Religion: Hardship’s Handmaiden

Above the drum roll which U. S. parsons beat week in, week out, a flute note piped up last week. The flutist was feminine. In Manhattan’s Town Hall, under the auspices of the League for Political Education, a comely youngPh. D. named Ruth Alexander pleaded religion’s cause in a lecture, Religion as a Force in Government, which she has delivered up & down the land.

Dr. Alexander’s piping, to an intent ear, hit some strident notes. Although she declared she is seeking “a renaissance of religiousconsciousness” in the U. S., by her candid admission the purpose of that renaissance would be simply to put new life into Capitalism. A religious revival, said Miss Alexander, could well be brought about by arousing people’s fears, by showing them that, if they do not behave themselves, an authoritarian U. S. Government will teach them how. Miss Alexander’s message: “Have a religious experience for your country’s sake.” Dr. Alexander has lectured before the Pennsylvania Electric Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the D. A. R. Her contented-looking Town Hall audience last week nodded and applauded vigorous agreement with such of her points as: “Hardship is the only builder of character known to mankind.”