PREFACE The aim of this book is described in the introductory chapter. The subject has been partially treated in many books, pamphlets, and articles since August, 1914. But there is good reason why it should be discussed as a whole, a chapter in Christian Ethics. For the department of Christian teaching which is known as Ethics always contains some pages devoted to the State and the Church, and also to the place of war in the life of man. These three topics are drawn together in these pages. Each of them has been the subject of whole volumes. I have had to cut a straight path through the forest, avoiding important aspects of each, and all technical matters; concentrating directly on the main problems which disturb the Christian conscience as it struggles to live in a darkened world. As the substance of this book was given in the form of lectures to students in Christian Ethics, I have ventured to retain the occasional use of the first personal pronoun. W. D. M. CONTENTS 2. The State a divine institution. 3. The State and physical force. 4. The State and the individual. 5. The individual and the State. 6. The influence of religion... |