Catholic, was ruling. The officer also quoted the colonel as saying that membership in Diem's church was becoming a prerequisite to continuing in command, although many of the 15 million South Vietnamese identify Catholicism with the previous French occupation.* This helps explain why, although South Vietnam is upward of 80 percent Buddhist, the officers in her army, according to Time magazine, April 22, 1966, are 50 percent Roman Catholic.

Likewise the New York Times, April 28, 1966, told of Roman Catholic Danang priest Hoang Ho vowing to send a Catholic army of a half million people into Saigon to protect the government of Ky if the Buddhists would attempt to take over the government. He boasted, "We will keep order if the government is not capable of keeping order."

Equally pronounced is the role of the Buddhist clergy or monks in the political situation in South Vietnam. In fact, these may be said to be the very motivating factor and inspiration of the opposition to the military junta under Ky. There are two factions, the more moderate being under Tam Chua and the other led by Tri Quang. Concerning the latter, one press report stated: "As leader of the militant Buddhists of Central Vietnam and head of the powerful United Buddhist Church,

Thich ["Thich" is a religious title similar to "Reverend"] Tri Quang has the dubious distinction of having participated in the overthrow of no fewer than six South Vietnamese governments."

As for political activity by religious groups in other lands, there is the Soka Gakkai of Japan, which many in that country view with alarm. Formed in 1930, the Soka Gakkai made its appeal by claiming that all the problems of their devotees, whatever their nature, can be solved by prayer. It now boasts of a membership of five million families and has already gained control of twenty seats in the upper house of Japan. Its ambition is to gain control of the entire Diet.

Regarding religion in political affairs in England, a religious weekly reports: "The British Council of Churches has just issued the full report of its year-long study of South Africa titled The Future of South Africa: A Study by British Christians. . . The major political purpose in issuing the report is to force the British government to disassociate itself from apartheid [South African segregation] and to stop conning at it . . . In fact, what is advanced is a system of trade and business sanctions: everything short of war, everything short of gunboats at the Cape."

Like political agitation is taking place by clergymen in South Africa itself. One of these, C. E. Crowther, an American citizen, was reported as saying: "The church has to oppose the government, because what the church stands for and what the government stands for are totally different concepts of the doctrine of man."

However, such political activity on the part of English clergymen, both in Great Britain and in South Africa, will not seem surprising when we note the way one of England's leading ministers, Donald Soper, expressed himself on the matter: 'I believe that Socialism is the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth.

I believe that though the Labour Party is not Socialist, it could be and it will be if Christians for Jesus Christ's sake enter it, transform it, and use it as a vehicle for the fulfillment of our 'Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.'"—The Methodist Magazine, August 1959.

Coming to the Western Hemisphere, we find that in Canada much of the political activity on the part of the clergy is very direct. There between ten and fifteen candidates for election to Parliament last fall were clergymen. According to one of them, "if Christianity is to be effective today, it must impinge [that is, exert pressure] on the decision-making places—including Parliament."

There is also growing activity on the part of Roman Catholic priests to pressure their governments to make reforms in South American lands. A leader of such activities in Colombia justified his activities with the following words: "I consider there are circumstances that do not permit men to offer themselves to God, and that a priest should fight these circumstances. For me, these circumstances are politics. I am doing what I am doing out of love for my brother."

Regarding this worldwide activity of the clergy in politics the Houston, Texas, Post, devoted almost an entire page to the subject "Organized Religion Fights for Political Power." It was written by the paper's religious editor and among the many religious authorities he quoted was Dr. George W. Farrell, professor of Christian Theology at Iowa State University. According to him, "the religious community is clearly involved in the power struggle of our time," and this is true whether it is Buddhism in Southeast Asia, Islam in the Middle East, Judaism in Israel or Eastern Orthodoxy in Cyprus. Also noted

In the article was the fact that at Washington, D.C., many religious bodies have offices whose staffs frequently try to influence legislation.

Some Object; Harm Done

However, not by any means are the majority of parishioners or church members in favor of this trend. According to the religious editor above referred to, "The church in politics creates immense controversy. Many are opposed to such procedures." For example, a news magazine told that there is a large all-Negro church in Cincinnati whose members are complaining because their clergyman is away from them so much of the time, working for the Negro clergyman who is the leader of the racial protest in the United States, Dr. Martin Luther King.

Time magazine, April 22, 1966, reporting on the activity of Buddhist monks in South Vietnam, made the following telling points: "Encouraging 12-year-old boys to mix Molotov cocktails [a crude hand grenade] hardly seems appropriate for a priest of the Buddha who preached reverence for life and recommended for monks an 8-fold path of Nirvana. Nor is overthrowing governments exactly the middle road along which Gautama enjoined his disciples to escape from worldly desires. . . The Book of Discipline for Buddhist monks in its tenth admonition forbids them 'to persist in trying to cause divisions in a community that lives in harmony, and in emphasizing those points that are calculated to cause division.'"

