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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1972-03-30, Page 16Page 16 Thn4WAdv9Cate,.March 30, 1972 0.1101 simpantivrr 4/1 Ransimints T . "1r ler Jo, REDI-MIX CONCRETE Washed Sand & Stone (ALSO FORM WORK McCann Const. Ltd. OASHWOOD Phone 237.3381 or 237.3422 TAX TROUBLE? Let George Do It! CONTACT GEORGE E1ZENGA 107 Main St. -- Licari 227-4851 .\ Area .ministers discuss the issues Dabbling In occult is not humorous The number who admit they are atheists is increasing because it is no longer considered queer to be an atheist. Most people are searching for a reasonable faith. This is more true today than ever before because we have a better educated people. Personally, I believe I. have a resonable faith, for a rational man. The corollary, of course, is that if I didn't, wouldn't be what I am. I would say that the Church member is developing rapidly into a more intelligent member . One who knows what he or she believes and why. who a century ago would have been branded as a witch or something worse and probably burned at the stake, is now read by millions of readers religiously each..day. Confronting one such reader recently with the question, "do you also read your Bible each day?," the answer came back rather hesitatingly- "No „ " In the pastoral ministry, the implications of the rise of the occult, of people opening them- selves to spiritualistic forces is hard to evaluate, but in my readings and conversations with missionaries who have been. familiar with these practices and their effects on people in other lands, and having had some experience with people who have RABBITS ON VIEW — Various animals were part of the many displays at last week's Open House at Centralia College of Agricultural Technology. Above, Pamela Perzul and Ruth Ann Miaderlein of Huron Park look at a pair of bunnies. T-A photo Play euchre at Whalen 4ia dabbled into the occult, I am in- clined to believe quite strongly that an alarming number of deep- rooted psychological and spiritual problems, perhaps many of the so-called psychosomatic illnesses, have their roots in people opening themselves and their minds to the occult andexposing themselves to demonic forces. . The Scriptures are quite clear and definite about the matter of theoccult e- Deuteronomy 18:9-14 After listing what are called abominations of the nations-, which includes all of the ones I listed above under general headings and more, the writer warns that all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord, The Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:19.21 lists the occult practices under the heading of the works of the flesh and con- cludes "all that do these things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God." The only safe road is to have nothing to do with the occult practices or teachings. If one had exposed or is exposing himself to these forces, my advice is to renounce it at once and turn to the only spiritual force that brings health to the whole man, God's liberating force, the Spirit of God found through Jesus Christ. On the matter of the $25,000 grant mentioned in the Free Press, there seems to be a terrible inconsistency of policy if such a group which is known for questionnable attributes can qualify when a well-known group like the Salvation Army does not, Mr. Warren: I can only speak statistically from our own United Church, which shows over a 2-year period an overall growth in Church membership from 821,199 in 1950 to 1,048,733 in 1969. The greatest period of increase was from 1950 to 1965 when the membership stood at 1,064,033. Since this time there has shown a slow decrease to the present number, Some of this decrease is attributed to churches being encouraged to revise their rolls and bring them up to date, So much for mem- bership figures which are seldom good indications of church at- tendance, but it does follow the curve. It seems that in the latter half of 1960's there was a marked decline in church attendance but in the last two years there seems to be a riseinmanyareas of the U.S. and Canada. This varies from church to church and place to place. There seems to be a renewed interest in religion if registration for religious courses on the University campuses, sale of Bibles and religious books, is a barometer, Rev. Douglas Warren, minister of Crediton United Church and all things in the world should we tax the source of our being? mr. Jarvis t I do not believe that churches should be taxed, I should qualify that by saying that I do not believe Church buildings should be taxed. If a church has large investments which would nor- mally be taxed that is a different story. My reasons for being opposed to the taxation of church buildings are several. First, the citizens who support the church through voluntary gifts are already paying taxes several times over elsewhere. Also, the church often provides its facilities to the community either at a normal rental to cover heat and light or in many cases free of charge, The Church provides free services to the community through its ministry. Every minister I know spends many hours in free counselling both to church members and non church members alike. Many Churches already have borderline budgets, An added taxation bill might well curtail some of the more vital services the church offers. Mr. Warren: Church property when used for public worship, school education, and summer camp programs and social agencies which are non- profit, I feel, ought to continue to be tax-exempt. It seems to me that they fall into the same category of serving the public as parks, hospitals, schools, government buildings, etc and should remain tax exempt. This is the third of a series of opinions of district clergy on important issues facing society and the