THE PROBLEM OF THE GODLESS GOOD.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOII.1
am one of your readers who, always instructed and interested by the Spectator's putting of any question, derives peculiar advantage and delight from its treatment of religions subjects. Hence I am grateful for the article on "The Problem of the Godless Good" (Spectator, February 22nd). The writer has struck a living and fruitful line of thought. Undoubtedly the number of those who make no profession of Christianity, but whose conduct harmonizes with Christian teaching, is increasing. But are they a "problem" in the sense suggested? I scarcely think that the most ardent believer would claim that the various forms of organized religion embrace all the good. Faith is more comprehensive than reason. From that point of view the " godless good " are
no " problem." But the good " outsider " does raise a difficulty in the mind of the believer. The " godless good " seem to ignore the best generating stations of good character and good works which the world has yet witnessed. Would there be so many people going straight and leavening the society around us but for the organized existence of those who "profess and call themselves Christians " ? Imagine the alternative. Without believers there would be no church, no public acknowledgment of God, no sustained and systematic pro- mulgation of the goodness for which Christianity stands. Could the "godless good" have made the world as good as it is P The writer of the excellent article in question will not resent these considerations. His words cannot but quicken within all who read them that charity without which the living are accounted dead. But believers, who are seldom in these days pharisaic, rejoice with St. Paul that the "fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness." They welcome Christian flowers even in deserts of unbelief. Why should the " godless good " leave to others the duties and responsibilities which, after all, if nobody had discharged them, might have left us all in a very " godless " world P-1 am, Sir, &c., J. EDWARD lienLow.
30 Cauldwell Street, Bedford.
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