Professional Documents
Culture Documents
7967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you .awake to the vital inues of our 'times must
be unfettered by censorship and seiAsh interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by _political lies; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read In many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. If
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the flelds of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital conc~rn. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awake!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of o delinejuent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new Order In this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake- by reading "Awoke!"
__ __
Not111 of uplro!l011 lo Entored Oll '""ond·elaso manor at Brookl)rn, N.Y.
IIUbo«!pUon ,.pl..,._ at le"'l two ''"""' i>•fore
Printed Ill England
no 81~1•
.,,_,._.,_,, __ ___
translation r111olarlr u01d In "Awako!" Is lh Now World Translotlon ol tho Holy Sorhrtaroo, 1961
,, ,._,.__,_,.
Whn othr tranolatlono oro nod, t-!1 Is c!oorly martod •
,. .,_,
o~ltlon.
CONTENTS
The Money Crisis 3 The Lovable Gibbon 21
How Safe Is Your Money? 7 Asia's Biggest Cat 23
Things Money Cannot Buy 12
Serve with What You Have 15 Naval Might versus The Wind 24
Ghana's Supreme Court Upholds "Your Word Is Truth"
Freedom of Worship 16 What Happens to a Person
Wood Carving and the Wakamba 18 When He Dies? 27
The Religious Background 20 Watching the World 29
2
"It is already the hour for you to awake."
-tomon• ll11l
T THE end of a month do you sit become a crushing burden. If all their
A down with a stack of bills and sort
~ you can pa · now from those
creditors were to ask for the· money due
them at one time, these families would not
that will have to wait. Do you find that, know what to do. When Christmas comes,
no matter how much you earn each year, their debt problem does not stop them
you never seem able to get out of debt? from going still farther into debt in order
Is your family living from paycheck to to celebrate the holiday with extravagant
paycheck, with little or no cash reserv-e in gift giving. One young family considered
the bank? This situation has become so itself fortunate to keep the cost of the
common that a dangerous economic con- Christmas celebration to $600, even
dition has developed. though this overextended their finances.
The average family has too much debt. It is not unusual for banks to report an
It is spending too much and saving too increase in credit delinquencies after
little. The personal debt of many Ameri- Christmas because people are snowed un-
can families exceeds 60 percent of their
income after taxes. In fact, private and
public debt in the United States irl 1965
was $1,450,700,000,000, the highest in his-
tory. In 1955 it was $786,400,000,000,
which means that it has nearly doubled in
ten years. The private and public debt for
Great Britain reached over £55,000,000,-
000 in 1964, but in 1965 the public debt
alone exceeded £56,000,000,000.
It seems that too many families have
no idea what they can afford and so pile
one debt upon another until their debts
JANUARY 8, 1961 3
der with Christmas bills they
cannot afford. 195~5,-'-:Si-7-,:;:S9C,-'~i'-1--,-T--,--=;
The majority
4ebtors of American
do not have sufficient1BO,OOO ~=t=t=tllll!~~~~~~
liquid assets, that is, cash or
something that can be quickly
and easily converted to cash, to 1JS,OOO
cover their debts. One-third of
all families that annually earn
between $5,000 and $7,500 and 90/JOO
almost one-fourth of those that
make up to-$10,000 a year have
no assets in the bank. It has
been estimated that nearly a
third of all American families
have less than $500 they could
readily put their hands on.
That living on credit has become a way 1965 this number had more than tripled,
of life for far too many families is indi- to 180,323. In Cana._da, 1965 was the
cated by the way consumer credit for fourth consecutive year in which bank-
such things as automobiles, personal loans, ruptcies had risen.
charge accounts, and so forth, has shot up Obviously too many people are making
since 1940. In that year the consumer unwise use of credit, leaving no margin
credit that was outstanding was over $8,- for emergencies. They are living to the
000,000,000. In 1966 it was over $87,000,- very limit of their incomes and, in some
000,000, more than ten times as much. cases, beyond that limit. If you are in this
Too many people today are up to their position, you are laying yourself open for
necks in deb't, with years of their future real trouble.
income already spent. What would happen
to them if a recession came along and Tight Money
the wage earner Jost his job? Indications that economic trouble may
With so many families in an overextend- lie ahead are in the rising interest rates
ed position, a downturn in business could . and the tightening of credit. Not since the
snowball into an extremely serious situa- 1920's has credit been so costly and diffi.-
tion for the nation's economy. Fore- cult to get as in recent months. This
closures and bankruptcies would sky- makes it difficult for individuals as well as
rocket. Already the rate of foreclosures is businesses to borrow money even for nee-
the highest since the 1930's, even though essary things.
this is a time of prosperity. In 1955 there In nearly every Western European
were 28,529 foreclosures of nonfarm real country interest rates have reached his-
estate. In 1965 this figure jumped to toric heights. In Canada the rates have
116,664. followed those of the United States. In In-
Personal bankruptcies are now being dia and Australia they have been steadily
filed in record numbers. They have in- climbing. In Germany some companies
creased every year since 1955. In that year cannot borrow money at any price.
59,404 bankruptcies were filed, but in The supply of lendable funds in Ameri-
4 AWAKE!
can banks has dwindled because of tight We have been experiencing such skyrock-
credit to such· an extent that banks are eting rates again.
forced to say "No" to more and more cus- Wage earners in Britain are also faced
tomers. Savings and loan associations, with the problems of a recession resulting
which are savings organizations that spe- from the government's austerity program.
cialize in home financing and in which Widespread layoffs are taking place in
depositors are shareholders, have experi- the British aotomobile industry as a result
enced a severe drop in money coming into of tight credit that is causing a sharp
them. In the first seven months of 1966 drop in auto sales. The downturn in the
the flow of money into savings and loan country's economy is creating hardships
associations was $568,000,000 as compared for persons carrying a heavy load of debt.
with $3,700,000,000 during the same peri-
od in 1965. Thus persons with houses for Balance of Payments
sale are having difficulty selling them, and The long-standing problem the United
persons wanting to buy houses are finding States is having with its balance of pay-
it exceptionally difficult to borrow money ments is not helping the economic situa-
to buy them. tion in the least. In every y1ar since 1950,
This has already resulted in a slumP of except for 1957, the country has had a
26 percent in residential construction in deficit in its international balance of pay-
the United States. As a consequence un- ments; it has had to pay but to foreign
employment among construction workers countries more than it has taken in. This
is rising. Some contractors are making has caused a heavy drain on its gold
drastic cuts in their work forces. Many supply.
workers in the lumber industry are also Since 1957 the stock of gold held. by the
being laid off. United States has dropped from $22,800,-
Some persons fear that if this condition 000,000 to $13,300,000,000, a loss of about
of tight money continues for very long in 41 percent. In September 1966 it was at
the United States, the American economy its lowest level since September 7, 1938.
co"ld be thrown into a tailspin. More and The outflow of gold can weaken foreign
more financial analysts are talking about confidence in the soundness of the dollar.
a recession. If one does come,
it is the debt-ridden family
that will be really hurt. Com- STATES
menting on the possibility of a
recession, the magazine Finan-
cial World of October 12, 1966,
---
RESERVES
--~-
-
- -
observed: "Tight money and . .
HANCES are you work hard for your shown as recently as October 14, 1966.
C money, and when you have a little re-
serve saved up you want to keep it in a
On that day the largest bank in the
country of Lebanon, Intra Bank, failed.·
safe place. Where do you put it-in a When big depositors began withdrawing
bank, in stocks, in real estate, in a mat- large swns of money. it was unable to pro-
tress or buried in a metal box? No matter duce enough cash to meet the demand. It
where you put 'it, the big question is, How had to close its doors. Panicky depositors
safe is it? milled around the doors, hopirig in vain to
A bank is the usual place where people draw out their savings. Thirteen days lat-
put money for safekeeping, and banks er people were still gathering around the
have establi~hed a fine record of safety, bank, angrily shouting, "We want our
btit that does not mean you cannot lose money!"
money you deposit in them. If you live In New York city, American depositors
in a country where bank deposits are in a branch of Intra Bank \Yere just as
not government insured, or have money shocked at the bank's failure. A young
on deposit in such a bank, conditions woman with $500 in the bank had to can~
might arise that \could cause you to eel a vacation trip. A man with over
lose your life's savings. This was clearly $1,000 on deposit said he had heard noth-
JANUARY 8, 196"/ 7
ing from the bank. What chances do they ever you want to withdraw your money,
have of getting their money? because not everyone usually wants his
There are possibilities that the deposi- money at the same time. While some are
tors may get some, and perhaps all, of withdrawing money others are putting
their money back, but the matter is still money in. What puts a serious strain on
uncertain. One possibility is that the bank a bank is when everyone wants his money
may negotiate funds with several foreign at once, as they did in the early 1930's.
banks so it can open its doors. Another Some banks are not as cautious as oth-
possibility is that the Lebanese govern- ers in the way they make loans and are
ment will come to the rescue of the small not as well managed. These factors con-
depositors by making available $17 miHion tributed to the failure of the bank in Leba-
to safeguard their savings. Still another non. It made speculative investments and
is sale of the assets of the bank, but that unwisely used money that could be de-
could take years because of involved legal manded on short notice· for long-term in-
battles. vestments. Laxity in loaning money ap-
pears to be the basic reason for the failure
Other Bank Failures of the seven American banks as well as
In the early 1930's a number of Ameri- of several savings and loan associations
can banks failed and many people never and finance companies. Too many dubious
recovered their lost savings. Austria's loans were made. Commenting on this,
Creditanstalt failed in 1931, marking the The Wall Street Journal of October 24,
beginning of an international financial 1966, said: "When enough laxity is pres-
breakdown. However, the story was some- ent, not only the businesses and banks con-
what different during the first ten months cerned but the \vhole economy can risk
of 1966 when seven American banks trouble. Overextension in a boom is a
failed. Government insurance protected classic invitation to recession."
the savings that people had put in those
banks. Is Your Money Safe in a Bank?
In Canada the respected British Mort- In the United States the deposits in most
gage and Trust Company failed in June banks and savings and loan associations
1965, but, fortunately for the depositors, are insured by the government against
the company was merged with another loss up to $15,000. This is a protection for
trust company, and this action safe- depositors against loss,lbut in other coun-
guarded their money. But shareholders in tries where this insurance does not exist,
the defunct trust company lost heavily. there is the chance of waking up some
One said: "I thought having its stock was morning and finding that your bank has
like owning gold. Now I've lost every- failed and your savings are gone.
thing." When the Public Bank of Detroit failed
It is well to keep in mind that a bank in 1966-the largest American bank to
is much more than a repository for keep- fail since the 1930's-it was immediately
ing money safe. It is a lending institution taken over by the Government's Federal
that uses the money you deposit in order Deposit Insurance Corporation, which
to make loans and investments. It is ac- merged it with a sound bank. The deposi-
tually your debtor, and your bankbook is tors lost nothing and continued to have
its I.O.U. As long as it has sufficient cash ·tree access to their money. Knowledge of
assets it can make good its I.O.U. when- this safeguard has made public confidence
8 AWAKE!
in American banks much stronger than it tees have been extended to many transac~
was in the 1930's. A similar provision th)ns. . . . A special report from the
exists for savings and loan associapans. Treasury shows that these guaranteed
Money placed in, them is insured by the debts and other obligations now come to
Goverrlment's Federal Savings and Loan more than 347 billion dollars f$347,000,-
InsurB.nce Corporation. But even in these 000,000], which the Government promises
Government-insured institutions there is a to pay if those holding deposits or owing
certain amount of risk for your money. on loans default. This is in addition to
If the American economy should experi- more than 316 billion [$316,000,000,000]
ence a financial debacle, as some financial in public debt owed by the Treasury."
analysts believe to be a real pos- The reserves held by
sibility, the banks will be put the Federal Deposit Insur-
under a severe strain as people ance Corporation are
scramble for liquid as- about $2,800,000,000 as
sets such as cash. It insurance for $192,000,-
will not then be a mat- 000,000 in bank deposits,
ter of an isolated bank and there are only $1,·
or savings and loan 200,000,000 of reserves
association that will held by the Fed,ral Sav-
be in trouble. On this ings and Loan
point the magazine Insurance Corpora-
Fincmcial World of October 12, 1966, ob- tion against $88,.
served: 000,000,000 deposit-
"Particular concern currently is voiced ed in savings and
about the threat the liquidity crisis poses loan associ~tionS.
for financial institutions. Banks, loaned, to
the hilt, are in poor position
to withstand any large-scale
withdrawals. But savings
and loans, with most of their
huge assets in long term
mortgages, would find them-
selves in most serious straits
should the public suddenly
decide it wants its savings."
Under such circumstanc-
es there is reason to ques-
tion the ability of the
A mass demand
Government's insurance for cash by the
agencies to meet the demand for protec- public could soon
tion of deposHs in banks and savings and deplete those re-
loan associations. The demand could over- serves.
whelm their assets. The insurance agencies could call upon
In December 1964 the magazine U.S. the Treasury for a certain amount of ad·
News & World Report made this thought- ditional funds, and, in a grave emergency,
provoking statement: "Federal guaran- Congress would probably pump more Fed·
JANUARY 8, 1967 9
eral funds into them. But are down in price and so
the nagging question is, take a substantial loss.
Would the Government be
able to supply enough Real Estate and Cash
funds during a financial Money put into real esw
crisis of grave proportions tate is not entirely safe
and a general demand for either. As long as there is
cash in view of the huge a boom in real estate,
sum it is guaranteeing~ money invested in it does
well., but wM."Q.. tb.a I:!Mm.
Is Your Money Safe in ,.,,f-+++- I ends the value of real esw
Securities? . tate recedes. The time
There is a much higher _1 comes when there are
risk of loss when money .; more houses and other
is put into securities than property for sale than
when it is put into a bank. there are buyers who are
This is due to the fiuctuw able to get the money to
ating nature of the secu· buy them.
rities market. It can de· l7 9( ~ In 1962 when several
scend rapidly when there thousand workers in an
are fears of a setback in aircraft plant were laid
b\Js\n~o;;'i:.. ln ~?Rt, the ~+..ock. , 1 oil 'L'ne'tr jobs, fltey louna
market in the United that the money they had
States dropped 25.2 per- invested in real estate was
cent from February 1966 "frozen"; they could not
to October, with some ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~-g ~ ~ sell the property, Too
stocks losing as much as ~STTO~C~Kt"i~~"~"'f IA'fvV~ERR~A~G~E~S many homes were for sale
50 to 60 percent of their in their area. During a
value. An eventual fUrther descent is fore- serious downturn in the economy, money
seen by some stockwmarket analysts who invested in real estate could be of little
believe there will be an ultimate market help to a person in need of cash to pay
collapse that may equal or exceed the his debts. He would have difficulty con.
market crash of 1929. There are other verting it into cash, and if he did succeed,
analysts, however, who take a more opw he would probably have to sell at a much
timistic view. lower price than what he paid for it. But
It is claimed that if a person buys sew if he could manage his debts without the
curities of wellwestablished firms at regu. money that he had tied up in property,
Jar intervals and in regular amounts, the he could hold on in the hope that property
'cyclic81 ups and downs of the market avw values would eventually come back up.
erage out his investinent so ·that he comes Of course, a person could always k!O'ep
out ahead in the long run. But even then his rnoney in the form of cash, and there
his money is not safe, because business would be no danger of his assets becoming
"frozen" so that he could not ose them
reverses, especially during an economic when he needed tbem. However, this is
downturn, can throw companies into bankw very risky. Cash can be stolen. tt ma'J Qp_
ruptcy. Then, too, if he is pressed for cash reasonably safe in a safety deposit box in
he might have to sell securities when they a batlk, but even tlle safety depo~it boxes
JO AWAKE!
in a Montreal bank were rifled by thieves flation (far worse than creeping inflation)
in 1961. can do to the value of cash is pointed out
If money is hidden in a mattress, a cook- in the book Money and Economic Activity
ie jar, a box or a can, there is always the by Houghton Mifflin. It states: "In Ger-
danger that thieves may get it. There is many at the end of 1923 it took 1,200,400,-
the case of a sixty-nine-year-old balloon 000,000 paper marks to buy what only
peddler who thought his life's savings of 35 marks could purchase just two years
$40,000 were safe in the ash bin of an old earlier, and in Hungarr it took 1.4 nonil-
stove in his apartffient, but thieves found lion pengoes to buy in 1946 what only one
the money and made off with it. pengo could obtain in 1938. (One nonillion
equals 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,-
Inflation 000,000.)"
Another strong reason why cash is not In China during the civil war of the
really safe is the devaluating effect infla- 1940's, Chinese money that was worth one
tion has on it. Even a mild inflation of one United States dollar lost its value in five
or two percent a year can deteriorate the years to the point where it was worth only
purchasing power of money over a long about five-trillionths of a cent. That is the
period of time. As inflation eats it away, toll that runaway inflation takes.
cash savings become worth less and less Think what hardship any kind of in-
each year. A dollar hidden away in 1940 flation brings upon persons depending up-
and spent in 1966 would buy less th~ one- on fixed incomt¥; such as pensions, bonds
half as much· as when it was hidden. Dur- and certain types of life insurance. Think
ing 1965 the Consumer Price Index in Bel- what a disappointment it brings to the
gium and the Netherlands increased at the person who believes his money is safe
annual rate of between 5 to 6 percent or when kept in the form of cash.
more. Argentina has been experiencing a In answer to the question, How safe is
30-pei'cent annual rise in prices. Within a your money?, the conclusion that must be
short time such inflationary rises cut drawn is that there is no truly safe place
down the value of your money. for it. Even if you could exchange it for
A classic example of what runaway in- gold, it would still not be really safe, be-
cause of the constant dan-
ger of thievery. So, what
can you do about it? Use
good judgment in caring
for it, but do not worry
yourself into a case of ul-
cers over it. It is true that
money plays an important
role in daily living, but no
amount of money is worth
the loss of health and loss
of the joy of living that so
often go with worry about
it. There are more impor-
tant things for which to
live.
JANUARY 8, 1967 11
, FIFTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD man stood ankle- There is no need, however, to condemn
A deep in snow one morning looking at
what was left of his factory. had burned
It
money itself. The Bible does not do that.
In fact, it emphasizes its value. "Money is
to the ground. As he stood looking at the for a protection," it says. (Eccl. 7:12) And
smoldering heap of ashes, he said to his we can appreciate the truthfulness of this,
wife: "There are all our hopes, all our for it is almost impossible to take care of
savings and all our starry-eyed plans. Well, the feeding, clothing and housing of one-
I guess we've lost everything." self and one's family today without money.
