Publisher's Synopsis
Properly, while I endeavor to expound the principles of Christian social justice, I shall also endeavor to show you how these principles can be applied. And just as properly, it will be my hope to bestir you to action-Christian action, American action-for faith without good works is dead. Thus, at the outset, while I am deeply grateful to everyone of you for, the heroic sacrifices you have made, and will make, to keep me on the air over this independent chain of radio stations, may I ask you for one more favor today-the favor of a prayer to the Holy Ghost. I beseech all of you to ask the spirit of understanding to fill me with prudence; and the spirit of fortitude to give me strength and courage to carry on the battle against the hidden powers of darkness-perhaps not quite so hidden today as yesterday. May I also suggest that you will ask your little children who are ignorant of the causes of poverty, wretchedness and exploitation-may I suggest that you ask these innocent children to whisper a prayer for one who fully recognizes how unworthy he is but who fully realizes what a golden opportunity God has given to him to be an instrument for good. You are anxious to know what topics I shall discuss during the insuing year. Roundly speaking, it is my hope that these addresses will be concerned chiefly with Christian social justice. While my ultimate objective is to help more and more men to save their immortal souls, I recognize how difficult it is for man to practice Christian virtue, to live a holy life in peace and contentment, when he and a great group of his fellowmen are denied unjustly an equitable share in the goods and wealth of this world-goods and wealth which our common Father in heaven bestowed upon all men for all men to use and enjoy-goods and wealth, which, alas, have been concentrated in the hands of a few to the detriment of the many because an un-Christian species of social injustice was foisted upon us in the past few centuries and because, as a result of this, an alien philosophy of social injustice, under the name either of Communism or Naziism, is endeavoring to win our allegiance today. Fearlessly, Christian social justice challenges these several systems for the attention and the support, in this instance, of the American public-a public composed of persons who, despite their many faults and shortcomings, will never surrender the heritage of Bethlehem, of Pilate's hall, of Calvary Hill or of the Easter morning sepulchre from whose empty depths there echo and re-echo the immortal words, HI am the Resurrection and the Life." Fortified with these precious heritages it is our hope to carry on a campaign of instruction and inspiration even though we find ourselves opposed by the rugged individualists on the right and by the unchristly radicals on the left. It is our hope to convert a zealous band of followers into a group of active Christians-. Christians who, by the sincerity of their lives and the logic of their doctrines shall win millions of followers who are convinced that there is no way other than Christ's way for saving America and restoring prosperity and peace for all. My friends, at the outset, permit me to clarify the fundamental doctrine of Christian social justice-the doctrine that differentiates it from every other plan of life proposed for man to follow. It is this: Christ came on earth not only to redeem and save individuals but also to establish an absolutely new social order. Recognizing the chaotic condition of society in His own time; aware of the universal slavery practiced virtually by every nation; and conscious of the spiritual darkness which had encompassed every kingdom, empire, republic and tribe, our Saviour well understood that man, left to his natural abilities, was unable to acquire peace and prosperity in this world and save his immortal soul in the hereafter.