Comment By Torchlight

Defection from Rome

Charles Davis, the leading R.C. theologian in Britain, whose withdrawal from the Roman Catholic Church in December, 1966, caused a sensation, has written an important book, entitled A Question of Conscience. In this book he sets out in meticulous detail the reasons for his defection. Davis took an important part in the ecumenical discussions in the Vatican Councils. His profound grasp of the claims and doctrines of Rome is beyond question. Many of the arguments he advances have a liberal flavour about them which will seem strange reading for born-again believers. But an important section of the book deals in detail with the traditional claims of the Roman Catholic Church. After a searching analysis in the light of Scripture and history, he rejects these completely. Apostolic succession and Papal infallibility, with the whole edifice which is built upon them, he dismisses as false. This is no mere "crack" at Rome to give ammunition to rabid Protestants; it is a reasoned, calm, and weighty examination of the evidence from a man who knows his subject. It arose from a growing uneasiness over a period of years. This book, no doubt, will prove a bitter pill for the R.C. hierarchy and may have serious repercussions. Davis reveals that widespread disillusionment exists inside the Church of Rome itself, especially among certain sections of the priesthood. He predicts a decline in institutional religion in the world, and suggests possible future trends in the denominations. Whether his forecasts will prove correct remains to be seen. The effect of all this on the ecumenists will be interesting to observe. This is a book they cannot ignore.

In the opinion of many informed observers the ecumenical movement is "dragging its feet" at present, but this, no doubt, is a temporary phase. The present developments inside the Church of Rome and the tensions they have produced are ably examined in a recent pamphlet entitled The New Catholicism issued by The Banner of Truth Trust. This pamphlet gives a useful resume of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the Church. Here lies the crucial error of Rome and it is well to be informed what her teaching is on this vital issue.

So the debate goes on, but no argument on present trends in Christendom can disturb the unchanging direction of God's word. The place for the loyal-hearted disciple now, as always, is "without the camp, bearing His reproach" (Hebrews 13.13). Let us not be troubled, but take heed afresh to the words of our beloved Lord:

"If ye abide in My word, then are ye truly My disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8.31,32).

"The Television Monster"

Under the above heading an article recently appeared in a daily newspaper of the sort not given to sensationalism. It was based on a statement by one of Britain's foremost police chiefs, Mr. William Palfrey, Chief Constable of Lancashire, who said, "Television can become a monster that can destroy us". It was stated in the article referred to that during a week selected at random BBC-l and ITV offered the following to viewers between 7 p.m. and midnight:

"15 murders (by shooting, knifing, and bombing).

8 assaults (including two by police officers and one against a police officer).

2 attempted murders.

2 drug addicts.

1 drug-peddling gang.

1 rape, 1 suicide.

All were in fictional programmes. The programmes containing these incidents accounted for about 12 hours out of the 70 viewed, and for about half the fictional films and stories shown on the two channels."

A reporter was sent to question Mr. Palfrey on his views and asked him what led him to suppose that television could actually destroy us. He replied,

"Over the last 10 years, serious crime has increased threefold. I don't mean petty theft, I mean people who are living a life of crime. Also, you can hardly go to a football match without some outbreak of violence. Demonstrations usually end with punch-ups. And now drugs. All of this is undermining our society. Now, television is being used more and more by politicians. People are getting to the stage where they feel it to be the official organ of the country. And if these broadcasts are followed, as often happens, by so-called drama dealing with sex, violence, and drugs, people will tend to assume that this is the way things are. It simply gives people, the majority of whom are copyists, the idea that this is the done thing."

Judging from the correspondence which followed the article in the newspaper, a growing number of people are becoming alarmed at the kind of thing which is troubling those who have to deal with crime and criminals. Meanwhile, the Head of Plays at the BBC states that provocative plays will continue. He says that he does not want to lose good writers by muzzling their freedom!

It is a sad commentary on the moral climate in Britain today

that these programmes are permitted. Nobody can continue to look at filth without being tainted. Christians who allow themselves to view such programmes cannot escape the defilement of mind they bring. Spiritual sensitivity is blunted when the mind is occupied with sordid and sinful things. The apostle Paul's word to the Philippians is apposite:

"Whatsoever things are true ... whatsoever things are pure, ... think on these things" (Philippians 4.8).

unknown | Apr 1968
Comment By Torchlight