"Everything?" asked a friend standing In many parts of the world money buys
nearby. facilities such as piped wat~r, electricity
"Yes, everything," was the bitter reply. and heat, transportation and-hospital care,
"There is no hope. I'm too old to start all and it Is not wrong to use money to obtain
over again." these things.
"But isn't that your wife?" the friend What the Bible does condemn is the.
asked. love of money, the determination to be
"Yes, and she's a good woman," was the rich. An apostle of Jesus Christ stated:
answer. "Those who are determined to be rich fall
"You have a wonderful wife, devoted into temptation and a snare and many
children, friends, neighbors, your health, senseless and hurtful deSires, which plunge
and you say you have lost everything. Sup- men into destruction and ruin. For the
pose you lost these instead of your fac- love of money is a root of all sorts of in-
tory; then how would you feel?" inquired jurious things." (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) Such
the friend. love makes people cold and heartless; they
will do anything for money, but show lit-
The owner suddenly realized that
tle concern for their fellowmen. They are
through the years he had become 1so en-
not happy people, and they certainly bring
grossed in making a living that he lost
no happiness to others.
sight of the things that count most in life,
things money cannot buy.
The Balanced Viewpoint
Nevertheless, money has a place in life
A Protection, but Not to Be Loved
Money, nevertheless, is so important in and it is well to grant -it its proper place.
But to make money one's primary goal is
meeting our immediate needs that we may
be inclined to forget that 'life does not the greatest folly, because money fails at
result from the things we possess,' as Je- the very moment when human needs are
sus Christ said. (Luke 12:15) Often this greatest. For' example, when life is en-
truth is not appreciated until one is at gulfed in sorrow because of loss of a loved
death's door, but then it is too late to one in death, what can money do to wipe
benefit fully from that realization. away that sorrow? When youth fades and
12 AWAKE!
old age sets in, what can money do to .re~ in his mind that, what little wealth fails
store one's lost youthful vigor? When to give, great wealth will accomplish.
health fails, what joy, hope or satisfaction Hence he hungers for more. That hWlger
is there in knowing that one's vault is increases as it is indulged in. With his
filled with money? Jesus Christ asked this wealth he can buy goods, but not bappi~
searching question: "What benefit will it ness.
be to a man if he gains the whole world American statesman Benjamin Frank-
but forfeits his soul? or what will a man lin truthfully observed: "Money never
give in exchange for his soul?'' (Matt. made a man happy yet, nor will it. There
16:26) Yes, what will you give for your is nothing in its nature to produce hap~
life as a human soul? piness. The more a man has, the more
The sensible thing is to realize that he wants. Instead of its filling a vacuum,
money has limitations, that it cannot buy it makes one. If it satisfies one Wallt, it
everything and that dQubles and trebles
there are things far that want another
'
more valuable than ARTICLES IN TilE NEXT ISSUE
e Religion an/the Bible in Communist
way. That was a
money. Life is not to Runia. true proverb of the
be compared with e What Makes a Good Secretary? wise man, rely upon
• The Chiropractor-Cultist or Curer?
money. You cannot it: 'Better is little
• Friendliness Is Contagious.
buy life with money; with the fear of the
for that you must Lord than great trea-
look to God. Npr can money buy a child's sure and trouble therewith.' " That prov-
devction, a mOther's affection, a father's erb came from the Bible.
COmli3SSion.
If you were blind, living your days in Spiritual Treasures That Money
darkness, what would you give to be able Cannot Buy
to see? How much would it be worth to Treasures such as spiritual wisdom and
see your family and friends? What price understanding of God's Word and purpose
for a glorious sunset, for a chance to see bring genuine happiness. Declares Prov-
a flower grow and blossom? erbs 3:13, 14: "Happy is the man that
Block out all sound from your ears has found wisdom, and the man that gets
someday. It is shocking how empty and discernment, for havirlg it as gain is better
lonely a place this earth can suddenly be~ than having silver as gain and having it as
come without the pleasant words of a produce than gold itself.''
loved one, the sound of laughter, the voice Better than gold, the spiritual treasure
of a child, the song of birds, the enjoy- of divine wisdom can restore happiness to
ment of music and the hum of everyday the most depressed persons. One man lost
life. Even the sound of your own voice is all purpose in living when his seventeen-
a reassuring treasure. Yet the joy of hear- year-old son died. But after he began a
ing is something money cannot buy. study of the Bible with the Christian wit-
The Bible speaks of "the deceptive pow- nesses of Jehovah, this man's mother
er of riches." (Matt. 13:22) It is deceptive wrote: "He used to say, 'What's the use-
because the one who seeks it usually fails r have no purpose for living now.' But
to realize its limitations. He is deceived, since he's been studying the Bible, he can
because he never finds in riches the satis- eat, and best of all, he has a hope for the
faction that he seeks. He falsely assumes future.'' A twenty-eight-year-old nurse
JANUARY 8, 1967 13
sUffered a mental breakdown while study- her money, in aiding others to study the
ing for examinations. Her prosperous par- Bible. Now she says: "I have something
ents spent much money on psychiatric that money cannot buy, and that is peace
treatment. When she threatened suicide, of mind and Jehovah's blessing." Truly,
a doctor declared her a hopeless case. Af- the greater happiness comes from giving,
ter the failure of all that money could buy for the Lord Jesus Christ himself said·:
in the way of medical science, this woman "There is more happiness in giving than
began a study of the Bible. Her health there is in receiving." The joy and bless-
picked up immediately, and friends were ing of aiding others especially in a spiri-
amazed. "I now have something to live tual way make one richer than any
for," she explained to her perplexed doc- amount of money could: "The blessing of
tor as she told him about God's new order Jehovah-that is what makes rich, and he
of righteousness. Money cannot buy the adds no pain with it."-Acts 20:35; Prov.
wisdom and discernment that bring true 10:22.
happiness. And what sum of money can compare
Nor can money· buy the fruitage of with the spiritual treasure of the prospect
God's holy spirit. Describing this spiritual of everlasting life? Money, of course, can-
treasure, the Bible says: "The fruitage of not buy life even in this system of things,-
the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, much less everlasting life in God's new
kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self- order. Yet this is God's promise to those
control." (Gal. 5:22, 23) Think what it who love him and do his will; it is the
means to have these qualities! For in- "hope of the everlasting life which God,
stance, how rewarding it is to have inner who cannot lie, promised before times long
peace and serenity, the knowledge that one lasting." (Titus 1:2; 1 John 2:17) And
has God's approval! In this day of world- concerning this hope the apostle Paul
wide strife, having the "peace of God that wrote to Timothy: "Get a firm hold
excels all thought" is precious indeed, for on the everlasting life." He called life
it will "guard your hearts and your men- everlasting "the real life." (1 Tim. 6:12,
tal powers by means of Christ Jesus." 19) Showing why money cannot buy "the
(Phil. 4:7) None of the fruits of God's real life," Jesus Christ said: "God loved
spirit can be bought with money. They the world so much that he gave his only-
can be obtained only by shwming the begotten Son, in order that everyone ex-
money-loving spirit of this world and by ercising faith in him might not be de-
conforming· to God's will, by prayer to stroyed but have everlasting life." (John
God for his holy spirit, letting this new 3:16) Can money buy faith? No, a:hd nei-
force actuate one's mind.-1 Cor. 2:12-15; ther can money buy the gift of everlasting
Luke 11:13. life on a paradise earth, after this system
Another spiritual treasure of surpassing of things comes to its end.
value is the joy of aiding others to learn
God's truth and to see the change it brings When Money Is Passe
in their lives. One young woman, on learn- Jesus Christ warns that the money of
ing God's purpose as set out in the Bible, this system of things is destined to be-
realized that she was making a mistake in come a thing of the past, utterly worth-
applying all her efforts to getting ahead less. Wisely, then, he told his disciples:
financially. She changed her course in life, "Use your worldly wealth to win friends
began to spend time, as well as some of for yourselves, so that when money is a
14 AWAKE!
thing of the past you may be received vor of God can be purchased with money.
into an eternal home." (Luke 16:9, The -Acts 8:20.
New English Bible) This tirne is near at But while we still live in this system of
hand, for soon now God's kingdom will things, money has a place in life. It can
crush the power-hungry nations of the be used, not only to care for our niaterial
earth, putting "an end to all these king- needs, but to defray our expenses as we
doms," and God's kingdom will stand help others with their spiritual needs. And
forever.-Dan. 2:44. as we have learned, the things of the most
Gone, then, will be the value of this enduring value are the ones that money
world's money, both for the dead and for cannot buy. What are you doing, then, to
the survivors! So the wise thing to do is gain these superior riches? You, no doubt,
to heed Jesus' counsel and use a portion work hard to get money; such hard work
of one's material wealth to glorify God. is a part of life. But are you applying
We can do that by sharing with others yourself even more diligently to get the
the good news of God's kingdom, by help- spiritual riches that are worth so much
ing others to obtain spiritual treasures. more than money? Such diligence leads
This does not mean that God's gifts can\ to "the real life," which money cannot
be bought with money. No, indeed! No fa- buy.
By "Awoke!" correspondent
in Kenya able buSiness that involves the export of
about $15,000,000 worth of carvings a
HE Wakamba wood- year ..In addition to this, a v~.st number
T carver of south-central
Kenya has been little affect-
of carved items are sold in local curio
shops and by street hawkers. The number
ed by the industrial advancement else- of carvers has grown, about 600 being in
where in the world. With his adz, a tool the city of Mombasa alone.
with a blade at right angles to the handle, Beginning with a limited variety of carv-
he sits inside a grass hut or in the open ings, the trade has expanded to mare than
under a tree and produces by hand dis- 500 varieties. About three-quarters of
tinctive carvings that are in demand the these consist of animals, such as antelope,
world over. buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, and
From 1955 to the present, wood carving so forth. Among these the most popular
in Kenya moved from a hobby to a_profit· are carvings of antelope and elephants.
18 AWAKE!
Other carved items, some of which are of Iustrates this. When a Canadian man livM
practical household use, are salad sets, let~ ing in Mombasa asked a carver to make
ter openers, lamps and bookends. a fi.gtll"'e of a moose that be could send
home as a gift, he -showed the carver a
Method of Production picture of the animal. Although the craftsM
Most carvings are made in Muhugu man had never ~n a live moo.,;e, he pro~
wood. Its straight grain and fine texture duced a beautiful sixteen-inch carving,
make it ideal for carving. Mubugu wood, with only the picture as a guide.
which grows in the lowland areas of Ke~ During the past five years more and
nya, is bought by the truckload and sold to more of the world has been introduced to
carvers by the foot. When buying wood, Wakamba carvings. From Mombasa, the
the carver must have in mind what he is port area of Kenya, they have been going
going to carve. For instance, if he has out to all continents of the world. They
orders for salad bowls or masks, he would are proving to be a profitable export that
buy wood that is not too hard in the cenM is benefiting the economy of Kenya.
ter so the work of shaping them will be When asked what the biggest problem
easier. On the other hand, if he plans to is in the woodMcarving business, the carvM
carve ·an animal, the wood needs to be firm ers themselves say that it is lack of or-
all the way through. ganization among them. They generally
There are six basic steps that a carver tend to work by themselves rather than in
follows when he begins to work on a piece cooperatives. Another problem. i.s tM."ir
of wood. First, he cuts the wood to the willingness to sell an item ordered by an
size of the carving he has in mind. Then exporter to another person when a few
with his adz he blocks out the general pennies more are offered. Thus exporters
shape. When more than one carver works can never be certain of getting what they
on an item, it is passed to the second man order. Such action is hurting the trade, a
after the adz work is finished. He special~ Mombasa exporter claims. Some persons
izes in forming the delicate parts of the believe that cooperatives would overcQme
carving. With a file he smooths the figure, th\S problem and probably bilng the carvM
taking off the rough edges. A special, ers a consistently better price.
rounded knife is then used to work on the
horns, face and legs. This stage of the Buying a Carving
carving requires skill for the carving to There are a few things a person can
have good_ form and expression. keeP ip mind when buying a wood carving.
With the carving work done, the figure He should first determine the kind of
is sandpapered to give it a very smooth carving he wants so that it will blend with
surface; then it is waxed. Another person the dfkor of his home. Then he can decide
may do the waxing and polishing. So that on the basic proportions of the figure and
the wax will penetrate the wood, he usu- on the type of wood he wants.
ally heats the carving over a fire befo're When buying a carving of an antelope,
applying it, in this waY giving the carving for example, he should look for wellM
a more lasting finish. After its base is shaped horns and ears. The facial expres-
tested to make sure it stands well, the sion must also be examined to see if it is
carving is ready for the market. suitable. This is detennined by the shape
The Wakamba have become very adept of the eyes, ears and other delicate parts
in this method of carving. An incident i!- of the animal's face. The proportions of
JANUARY\8, 1961 19
the body need to be examined to see if these small details, he is more likely to
it is too long or too short. The length of get a carving' that is pleasing to the eye.
the legs should be of the right proportion It would also be wise for a person to avoid
and well formed. The way the grain rWlS carvings that represent figures that are
iS also a factor to be considered, as it can used in the demonistic religions of Africa,
help simulate the body contours of the as their presence in a home might open
living animal. the way for unpleasant spiritistic activity
If a carving of an elephant is under con~ there.
sideration, it is more appealing to some If you are one who likes hand~carved
persons if the trunk is down rather than figures, you might find these various sug~
thrown back. A lion or hippopotamus that gestions helpful. Knowing how and where
is carved with its mouth closed may be they are made adds to their interest. Since
cold and unappealing in comparison to one wood carvings are produced in many parts
with its mouth open. Similarly, a warthog of the world, with varyiilg quality, you
that is carved with its tail straight up as have many to choose from, bUt examine
if it were in flight conveys more action carefully the figures you intend to buy so
than one with its tail down as when the as to be sure of getting something that
animal is feeding. Of course, personal will be pleasing to you and that will add
tastes vary. But when a purchaser watches interest to the appearance of your home.
20 AWAKE!
N WALKING
O into your
house, would you By "Awake!"
like to hear the pat- correspondent in Laos
ter of little feet run-
,ning to greet you, see arms long arms held high. Th2
outstretched, face upturned resulting gait is a cari-
in joyous expectation, and hear cature of a slightly off-
squeals and coos of delight be- balance, very bow-legged
cause of your return? You would? person.
Then you would like a gibbon. The gibbon's face is
Here in Laos many Americans and not at all the wrinkled-
other "foreigners" enjoy having 'them up face of a monkey,
for pets as much as the Lao people do. but, rather, the skin re-
And after having had one, it is hard sembles the fine leather
for them to go back to a dog or cat. used in kid gloves, just
Even parrots and monkeys are ordinary as soft as a deer's nose.
by comparison. Its little black or brown
Yes, monkeys are quite different from face peeks out from a circle of white fur.
gibbons, both in appearance and person- Eskimo-fashion.
ality. Gibbons are long-armed and have
no tail; they are little apes; and while Beauty in the treetops
monkeys are interesting to watch for half Blond tunnies are lovely to see in the
an hour or so at a zoo, gibbons are an trees. The sun catches the tips of their
unending fascination combining the grace fur and surrounds each creature with
of a ballerina and the gawkiness of a slap- an aura of gold.
stick comedian. When taken as a pet, a When hanging by the
gibbon, or tunny, as it is called in the Lao hand in a tree, a gib-
language, will win its way into your heart bon might seem like a
as a child would. finely made toy. The
Monkeys walk on all fours, but a gibbon little body is rotund
stands up, though not as efficiently as a (especially after a
man; thus zoologists re- meal), ·causing the
gard the gibbon, as well place where the legs
as all the apes, as being join to appear curious-
essentially four-legged. ly like a seam with
Watching the gibbon stuffing pushed up to it
walk on the ground
from both directions.
is an amusing ex-
The whole of the ani-
perience. To walk on
its two legs this tree mal, except face,
animal has to bal- ears and palms, is
ance itself with its covered with fluffy
JANUARY 8, 1961
black or blond teddy-bear fur, tapering home, but sleeping on any convenient
pantaloon-style to reveal delicately slim branch. Thus they enjoy their twenty to
ankles and wrists. Black shoe-button eyes, thirty years of natural life.
an Wlexpected pink tongue, and fine, white Gibbons are the smallest, gentlest and
china-doll teeth add to the toylike appear- least known of these apes, which also
ance. So do the fine humanlike ears that include chimpanzees, orangutangs and
give the m1related appearance of having gorillas. The several species of gibbons are
been fastened on after the toy was fin- native to only the southeast Asia area.
ished. The "kid glove" hands are complete The most affectionate kind, which people
with fingerprints, and even the fingernails here take into their home, is commonly•
are worthy of note; they never tear off known as the white--handed gibbon.
ragged, but a periodic weakness causes
each one to break in a remarkably smooth Life with Humans
taper. When living with a human family these
A gibbon in the trees is truly a beautiful charming creatures rise early with a
sight to behold. Only birds in flight equal cheerful disposition, looking forward to a
the grace of this animal in its natural hab- day of mischief and fun; and their heads
itat. For locomotion, gibbons use their nod with sleep as soon as the setting s1,1n
hands. Feet are often used for eating. touches the horizon. In the how;;e, a sleepy
Hence they were designed with feet that pet gibbon will sprawl on furniture or floor
look much like human hands, and hands like a teen-ager watching television. They
with double-length fingers that enable get themselves into such ridiculow;;Iy con-
them to reach around branches with ease. torted and relaxed positions that people
Their timing and precision as they who see them marvel that they do not fall
swing from bough to bough is amazing. out of the dizzyingly high treetops where
A gibbon is able to judge the resilience of they make their homes naturally.
each branch, knowing just the amount it As to cleanliness, a gibbon will be fas-
will "give," and just the split second to tidious, always keeping its box clean by
let go on the upward spring, thus propel- sweeping out things with its hand. Tunnies
ling itself through space to the next do not fight over food like monkeys, who
branch as much as twenty to forty feet will grab from each other and stuff the
away. To an observer the motion looks pouches in their cheeks until they look as
like a graceful wave as each branch bows though they have a face full of marbles.
and then springs up again. And the gib- However, the gibbons carry their comM
bon does it all day long and at high speed, mendable trait a bit far: If they are not
never once stopping to contemplate time, htmgry, they sweep their food right out
speed and distance, as trapeze artists often too. Rather than "saving for the morrow,"
have to do. they prefer begging the good-hearted
In their natural forest habitat, the male master for a new banana at the next pang
and his mate and the~r young are always of hunger.
together. The young remain with the fam- Gibbons are fairly trainable as holliie-
ily until they search out their own mates, hold pets. They can be taught to stay off
w;;ually at the age of six. So the family furniture, for instance. However, it is
may contain eight to nine individuals mov- questionable whether anyone will ever be
ing as a group, eating choice leaves and able to train one not to eat house plants!
fruits, spiders and bird eggs, making no People who have "been adopted" by a
22 AWAKE!
gibbon sometimes reflect with surprise would you think? When one gibbon owner
that their tunny cannot talk. Otherwise it investigated such sounds, he found his pet
seems so human. The main characteristic had invented a game. It would climb an
of its behavior toward people is the strong open door, gleefully jump on the bed, run
desire to be held and hugged. It will reach across the floor, scurry up the door, and
out its arms, and actually smile and groan merrily jump again!
in ecstasy when picked up. Being equipped A standard sport among these furry
with such long arms, it is one of the fun lovers is closing the eyes and stagger-
world's best buggers. An animal measur~ ing around as if drunk until the clowning
ing ten inches from where it sits on your animal bumps into something and falls
lap to the top of its head can (and eagerly down. Then it is off again until it bumps
will) reach around your back and neck in into something else. Landing smack on the
a gibbon hug. There it will sit contentedly face does not stop them from thinking it is
for hours, being disturbed only if you eat, great fun, and somehow they never seem
in which case, of course, it will want some to get hurt. Another favorite pastime is
too. leaning on one forearm on a smooth
Gibbons are not fussy about how they floor with head way down and propelling
hug, just so they are with their beloved themselves pell-mell with the back legs in-
owner. They will attach themselves around to spins and skids around the room.
his neck, hang from his shoulder, or even It is said here that there is only one
cling to his ankle if it is too hot for ordi~ thing more fun than a gibbon, and that is
nary hugging. Couples without children two gibbons. When two strange gibbons
find that the little apes liven the home see each other for the first time, they put
with fun and affection, and have the ad~ their long arms around each other and sit
vantage that, when the couples have work there in a tunny hug, making little noises
to do, they can just toss the gibbon out and getting acquainted. Custom and man-
the window into the nearest tree. ners satisfied, the fun starts! If in the
house, they roll into a single ball of fluff
Furry, Fun-loving Creatures and go stumbling and tumbling over each
Their inventiveness for fun and mis~ other from room to room, yet, amazing as
chief would be hard to surpass. For ex- it seems, rarely destructive. If in the trees,
ample, if you had a gibbon and one day they really enjoy themselves. What a hap-
you heard, Thump! pat, pat, (silence), py God must be the Creator of these fun-
Thump! pat, pat, (silence), Thump! what loving creatures!
