The CND at Prayer SIR,-1 would not seek to defend
all of Canon Collins's political attitudes and I agree with Mr Quintin Hogg's criticism (May 6) of his theological deviations, but the position from which Mr Hogg launches his attack is surely untenable, both logi- cally and scripturally.
Almost the whole of the Old Testament, in which Christianity is rooted, is about politics and govern- ment. It is the story of God's efforts to teach the Jews to run their community affairs with justice, integrity and intelligence. Hence the detailed pro- visions regarding land ownership, care for the help- less, forgiveness of debt, commercial probity and the administration of justice. Jesus did not need to say anything about politics. It had all been said. The God of Moses did not die when Jesus was born, but His redemptive love for the individual was revealed.
If there is a God in the likeness of Jesus, can He be concerned only with personal holiness and sal- vation and care nothing about the use men make of the earth He created for them, and the way they develop and share its natural and technical re- sources? Must He not be outraged by every act of cruelty, selfishness, injustice and neglect on the part of those who have power against those who have not, at whatever social level this may take place or whatever the political character of the govern- ment responsible?
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of Mr Hogg's article is that he speaks of religion, Christ, Chris-
tianity and the Church, but makes no mention of God. who is the fount of order and justice and the master statesman.
Finally, are disinterestedness and good faith the only qualities which Christians are required to bring to politics? What about wisdom, patience, compassion, fairness of judgment and the faith to move mountains of selfishness and indifference? Or the ability to discern, perhaps more clearly than others, the needs of the time and meet them? If Christ's parable about the sheep and the goats is valid. Canon Collins's efforts to feed the hungry, defend the oppressed and release the captives in South Africa may earn him more approval than Mr Hogg appears willing to bestow. It is a pity that he did not think fit to put these on the scales.
67 Haverstock Hill, London, NW3
TOM SARGANT
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