Pertinent here is also the report of German correspondent G. Bonn, that appeared in Atlas, October 1965, relative to a visit made to Narada Thero, a monk active in the political affairs of Ceylon: 'It is political and militant Buddhism which keeps Southeast Asia in ferment today. Recent speculations on the new and often dangerilieve that Socialism is the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth.

In the article was the fact that at Washington, D.C., many religious bodies have offices whose staffs frequently try to influence legislation.

Some Object; Harm Done

Pertinent here is also the report of German correspondent G. Bonn, that appeared in Atlas, October 1965, relative to a visit made to Narada Thero, a monk active in the political affairs of Ceylon: 'It is political and militant Buddhism which keeps Southeast Asia in ferment today. Recent speculations on the new and often dangerIN 1913 a Greek sponge diver reportedly stayed underwater for three minutes and thirty-five seconds at a depth of up to two hundred feet without using any equipment.

If true, it would represent an amazing feat, but it could also represent unwise judgment. For underwater diving, while it contains its fascination, is also hazardous and should not be undertaken without proper equipment, training and great caution. Today, few, if any, would ever attempt to dive to such a depth without the use of first-class equipment.

For shallow water, a pair of fins, a mask and a snorkel (breathing tube) are common equipment. But if one desires to stay underwater for longer periods and at greater depths, then more elaborate equipment is needed. This really entails becoming a "scuba diver."

Development of Scuba

Scuba is a word made up from the first letters of the words "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus," and it refers to what is known as an aqualung.

Until the late nineteen thirties all efforts of man to explore and remain underwater for considerable lengths of time had been limited by the fact that he was never completely free from cumbersome diving equipment and the air hose and lifeline to a boat on the surface above him. But then the team of Jacques Coutsteau, a French naval officer, and Emile Gagnan, a French engineer, produced what is today called scuba, and at last the diver was freed from heavy equipment, air hose and lifeline. He became his own master of ascent and descent.

In the years that have passed from the first testing of the aqualung in 1943 many improvements have been made on the original diving gear, though most have been based on the design by Cousteau and Gagnan.

The Equipment

A self-contained underwater breathing apparatus is really two separate pieces of equipment. One part is a steel tank containing the diver's air supply, and the other is a "demand regulator," which is the means of bringing the air from the tank to the diver's lungs.

Air tanks are heavy walled and made of drawn steel. They have been carefully constructed and tested before being offered for sale. On the top of the tank where the neck tapers to take the valve, some figures will be found indicating the number of pounds, per square inch of compressed air the tank will safely hold. Most tanks will contain 1,800 PSI, or 2,250 PSI. This amount of air will enable the average person to stay underwater at a depth of up to thirty feet for about fifty minutes. The deeper the dive, the quicker ous role of the saffron-robed monks are confirmed when one visits this monastery cell.

The letters that Narada Thero dictates here are more concerned with diplomatic strategy than with spiritual wisdom." No wonder that one of the founders of the Buddhist World Conference, who is a diplomat and scientist rather than a monk, bitterly observed at the Seventh Conference of the group in Sarnath, India, "The World Fellowship of Buddhists has become the victim of world politics."

Among the harmful effects of this mixing in of religion with politics is its divisiveness. Thus in the 1958 Australian federal election the Labor party was split by a breakaway that had the open support of Archbishop Mannix, whose political philosophy, however, had been publicly questioned by none other than Cardinal Gilroy of Sydney. As a result, the Australian labor leader, A. A. Calwell, lamented that "every Catholic family, every convent, every monastery, every rectory is divided," and that the division extends right up to the heads of the church in Australia.

The fact is that the common people who occupy the pews, condescendingly referred to as the "laymen" by those occupying the pulpits, are often strongly opposed to their clergymen's getting involved in political issues and frequently disagree with them as to which is the right side. For instance, the clergy at the general convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States in 1964 approved by a margin of 3 to 1 a strongly worded resolution in favor of civil disobedience, but the 'lay' delegates turned it down by a margin

of 2 to 1. Thus also a poll showed that 56 percent of all white Americans disapproved of clergymen's taking part in racial demonstrations.