The Asian tiger is a versatile cat, being an expert swimmer, a jumper and a
climber. In fact, tigers are known to have swum the five-mile strait between Malaya
and Penang. As a jumper, Asia's big cat is able to cover fifteen feet or more in
a single bound. And the tiger is "a born climber," says George G. Goodwin, Asso·
ciate -Curator of the Department of Mammals of the American Museum of Natural
History. As Richard Perry reports in his volume The World of the Tiger: "A young
tiger in Assam was seen lying flat on a branch, 60 feet up a soft-skinned tree
that was branchless for its first 45 feet." Asia's biggest cat is extraordinary indeed!
JANUARY 8, 1967 23
HE beautiful islands traduce new cus-
T of Samoa in the
South Pacific, with their tropical climate,
toms and cere-
monies. The ways of "civilized" men began
their coral-girt shores, their lush vegeta- to rub off and the simple Samoans learned
tion, dreamy lagoons and happy inhabi- about hypocrisy and commercial greed.
tants, seem out of place as a backdrop for The white man's diseases began to take a
power play by the three leading naval toll of life in these islands. By the mtter
powers of the late nineteenth century. Yet part of the nineteenth century almost all
it" was in this idyllic setting that inter- Samoans were said to have been "Chris-
national rivalry threatened to break out tianized."
into savage conflict. How could such a There were other developments also.
critical situation arise? And what were White men, Germans, Americans and Brit-
the considerations that moved rival na- ishers, came, not merely as visitors, but
tions so close to a fatal rupture? to settle down in Samoa. The equable cli-
To get the answers to these questions, mate and the easy life appealed to them.
it is necessary to learn a few facts about Many of them took Samoan wives. Offi-
the history of Samoa and her relations cials representing the governments of Ger-
with the Western world. The primitive and many, Great Britain and the United States
carefree islanders once led a life that re- soon followed, to care for their respective
quired a minimum of work and respon- nationals and trade interests. Consular of-
sibility. The soil produced delicious fruits ficers began to influence the local tribal
that they could harvest almost without government.
effort; bananas1 guavas, avocados, man-
goes, custard apples and many others. The International Rivalry
surrounding ocean abounded with edible The nineteenth centw·y, keep in mind,
fish of every sort. There was plenty of was the era of the steamship fueled by
time for water sports and for the canoe- coal, as well as the era of colonial expan-
building that earlier gained for this group sion by all the world's naval powers. Dis-
the name of Navigators Islands. tant colonies required long voyages, and
But things began to change with the this, in turn, led to a search for strategi-
advent of the -white men. During the cen- cally placed bases that would prove useful
turies explorers, adventurers, whalers, as safe harbors and coaling stations for
pearl divers of many nations used and naval and merchant vessels. Thus we can
abused the facilities and the inhabitants begin to comprehend the interest in the
of Samoa. Unscrupulous traders took to possibilities of the Samoas manifested by
purchasing or even kidnapping Samoans the Western nations. Here was an island
for service as slaves in the plantations op- group most conveniently located for sev-
erated by European colonial powers, in eral main ocean routes connecting the
eastern Australia and elsewhere. Soon Americas with colonies and possessions in
missionaries of Christendom came to in- the Far East!
24 AWAKE./
In 1878 the king of the Samoans grant· pect. The barometer dropped steeply.
ed the United States the use of the bar· Sheets of rain began to fall. Good sea
bor at Pago Pago on Tutuila Island as a sense should have prompted the respon·
naval base. German officials quickly· fol· sible naval officers to evacuate a crowded
lowed suit by obtaining almost complete harbor whose narrow entrance faced di·
control of the harbor at Saluafata, near rectly into the teeth of a threatening gale.
Apia, the capital of the western group of However, each officer knew he had to play
the Samoas. Br-itain also contrived to gain his part in the policy of intimidation by
similar rights. At Apia itself all three of show of armored might. None would leave
these nations were granted small terri· the others in the harbor, and so all stub·
torial concessions for commercial conve· bornly held on, trusting to their anchor
nience. lines and their ability to ride out a storm.
Strife among rival factions of Samoans During the night the gale gathered
broke out, probably influenced by and cer- strength, reaching hurricane proportions
tainly promoted by the Western interests, by the following evening. Would the lines
each one in support of its own national hold? Swiftly came the realization that all
aspirations. Things at one stage got so far were in extreme danger. Mountainous seas
out of hand that armed Germans seized kept sweeping in from the north, the
the American flag and only with difficulty / whine of the wind grew louder. On every
were prevailed on to restore it. The Ger- ship it became a struggle for safety and
mans claimed that British and United life. Dispute over sovereignty of a few
States citizen~ in Western Samoa should volcanic islands was forgotten for the
come under the jurisdiction of their mili- time as all hands labored to manage the
tary law. Relations between the contend- ships and avoid disaster.
ing parties continued cold and unforgiving. In the early morning of March 16 the
Three German naval vessels were al- British corvette found itself in danger of
ready in Apia harbor when, in March bearing down upon one ,of the American
1889, naval units of Britain and America cruisers, tossing about in a disabled state
appeared on the scene. All together there_ at the harbor entrance. The British cap-
were now seven naval ships and about fif- tain determined to put on full steam and
teen other vessels anchored in this small make a run for the open sea through the
harbor on the north shore of Upolu Island. narrow passage left between the rocks
Reporting on the tension between the Ger- and the American vessel. As he safely ne-
man and American officers and officials, gotiated his exit the crew on the Ameri-
the well-known author, Robert Louis Ste- can ship, though themselves in imminent
venson, had this to say: "Germany and the peril, let out a loud cheer. The British
[United] States, at least in Apia bay, were ship was now much safer amid the tossing
on the brink of war, viewed each other waves of the open sea. The strength of
with looks of hatred, and scarce observed the hurricane may be judged from the
the letter of civility." Only a minor inci- fact that the British captain that day
dent, in these circumstances, would be logged no speed in excess of one sea mile
needed to t'ouch off a major explosion. an hour.
Meantime in the harbor anchors
An Unexpected Contender dragged and lines snapped as ship after
On the evening of March 15 the weather ship lost in the grim struggle with the
already began to assume a menacing as- winds. Vessels were tossing wildly and col-
.r n
liding helplessly. A German gunboat ground as the dazed survivors now took
crashed broadside onto the coral reef and stock of their situation. Now they could
was pounded to pieces by the crashing ponder the fact that all the islands and
waves, as though it were just a native their contents could not pay for the lives
canoe. The German flagship struck the lost and the financial damage sustained.
reef and turned over, throwing her crew A score of navi:tl and merchant ships had
into the churning waters. A third German been reduced to scrap. In less than twenty~
vessel, after colliding with several other four hours- the wind and the sea had
ships, was swept ashore on a sandspit, brought all the rival demonstrations of
from which it was later refloated only af~ naval might to nothing. The contending
ter considerable difficulty. parties were united in a common sorrow.
One American cruiser lost its smoke.. And what about the differences over
stack, was fouled by a German ship and rights and privileges in the Samoan is~
then beached. Another dragged along the lands? Representatives of the three pow~
edge of the reef, finally struck it and cap~ ers met in Berlin soon after and sought
sized. The flagship of the United States to smooth out their problems peacefully.
squadron, after holding on for a time at The German statesman Bismarck, to his
the harbor entrance, her rudder and wheel great displeasure, found the Americans
both damaged, and badly flooding inside, a\iamant in their insistence upon leaving
also ended up on the beach. The Rear the Samoan people a large measure of in·
Admiral's dispatch to Washington ad~ dependent government. It 1 was finally
vised: "Every vessel in harbor on shore agreed that the islanders would continue
except English man~of~war Calliope which to administer their own laws and customs,
got to sea. Trenton and. Vandalia total while a Supreme Court, made up of one
losses. Nipsic beached; rudder gone; may justice appointed jointly by the three sig~
be saved; chances against it." natory powers. would be the arbiter in all
disputes. Thus it was hoped that peace
The Outcome cauld be maintained in Samoa.
As the tempest abated a sorry spectacle So, governments may develop policies
met the gaze of survivors of the catas~ dictated for the most part by narrow na~
trophe. The beach was littered with debris tionalistic objectives. They may rattle the
and wreckage of ships and forest trees. sword and display their naval strength.
Naked corpses Jay along the island's sea~ But, when their powers are pitted against
board. Ninety~two German crewmen and the forces of the wind and the sea they
fifty~four American officers and sailors
turn to weakness and helplessness. Men
were among the victims. Some had been
swept overboard, some had been knocked and nations do well to take to heart the
out by heavy pieces of debris propelled reminder of the Bible writer James: "You
through the air by the hurricane's force, do not know what your life will be• tomor~
and others were drowned in the attempt row. For you are a mist appearing for a
to reach shore through the boiling seas. little while and then disappearing."-Jas.
National interests receded into the back~ 4:14.
26 AWAKE!
day his thoughts perish." Yes, at death
man's mental faculties cease to function.
According to the Bible, he enters a state
of complete unconsciousness.
please note this for yourself. Turn in
your Bible to Ecclesiastes chapter nine,
verses five and ten, and you will read:
"For the living know that they shall die:
but the dead know not any thing, neither
have they any more a reward; for the
memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever
HO is there that has not lost a close thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
W relative or friend in death? Every
day some 160,000 persons die, on the av-
might; for there is no work, nor device,
nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
erage, leaving millions of persons bereaved whither thou goest." (AV) Clearly, the
of loved associates. It is only natural that dead do not know anything. They are un-
those who remain alive should wonder, conscious, and hence can do nothing to
What happens to a person when he dies? praise God.-Ps. 6:5, AV; 6:6, Dy.
Does he pass vn to another life~ Does he M far as dying is concerned, man and
have an immortal soul that goes either to beast undergo the same experience. At
heavenly bliss or a fiery hell? What does death they both enter a state of complete
God's Word the Bible teach on this unconsciousness, so that in death man has
matter? no superiority over a beast. Note how the
You may be surprised to learn that the Bible makes this point at Ecclesiastes 3:
Bible's teaching is quite different from 19 20: "For that which befalleth the sons
what is commonly believed. Why not lo- . be-
of 'men befalleth beasts; even one thmg
cate your own copy of the Bible and turn faneth them: as the one dieth, so dieth
in it to the one hundred and forty-sixth the other; yea, they have all one breath;
Psalm, verses three and four. If yours is so that a man hath no preeminence above
the Authorized or King James Version a beast: for all is vanity. Ail go unto one
you will notice that it reads: "Put not place; all are of the dust, and all turn to
your trust in princes, nor in 'the son of dust again."-AV.
man, in whom there is no help. His breath We see, therefore, that the "breath" or
goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in spirit that makes animals live is the san:e
that very day his thoughts perish."~ as that which makes mankind live. When
At death, man's "breath" or his life thiS "breath" or invisible, activating life
force goes forth and, in time, his body dis- force goes forth, both man and beast re-
integrates and returns to the ground from turn to the dust of which they are made.
which it was taken. (Gen. 3:19) But what Hence, the only thing that can give a dead
about man's thought processes, and his human preeminence above a dead beast is
senses of hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling God's provision for restoring believing
and tasting, which are dependent upon the mankind to life in a righteous, death-free
function of thought processes? Notice new system of things.-Isa. 25:8; 2 Pet.
again that the Bible says: "In that very 3:13.
Although some persons may claim that
• If yours Is the Catholic Douay Ver31on, this text Is men differ from animals because men have
;Psalm 145:2·4.
JANUARY 8, 1961 27
souls while animals do not, the Bible does of such scriptures that show the soul to
not show this. For instance, please turn to be mortal, but there is not one passage in
Numbers 31:28, and you will read: "Levy the Bible that says the soul survives the
a tribute unto the LoRD of the men of war death of a person.-Isa. 53:12; Acts 3:23.
which went out to battle: one soul of five It becomes clear, thllll, th~t at death
hundred, both of the persons, and of the a person ceases to exist. He becomes un-
beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep." conscious in death. As the Bible explains:
(AV) Notice that both persons and ani- "His thoughts do perish"; he is "conscious
mals are classed together as souls. If you of nothing at all." (Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 9:5)
have a Bible that shows marginal readings So he is not suffering anywhere, in a hell-
either alongside or below the coJumns of fire or in a purgatory. Rather, as with
Scripture verses, you can look at Genesis the man Lazarus whom Jesus Christ res-
1:20, 30 and note that fish, birds and ani- urrected, he is sleeping in death.-John
mals are in the "living soul" class-the 11:11-13, 39-44.
marginal readings showing "soul" for And just as Jesus had the power to
"life" in these verses. raise Lazarus from the dead, so there is
What, then, is the soul? That it is not Scriptural assurance that millions now
something invisible inside a creature is sleeping in death will be raised. Jesus him-
evident from the Bible description of the self promised: "MaL-vel not at this: foe
creation of the first man. Turn, please, to the hour: is coming, in the which all that
Genesis 2:7, and read: "The LoRD God are in the graves shall hear his voice, and
formed man of the dust of the ground, and shall come forth.'' (John 5:28, 29, AV)
breathed into his nostrils the breath of What a marvelous promise! The power of
liie; and man became a living soul." (AV) death will be broken! In God's new system
Is the "dust of the ground," from which of things the resurrected dead will never
the physical body is formed, the soul? The need to die again. Certainly this grand
Bible does not say so. Then, is the "breath provision for blessing mankind is reason
of life" the soul? The Bible does not say for us appreciatively to take in more
that either. Rather, the Bible shows that knowledge of God, and to seek to serve
the soul is the combination of these two Him. Doing so will lead to our eternal
~ings or factors, resulting in <man's ~ blessing.-John 17:3; Rev. 21:3, 4.
coming a living soul.' Thus '""the "living
·-~~-~ '/01.! ~)";.',"\'"- th~SO,' 'J\!f><,Fn,_., Foe "'"\W<:o«.
soul" is the person himself, or, in the case
r.·-:;d lh nrli~k <'11--.f>v"
of lower creations, the animal itself.
( 1) What questions arise in connection with the
Well, then, is the soul immortal, or condition of the dead? (2) What does the
deathless, as some religions claim? Turn Bible at Psalm 146:4 say happens to man when
to Revelation 16:3 and read: "Every liv- he dies? (3) What happens to the five senses
ing soul died in the sea." (AV) Clearly, when one dies, and why? {4) Is a person able
the souls of lower creations are not im- to engage in any work after he dies? (51 In
mortal. But what about human souls? The what way does man have "no preeminence
Bible reveals that they, too, are subject to above a beast"? (6) What is it that can give a
death. For i~tance, at Ezekiel 18:4 God dead human preeminence over a dead beast?
(7) .Are animals souls? (8) What is a soul?
explains: "Behold, all souls are mine; as
( 9) Is the soul immortal? What does the Bible
the soul of the father, so also the soul of teach on this? ( 101 Why, then, does a person
the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it not suffer somewhere after he dies? ( 11) What
shall die." (AV) There are literally scores grand hope is there for those in their graves?
28 AWAKE!
Middle East on the Brink
% The growing unrest in the
world, especially in the Middle
East during recent months,
underscores the truthfulness
of Bible prophecies concerning
the seriousness of our times.
There have been frequent and
increasingly serious incidents
between Israel and its Arab
neighbors. Raids on Samua
and two other Jordanian fron·
tier villages on November 13
set off violent demonstrations
in west Jordan demanding
retaliation against Israel. On
November 29 there was a mili-
tary clash in the air, two
Soviet-built Egyptian MIG-19
Rising Cost of Living Paul VI, on February 17, 1966, jet fighters being shot down.
