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 CHILDREN
DRAWING PAY FOR ATTENDING CHURCH... says a recent Louisville
Courier-Journal article by Staff writer — Brenda
Thompson. Three downtown Louisville, Ky. churches are paying
children up to 75¢ a week to attend.
“The
ministers at the three churches — Central Presbyterian...
First Christian... Fourth Ave. Methodist—-said they see
nothing wrong with the idea.” Well, that settles that! (?)
“They
said rewards for good behavior and performance — including
such things as allowances, zoo trips and baseball games — are
both “common and appropriate” for children in today’s
middle class society.”
Now
brethren, before you knock it, let’s see you consider the
principle involved, as compared with church-sponsored camps,
banquets, recreation directors and their work, area-wide
hamburger fries, etc. The chief difference is that these
denominational churches have been honest with themselves — just
admitted that they were paying the children to attend.
The
Louisville children go to the Christian church on Monday or
Tuesday for “study help,” to the Methodist church on
Wednesday or Thursday for drama, photography, cooking, music or
science clubs; and to the Presbyter— an church on Friday for
arts, crafts rid games. and to pick up their weekly allowances.
“Three absences from he study-help and club meetings mean
automatic expulsion.” Would anyone deny that many of “our”
churches could fit into such a program nicely—with the
possible exception that they would never “expel”
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anyone for anything.
“There
was ‘surprisingly little opposition’ from the congregations
of the three churches, said Gilbert R. Solley, director of
education at Fourth Methodist.” It sounds as if he expected
opposition — though whether on the basis of principle or
expense I can not say. My guess is that there would be little
objection among many of “our” liberal brethren on the basis
of principle — for several reasons.
Reason
one: To truly object on the basis of principle, one must understand
the principle well, then make application. But when brethren
grasp the principle that would forbid this Louisville project,
ergo, they have ruled against too many of their own current
practices.
Another
reason: Objecting is too much like the despised “anti’s”
to be very popular. “Think positive!” “Be progressive!”
“Love the little children.” “Don’t rock the boat!”
I
have a feeling that many of us have drifted further into the
paying of “this world” rewards for supposed service to
Christ, than we realize. Do we urge obedience to the gospel
because “our people are friendly” or “everyone needs a
church affiliation” or “you’ll like our preacher”?? It
is easy to allow Vacation Bible School “rewards” to drift
into carnal attractions. The conscientious preacher will
frequently examine his work, to see if he is “entertaining”
people or teaching them. Maybe we should take a second look at
this new payment plan!
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