Experiment

Samuel Butler observed that most good Christians of his day would have been deeply shocked if they had ever encountered anyone who took Christianity seriously. But there are even now people who believe that the example of Christ is not past the flesh to follow; indeed, that it is an example well worth the scrutiny of the U. S. business man. These people, many of them members of Evangelical Churches, have hitherto worked in Sunday Schools, Bible Classes, Universities, asking the question long ago put forward by Charles Sheldon, author of In His Steps--"What would happen if we took Christianity seriously?" Last week, in Des Moines, Iowa, this question was asked as never before by such efficient questioners as John R. Mott, potent Y. M. C. A. chief, and active George Sherwood Eddy, famed preacher. A campaign was organized, backed by the business men of Des Moines, to ask this question of every man, woman and child in the town; the week was called "Religious Life Emphasis Week."

Three men of Des Moines--Carl C. Proper, magazine publisher; Will E. Tone, President of Tone Brothers' Spice Company; George W. Webber, Secretary of the Des Moines Y.M.C.A.--were in the habit of meeting in a quiet way, often at a certain camp which nestled in the wilderness outside the city, at which times they discussed ideals. Their little group grew rapidly. They determined to invite Dr. Mott. They invited also George Sherwood Eddy, preeminent among the exhorters of Americans and others, who speaks always with clenched fist, contracted brow, tight-drawn lips. He bullies men's consciences, he stirs their emotions. In almost every land, he has exhorted for peace, brotherhood, personal purity, "taking Christ seriously."

Thus the movement was organized which has challenged a U. S. community with the full implication of the Gospel of Christ.

Dr. Mott made the opening address. It was broadcasted from WHO, Des Moines. Forthwith Mr. Eddy, helped by Dr. A. Ray Petty, Manhattan social service worker, began to preach. In different parts of the city, 140 meetings were held during the week. Every day at noon, in the largest downtown theatre, services were held for officeworkers. Speakers addressed all the clubs in Des Moines, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Cosmopolitan, Canopus, Gyro, Caravan, Women's Civic. Said Mr. Proper: "This movement is the beginning of a great crusade. . . . Science has shown us that what is true in the laboratory test tube is true in the outside world. Both the church and the layman will gain immeasurably by this experiment."

The results of such an experiment cannot, of course, be tabulated.