<$> According to Life magazine authorized the National Con· On the same day King Hussein
for November 11, American ference of Catholic Bishops, of Jordan said that the Middle
housewives spend, on an aver· the new organization of the East is on the brink of an
age, 18.2 percent of their fam- c~urch's 250 bishops, arch- explosion more dangerous to
ilies' take-home pay to buy bJshops and cardinals in the world peace than the Suez
food. In France, the magazine United States, to modify the crisis of 1956.
stated, "housewives dedicate law of abstinence as they saw
30% of their family budget fit. In addition to the United "The Future Generation"
to food. In Japan the rate is States, the step has been taken <$> Trouble in Los Angeles,
43%, and in the Soviet Union in Italy, France, Canada and California, had been building
-something between 50% and Mexico. Up along the three-mile Sunset
60%," indicating that food Strip for months. Then on
prices the world over are Defects In Cars November 12 a riot broke
ridiculously high. On Novem- <$> As required by the new out. Hundreds of teen-agers
ber 23 the cost-of-living index, federal Trame Safety Law, ran in the streets, attacked
on the climb for nine straight automakers are contacting cars, broke store windows,
months, jumped 0.4 percent owners of cars and notifying threw rocks and bottles and
in October to another all-time them of possible defects. screamed charges of "police
high. The jump in living costs American and foreign auto. brutality" at police omcers try.
in the New York area reached makers have notified the U.S. ing to stop the violence. The
117.8 on the scale, 4.2 percent government of possible safety rioters were white teen-agers
higher than last October. This defects in more than 200,000 and young adults, many affect-
means that goods and services late-model cars and trucks it ing long hair or beards and
that cost $10 in 1957-59 jumped was made public on November wearing the latest "mod" fash·
to $11.36 a year ago and hit 23. More than 200 models were ions. They were protesting a
$11.78 in October 1966. specifically listed. It is very 10 p.m. curfew law, which
possible that as many as 400,· makes it a misdemeanor for
1\oleatless Fridays 000 cars could be involved. anyone under eighteen to "loi-
<$> The 1,100-year-old manda- Possible brake problems and ter" on the streets after 10
tory rule of meatless Fridays sticky throttles were the main p.m. Enforcement of the law
no longer is required of the defects listed. Dr. William sparked the riot. Youthful
46,000,000 Reman catlDlics In Haddon, Jr., admlnistraor of pickets who protested the
the United States except dur· police action carried signs
the new national tramc safety that said: "We are the future
ing Lent. The change was an-
nounced November 18 and agency of the Commerce De- generation." A sheriff's omcer
went into effect on December partment, said that "it's very had this view of the problem
2. However, the American important that Car owners peculiar to this generation:
Catholic bishops said they learn to respond Very prompt- "The real trouble here," he
were hopeful that Catholics ly to such notices since their said, "is that too many parPnts
would voluntarily forego meat Jives and those of others cin don't know-or don't care
or substitute another form well be at stake in some -where their children arc at
of self-denial on Fridays. Pope cases." n!ght."
,TANUARY 8, 1967
The Gray Death a sumptuous traditional tur· stantinople, predicted a re-
+ For the first time In the key dinner and the visiting of union of the Eastern Orthodox
and Roman Catholic· Churches
history of New York city, relatives. Dur:ing the long
Public officials asked New Thanksgiving Day weekend, in the foreseeable future. The
Yorkers, on November 25, to which began on November 24, pope of Rome, Patriarch Athe-
curtall driving and fuel con- the nation's highways were nagoras said, would hold the
sumption in order to reduce jammed with traffic, and the place of honor in a reunited
smog in the citY's air. A thick death toll for the holiday church as the Bishop of Rome,
layer of smog and haze hung weekend reached a new peak or as the Patriarch of the
over the city :for two days. when 747 persons were kllled West. On November 17 when
The smog extended up and in traffic accidents. The 1965 asked when he thought the
down the Eastern seaboard, Chrisbnas toll had broken all reunion would take place, he
bringing air pollution alerts in former holiday records, with said: "Perhaps not in my life-
Connecticut and New Jersey 720 traffic deaths in a 78-hour time, for I am a very old man.
also. A first-stage alert is called period. Over a 102-hour time But certainly in yours." The
when two of the three main span on a nonholiday week· patriarch is eighty-one years
ingredients of pollution-car- end, from November 9 thl'ough old. "I love Pope Paul," he
bon monoxide, sulphur dioxide November 13 this year, there added. "I do not call him Paul
and dust or smoke--remain at were 546 deaths, including 81 but Paul II, for he is a great
a high level for at least !our children. The record death toll apostle. He is also a prophet
hours. In 1963 a New York for the Thanksgiving Day and messenger of God." Athe-
smog was blamed for 170 weekend included 129 children. nagoras, who spent eighteen
deaths. In 1~, 340 persons Watch how you drive. years in the United States,
jn England were killed by said he would Jike to vjsjt
smog. Ten years previous to
that, in 1952, in London, where
many homes are heated by
*China'sresolution
Red China Rebuffed
A asking for Red
inclusion in the United
America again. "But first I
must go to Rome and see the
Pope," he said.
coal, 4,000 deaths above nor- Nations and Taiwan's ouster
mal were recorded during two was rejected on November 29. A Sky 'SpectaculP-r'
weeks in December. The General Assembly voted <$> A shower of meteors' rained
57-46, with seventeen absten- on the upper atmosphere over
Barbados Beeomes Independent tions, against the seating of the southwestern United
+ At one minute past mid- Red China. It was the 16th States on November 17, creat-
pjght on November 30 the time since 1950 that the ing one of the most spectacu-
Caribbean island of Barbados Chinese Communists have lar celestial fireworks of this
became the newest and small- been barred from the United century. Nathan A. Fain, night
est nation in the Western Nations. asl3istant at the McDonald
Hemisphere. At that moment Observatory of the University
ended 341 years of British
control. The forty-six-year-old
prime minister, Errol Walton
*Churches
Church Contributions Up
The National Council of
reported that forty-
of Texas, described the scene:
"They [the meteors] were
coming down from directly
Barrow, said that Barbados four major Protestant denom· overhead. Some were small;
would seek immediate mem- inatlons in the United States some were large; some were
bership in the United -Nations. drew contributions of more fireballs; some left trails like-
The fsland of 250,000 people tt~an $3,300,000,000 in 1965. skyrockets. It was spectacular,
has received provisional ap- This was a record, up from there is no other way to
proval as the 26th member of $3,170,000,000 in 1964. It was de!>cribe it." The meteors re-
the British Commonwealth. estimated that contributions to portedly fell at a rate of at
Barbados, the most easterly of smaller Protestant denomina· least 10,000, and perhaps 50,-
the Caribbean islands, has an tlons and to the Roman Catho- 000, an hour. The meteors of
area o~ 166 square miles, with lic and Eastern Orthodox this shower, which occurs
about 1,500 people to the Churches would swell the total every November on a small
square mile. Many tourists to mv~e than $5,500,000,000. scale, seem to come from the
come to see the nation's white Notwithstanding all the giv- direction of the constellation
sand beadles and verdant jng, crime and violence Jn Leo and hence are known as
conntryside. America are at an aU-time Leonids. They are believed to
peak. be icy fragments of a comet
Thanksgiving Day Tragedy
* In America the last Thurs-
day in November is a holiday,
Reunion with
*Athenagoras Rome
The Ecumenical Patriarch
that are in the same elon-
gated orbit around the snn.
Each November the earth
a national day of thanks. The I, head of the passes through this orbit and
day usually is celebrated with historic Patriarchate of Con- meteors plunge into the upper
30 AWA.KE!
air. In 1833, when there was a inals as punishment to the out discouraging foreign in-
heavy shower of Leonids; police; when the rights and vestment." American firms
many thought the world was liberties of the individual are control over 45 percent of all
coming to an end. These spec- proclaimed in every forum, Canadian manufacturing, over
tacular downpours have been while his obligations as a citi- half its mining and smelting
spaced roughly thirty-three zen go without' an advocate; and nearly two-thirds of all
years apart. when leaders travel thousands Canadian petroleum and nat-
of miles across our country to ural gas. American direct in-
"Time of Lawlessness organize activities which must vestment in United ~ingdom
and Irresponslbllity" result in bloodshed and vio- commerce and industry was
+ Superintendent of Chicago lence. . . . We have become a estimated at $502,000,000,000
police, Orlando W, Wilson, nation of irresponsible citi- in 1965, up $600,000,000 from
on November 14, blamed zens. . , . And, what's more, 1964; and it will increase by
the United States Supreme the events whkb have become another $1B0,000,00tl in the
Court and civil-rights disorders the hallmark of the times we present calendar year.
for helping to create a "time live in-for example, civil dis-
of lawlessness and irrespon- turbances-tend to reinforce Coffee Drfnkel'5
sibility" in America. Speaking and encourage a continuing
attitude of irresponsibility."
+ About 96 percent of the
in Washington, D.C., Wilson families In the United States
said: "We are living in an drink coffee every day. Eight
age which defies comparison. Foreign Investment in ten adults drink it dally;
... Some characterize it as a <t In October the Liberal par- so do one in four children.
time of social revolution and ty policy conference in Ottawa, Americans are consuming, on
individualism. But, In all Canada, was asked "to do an average, 50 percent more
honesty, I think we must also something to halt the spread coffee today than they did ten
characterize it as {l time of of United States control of years ago. Someone figured
lawlessness and Irresponsibil- Canadian Industry." After con- out that Americans drink year-
ity. It is a time when the Su- siderable discussion it settled ly about a thousand million
preme Court of the United for a compromise, encourag- more gallons of coffee than
States releases confessed crim- ing "Canadian ownership with- milk.
32 AWAKE!
Rehgirul and the Bible in Communist Russia
PAGES
""
'f~
?Oo
CHANGES OF ADDRESS ohoold , .. lh 11 t•lrty doyo
bdoro YH• mnln1 dolo. Glvo 11 )'Uur old aod now
addron (ll JID!Slblo, ,.,, old addr .. o loboD. Wtlto
<Mon"Jy odlt!ono , .., hall tho abovo Wotoh Towor, Wat1h Towor Mooso, Tbo Ridgeway,
Romlttanoos lor ouboor\ptlon• 'hould lie ""t to the olllce In Londot~ M.W. 1, England.
your country. (H;herwlse '"'"'I your remltt•noc to Brooklyn.
Notloo of ox~lrltiOn iB ""' at l.oot tw~ !Bam• bofore J.;ntered o. second·Clo" matter at llrooklyn, N Y.
>11bfl0r1ptlon «~Ires. rrlntod In England
Tho Blblo '"'"'la!lon r~1lar!y ""~ In ''Awato~" Is tho Now World Tronslallon of t~o Holy Sorlptor.,, 1961 odltlon.
Whon othor trar,.latlons """ o10d, thlo 11 oloarly narlcod.
CONTENTS
Friendliness Is Contagious 3 Friday No Longer ,"Fish Day"
Religion and the Bible for Many Catholics 21
in Communist Russia 5 Wheat-That Versatile Cereal 23
What Makes a Good Secretary? 9
Why So Precious? 11 Life Everlaating Book Appreciated 26
ManDa and Its Quest for Peace 12 "Your Word Is Truth"
The Syrian Bathhouse 15 What Happened at Jesus' Trial? 21
The Chiropractor------Cultist or Curer? 16 Watching the World
..It Is already the hour for you to awake."
-Ro111a"o 13tll
W HEN someone
leaving or en-
tering a room holds
contagious was noted
in the relatively un-
friendly large~city
the door open for atmosphere of New
you, how do you
feel? When a person
smiles and extends
is contagious York. By being
friendly, a token-
booth employee of
his hand to shake yours, what the subway system was able to
is your response? What is your draw smiles and kind words
reaction when somebody says out of even the usually sullen
a nice thing about you? subway riders. A report in the
Would any of the above ges- New York Times .of July 29
tures by another person make stated: "He says customers
you angry? On the contrary, have always responded favor-
they are far more likely to ably to his courtesy and cheer.
make you glad. The usual re- 'Some are taken aback at first,'
action to friendly acts or words he said, 'but after their initial
is a smile, a thank you, a kind- surprise they take it for grant-
ly feeling toward the friendly one. ed and are friendly back.' " The report
Such positive reactions are nonnal. concluded that friendliness, as practiced
They are the way most people respond to by this employee, ''does seem to be con-
the quality of friendliness. By far the ma- tagious."
jority of humans appreciate a friendly So much does such friendliness stand
person, like being arowld him and are out in today's cold world that even the
made happier by his association, Truly, it mayor of New York city was impressed
is difficult to dislike a sincerely friendly when, by chance, he bought a subway to-
person, unless it is out of jealousy. On the ken from the friendly employee. In fact,
other hand, most people avoid an unfriend- the mayor returned to thank him and later
ly person if they have a choice. wrote a letter of ·commendation to the
Friendliness brings out the better na- head of the Transit Authority!
ture of other people. It tends to make Yes, even a normally gloomy attitude
them more friendly. Yes, friendliness is can often be improved when a friendly ap-
contagious! proach is used. It is just as the Bible said
An example showing that friendliness is long ago: "Pleasant sayings are a honey-
JANUARY BB, 1967 3
comb, sweet to the soul and a healing to almost always occur. The dog will place
the bones."-Prov. 16:24. its tail between .its legiS and edge away,
Where the situation is downr:ight hos- perhaps growlina' and baring its teeth, on
tue, often the friendly attitude calms an- guard against the display of hostility. But
ger and soothes ruffled feelings. Notice, let the master speak in a friendly voice,
too, how the Bible comments on this fact: and it matters little what he says. The dog
"An answer, when mild, turns away rage, wm respond with wagging tall and come
but a word causing pain makes anger to running expectantly to its master. The
come up." (Prov. 15:1} The friendly per- gentle, friendly voice and manner, com-
son does not add fuel to the fire, so it goes bined with a few friendly pats, provoke
out. "Where there is no wood the fire goes unbounded joy in the animal.
out, and where there is no slanderer con- Yes, everyone can have friendliness
tention grows still."-Prov. 26:20. work for him if he works at it, if he cul-
No, it is not easy to be friendly in a tivates it. But we want to make certain
generally unfriendly world. The truth of we cultivate it with the proper motive in
the matter is that the unfriendliness of mind, and that is out of a love for our fel-
mankind is becoming more pronounced. lowman, not hypocritically, to work out
As time passes, violence, hatred, strife and some selfish scl.leme. Also, one should ex-
prejudice increase. But this does not mean ercise care not to go to the other extreme
that individually we must imitate the and become ov~ly friendly with mem-
worst in mankind. We can still be friendly bers of the opposite sex who are not one's
and enjoy the many benefits it bdngs marriage mate or close relatives. This
within the family circle, among our close might be misunderstood, particularly by
friends and among those with whom we the wife or husband of the other person.
work. It makes. sense not to return in kind Not only can it cause jealousy to spring
the coldness and nastiness of others, be- up, but it can lead, and has led, to an im-
cause, if we do, then we will surely reap proper relationship that results in the
more of the same and increase the aggra- committing of. irrunorality.
vation we bring upon ourselves. The right kind of friendliness, the kind
There are those who think friendliness that is genuine, from the heart, is a thing
works for others, but not for them. Gen- of beauty. It considers others, takes into
erally, these persons have not really tried acCoWlt their moods and imperfections,
it. To get a friendly reaction from others and is willing to extend mercy. As Jt is
one must be friendly. If you sow friendli- written: "The insight of a· man certainly
ness, you will usually reap it. But if you slows down his anger, and it is beauty on
do not, you will generally not receive it his part to pass over transgression."
back from others. (Prov. 19:11) The truly friendly person
Friendliness is so universal in its ef- has an inward beauty. That is why those
fects that it works on all sense-possessing who practice friendliness are the most de-
creatures, even brute beasts. Yes, even ani- sirable assodat$. They are easy to get
mals respond much better to friendly per- along with, do not promote strife, but con-
sons than to those who are unfriendly. For tribute to the happiness of those with
instance, if a dog is spoken to harshly, will whom they come in contact. In addition,
it wag its taU and come running happily they encourage others to be friendly too,
toward its master? No, the opposite will because friendliness is contagious.
4 AWAKE/
'jThere must be c:omplete
freedom not only to ad·
here to any faith but also
to preach any faith or to
change any faith. No official
should have the right even to
ask anyone about his reli·
gious belief; that is a matter
of conscience, which no one
has the right to inquire into.
There must be no 'ruling'
.. lith or church. All faiths and
II churches must be equal be·
_Jre the law."
