Approach

How can the Catholic Church best use radio as a tool in proselyting? For one, by offering good music to attract the listener and to create a mood receptive to the subsequent religious message. This is the conclusion drawn by Scripter William C. Smith from audience reaction to his two Catholic network shows, The Catholic Hour and The Hour of Faith. His conclusion and what lies behind it are set down in The Priest, a monthly published for the clergy by straitlaced, conversion-minded Bishop John Francis Noll of Fort Wayne, Ind. Some of Smith's points:

"Religion is not a commodity like canned milk or steel. . . but that is no reason why a religious program should not use . . . modern radio techniques to help the audience start thinking about spiritual things. . . .I have actual tangible proof that music not only soothes the sorrowing breast, but leads the non-Catholic to be more ready and willing to accept the Catholic message. . . .

"It is borne out by ample evidence that the American listening public is ready for outstanding serious music, as well as for 'the hymns that touch the heart'--and I am not talking about Good Night, Sweet Jesus. But the purpose of all these choirs. . . is deeper than merely to provide entertainment or an emotional experience. The real purpose is to prepare the listener and. . . to soften him up for the talks featured on The Catholic Hour and The Hour of Faith. . . .

"The continuity writer has an opportunity to express very clearly and forcefully the dogmatic ideas behind Catholic belief in the Divine Maternity or the Sacramental Presence of Christ. . . . We do not argue, but we sing a beautiful hymn which has come from the pen and from the heart of a composer whose life has been intimately touched by this great mystery. . . .

"No one can ask that [all listeners] agree 100% with the message . . . but we can lead them. . .at least to feel 1% or 2% like Catholics. . . . No one . . . maintains that we can save souls through music or continuity, but it certainly looks as if they help."

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