church. Question: Should. Church property continue to be tax exempt? Mr. Carson: Yes, I believe Church should be tee exempt. When one looks at the history of the churches they discover that the Church at one time was the centre of the community. It was the govern- ment, the hospital, the school as well as the centre of worship. As such, the Church buildings were respected and used, Gradually as bureaucratic governments developed, the Church lost it's responsibility for health and education and the Church buildings were limited to worship and religious education. Still though Church building is used for cultural activities and community enterprises, But because of the multiplication of demonstrations the Church buildings are not as necessary to the community welfare as they once were. Even so the question is, should Church buildings be taxed? A practical answer is no, Already Church members are taxed on their property. They are the Church, just as they are the community. Some feel the municipal government should give grants to the Church in lieu of the tithes that were once collected by the Government and given to the Church. Then too, there is the question of steward- ship. Since God created the World By MRS, WILLIAM MORLEY WHALBN RACEWAY CYCLE & SPORTS RR 8 PARKHILL PHONE 294-6702 Located at Corbett on Highway 81 Five Miles North of Parkhill • Motorcycles • Snowmobiles Polaris — Kawasaki — Norton — Maico Bultaco NOW OPEN DAILY 9 A.M. - 9 P.M. SAT. UNTIL 6 P.M. Mr. & Mrs. John Scott were in charge of the euchre party held Friday evening at the Whalen Community Centre, There were eight tables in play. Prize winners were, men's high, Hamilton Flodgins; ladies' high, Mrs, Charles McRoberts; lone hands, Earl French; consolation, Ken imeson, Personals Several of the snowmobile enthusiasts of the community spent Sunday afternoon snowmobiling in the Whitechurch area. Mr. & Mrs. David Scott and family of Nobleton visited with Mr. & Mrs. John Scott last week. Mrs. Margery Morley resumed her teaching duties at Biddulph Central School Monday after breaking her arm in January. Mrs. Shirley Scott and family of Newmarket were weekend visitors of Mr. & Mrs. John Scott. Mrs. Margery Morley was a luncheon guest of Mrs, Mary Carter of Lucan Thursday. Mr. & Mrs. Ray Adams visited Sunday with Mr. & Mrs, Alton Neil. v, LOCAL TAA0 * AF$, In. EAGTER MEAN'S MORE THAN EATING GAYLY COLORED EGGS IT'S A TIME FOR GRATITUDE AND DEEP REFLECTION An Easter remembrance from Ron Dale's is a lways appreciated. The easily recognized quality is a sign of extra thoughtfulness. 4 RON Vate AUTO SALES TOYOTA. SALES AZSERV I C E RADIO EQUIPPED 2416t.TOWING 0.062351710 'EXETER Rev, R. C. Carson, minister of Lucan Holy Trinity Anglican Church Give to Easier Seals. the complexities involved, One has to be pretty gullible to read astrology as it appears in syndicated columns in daily newspapers. How can all Aries, for instance, be affected in the daily predictions? There are many coincidences but few methodical results, I think one has to bethoroughly versed in psychology to dig into the field. There are too many psychological factors to consider for a layman. As well, I think a sound theology is necessary, I believe the grant to the Satan Worshippers was an example of the government department mismanagement of public funds, think the Satan Worshippers played a hoax on the Government agents. There seems to be an element of sarcasm in their actions, Mr, Jarvis: In my opinion dabbling in demon worship the occult, Satan worship, etc. is not to be taken as a humorous thing. Nor is it to be taken as unimportant. I think it is not so much dangerous as it is sinister, And it is dangerous, too, for it leads people away from God. One of Jesus' temptations was to worship Satan. "All the Kingdoms of this world are yours if you will fall down and worship me," Jesus reply was, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shalt thou worship." If one takes the presence of a power of evil in this world seriously one has to be seriously concerned about Satan worship, the occult, etc. Again the commandment says, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down to them nor worship them," This includes demon worship and Satan worship, In a book, Between Christ and Satan," Bernard Kirth gives countless examples of case histories on file of people who have dabbled in the occult. In case after case people have suffered eventually from spiritual and mental disorders, I am opposed to and deeply concerned about the $25,000 grant to the Satanist Church in Toronto even though they show an ap- parently good motivd. However, as Paul points out the devil often comes as an angel of light, This is why people misunderstand him. The idea of a red tail and a pitchfork is one we all laugh at. He is much more subtle than to appear in that light. He comes in a cunning way to catch us off guard. I don't think anything done in the name of Satan can result in good. Question: Do you consider todays interest in witchcraft, astrology, and other occult matters dangerous, unimportant, or amusing? Comment on the grant given to the Satan wor- shippers. Mr, Carson: I think that today's interest in these Meta-physical science a result of mans search for meaning in life. Men like the late Bishop Pike were searching for truth. It is dangerous to poo-poo anything, because what is ridiculous today, may be ac- cepted tomorrow. Just look at men's hair and clothes, The problem in these occult areas is that there are too many pseudo-scientists, who think' they know, before they have truly tested their theorys and weighed Question: Is Church at- tendance increasing or decreasing? What about Church membership? Mr. Jarvis: It is obvious in most cases that church attendance is declining, Ironically enough financial support is either