Soviet Life comments
thereon: "Relations between
the Soviet government and
religious groups are based on
"[;'OR almost five decades now the Rus· this rrinciP,e of comPete separation of
1' sian Communists have carried on a church and state."
campaign against all religion. The last
great push in their war against religion Why the Apparent Change of Policy?
was inaugurated some three years ago. At What accounts for this apparent change
that time a special dispatch to the New in the position of the governing pow·
York Times (March 3, 1964) told that ers of Communist Russia in regard to
'jthe Communist party had announced a religion? It could well be that, in spite
renewed campaign designed to eradicate of all the opposition by political factors,
religion from Soviet life ... Soviet publi· in spite of all the irreligious teachings of
cations have conceded that despite years Marx, Darwin and Freud, and in spite of
of active antireligious propaganda reli- all the idolizing of science, the common
gious convictions remain widespread in people of Russia still find a basic need of
all sections of the population, including religion, and that, if need be, even apart
those people who are supposed to be in the from their churches. If man were but a
forefront of the drive against religion." few steps removed from the apes, the Rus-
And an Associated Press dispatch was sian atheists would have been successful;
headlined, "Soviets Anxious for Religion but because, as the Bible shows, man was
to Die-Open New Drive."-Tulsa Daily created in the image of God as regards his
World~ February 2, 1964. intellectual and moral qualities, men find
But more recently it appears that the it impossible to stamp out religion entire·
policy of the Russian government in re· Iy.-Gen. 1:26·28.
gard to religion has undergone a change. In fact, Soviet authorities have become
Or perhaps it might be better stated that
frustrated because their opposition to re·
her tactics have changed. Thus the July
1966 issue of Soviet Life~ an official So· Iigion simply caused it to go underground,
viet English·language monthly, quotes Le· making it still more difficult to cope with.
nin, the "father" of the Russian revolu· As one Soviet spokesman admitted: "It is
tion, as saying: true that there are no church~ and no
JANUARY 22, 1961 5
ministers in a large part of the Soviet It is not surprising, then, that for long
Union. Bot there are believers. If they are the Soviet government refused to take any
not Orthodox, they are members of one census as to the state of religion in her
or another of the multitude of finely dif~ land. However, it seems that now she has
ferentiated sects. . . . Closing a parish done this and the situation is no cause
does not make atheists of believers.· On for rejoicing on her part. Thus we read
the contrary, it strengthens the attraction that, of Russia's 230 million inhabitants,
of religion for people and it embitters 93 million are 'believers.' Of these, 50
their hearts besides."-New York Time&~ million are Russian Orthodox, 24 million
March 7, 1966. Moslems, 10 million Roman Catholics, 5
That is why Soviet propagandists now million Protestants, 3.5 million Jews and
advocate a more refined approach: "Long .5 million Buddhists. To which figures
years of experience and practice in anti~ must be added, also some of Jehovah's
religious work shows convincingly that witnesses.
naked, purely defamatory stereotyped lee~
tures cannot overcome religion." In fact, More than On~ lnconsi6tencg
Russian journalists were told: "We must In all of this, however, there appears to
all learn this truth well: the great rna~ be more than one flaw, rnore than one in~
jority of believers in our coWltry are bon~ consistency. Why quote the words of Le-
est ~oviet citizens, the same kind of toilers nin with approval and yet act so differ~
as we atheists are, and we should there~ ently from the principles they enunciate?
fore treat them with respect."* However, Lenin says that no one religion is to be
it might well be asked, To what extent supported by the State, but does not the
will this approach be adopted? Soviet government support a substitute
That previous methods of attacking re- for religion, namely, atheism, making it,
ligion have failed is apparent from the In fact, a religion? It does serve in the
statistics coming out of Russia. In a poll place of a religion for many.
taken in the model modern city of Shuya Proof of this can be seen in the efforts
of some 40,000, not far from Moscow, 10 of atheistic propagandists to fit out athe-
percent~openly declared themselves to be ism with the trappings of religion so as
believers. This has the authorities con~ to make it Serve as a substitute for re~
cerned. Why? Because of its implications ligion. Thus we are told that 'an impor-
after almost :fifty years of antireligious tant part of the campaign against religion
propaganda. What are those implications? was to be a gradual introduction of non-
If that many openly declare themselves as religious ceremonies for birth, coming of
believers when the government is so op~ age, marriage '·and death.' But does a the~
posed to religion, how many more must ism of itself need or require these cere-
there be who are believers at heart but monies? Is not this an admission that
who lack the courage to identify them- atheism must be made a religion if it is
selves? And if that is the situation in a to supplant other religions? And does this,
model modern city that is exposed to then, not contradict Lenin's principle that
atheistic propaganda all the time, what the state is not to show any preference
must it be in the rural areas, which are for one religion above another? Why es-
not so exposed and which have ever been
tablish an Institute for Scientific Atheism,
more religious?
as was done in recent years, if all religions
• Quoted In In8titut6 tor tiW Study of U.S.S.R., are to be treated equally?
No. 13, 1963/1966.
6 AWAKE/
More than that, It appears tho( oftlelal In a few hours. BUt this edition of Bible
sanction has been given only to certain stories was not without an epilogue in
leading religious organizations, suoh as the which the reader was warned against tak-
Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic and ing the Bible seriously as a historical docu-
Baptist. Why? According to all the evi- ment, although admitting that some of the
dence at hand, it is because these are will- account may well have been historical.
ing to compromise, Brre willing to inter-. -Time, September 9, 1966.
sperse Communist pi-opaganda in their Russia's real attitude toward the Bible
religious services and publications. Does can be gathered from the two incidents
not having religious organizations serve reported in Der Spiegel (The Mirror),
as mouthpieces for Communistic ideology German weekly news magazine, of August
violate either the principle of separation 8, 1966. One of these took place at the
of church and state or that of freedom of border town of Ljancheny, in the SQUth·
religion? western Russian province of Moldavia
Certain smaller groups, such as J eho- (Moldau). There two Bible lovers were de-
vah's witnesses, have been refUsed official tained forty-eight hours by the border of.
sanction because of steadfastly refusing to ftcials. Why? Because the two had in their
compromise. They readily obey the SCrip- German automobile 215 Bibles in the Rus-
tural injunction, ''Let every soul be in sub- sian language. The Soviet border guards
jection to the superior authorities, for not only confiscated the Bibles but sent
there is no authority except by God" But the two men back after releasing them.
they realize that this subjciction to the They were not welcome in Russia. Why
worldly "superior authorities" is relative, did the border officials seize the Bibles?
so when the "authorities" command some- The report did not give their reasons.
thing that is in violation of God's laws, But this report did give the reason why
Jehovah's witnesses invoke the Scriptural Soviet border guards refused to let Bibles
dictum: "We must obey God as ruler in the Russian language enter in another
rather than men."-Rom. 13:1; Acts 5:29. instance, A married couple that wanted
to bring Bibles into Russia at the border
Fearful of the Bible and town of Brest, adjoining Poland, were
Bible-bmed Literature? stopped, the Bibles were seized and the
Another inconsistency is seen in the at- couple were turned back. And what was
titude of Soviet authorities toward the the reason the border guards gave for this
Bible and Bible-based literature. Accord- action? That Bibles are "literature dan-
ing to Soviet Life, "We cannot ban the gerous to the security of the state." The
conflict of ideologies.... ·We respect peo- Bible-based literature of the witnesses of
ple's rights to their religious beliefs, but _Jehovah is also denied entry into Russia.
we have even more respect for the power True, the Soviet government has gone
of scientific thought." But how powerful far in liberalizing her opposition to reli-
is this ·"scientific thought" 1 Is it powerful gion, even as noted in the report on Rus-
enough to defend itself against that power- sia appearing in the 196'7 Year book of Je-
ful book, the Bible, the Word of Jehovah hovah's Witnessea: "The past service year
God? Apparently not! has been one of great joy to the brothers.
True, Russia recently allowed to be All those who years ago had been deported
published an edition of 100,000 of BiblicaJ to Siberia on account of the truth and who
Stories, which, we are told, was sold out were restricted from moving to some oth~
JANUARY 22, 1961 7
er region have been freed and were per~ world can offer, namely, the kingdom of
mitted to go to any place they liked within God. The Bible inspires men to give ex-
the country. . . . The trend to a more clusive devotion to a personal God whose
tolerant attitude on the part of the au- name is Jehovah, rather than to any man-
thorities, which has been noticeable for made organization. Proof of this the wit-
the past few years, bas continued to be- nesses of Jehovah provided in Russia dur-
come more manifest. There have again ing the great persecution under Stalin.
been no new arrests or searchings of Thus Walter Kolarz, an authority on mod-
homes during the past year." Yet oppm;i- ern Russia, in his book Religion in the So-
tion to the Bible and Bible-based litera- 'U'iet Union had, among other things, the
ture continues. following to say about the Witnesses in
Russia:
The Bible-Book of Truth and Power "No other group in Soviet Russia,
In this matter it might be said that So- whether of religious or political inspira-
viet opposition to the Bible furnishes an tion, has ever thought of embarkjng on
answer to the professedly Christian theo- such an extensive and illegal propaganda
logians who speak of the "myths" of the and publishing work. , . . [They] take ad-
Bible. What accounts for the strange pow- vantage . . . of every opportunity to ad-
er that the!>e "myths" have so that one of vertise the kingdom of Jehovah .... It is
the world's most powerful nations feels these beliefs which give the 'Witnesses'
that it must protect itself against them? their moral and ideological strength."
The only explanation is that the Bible Further testifying to the fact that the
has power because it is the truth, even as power of the Bible is greater than the
Jesus Christ, the greatest Teacher of all vaunted "power of scientific thought" are
time, testified when on earth: "Your word two experiences reported on in the above-
is truth!' (John 17:17) It supplies Chris- named Yearbook. One concerns a professor
tians with weapons that "are not fleshly, who, when lecturing to technical students,
but powerful by God for overturning referred to Jehovah's witnesses and,
strongly entrenched things ... reasonings among other things, stated that it was use-
and every lofty thing raised up against less to try to convert them. Yes, atheistic
the knowledge of God." (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) ideology is powerless against a faith based
As Jehovah God's prophet long ago stated on accurate knowledge of the Bible. (Eph.
regarding the execution of God's Word: 6:16) But the truth of the Bible is not
"Is not my word correspondingly like a powerless against atheism, as can be seen
fire, . . . and like a forge hammer that. from the other Year book report telling of
smashes the crag?"-Jer. 23:29. an instance in which a Communist not
Yes, it may seem strange that the So- only failed in his effort.s to convert a cer-
viet government would ban the Bible's en- tain Witness but in the end became a wit-
try, but, then, perhaps it is not so strange. ness of Jehovah himself.
The Bible is truly a book that imparts It will indeed be _of interest to watch
power into people. It has a way of instill- whether Communist Russia will continue
ing into people strong convictions, a love to give ever more freedom to religion and
for freedom to serve God, and it imbues so act fully and consistentlY in line with
people with a missionary zeal for a gov- the principles enunciated by Lenin by also
ernment that is far superior to any- letting Bibles and Bible-based literature
thing that any of the ideologies of this freely enter her territory.
8 AWAKE!
AVE you met, my secre-
tary?" "Why,· she's like U/HIIT mRKES
my right arm." "I don't
know what I'd do without her."
Is that how your emf>ioyer de~
A
scribes you to others? If not,
think back. When last did you re-
view your duties, question your at-
titude and look over your shoulder
at some of your work habits? If
not recently, why not take a look
now in a figurative mirror to see
how you compare with those
skilled in the field and where there
might be room for improvement.
MANIL~
fall back before the overwhelming fact of the
US participation whose views were reflected in
the stand of most of the delegates."
That, same newspaper, on another day, pub-
lished an editorial under the heading "Marcos'
Hard Fight at the Manila Summit," and said
concerning Philippine President Ferdinand
AND ITS Marcos: "Mr. Marcos did his level best to keep
the Summit from turning into a war council.
If he was unable to do more he at least kept it
QUEST FOR from looking like one in the communique ....
In the face of overwhelming odds, Mr. Marcos'
meager success in imposing his own conception
PEACE of the conference is a considerable aChieve-
ment indeed. He was Virtually alone, with the
other Asian participants taking the hard line,
Australia and New Zealand taking a harder
line than before after Mr. Johnson visited them
on his way to the Summit, and the US pound-
ing the table for more and more troops."
Also in itS column entitled "In the News,"
under the heading "Summit Net Gains," The
Daily Min·or said: "Results of the summit hew
close to stated expectations of rmbiased ob-
servers-more of a show of solidarity on the
part of one side in the Vietnam war rather
than a gesture that would make Hanoi seri-
By "Awe~ke!" correspondent in the PhiliPJ)ines ously consider giving a response to invitations
to come to the conference table. This conclu-
HE eyes of the world were recent-
T ly focused on Manila as the .site
of a seven-nation summit conference
sion is inescapable in the reading of the joint
commWiique issued by the seven nations which
participated in the Manila Conference, a meet-
to discuss the problems of finding ing that was dominated through and through
peace in Vietnam. It is interesting to by US influence."
note what the reaction is here after
the Manila Summit conference. What There is strong feeling here in Manila that
the war in Vietnam should not be enlarged, an
is said here about the conference and
~ditorial in the Manila Times saying: "Our peo-
its official communique m~y well be ple have always been With their president from
quite different from the way it is the start of the holding of the Manila Confer-
presented in other lands. ence. But only because of fail:h in his assurance
For instance, an editorial in The that he would ,dissociate us from any proposal
Daily Mirror of Manna said right af- to enlarge the war."
ter the conference: ''The concept of Why are the people of Manila and the Philip-
'Asians solving Asian problems' has pines so keenly desirous of being dissociated
yet to be implemented. The Manila from "any proposal to enlarge the war"? A
12 AWAKE!
220167
look at Manila's history and its quest for tel)s how the Spaniards de•troyed every
peace helps us to understand. trace of Tagalog literature, art and crarts-
Some 400 years ago the site recently manship; how infants were baptized at
used for the' Summit conference was only swords' points, with the blessing of the
a native village. Rajah Suliman was the Spanish clergy. 'There was freedom of re-
chieftain over a large village of nipa huts ligion, but only for Catholics. llliteracy
sprawled at the mouth of the lazy Pasig was encouraged, much learning discour-
River. A bamboo palisade faced the thick aged. Forced labor was the rule. Stifling
mangroves and the sea as protection from of freedom came to a head in the late
pirate raids and, while torches flared in nineteenth century in a rebellion that al-
the night, the mournful tu-ko! of the big most toppled Spanish power in the Philip-
lizards kept his sentries company. The pines.
raids were sporadic. There was much time Manila came under British rule for
to trade with the Chinese for their silks, about six months, from October 1762 to
with the East Indians for their cargoes of February 1763. Perhaps had they known
spice, with Malays and Indonesians for how valuable Manila would come to be
their pottery and metalware. much later on, they would not have given
Foreign aggression? Not much. Pirates . up the site to Spain so easily at the Treaty
from Mindanao did not stay long. The Ra- of Paris in 1763. From this date to 1898,
jah's little army, armed with bows and Manila and, of course, the Philippines were
arrows, bamboo spears and U::mtakas or completely under Spanish rule. For some
small cannon, was equal to the task of de- 330 years the people had little time to en-
fense. But it was a totally different raider joy the sunsets at Manila Bay.
that struck at his people in 1571. In 1898 the Americans came, under
Commodore George Dewey, crushing Ad-
Spanish and American Rule miral Montojo and his Spanish fleet at
They came in large woOOen ships-men Manila Bay, though not one American
armed with muskets and large cannon sailor was killed in action. Aided by 20,-
from halfway across the globe under the 000 troops under General Westley Merrit,
leadership of Miguel L6pez de Legaspi Dewey took Manila easily. The Filipinos
(Legazpe), Spain's commander on this expected that the Americans would go
Asian expedition. Five years before, he home after the brief war with Spain, but
had set up his headquarters in Cebu to the they were disappointed. Afraid that th~
south, but he was dissatisfied with the site. islands would fall to either Japan or Ger-
He struck Maynilad, effectively crushed all many if they left, the Americans decided
resistance and moved on to expand the to stay.
conquest to the entire islB.nd of Luzon.
Legaspi decreed that Manila would The Japanese Occupation
henceforth be the capital of the territories. The sun nearly set for good on Manila
Thus Manila was born as a city and for during the second world war. On Decem-
four centuries was the official capital of ber 8, 1941 (Manila Time), simultaneous
the country now known as the Republic of with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the
the Philippines. Japanese bombed Clark Field, Cavite City
Rajah Suliman, had he lived to this day, and other military establishments, and the
would have quite a story to tell his great- war over southeast Asia was on. Manila
great-grandchildren in 1967. His seamed, was declared an open city and the fighting
coffee-brown face would grow sad as he raged elsewhere on Corregidor Island at
JANUARY 22, 1961 13
the entrance to Manlla Bay and on the retaken, there was the smell of death in
Bataan peninsula. For four years the city every street. It was not unusual to stumble
lived in fear. When the war ended, about upon a severed .foot, arm or head as one
a mUlion men and women had perished walked through the ruins. Manila was bat-
throughout the country, in Japanese gar- tered, bruised and bleeding, only one-fifth
risons and in guerrilla fighting. Towns alive. It received one of the worst pound-
were razed, people were massacred as ings of any city during the second world
General Yamashita's troops retreated. war. Independence finally came in 1946.
But it was Manila that bore the brunt of Since Manila knew the scourge of war
the bloodiest fighting as few other cities,
of the war as the perhaps one can bet-
COMING IN TilE NEXT ISSUE
American troops, ter understand the
with the help of the • For Wl\om Do You Pray?
Philippine attitude
• Tl\e Cl\urch in Commercial Buslnn•·
guerrillas, took the toward the Manila
• Ten Thousand Miles on a Raft.
houses one by one, • How D;ongerous Are Tumors?
Conference and the
street by !:.'treet, with way many in Manila
rifle, bayonet and interpret the com-
grenade, from the outnumbered but tena- munique. For instance, an item in The
cious enemy. Daily Mirror of Manila said:
Today there are still reminders of the "The communique also shows that ef-
war. In a hydrofoil boat we speed across forts of President Marcos to infuse a
the bay to Corregidor Island. We climb its somewhat soft tone in the conference got
rocky sides and walk through its tunnels. steamrollered to nowhere by the hawks
The long guns are silent now, but, at the who prevailed throughout. In plain lan-
start of hostilities, they prev.ented the guage, the communique could read this
Japanese fleet for four and a half months way: 'Now hear this, you g1,1ys in Hanoi,
from entering the bay. Military men claim we folks are still in the mood to talk peace
that the action here upset the Japanese but if it's still fight you want, that's what
timetable for the conquest of southeast you'll get and plenty more!' Whatever
Asia by half a year. It gave MacArthur 'peace' atmosphere there was at the start
and his forces time to regroup and fight of the conference immediately vanished
back. when General Westmoreland, commander-
Over there is Fort Santiago, where Jose in-chief of the almost half a million Amer-
Rizal, the national hero and author of a ican troops in Vietnam, briefed the
novel exposing the Spanish priests in his conferees on military gains, with the rec-
native islands, spent his last few hours. He ommendation that more troops are needed
was executed by a firing squad on Decem- to preserve these gains and achieve some
ber 30, 1896, at Bagumbayan, now the more."
magnificent Luneta Park. During the Jap- Does this sound like the way the rna tter ·
anese occupation hundreds died in Fort was reported in the land where you live?
Santiago. One almost hears the screams of If not, then perhaps it helps you to realize
dying men echoing through the dark cor- that the news does not read the same
ridors while tortured by the secret police everywhere. It is frequently slanted quite
called Kempei-tai. strongly toward the viewpoint of the ones
In the early months after Manila was in power.
14 AWAKE/
in the center that has taps po'll'ing hot and
cold water into it. Talldng by the many people
in the room makes it a rather noisy place.
Around the basin, bathers sit on the floor and
dip water out of the basin with their $liver
bowls and poUr it over themselves, A fire in
the cellar ot the building heats the water as
well as the building.