Why, some of the 'laity' have felt so strongly about their clergyman's being involved in political issues that they have cut down on their financial support. Thus, according to the Episcopal bishop of the New York diocese, his stand on civil rights cost his church millions of dollars; one citizen alone withdrawing a pledge of $600,000. At the other end of the United States, former Bishop Pike of California stated that his participation in social issues had caused so many of his parishioners to withdraw their financial support and even their membership from his church that he had to cut the annual budget of his diocese drastically. This gradual loss of supporters the Bible depicts in symbolic language at Revelation 16:12, where waters, representing peoples, are shown to be turned aside from modern Babylon the Great, or the world empire of false religion.

More than that, these religious organizations that have up until now basked in the favor of the political rulers are apparently, by their present course of trying to pressure the rulers, generating against themselves a feeling of antagonism on the part of such rulers. This will make it easy for the political rulers to do the remarkable thing foretold in Bible prophecy at Revelation 17:16*—namely, to hate and turn against worldly organized religion, bringing her to utter devastation, in harmony with God's righteous judgment.

IN 1913 a Greek sponge diver reportedly stayed underwater for three minutes and thirty-five seconds at a depth of up to two hundred feet without using any equipment.

Development of Scuba

Scuba is a word made up from the first letters of the words "self-contained underwater breathing apparatus," and it refers to what is known as an aqualung.

The Equipment

Perhaps it is beckoning us on to a sea garden of rare beauty. If we swim out beyond the reef we will get a closer view of that seascape. Look at all those beds of coral! What about that round boulder with an unusual pattern on it? That too is coral, brain coral. Under closer inspection it becomes evident that the name is certainly fitting. But that coral over there, don't touch it! That is fire coral and it gives a burning sensation like a stinging nettle, lasting for quite some time.

Now we can see all those gaily colored fish as they skillfully weave in and out of the coral. We swim as close as we like. They do not move away unless we try to touch them. Perhaps they view us as a strange fish! And over there, that beautiful specimen called queen angel fish—how serenely she glides in her natural habitat! How much nicer to view her in her normal surroundings than in just a small glass tank!

Listen carefully! Do you hear that unusual champing sound? It sounds like someone eating a carrot. The noise can be traced to a rainbow parrot fish munching away at his meal. So it is not a silent world after all! Carefully studying the sandy seabed, your eyes will be trained to glimpse a camouflaged lizard fish. As your fingers nearly touch it, it streaks off to another part of the seabed where it once again merges into the background. Can you swim alongside that red snapper, or that spadefish? Perhaps you can march behind the sergeant major, a little fish named for its many stripes. Careful now as you skirt this piece of coral. Those long, sharp, moving black quills are sea spines.

Being brittle, they easily lodge in your skin and cannot be removed without leaving a piece in you.

Don't panic now! Here comes a four-foot barracuda! Look at its jaws opening and closing! It certainly has a grim appearance. But after looking you over it decides to ignore you and move on to more interesting pastures. When you recover, let us explore some more. With a flick of your fins you can manage to peer beneath that barnacle-encrusted rock, and what a surprise! That funny creature, with a body resembling an inflated balloon covered with stout spines, is a porcupine fish.

Yes, the sea presents a seemingly endless variety of fish. It makes us feel as did the psalmist who said to God: "As for this sea so great and wide, there there are moving things without number, living creatures, small as well as great. All of them—for you they keep waiting to give them their food in its season."—Ps. 104: 25, 27.

The instructor beckons us to follow him as he swims toward a cluster of coral. At first it appears lifeless, but looking carefully, we spy two waving antennae. They belong to Mr. Lobster. He is a large one and must weigh about fourteen pounds—a gourmet's delight!

Finally, the instructor glances at his watch and signals toward the boat. It is time to return. Reluctantly we leave this underwater kaleidoscope of color and beauty. Gradually we ascend, remembering not to hold our breath. We have seen enough of the marvels of this creation to be moved to give credit to our wonderful Creator for his amazing handiwork.

OW MANY kinds of paper can you name? Five? Ten? More than that? Did you know that there are actually about seven thousand different varieties of paper? Each is for a special purpose!

You often note the difference in paper by the way it is being used. For example, when you pick up a paper shopping bag, you want something

made from thick, tough paper that can carry the load. When you reach for a sheet of writing paper, you want a surface to which ink will stick. At the same time you do not want the paper so absorbent that the ink smears. On the other hand, it is the absorbent quality of paper toweling that makes it suitable for that special purpose. The printing industry, too, requires specific qualities in the paper it uses, depending on the particular purpose for which it is intended.

What is paper? This interesting substance is actually an interwoven mat of vegetable fibers. Its name comes from the papyrus reeds the ancients split and wove into mats to make a writing surface. Today, however, most paper is made by interweaving the fibers from wood. And the processes used to do this would truly astonish those ancient papermakers!

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Awake!, August 8, 1966