holding its own or increasing. However, in this case careful research has shown that 20 to 30 percent of Church members, through the years have carried the load so this is not really a positive thing, The Church has faced this situation many times before in its history. Each time there has been a decline it has been followed by a revival and renewed interest. I firmly believe that this will happen again. I believe that Jesus Christ is still Lord of his Church and I look for an out pouring of the Holy Spirit to bring about new life. In the meantime several factors seem to contribute to the decline. There have been several generations of nominal Christianity. There is also in- creased mobility of society; you can camp all spring and sum- mer; you can snowmobile all winter long. There is competition in Sunday activities which either occur during the hours of service or occur away from the com- munity so that people are travelling during the hour of worship. The answer lies in deeper commitment to Christ on the part of all Christians and in a response to the roll of the Holy Spirit to a renewal of faith. Blanchard folk conduct social TRI TOWN BOOKKEEPING SERVICE INCOME TAX RECORD PREPARATION Business — Farm — Individual Returns LAWRENCE BEANE Brucefield 482-9260 50-17c f • BRING YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS to MIDDLETON'S Drug Store' Ltd. 359 Main St. Exeter Phone 235-1570 NORM WHITING LICENSED AUCTIONEER & APPRAISER Prompt, Courteous, Efficient ANY TYPE, ANY SIZE, ANYWHERE We give complete sale service. PROFIT BY EXPERIENCE PERCY WRIGHT LICENSED AUCTIONEER Kippen, Ont. Auction Sale Service that is most efficient and courteous. CALL THE WRIGHT AUCTIONEER Telephone Hensall (519)262-5515 7-17e n. Phone Collect 235-1964 EXETER DON FLETCHER LICENSED AUCTIONEER Conducts sales of any kind, at your place or ours. AILSA 'CRAIG ONT. 293-3429 By MRS. G. HOOPER BLANSHAR D The 8th line community social was held Friday evening at Anderson Hall with Mr. & Mrs. Grant Thomson, Mr. & Mrs. Gladwyn Hooper and Mr. & Mrs. Garnet Baker in charge. There were 12 tables of progressive euchre in play. Prizes for ladies' lone went to Mrs. Nelson Baker; ladies' high, Mrs. Jack Dickens' ladies' low, Mrs. Catherine Hern; gent's high, Larry Jory; gent's lone, Max Bilyea ; gent's low, John Doyle. Lunch was served and a social time spent. The next committee is Mr, & Mrs. Wilmer Harlton, Mr. & Mrs, Lloyd Thomson and Mr, & Mrs. Malcolm Spence. Personals Ruth G. Hooper of Niagara Falls spent part of the holiday with Mr. & Mrs. Gladwyn Hooper and Jeanette. Veryl Hooper of Toronto spent the weekend with Mr. & Mrs. Hooper. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Grasby, Debbie and Linda of Keswick were Sunday guests of Mr. & Mrs. Claire Sisson, Hugh Tom FILSON and ROBSON AUCTIONEERS 20' years' experience of complete sale service Provincially licensed. Conduct sales of any kind, any place. To insure success of your sale or appraisal Phone Collect 666-0833 666-1967 Rev. Wilfred Jarvis, minister of Caven Presbyterian Church FARM TAX RETURNS and BOOKKEEPING V. RYAN R.R. # 3 Ansa Craig 237-3227 Phone 237-3469 litfne D & J RIDDEL.L AUCTION SERVICES * Licensed Auctioneers and Appraisers * Complete Auction Service * Sales large or small, any type, anywhere * Reasonable — Two for the price of one Let our experience be your reward. Phone Collect 'Doug'. 'Jack' 237-3576 23743431 Mr. Warren: If this question was asked of me ten or fifteen years ago I would have considered it then as unimportant , amusing and just a lot of superstitious nonsense. There is a growing conviction on my part that it is a very dangerous and alarming swing in people's interest and search for reality. On the back page of the Week End Magazine recently was run a full page ad ad- vertising a whole series of books on the occultunder the heading - 'Astrology, does it control the lives of thirty million North Americans !!'. The rise of the occult,to mention only a few, witchcraft, seance groups, fortune tellers, satan worshippers, use of ouija boards, astrology, palm reading, tea-cup reading, horoscopes, charmers, necromancy ( the com- munication with the dead), etc.- has reached unprece dented proportions within this generation. Spiritualism has always been one of man's curses raising its ugly head time and time again in history plunging the world into dark ages. Using every means of communication, press, radio, and TV and the printed page, young and old alike to-day are being bombarded with spiritualistic propaganda. Almost overnight the interest in the occult has produced a million dollar business. The daily horoscope in the newspaper, written by a woman in the U,S., excferZinie$-Abtiocafe BANGHART, KELLY, DOIG & CO. Chartered Accountants 476 Main St, S, EXETER 235.0120 Kitchen Cabinets & bathroom vanities for new or remodeled homes CARDINAL SALES OF.L WIDON IMITED JOE ALSLAS 228-6447 HURON PARK Your Engagement Announced Free With Your Otdet Mr. Carson: In the various congregations that we served in the past ten years Church attendance fluc- tuates,' sometimes the yearly average attendance is more than the year before and sometimes its less, but on the average the attendance is the same, There are many variables, the weather, the health of the community (epidemics of flu, etc.) So in general I would say that ac- cording to statistics Church at- tendance is constant, Of course there are articles written that Church attendance has fallen off national and in- ternational basis, But there are also many variables that affect these statistics. Some areas, have experienced a population decline while ethers have doubled and tripled their population. This of cotirse affects Church statistics, Church membership is another matter. Them arc very few people without church affiliation,