In one of the somewhat private rooms o1f
this main one, there may be only seven or
eight women sitting around two basins of
water. Here a person can take the clay she
By "Awahl" catreapandent in Syria brought along and rub it on her hair. Before
leaving home she dampened it, and now she
OR persons who a.re accustomed to private works it a little with her fingers so as to get
F bathrooms in their homes a visit to a
Syrian bathhouse. is an unforgettable ex·
rid of the lumps. Taking "a few handfuls, she
rubs it Into her hair -S.nd then combs the
perience. When people in Aleppo, Syria, go. to clay through it. This cleans the hair, leaving
one of the nine or ten bathhouses in their Clty it soft and manageable. She then dips water
for a weekly bath, they go -with the intention out of the basin and pours it repeatedly over
of staying for several hours or perhaps an her hair,
entire day. So they pack a lunch. Along with If she finds that the room is becoming too
the lunch they take soap, towels, a, sliver bowl, warm for her, she can go out to the waiting
slippers, a sleeveless smock, a piece of rough room to cool oft' and to get some fresh alr.
wool shaped into what looks like a pocket and Then she can return for the next bathing pro-
a bucket of soft brown clay, Ten or twelve cedure.
kilos of clay can be bought :(or twenty-five
plasters, or seven cetits in American money. Taking the: piece of rough wool, she rubs it
A bathhouse is open twenty-four hours a over her entire body, washing each sectlon
day, with separate days for men and women. after rubbing it so that the loosened, dead
As you pass through the entrance of one, you skin does not cling to her. This makes her
wJll note that It Is an old one-story building feel as if she has had a massage, Her skin
with a dome top. In the entrance room you glows. Now she uses the soap she brought
see a woman collecting the fee from those along and then rinses herself oft'.
who are coming out. On both sides of the big, If she wants to treat her hair with henna,
stone hall-like room are wooden benches,
. wrapped
where' women and children are sitting
a woman in the outer room of the bathhouse
will accommodate her tor a smaU fee of fifty
in towels, eating their lunches. In the center piasters, or twelve American cents. Henna
of the room Is a tap with fresh drinking water
running from it continuously. Troughlike comes from an oriental shrub and is used to
grooves in the floor carry the waste water Into dye hair a reddish color. The powder is made
the main drains of the bathhouse. into a paste and the woman rubs it into her
A woman entering this batAhouse will pick cUstomer's hair, where it is left for one. ttl
a spot in this' room to change into her smock three hours.
and put on her slippers. Leaving everything By the time a woman finishes with her bath·
else there but her money, bucket of clay, silver ing procedure and socializing, several hours
bowl, soap, wool and comb, she goes into an have passed. She feels tired but relaxed. Before
inside waiting room. It, is semihot, and its going home she eats her lunch, which is likely
domed ceiling has air holes that allow fresh to consist of a piece of round, fiat bread and
air to enter the room, Here she can sit on a melted cheese. The price of the bath 1s only
warm stone before entering and after leaving forty piasters, or about ten ~erican cents.
the room where the bath is. Unusual as a community bathhouse may be
From this w'altlng room she goes through a to persoils from other countries, it holds an
narrow door into the hot bathroom. It is a important place in the community life o!
large, salonlike room with a round stone basin Aleppo.
JANUARY !!, 1967 15
AVE you ever called at the office of cause.... All tne pnysician can do for the
H a chiropractor because of some bodily
ill? If so, then you know that, after hav.
patient is t.o give' Nature a chance, to re-
move by prc.pe~('regirnen all that may hin-
ing diagnosed your case, he will neither der Nature in her beneficent work."
write out a prescription to be filled at the
corner drugstore nor will he recommend Opposition to Chiropractors
that he perform some major or minor sur- Chiropractors have met up with much
gery to bring you relief. Rather, he will, opposition on the part of the medical pro-
if he feels your case comes within his do- fession. After many years of opposition
main, recommend giving you a chiroprac- in the United S~tes, where they had their
tic adjustment, that is, a manipulation of beginning and where the vast majority of
your spine by means of his hands. them practice, they are being legally rec-
The very name "chiropractic" means ognized in all but the two states of Louisi-
"effected by hand,'~ and tills name goes ana and Mississippi. Chiropractors are
back some seventy years to its founder recognized in many other countries, such
D. D. Palmer. However, there is reason to as Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, Australia,
be.Ueve that manipuJation of the spine in New Zealand and Switzerland; and in
the interest of health goes back thousands many other lands, such as Great Britain,
of years. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, :Hin- France and Germany, they are not inter-
dus and Greeks appear to have been fa- fered with so long as they practice solely
miliar with it, even as K. Ligeros, Ph.D., chjropractic, even though not offlciaJJy
M.D., shows in his interesting book How licensed. In fact, chiropractic has become
Ancient Therap~utics Governs Modern the largest drugless healing specia~ty. In
HB(iling. According to him, "Hippocrates 'the United States chiropractOrs are being
was the natW'al scientific founder of ra· given ever more recognition by insurance
chiotherapy [spinal therapy] and spinal and other business corporations and by
mechanics even as he is universally ac- governmental agencies.
knowledged to be the father of general Generally, it is the leaders in organized
medicine and the healing arts." He quotes medicine rather than the rank and file of
Hippocrates as saying, among other medical practitioners that oppose chiro-
things: "Nature tries to bring these irreg- practic. Representative is the attitude tak-
ularities to a normal state, and the physi- en by Dr. Marc. Trudel, president of Que·
cian must know thoroughly their primary bee College of Physicians and Surgeons.
220167
16 AWAKE!
According to him, 'No scientific basis has with sectarian intolerance and with be-
ever been found for chiropractic,' and it liefs more than with factual truth." This,
is "impossible to compromise with error." he tells, was caused by "mJsunderstand~
In the same vein a vice-president of the ings that had their origin in earlier ex-
American Medical Association once stat- changes between medicine and chiroprac.
ed: ''Chiropractic is not based on sound tic, but also sometimeS by the very
scientific principles. The medical profes-o aggressive language of the chiropractors. " 2
sion regards chiroprCJ,Ctic as a cult." Oversimplified, the issue might be put
What is a cult? "A system for the cure this way: The chiropractors said: "Look
of djsease based on the dogma, tenets or what we've found! We can cure every·
principles set forth by its prolnulgator to thing!" And the medical profession re~
the exclusion of scientific experience or plied: "What do' you know about medi•
demonstration."-Webster. cine? How can you cure anything?"
18 AWAKE!
Dmatlom or 'Sublwc•#•ml' rnd the according to one SWiss surgeon, 'the num-
Ruptrwed Dfse ber of one's candidates. for operations de--
Basic also to the position of the chlro· creases in proPortion to the inclusion of
praetor is that the joints of the spine are manipulation among other conservative
liable to slight subluxatlons or deviations. measures.' 9
These may result for any number of rea~
sons, such as when the body receives a Cause of Many Ills Removed by
jolt in an accident or when a woman twists Manipulation
her back when taking off a dress over That spinal manipulation can bring re-
her head. As orthopedist J. A. Pinegree lief from backaches is readily seen from
noted in arguing for correcting certain the foregoing, but that is by no means all
curvatures of the spine by manipulation: the good they can do, even as testified to
"In a normal spine it is possible even by by Neville T. Ussher, M.D. He reports cur-
a very slight pressure to push one or sev- ing ever so many cases involving a great
eral vertebrae out of nonnal relation with variety of internal ills by means of ma-
an0ther." 8 nipulation, most of which failed to respond
Thm. Dr. James .P. warbasse, in his to regular medical treatment. Writing in
great work Surgical Treatment, Vol. 1, p. Annals of Internal Medicine, May 1940 (p.
577 (1937), says: "Subluxations of ver- 208'71, he says, among other things: "The
tebrae occur in all parts of the spine and typical reaction is expressed by the com-
in all degrees. When the dislocation is so mon question: 'Doctor, why do you pay
slight as not to affect the spinal cord, it so much attention to my back when it is
will still produce disturbances in the spinal my stomach that is hurting me?' "
nerves, passing off throUgh the spinal In a similar vein orthopedists Kerr and
foramina" or channels. "The value of ma- Lagen report: "About one-third of all. the
nipulative procedures has not been fully patients referred to us for supposed
appreciated." [heart] pain have their symptoms on the
Such subluxations at times result in the basis of a spinal condition in the [chest]
'ruptured disc' because of a shearing stress region. Many patients are treated for pain
upon the disc, a frequent cause of back of suspected cardiac origin and are sub-
pain. These discs, which act as cushions jected to the anxiety which such an in-
be'tween the bony vertebrae, at times lose terpretation [heart trouble] connotes ....
their supportive power and sag backward The 'spinal adjuster' sees many of these
into the canal containing the spinal cord, patients, and frequently after relief -is not
a portion of the inner softer material of forthcoming from general practitioners
the disc escapes, causing the two vertebrae and specialists." 1 o
on each side of it to come closer together. Thus also one of England's leading or-
It is easy to see what follows in such cas- thopedists, James Mennen, M.D., M.A.,
es: irritation of the spinal nerves if not once wrote: "It is indisputable that the
also interruption of the nerve force. testimony is overwhelming that countless
In times past there has been an eager- patients have derived relief from aches
ness on the part of orthopedists to attrib- and pains of a great variety as a result
• •
ute back pain to ruptured discs and to op- of manipulation of the joints of the back.
erate. Today, however, more and more This is only what we should expect, once
leading ~rthopedists recommend conserva- we realize that the joints in question are
tive treatment, at least to begin with. Anfit just as much joints in every detaU as are
JANUARY .ez, 1961 19
those of the extremities. The only differ- tion Society for Chiropractic." The pur-
ence is that, from the very nature of their pose of it is to better acquaint its mem-
shape and movement and the stresses that bers with the principles and mechanics of
are laid upon them, they are more liable chiropractic so that they can apply these
to 'lock' with the creation of a 'lesion.' in their prR.ctice. 13 In view of this interest
Local pain would thus be caused, and re- in chiropractic in Germany it is not at all
lief would reasonably be expected to fol- surprising to read of G. Zillinger, M.D., of
low manipulative treatment if properly the University of Kiel Psychiatric Clinic,
applied in suitable cases. . . . It is thus as saying: "An explanatory introduction
that many patients claim, and quite right- to chiropractic is no longer necessary. The
ly, the cure of widesRread symptoms as manipulation of the spine is gaining favor
the result of spinal manipulation."n in a wide circle of doctors, or at least a
strong interest in it. Among patients it
Some Credit Chiropractic has almost become the fashion to let one-
As a rule even those of t~e medical self be treated by chiropractic, be it by the
profession who appreciate the value of ma- few in Germany who have been trained
nipulation carefully avoid having some- professionally in the United States or by
thing favorable to say about chiropractic. physicians who have familiarized them-
But there are exceptions: selves with this method of treatment."
Thus wrote W. B. Parsons, M.D.: "The -Hippokrates, September 15, 1957.
reason we took up manipulation was an
interest in backache, with the early dis- Chiropractic's Challenge
covery that many patients who failed to Chiropractic as a method of cure might
respond to routine medical treatment went be said to present a challenge to more
to a manipulator and received immediate than' one group of persons. First of all,
relief. This discovery was followed by the it presents a challenge to the regular medi-
acceptance of the classic advice, 'If you cal profession, especially in the United
can't whip 'em, join 'em,' at least to the States, to examine chiropractic with an
extent of borrowing their technique." open mind.
-Canadian Medical Association Journal; To the chiropractic profession there are
July 15, 1958. also challenges. One is not to exaggerate
Likewise openly crediting chiropractic, or overstate the case for chiropractic. An-
G. Gutmann, M.D., of Hamm, Germany, other is the obligation to make progress,
writes: "On the basis of our experience to recognize the advancement made by
accumulated over the years, we believe others and to utilize it.
that we may declare that many costly and Then there is the challenge that chiro-
time-consuming tests, many treatments practic presents to the individual chiro-
adding up in time to high costs, periods practor. Are you as dedicated to the ser-
spent in clinic or sanatorium, [etc.] vice of your fellowman as you ought to
would be superfluous if the manipulativ~e be? Are you ambitious to get as rich as
therapy called chiropractic were applied possible as quickly as possible, or are you
as to diagnosis, indications and technic.'' 12 eager to help as many sufferers as pos-
Far from avoiding the term "chiroprac- sible while at the same time hoping to
tic," today in Germany there is an asso- earn a comfortable living? Are you en-
ciation of more than 1,000 medical men thusiastic about chiropractic while at the
with the name "Medical Research and Ac- same time recognizing its limitations? Can
20 AWAKE!
your patients trust you fully in every re- one condition, some more for j)llother.
spect? Are you keeping up-to-date with But none of them, nor all of them to-
chiropractic progres~:>? What is the ap- gether, can rid humankind of sin, which
pearance of your office and person? Do caused bodily ills and death in the first
they front well for your profession? place. Only Jehovah God can do tnat, and
While patients maY not generally ap- he has made provision for that in sending
preciate the fact, chiropractic also repre- his son to die as the Ransomer of ·man-
sents a challenge to them. Since chiro- kind. Soon, by means of God's kingdom,
practic is a matter of cooperating with mankind in general will get the benefits
the forces in the bOdy for the sake of therefrom. Then, even as God's Word has
health, do you do your part? Do you foretold, 'there will be no more tears, no
watch your posture? If a woman, do you more death, sorrow, crying or pain, be-
wear shoes with sensible heels? Are you cause all such former things will have
moderate in your work and eating habits passed away.'-See Revelation 21:4.
and in recreation? Do you give your chiro- REFERENCES
practor the opyortunity to help you all he 1 Back Pain-John M. Mennen (19601.
1 Vertebral Joint~ and DW:.t---zllkachwerdt, et al.
can by doing all that you can? (1955).
• Patloology for thB Physician-Boyd (1965).
Chiropractic has its virtues; it also has 4 LlfB of LouiR Pasleur-Vallery-Rodot (1923).
limitations. That is why Awake!, while o Principles and P·raclice of Physical Tlot91'£fPY-L. T.
Brown (1934).
publishing what appears to be the truth 6 International Clinics, No. 4, p, 184 (1920)·
• Journal LancBt, May 1940. pp, 225-231.
about chiropractic, does not advocate it 8 Joutnal of Orthopedin Surgm-y, October 1920, p. 1567.
9 AtlaS, January-February, 1958.
above other methods of treatment. With- 10 Annals of Internal Medici>le, November 1936.
u The Pract#ioner, February 1934.
out a doubt all have some good in them, '" Hippol>rates, Seplember 15, 1957. p. 539.
13 MedieinB and Ohiropraet~. Wel,.nt, :PP- 91-121
some more than others, some more for (1966)~
ID you know that not so long ago it was life for us in misery and suffering. If a Catholfc
22 AWAKE!
HEAT is more gins in the latter
W widely grown
in the world than
part of November
and continues until
any other food the end of .January.
crop. About 9 bil- The combines, or
lion bushels are grain-harvesting
.P!:"Oduced every machines, are called
year. Although it is changarinas, which,
grown mostly in roughly translated,
temperate regions, means "job-doers."
its range stretches The speed with
from the Arctic which one of these
Circle to the high combines travels, as
plateaus of the it moves from one
equator in Ecuador. job to another, is so
It is raised in alti- slow that the owner
tudes that vary of the machine and
from below sea lev- his hired hands
el to about 10,000 take turns driving
feet. Once it is sown it. When mealtime
it can resist cold approaches, the
temperatures if a men not required
moderate snowfall covers it before :the to be with the combine drive ahead in an
really cold weather sets in. old automobile to a previously determined
It is not knowil where cultivated wheat shady spot along the road where they be-
originated, but it is known to have been gin preparing the meal. This usually con~
an important source of food for man for sists of asado, which is portions of beef
thousands of years. The Bible mentions it roasted over a charcoal fire. It is eaten
as one of the cereal grains that was culti- with bread and washed down with gen-
vated in the days of Jacob, more than erous quantities of wine. The meal is fi-
1,700 Years before our Conunon Era. That nally topped off with some fresh fruit.
it is basically the same today as it was For someone who has spent his child·
in ancient ,times is evident from kernels of hood in a wheat-growing zone like this,
it foWld in Egyptian tombs, where they the beautiful sight of golden fields 1 the
have been preserved until our day.-Gen. wholesome fragrance of ripe wheat~ the
30:14. plunging of one's hands over and over
again into the grain and allowing it to
Wheat Cultivation in Argentina trickle out of his fists in little streams,
Since the 1890's Argentina has wit- the going and coming of the trucks and all
nessed a dramatic increase in I~ wheat the activities connected with the wheat
production, making it one of the largest harvest leave indelible memories. They
exporters of the, grain. A big Argentine cause a degree of homesickness to the per-
wheat-growing center is the C6rdoba- son who is far from home when harvest-
Santa Fe zone, where more than 2,000,000 time begins.
acres are devoted to its cultivation. Har- At the beginning of the century, in the
vesting in this Southern Hemisphere be-- northern part of this region in A..rgentina,
JANUARY '2'2, 1967 23
trigo criollo was grown. It was composed The Gaines variety of wheat is short
of a mixture of wheat strains, both beard- strawed, being a semidwarf variety that
ed and beardless, and was exported under stands from twenty-two to forty inches in
the name of Rosaf€. This was a wheat of height. It adapts to a wide range of grow-
high quality. From that time on, the Se- ing conditions and holds up well against
cretaria del Estado de Agricultura de la the elements. It is resistant to smut, lodg-
Naci6n {National Agricultural Secretariat ing, shattering, stripe and leaf rust. About
of State) has been advising farmers on the 25 percent more fertilizer is required by
best varieties of wheat to sow. A minimum it than by other varieties.
of nineteen principal strains were recom- By the fourth day after a kernel of
mended for the year 1964. Varieties of wheat has been placed in the ground it
wheat are tested and selected according to has swollen to the point where its em-
milling and baking quality, time .of sow- bryo bursts the outer covering. From the
ing, susceptibility and resistance to dis- twelfth to the fifteenth day the pointed
eases and weather conditions. Also con- stalk sprout, tender but hardy, breaks
sidered is the proposed soil in which a through the layer of soil above the seed.
variety will be sown, with attention being In the opposite direction small roots begin
given to' the nitrogen content, the pres- spreading out and taking hold of the soil.
ence of sodium and calcium nitrate, phos- As the days pass, the shoot keeps develop-
phates, and so on. ing and takes on a darker shade than the
Certain varieties that suffer much from milky-green color it had at the beginning.
prolonged rainfall, which causes undue Too much rain and hot sun will cause the
and unwanted stalk growth, should not be plant to grow too fast, producing a shal-
sown where rainfall is frequent. They are low root system and an overabundance of
better for the drier zones. Because no two stalk. Cold weather is needed for a while
seasons are alike, one having abundant to stimulate root growth by keeping the
rainfall and another insufficient, a prudent stalk from developing too rapidly.
farmer wHl sow in his wheatlands two or When the plants begin to mature, the
three different varieties in strips. Thus if heads of wheat take on a yellowish tint
one type suffers from climate unfavorable that gradually darkens. As the kernels. de-
to it, the other two will give a better velop, the weight of the heads increases,
yield; and, in this way, the crop will not causing them to bend over. My grand-
be lost entirely. parents used to say that this was an ex-
ample of the plants' humility toward God
High Production
A number of factors, such as the type for having brought them to maturity. At
of soil, moisture and climate, determine last the leaves dry up, the stalks become
the number of bushels of wheat that can rigid, the roots cease to provide nutrition
be produced on an acre of ground. By buy- and serve only as anchors for the stalks.
ing the best seed of improved varieties of The death of the roots and stalk signify
whe'at, a farmer should be able to get a the end of the ripening period. It is time
good yield. A hybrid variety that is giv- to harvest the grain.
ing record yields of more than 100 bushels Harvest scenes in the COrdoba-Santa
to the acre is known as Gaines. One farm- Fe area show, not only the huge changa-
er averaged more than 168 bushels an rinas on the horizon, but itlso the motor
acre with this variety. trucks of all tonnages, makes and colors.
