1920s: Editorials from
William H. Ziegler

William H. Ziegler edited The Christian Conservator, the denominational magazines, from 1925-1949. He was a fascinating man whose pen was both articulate and frank. Here are excerpts from some of his editorials during the 1920s.--Steve Dennie

Nationalism and Religion

Nationalism received renewed emphasis during the World War, and for the time made Christianity its servant. Christianity operated in the nations on both sides of the conflict, and in either case lent itself to that nation. Now, it is not out-of-order for a Christian to be patriotic. But it is out of keeping for Christians to give themselves to the cause of the nation regardless of whether that cause be right or wrong. It is possible that patriotism, blindly indulged n, may make nationalism a sort of god to which we subject ourselves.

Youth and Crime

The United States Census Bureau finds that in 1923, 75% of all crimes were committed by persons between the ages of 15 and 34. The indictment is laid at the door of the home. The report states that the lack of home ties tends to promote law-breakers.

Before we condemn in wholesale fashion the youth of the day, we need to take into consideration that the avenues of temptation have not only greatly increased, but that those avenues of temptation have become much more subtle.

The Successful Preacher

To be successful, a preacher must keep out of politics. A preacher who poses as a politician will find his ministry unfruitful and success impossible. A minister of Christ can't do both. If the political bee is in his bonnet, the preaching bird is not singing in his soul.

Superficial Leaders of the Young

Young people, in their nature and needs, are not fundamentally different from the young of a generation or two ago. Catering to the young people in superficial ways does more harm than good. They readily discover that the church is compromising her position, and at the same time failing utterly to meet their needs in any adequate spiritual sense. The spiritual need of young people today is the same as the needs of the young people of the past. They have souls that need to be saved rather than entertained.