NO. 2 FOLK RELIGION IN SOUTHWEST CHINA — GRAHAM 225 



In my opinion there are weaknesses in the Christianity of today 

 that hinder and lessen the vakie of its contribution to China and to 

 the world. They are : 



1. Overconservatism on the part of some, which prevents them from accepting 

 much new truth that humanity has learned during recent centuries. All truth is 

 God's truth and should be beneficial to mankind. 



2. The failure of some modern-minded people to be deeply and sincerely 

 Christian. 



3. The large number of divisions or denominations. This weakens the impact 

 of Christianity upon the world. 



4. The fact that many fail to live up to the highest moral ideals and teachings 

 of Christianity and to live in fellowship with God. 



5. An overemphasis by some organizations on theology and obedience to the 

 church instead of good moral conduct. 



6. Racial prejudice and discrimination because of race or color on the part of 

 some Christians. 



7. The failure of some to follow the example and teachings of Jesus by humble 

 service to their fellow men. 



Elements of strength in Christianity are : 



1. Its high conception of God as the righteous and loving father of all men. 



2. The high character of its founder, 



3. Its high moral teachings, including the Golden Rule, humble service to 

 others, loving one's neighbors, loving and forgiving one's enemies, returning 

 good for evil. 



4. The high quality of its sacred book, the Bible. 



5. Its high evaluation of the individual and of personality. 



6. Its high esteem of women. 



7. Its noble conception of life after death. 



8. Its conception of the Kingdom of God as a worldwide social order in 

 which there is justice, righteousness, kindness, and good will, and where all 

 men are brothers and children of God. 



I believe that man is by nature a religious being and needs religion, 

 worship, and a good religious philosophy of life in order to be and 

 to do his best in this world. I also believe that as the Chinese and all 

 the human race become more and more enlightened, those religions 

 that take advantage of and exploit ignorance and superstitions will 

 gradually be abandoned, and that the religions that become the strong- 

 est will be those that contribute the most to ennoble and enrich the 

 lives of individuals, the family, society, and the world. All religions 

 including Christianity should reform and improve where and when 

 possible, so that each can make its best possible contribution for the 

 uplift of mankind. 