AWAKE!
These various trucks are seen hurrying is very high. A half cup ·of wheat germ
back and forth between the loading lo- contains more protein· than one-quarter
cations and the storage elevators, where _pound of beef. It is rich in phosphorous,
the wheat is destined either for export or manganese, magnesium, copper and po-
for local milling. tassilml, as well as the B vitamins ,and
vitamin E. The wisdom of removing so
Production of Flour much of the natural food value from
There are many different kinds of flours, wheat flour and attempting to replace
and they are milled to fit the needs of some of it with artificial vitamins and
those who use them. Bread bakers buy then adding a variety of chemicals is cer-
strong high-protein flours; cake and cook- tainly questionable.
ie manufacturers get soft wheat :Hours Not every variety of wheat is adaptable
and housewives buy all-purpose flours for for baking. Some types are better for mak-
home baking. ing pastas, such as Spaghetti, macaroni
In the milling process the white inner and noodles. Others serve well for pastries.
part of the wheat kernel is separated from There are even different varieties of wheat
the outer layers and from the central part for different kinds of bread.
known as the germ. This is what is ground Because of its versatili"tr wheat is a
and sifted to produce white flour. It takes grain that is popular in almost every part
about 100 pounds of wheat to make 72 of the world. How tantalizing it is when,
poWlds of white flour. To whiten it fur- at almost any hour of the day, but espe-
ther a bleaching agent is added such as
cially before breakfast or the noonday
chlorine, nitrosyle chloride or benzoyl per-
oxide. Usually such :Hour is enriched with meal, one can smell the aroma of freshly
additions of iron, calcium and vitamin D, baked bread, whether it is French bread,
as well as such vitamins as niacin, thia- Italian bread, Russian bread, Syrian bread
mine and riboflavin. This is done to re- or the many types of bread enjoyed by the
place some of the vitamin cOntent and British, Americans and Latin Americans!
minerals that were lost in the milling pro-- It is a delight to the eyes and to the
cess. By the time such :Hour is made into sense of smell to step into a bakeshop and
bread for eating, about sixteen chemicals see and smell the great variety of tasty
will have been added to it. baked goods on display, almost all made
The outer covering of the wheat kernel from wheat. When one considers this va-
that is removed in the milling process is riety as well as the many kinds of wheat
the bran that is used in some breakfast breakfast cereals and the wide range of
foods, breads and muffins. Most bran pro- conditions in which wheat can be grown,
duced by mills is used in animal feeds. the conclusion is inescapable that wheat
Wheat germ, a tiny lemon-yellow area at is a versatile cereal that plays an impor-
the base of a kernel, is also removed in tant role in feeding earth's hWlgry
the milling piT!cess. Its nutritional value multitudes.
The Watchtower
RIGHT? Word. Do you receive one of
this magazine's 4,850,000
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FEBRUARY 8, 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able Ia keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awoke!" h·as no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; It Is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awoke!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offefs sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the flelds of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are, all embraced in its coverage. "Awoke!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
CONTENTS
Taking Refuge in a Lie 3 Teen-Agers Refl.ect Moral Breakdown
For \Vhom Do You Pray? 5 Italy's Devastating Floods
The Church in Commercial Business 9 A Book for Your Trip 21
Ten Thousand Miles on a Raft 13
"Your Word Is Truth"
How Dangerous Are Tumors? 16 Is Hell Hot? z
The One-Package Home 21 Watching the World
"It is already the hour for you to awake."
-Romano 13:11
For
concerning fellow humans; and not merely for people
in general, but for particular persons, and concerning
their individual needs. For example, when Jesus fore-
saw the trials of faith facing his apostle Peter, he
Whom
prayed that God would help Peter. As he told Peter:
"I have made supplication for you that your faith may
not give out."-Luke 22:32.
This concern for others is highlighted in the longest
Do
prayer of Jesus that is recorded in the Bible. In it he
prayed regarding his disciples: "I make request con-
cerning them; I make request, not concerning the
world, but concerning those you have given me . . .
. Father, watch over them on account of 'your own
You
Holy
name ... I make request, not concerning these only,
but also concerning those putting faith in me through
their word; in order that they may all be one, just as
you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union
with you, that they also may be in union with us."
-John 17:1-26.
Do your prayers show as much con-
cern with the interests of others? Do
For others bOlides younelf? you have the welfare of others so
What are appropriate thluga much at heart that it is something
to pray in behalf of others? you regularly speak to God about? Or
do you pray only for yourself and for
personal interests? You have perhaps
FATHER is hap- noticed that there is a tendency for humans to think
py to see his first of themselves, even in their prayers to God.
children show
unselfish concern for others. Prayers for Yourself
It makes his heart glad that This raises the questions: Is it selfish to pray in be-
they think of ones besides half of yourself? Will God listen to and answer such
themselves; it is evidence that prayers? What determines whether he will or not?
they are maturing, growing In a model prayer that Jesus taught his disciples,
up. Similarly, our heavenly he showed that personal requests for daily needs are
Father is pleased when we are quite proper. (Luke 11:1-4) However, many requests
interested in the welfare of besides those for daily necessities are also shown in
others. Especially is he glad the Bible to be acceptable. Jesus himself requested:
when our concern is sufficient "Father, glorify me alongside youtself with the glory
to move us WlSelfishly to pray that I had alongside you before the world was." This
in behalf of others. personal petition was not presumptuous or selfish~ for
Jesus Christ set the perfect _it was in harmony with the reward God had promised
example in doing this. More Jesus for accomplishing His work on earth.-John
than any other human who 17:5.
ever lived, he had the inter- The same can be said of King Solomon's prayer for
ests of others at heart. First discernment and wisdom, so as to judge God's people
FEBRUARY 8, 196"1 5
properly. Although a personal request, it rivers, colorful flowers. How manlfold are
was made With the interests of God and his the works of God! A mature, appreciative
people at heart. It was not made for a person thanks Him for such provisions.
wrong purpose, nor was it out of harmony Jesus Christ showed the place that God
with God's will. This is a vital require· should have in our petitions when he pro-
ment for prayers to be acceptable.-! Ki. vided his disciples the model prayer, In it
3:5·14; Jas. 4:3. God and his interests are featured. Placed
Often, however, it is difficult for humans first is the sanctifying of God's maligned
to know what God's will is on matters. name. The next request is for His king-
The apostle Paul, for example, prayed dom, which will vindicate God as man's
several times to be relieved of a "thorn in rightful ruler by destroying all wickedness
the flesh," believed by many to have been and ushering in righteous conditions. Af-
poor eyesight. Although Paul's personal ter that is the request for God's will to
request was made with a proper motive, be done on earth as it is in heaven. A ma·
to enable him to serve better as God's ture Christian who truly loves his Cre·
minister, God realized that greater good a tor regularly prays for these things. With
would be accomplished if this "thorn" was all his heart he desires their early fulfill·
not removed. Because Paul was afflicted ment.-Matt. 6:9, 10.
with this weakness, God's power would be However, besides being concerned with~
made even more manifest to those to God and his interests, one should also dem•
whom Paul ministered, and Paul himself onstrate similar loving concern for fellow
would be taught by it to rely on God's humans. This can be done by regularly
strength and not his own.-2 Cor. 12: praying in their behalf, just as Jesus ut-
7-10. tered prayers for Peter and for all his dis-
Clearly, then, it is not selfish to pray ciples. But are such prayers really e:ffec·
for oneself, for even Jesus Christ and the tive? Does God answer them?
apostle Paul did. But in our requests we
need to realize that the carrying out of Value of Prayers Said for Other•
God's will is of primary importance. It It becomes apparent that they really are
comes first. We also need to appreciate, of value. Was not Peter benefited by Je-
as was impressed on Paul, that God knows sus' petitions to God in his behalf? Most
what is best for his serVants, even better assuredly! For Peter was recovered from
than they themselves know. This will pre· his error and went on to become a real
vent us from being stumbled if our prayers support to others. (Luke 22:32) And were
seemingly go unanswered. not Jesus' prayers for God to watch over
and care for his followers answered? Yes,
Evidence of Christian Maturity indeed! For only with God's blessing could
However, if prayers are said only for the early Christian congregation have
oneself, it evidences a lack of maturity. A grown and prospered in the face of such
mature person thinks of the interests of adversity.-John 17:9-11, 20-23.
others tao. First of all, he comes to appre· The close bond that existed among early
ciate his Creator. Consider all the fine Christians and the effectiveness Of their
things God has provided to make life pleas· prayers is indicated by what occurred
ant-delicious foods to delight the senses, when Herod Agrippa arrested Peter for
air to breathe, glorious sunsets, snow- preaching. The Bible account says: "Con-
capped mountains, green valleys, rushing sequently Peter was being kept in the
6 AWAKE!
prison; but prayer to God for him was be- he pray for such things In behalf of
ing carried on intenSely by the congre- others?
gation." God listened to these petitions. No, for the apostle Paul kept in mind
They carried weight with him. He was what would be of benefit to himself and
happy that his children manifested such others spiritually, what would be of value
unselfish concern for a companion. So in being a better servant of Jehovah God.
what did He do? Why, God sent an angel These are the things that we, too, should
and miraculously released Peter from pris- request in behalf of others. Our love for
on!-Acts 12:3-17. them should cause us to think of their
The apostle Paul also deeply appreciated everlasting welfare, their obtaining the
the value of prayers of others, and so re- prize of eternal life in God's righteous new
peatedly asked for them. In his first let- system of things.
ter to the Thessalonians he requested: Note how Paul prayed regarding such
"Brothers, continue in prayer for us." matters in connection with the Thessalo~
(1 Thess. 5:25) In his second letter: nian Christians. You may recall that he
"Brothers, carry on prayer for us." had spent only a very short time preach-
(2 Thess. 3:1) He wrote the Colossians: ing in Thessalonica, apparently only a few
"Be persevering in prayer ... at the same weeks, but, nevertheless, he established a
time praying also for us." (Col. 4:2, 3) Christian congregation tllere before mob
To the Romans he said: "Exert yourselves action forced him to leave. (Acts 17:1-10)
with me in prayers to God for me." (Rom. How Paul missed these new members of
15:30) He requested the Hebrew Chris- the Christian faith! How he longed to visit
tians: "Carry on prayer for us." (Heb. them! He wrote them: "Night and day
13:18) Acknowledging the value of thei'r we make more than extraordinary suppli-
prayers, he told the Corinthians: "You cations to see your faces." (1 Thess. 2:18;
also can help along by your supplication 3:10) In a second letter, written soon after
for us."-2 Cor. 1:11. the first, he said: "We always pray for
In his letter to Philemon of the congre- you, that our God may count you worthy
gation of Colossae, Paul expressed high of his calling."-2 Thess. 1:11.
hopes in connection with their prayers: Perhaps you, too, are helping others to
"I am hoping that through the prayers of learn about the Christian faith. If so, do
you people I shall be_ set at liberty for you regularly pray that they may prove
you." (Philem. 22) That he was soon af- worthy of God's favor and his reward of
ter released indicates the effectiveness of eternal life? Paul's love for the Thessalo·
the many prayers said in his behalf. It is nians moved him to pray regularly for
certainly a truth: "A righteous man's sup- this in their behalf. In fact, he so earnest-
plication, when it is at work, has much ly wanted to make a return visit on them
force."-Jas. 5:16. that he prayed night and day to see their
faces. Do you offer similar prayers in con-
What to Pray in Behalf of Others nection with persons upon whom you are
But in our prayers for others, what mUking return visits to share spiritual
should we properly request? That they be- things? Certainly this is a fitting matter
come wealthy materially? Or that they for prayer.
obtain worldly prominence? 'Yere those Is it not true that you have loved ones
the types of prayer that the apostle Paul for whom you care very deeply? Should
requested be said in his behalf? And did they suffer some reversal or come into dire
FEBRUARY 8, 1967 7
straits, it is only natural that you woUld worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully
pray to GfJd .in their behalf, requesting pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit
that he comfort and help them. But what in every good work!'-Col. 1:9, 10.
if they should be prospering and are in How concerned Paul was for the Colos-
no particular danger or material need? Do sians, even though he apparently was not
you still pray for them? Paul prayed for acquainted with them personally! Why, he
Such persons. Note what he I'e9uested con- nev-er ceased praying for them; and note
cerning l'iis beloved Corinthiin brothers, how specific and meaningful his prayers
who apparently were quite well off ma- were. Yes, Paul desired that the Colas~
terially: "Now we pray to God that you sians gain God's favor and everlasting life.
may do nothing wrong ... but that you Do you render similar prayers to God in
may be doing what is fine."-2 Cor. 13:7. behalf of ones you may not even know
What an appropriate thing for which to personally?
pray! That your dear ones "may do noth- Would you go even farther than that,
ing wrong". but that they "may be doing and pray for persons who were trying to
what is fine." As parents, do you often hurt or kill you? Jesus encouraged his
reDder to God such prayers in behalf of followers to pray for even these, saying:
your children? Would it not be fitting to "Continue to love your enemies and to
pray for those persecuting you." (Matt.
do so? However, then it would only be
5:44) Jesus did. Concerning those who
proper that you work jn harmony with nailed him to the torture stake he prayed:
your prayers by regularly inculcating "Father, forgive them, for they do not
within your children a love for God's righ- know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
teous laws. The faithful disciple Stephen did also.
When religious fanatics surrounded and
Prayers lor Nonacquaintances started stoning him, Stephen cried out
But should prayers for others be limited with a strong voice: "Jehovah, do not
to loved ones or those with whom you are charge this sin against them." And after
personally acquainted? Not if you have saying this he fell asleep in death.-Acts
the true spirit of Christianity. Remember 7:58-60.
that Christ even prayed in behalf of those What a loving, abundant heart Stephen
yet to put faith in him as a result of his had! How happy he must be to associate
disciples' preaching. (John 17:20) And in heaven with one of those who encour-
when the apostle Paul learned about the aged his stoning and for whom be prayed
faith and love of those in Colossae, per- --saul, who·became the apostle Paul! God
sons whom he apparently had never visit- could see that Saul's heart was right, and
ed, he was moved to write them a warm so, in keeping with Stephen's prayer,
letter of encouragement. Observe what he called him to be his special representative.
said: -Acts 7:58; 8:1; 22:20.
"That is also why we, from the day we Certainly it is of value to pray, not only
heard of it [their 'love in a spiritual way'], for ourselves, but in behalf of others! Je-
have not ceased praying for you and ask- hovah God is delighted to see in his ser-
ing that you may be fiJJed with the ac- vants unselfish concern for others, and
curate knowledge of his will in all wisdom he can indeed open the way to the answer...
and spiritual discernment, in order to walk ing of their prayers.
8 AWAKE!
THE in
COMM RCIAL
U IN SS
corporations, estimating
that its portfolio amounts
to about $5.6 billion. The
New York Times of July
12, 1965, pointed out that
in 1963 the Vatican re--
ceived dividends from Ital·
ian companies that amount-
ed to the lire equivalent of
$5,675,000. This, the paper
OMMERCIAL en- observed, represented a
C terprises that are
owned or partially owned by re-
portfolio of stocks in Italy
alone of about $200 million.
ligious organizations have be- Besides its own bank, of
come a big factor in helping them to care , which it has lOO..percent
for their operating expenses and to build ownership, news sources reported that the
up financial reserves. However, these op- Vatican has financial interest in at least
erations may raise serious questions in the three 'Roman banks as well as a number
mind of the churchgoer who hears re- of provincial banks and investment com-
peated pleas from the pulpit for generous panies, interest in a spaghetti factory, an
contributions and who receives numerous airline, a bus and streetcar company, com-
written requests for money through the panies that supply Iti.uian cities with wa-
mail. With good reason, it may be difficult ter and gas as well as telephone servicy,
for him to see why he should be a gen- a movie concern, Italy's largest tourist
erous contributor to his church when it is agency, the country's biggest real estate
amassing great wealth from business ven- company, besides such industries as steel,
tures. chemicals, cements, ceramics, construe~
Some of the financial achievements tion, insurance, ~otels and shipping. Out-
of the Vatican, for example, were pub- side Italy it is reported as having heavy
licized in 1965 by leading newspapers investments in the industries of a number
and news magazines. The British week- of countries, especially Great Britain,
ly magazine The Economist expressed Switzerland and the United States. But the
belief that the Vatican is the world's Roman Catholic Church is not the only
largest shareholder in commercial religious organization that has substantial
FEBRUARY 8, 1961 9
financial interest in commercial corpora~ in Salt Lake City as well as a 90-percent
tions. interest in the radio and TV station KIRO
The Church of England also bas large in Seattle. Besides these enterprises it
holdings of securities. In 1963 the New owns the Beneficial Life Insurance Com~
York Times of November 3 reported that pany, which has assets of more than $100
this church owned property, stocks and million, Salt Lake City's afternoon news·
bonds that totaled more than $840 million. paper the Deseret News, most ·of the Utah~
When there was a financial battle for con~ Idaho Sugar Company, a hotel, a motOr
trol of the British Aluminum Company, ·lodge, an eight~story insurance company
it made a handsome profit by selling its building in Salt Lake City, an eighteen·
holdings of 260,000 shares in the company. story offlCe building in the same city, o.nd
A number of other religious organiza~ a number of ranches. One ranch located
tions with large sums of money have like~ in Florida consists of more than 300,000
wise invested in the securities of com.. acres. All these and other commercial
mercial corporations, providing themselves businesses owned or partially owned bv
with a regular income. Rather than let~ the Mormon Church provide it with a
ting their money remain idle, they are sizable income in addition to the tithes it
making it work for them. The income regularly receives from its many members.
may help them to care for their operating Some of the religious orders of the Ro-
expenses. This use of idle funds is a nor~ man Catholic ChW'ch also have chosen to
mal procedure for any organization, but operate commerdal businesses. The Chris-
when a church continues to pressure its tian Brothers, for example, are deeply in-
members for money despite its large busi~ volved in the liquor business. This reli-
ness income, it becomes evident that it gious order owns the De La Salle Institute,
functions, not primarily for the benefit of which is a wine-making corporation.
its members, but for its own enrichment. Christian Brothers wjnes and brandies are
widely distributed and are well known to
Church-operated Businesses people in the liquor business. In fact, their
In some instances church investment in brandy production is among the largest
a Commercial corporation can become so in the world.
extensive that the church gains controlling Another Catholic order, the Benedic-
interest in the corporation, or it may even tines, has an abbey in North Dakota that
own a company outright. In either in~ produces a brandy that sells by the brand
stance it becomes deeply involved in a name Assumption Abbey. This abbey also
business enterprise. F'Qr example, in 1954 makes table and altar wines that are sold
the Seventh~day Adventist organization in the western part of the United States.
reported a net profit of $400,000 from In another abbey located in New York
its wholly church-owned, unfinished~ state, a group of Trappi$t monks are in
furniture business. the bread-making businef3s. On a British
The Mormon Church owns a great num~ island off the coast of Wales, members of
ber of commercial businesses. It is the the Cistercian order of Catholic monks
owner of the shortwave radio station are busily engaged in manufacturing per-
WRUL, located in New York city, which, fume for the commercial market.
it says, is the only commercial, indepen~ Investment of church money in ceme-
dent station that broadcasts tO the world. teries, hospitals and housing projects is
It also owns the radio and TV station KSL Still another source of financial income for
10 AWA,KBI
'
a church. In some places the only hospital whiCh had not been .Paying taxes on its
available to a comnnmity is one operated liquor business. Finally, in 1961, it w~s
by a religious organization, so, under~ ordered by the government to pay nearly
standably, communities are often glad to $4,000,000 in taxes.
have these church investments. Neverthe~ When federal and ·state governments
less, definite problems are created when grant tax exemption to religious organi-
a church engages in competitive commer~ zations, those organizations have the
cial business. right to apply for whatever exemptions
are due them under the law. But when an
Competition and Tax Exemption organization tries to claim exemption for
Small businessmen are not likely to be income not exempted in the tax law, it is
very happy when they must compete with doing an injustice to the public. During
a church-owned business. With its greater the time the Christian Brothers were
purchasing power, it can underprice them, fighting the effort to tax their liquor busi-
and if it enjoys tax exemption on its busi- ness. the organization entitled "Protes-
ness profits it has a great advantage over tants and Other Americans United for
them. The president of a company in Ohio Separation of Church and State" said: "If
complained about a Roman Catholic uni- the Government should permit such a
versity there that underbid him for a conunercial liquor business to come Under
contract W1th the United States Air Force. the tax umbrella of a church a fraud
The church-owned institution could do would be perpetrated on all the taxpayers."
this because it did not pay taxes on its
business profits, so the businessman Dangerous Situation
claimed. Although the university's bid was When a religious organization becomes
$10,000 less than his, the government lost, deeply involved in commercial businesses
he said, a larger amount in taxes that he it is inclined to modify its religious teach-
would have had to pay if the contract had ing to fit its commercial interests. Even
gone to him. Wherever a church succeeds the most dedicated men can find the power
in operating commercial businesses under of money difficult to combat when large
the shelter of tax exemption, a strong feel- sUms are involved. This danger to a church
ing of anticlericalism is. certain to develop and its leaders was pointed out in the
among competing businessmen. book The Church as Employer, Money
In 1956, when the United States Con- Raiser and Investor by F. Ernest Johnson.
gress was being urged to change the tax It states: "To put it more bluntly, we are
law because certain Roman Catholic or- concerned that the church's necessary eco-
ders were operating businesses under the nomic behavior shall not impair its func-
shelter of the tax exemption granted to tion as moral critic of society." The Bible
religious organizations, one witness in the truthfully states that the "love of money
Congressional heat-ing stated: "We are is a root of all sorts of injurious things."
certain that there are millions of dollars -1 Tim. 6:10.
which are going to the benefit of religious Another danger from religious organi-
organizations when they really belong ' in zations' amassing great wealth as a result
the coffers of the tax collector." One of of commercial businesses, especially when
those organizations was the Catholic or- their business profits are tax exempt, is
der known as the Christian Brothers, the disruption of the economic stability of
FJDBRUARY 8, 196"1 11
a country. Large amounts or a nauon's ica, the Roman Catholic Church con-
wealth can get into the hands of these or- trolled a large percentage of the wealth
ganizations. On this point the magazine during the days of the Spanish colonies.
Liberty, in its issue of September-October The history book The Growth and Cul-
1965, argued: "Unless something is done ture of Latin America by Donald Worces-
to prevent the growth of tax-exempt busi- ter points out how the religious orders
ness income, there is no reason why some dominated commercial business. "Thou-
church or combination of churches should sands of acres of the best agricultural land
not someday own most ·of the commercial had come under their ownership, and
wealth in the United States." This con- while much of it was put to useful exploi-
clusion may seem farfetched, but it actual- tation, it was effectively removed from the
ly has happened in more than one country. competitive market and worked under
In the early nineteenth century Mexico conditions of _special privilege that placed
was faced with a situation in which most the private owner at an ever-increasing
of the country's wealth was in the hands disadvantage. Enjoying the benefits of tax
of the Roman Catholic Church and its exemption, the religious became the chief
religious orders. They owned more than growers, slaughterers, and distributors of
half of the land that was in use. The book meat in Chile, and their activity in this
A History of Mexico by Henry Parkes commercial field was great in many parts
states: "The Church, moreover, was a of the viceroyalty. There was scarcely any
money-lending institution, owning at least economicallY profitable field of activity in
two thirds of the capital in circulation. It which the orders did not engage."
gave loans to hacendados~ and acquired Such history can repeat ftself where re~
mortgages on their estates. From rents ligious organizations are h~avily involved
and interest, and from tithes, fees and the in business enterprises and do not pay
sale of papal bulls, it enjoyed an enormous taxes on their business profits. That a civil
revenue; and since it was exempt from war could result when a political state
taxation, its holdings steadily increased." dared to touch the material possessions of
In 1856 the Mexican government draft- a church well illustrates the grave danger
ed a law, the Ley Lerdo, that forbade the to a nation as well as to a church when
Roman Catholic Church from owning land it becomes a moneymaking organization.
and ordered its property to be sold The Long ago the Bible described the entire
reaction to this law is described by global empire of false religion as a woman
Parkes: "The bishops and the generals bearing the symbolic name Babylon the
were willing to plunge all Mexico into civil Great. In vivid language it told of her
war rather than accept the Ley Juarez close alliance with the commercial inter-
and Ley Lerdo." The war lasted three~ ests of the world and how the people of
years and resulted ·in the Laws of Reform the earth would be made to suffer under
of July 1859, which ordered all ecclesias- her control. It also foretold her destruc-
tical property except church buildings con- tion as the judgment of God. Do you want
fiscated without compensation. To this to share her future? If not, now is the time
very day religious' organizations are not to separate yourself from such commercial
permitted to own property in ·MeXico. organizations that operate under a reli-
As in Mexico so throughout Latin Amer- gious guise.__._Revelation 17, 18.
12 AWAKE!
With me on the pier was the leader of
the expedition. Vital Alzar, a thirty-twa.
year~old professor of languages and a
Spaniard, explained the raft and its pur-
poses. "The voyage," explained Alzar, sit·
ting down on ;;t great balsa log, "will cover
ten thousand Statute miles in about seven
months. That makes an average of forty
to fifty miles per day. The wind will pro-
vide some of the push, of course, but prin-
cipally the raft will be carried along by
the ocean currents."
Then, bending down to trace a rough
map in the sawdust on the pier, he showed
where those currents would. carry them.
Riding the flow of the Guayas River to
the ocean; the raft would there be caught
in the Humboldt Current. At about five de-
grees south latitude, the course IDwings
toward the west to about two hundred
miles south of the Galapagos Islands.
There the Southern Equatorial Current
would take over and carry the raft straight
west to Jarvis Island, then southwestward
to Samoa and Sydney, Australia. Nearly
halfway around the world on a raft!
The Raft
"Awakel" correspondent in &:uador But that long, long voyage was still in
the future as we sat on the Navy pier an.d
S THE two of us stood on the pier,
A the equatorial sun could not have been
hotter. From the nearby international air~
looked down at the raft. Seiior Alzar was
patient in explaining the construction that
was still under way. The departure date
port a huge jet took off, its engines thun~ was two weeks off but the final details
dering as it pa~d us overhead. Out in consume time;- and as anxious as he was
the river several modern freighters, great to oversee everything, he was just as in-
,
car~o doors gaping in their sides, were re~ terested in helping me know why he was
ceivmg ton after ton of the country's maR making the voyage and how the raft was
jor export, bananas. In sharp contrast to built.
those modern forms of transport was the It is hot small. It is certainly not the
object that claimed our attention. There sort of raft adventurous boys use to float
below us, wallowing in the waters of Ecua- down rivers on warm summer days. This
dor's Guayas River, was a Pacific :raft, a one is forty.five feet long and capable of
rough construction of balsa logs and rope, carrying nearly thirty tons of supplies.
Qn which four men were planning to make Eleven thick longitudinal trunks at balsa
one of the strangest voyages of our time. form the base, with nine transverse logs
FEBRUARY 8, 1967 13
giving strength and a little more height Equipment and Supplies
above the sea. I could just barely encircle Aside from the tinned food and water
the sma.Uest of those logs with my arms. being carrie4J~ the only reminders of the
The A-shaped mast is made of a local wood twentieth century aboard are the radios,
called "mangle," hard as iron and water- the navigation equipment and the cameras.
proofed with a tannic solution. "Of course, we have not begun to store
"Not one nail or bolt or any metal ob- away the provisions yet," he said, "but
ject was used in building that raft," said I would like to show you something back
Alzar.. The giant balsa logs were lashed here." Alzar showed the way aft into the
together with rope made from Ecuadorian little hut ·they would be calling home.
plants, the total weight of the rope used "This is one of the five-gallon cans we
being an unbelievable three and a half will be using to store our drinking water.
tons! With more than 18,000 feet of rope Now, ordinarily, water stored in cans
a lot of logs can be made secure. turns brackish after a few months, and is
"Whether or not we arrive at Sydney not pleasant to drink. But we have found
depends a lot on the eight 'guares' or a way to solve that problem. We are im-
drift boards," Alzar explained. "It isn't porting the water from Quebec, Canada,
practical to put a rudder on a raft, and because the water that comes from one
there has to be some way of controlling of the Jakes up there has been made radiO-
the general course. Here, l'll show you active by nature, and has the property of
how it works." We climbed down the lad- staying fresh and drinkable for a period
der onto the raft and he took me toward of many years."
the bow and pointed down. For the better part of a year the four
"See that slot between the balsa logs? expeditionist!l will be living together in
Those long, narrow hardwood drift boards this small hut built on the raft. It seemed
are inserted through slots just like that about eight feet wide and just high enough
one at six different places on the raft. The to stand up in; not very big or luxurious.
drift boards serve two purposes, being at Looking about, I noticed the studs and
the same time keel and rudder, for by beams of the hut lashed together with a
adjusting thejr depth jn the water; with thick twine. The only thing between the
some being deeper than others, the gen- men and the sea outside would be a thin
eral course of the raft can be controlled. wall of split bamboo; a thatched roof over-
No need always to have a man with his head would shield them from the· sun and
hand on the tiller. In this manner the raft rain.
may be angled across the current so as
to make good a predetermined course, in-
Objectives
Alzar went on to speak of their objec-
stead of riding helplessly out of control
tives. In cooperation with government in~
before the wirid and current." stitutions they would study salinity of the
He recalled that the famous balsa-wood sea, bird migration, sea currents, and
raft Kon-Tiki was wrecked on a Polyne- plankton, the microscopic animal and
sian island in 1947 short of its goal for plant life that is used as food by fish.
want of drift boards. Thor Heyerdahl, its However, the main objective, and the one
builder, once said that if he had known that had fired the imagination of the man
about drift boards his raft would not have with whom 1 was speaking, was something
wrecked after only 4,600 miles of travel. different.
14 AWAKE'!
With this unwieldy and ancient craft had been at sea for two months. Voyages
Alzar intends to add weight to the idea of six and seven months are recorded, as
that the original inhabitants of the Poly- trade 'was carried on with Central Ameri-
nesian Islands and also of Australia had ca. Cocoa was carried north by raft, and
crossed the South Pacific long ago. It is other products were carried back on the
believed by many that man first migrated return trip.
to North and South America from west- Our conversation about events now cen-
ern Asia, making a sort of "horseshoe" turies old was cut short. A shout from the
trip by way of the Bering Strait. And, pier called Alzar back to his work of
then, from what is now the South Ameri- supervision.
can country of Ecuador, crossed the Pa- .
cific Ocean on rafts, identical to the one Departure
upon which we were sitting. If they could ' Two weeks later, on the 23d of Octo-
do it in the tenth century of our Common ber, the voyage began. At four~thirty in
Era, Alzar reasons, he could repeat it in the afternoon an earthenware jar of
the twentieth. chicha, an ancient native beverage, was
What made him so sure that such voy- broken against the raft and the lines to
ages were made a millennium ago? "Now the pier were let loose. There was no wind
you have touched on a little known bit of that afternoon, so several oars were used
history," answered Alzar. "Everyone has to push away from the pier and into the
heard of the voyages of Columbus and of current of the Guayas River. If all goes
the Spanish conquistadors that followed well, for the next seven or eight months
him. But few have heard of the daring sea it will not touch land again until, propelled
voyages made by the original inhabitants by wind and current, it arrives at Sydney,
of the territory we know as Ecuador. They Australia, in the middle of 1967.
could be called the 'Phoenicians of the As the raft drifted away the four crew-
Western Hemisphere' so widely did tbey men waved a good-bye to the thousands
travel in trading with others. of Ecuadorians that had come to see them
"The Naval museum here in Guayaquil off. Two ships jammed with spectators
has records that date back to 1541, show- formed an escort for the first several
ing that raft travel was well developed miles, and the thousands on shore walked
long before the coming of the conquista- slowly along downriver, keeping pace with
dors. In fact, one of the first contacts be- the raft, until little by little they tired out,
tween the Spaniards and natives was a leaving the raft to drift on alone.
naval battle between a Spanish galleon Several days later, radio contact showed
and a raft. That was in 1526." the raft to be solidly into the Humboldt
Checking later, I found that Sefior Alzar Current, the first phase of its trip com-
was right. The Naval museum also gave pleted. But with 9,800 miles to go, any-
information about the encounter of Joris thing might happen. At this moment of
van Spielbergen with a mft as he was sail- writing four men, with a parrot for com-
ing around the world in the years 1614- pany, are drifting at two miles an hour
1617. They foWld the raft thousands of toward Australia, on Ecuador's Pacific
miles from its point of departure, and it Raft.
@@@@@@©@@@@@@@@@
FEBRUARY 8, 1967 15
,..-,HE discovery was quite by accident. word "tumor" applies only to abnormal
~ While taking a shower the woman felt growths of new tissue that arise from pre-
a small lump in her breast. It was soft and existing body cells. These are often re-
about the size of 8. small marble. She had ferred to as neoplasms (new growths).
not noticed it before, but now, there it In the noi:Jllal function of the body new
was! As she examined the lump with her cells are constantly being produced in
fingers it exhibited a certain mobility, as great n'!)mbers. However, because these
if to elude her grasp. There could be no cells merely replace those that have be-
doubt about it. The fluctuating mass was come worn out and cast aside, abnormal
a twnor! Thousands growths do not oc-
of women make a cur. Your skin, for
similar discovery instance, is like a
every year. garment that after
Although it is a a while grows old
place of common and is replaced by
occurrence, tumors a new one. True,
are by no means when you look at
limited to the fe- your skin it does
male breast. They,
at times, develop in
the breasts of men
S not appear as if
anything is happen-
ing. Yet, beneath
too. In fact, abnor- the surface, a busy
mal growths can oc- layer of cells is at
CW' in any tissue Work producing
or organ of the new cells.
body; many are In the process
visible, while of normal growth
others within the one mother cell
body often go un- divides into two
detected. Practi- daughter cells,
cally everyone which are identi-
possesses some of the more common ones, cal to each other and their late mother.
such as moles and warts. Are tumors This process of cell proliferation is called
something to be concerned about? How mitosis. It is dramatically illustrated in the
dangerous are they? A little information body's amazing ability of self-repair.
concerning tumor growth will help to an- When a severe burn removes several
swer such questions. layers of skin or a knife wotmd gouges
out a section of flesh, somehow an alarm
How Tumors Develop is sounded. In the emergency, the marvel-
In its broad sense, the word "tumor" ous process of cell-making is speeded up.
can apply to any swelling of the body. Then, when the damage is repaired,
This could include callous formations re- stepped-up cell division suddenly ceases,
sulting from manual labor, or swellings and the body resumes its normal produc-
that occur in the ordinary process of in- tion of cells. One can only marvel at the
fhlmmation. HoweVer, in the restricted miraculous mechanism that increases cell
sense to which it is generally limited, the proliferation in an emergency, and then
16 AWAKE!
throttles it again at the exact moment of rna, even in animals with a high cancer
normalcy! incidence." As to why a single blow or
In the formation of a tumor the orderly injury is often thought to cause a tumor,
regulation of cell production becomes dis- the above authority observes: ''This can
rupted. Even though an alarm does not be explained in two ways. (1) The trauma,
sound, or, perhaps, because there is a false by causing pain and bruising, draws atten-
alarm, the rate of cell-making speeds up. tion to the presence of a tumor (in the
The cells begin to proliferate to fill a de- breast, etc.) previously unnoticed. . . .
fect that does not exist. This excessive cell (2) Coincidence, seeing that both injury
production creates a tumor-an abnormal and tumors are so common."
growth that has no useful function. Viruses are now considered by many
authorities as the primary factor in caus-
Cause of Tumors ing tumors. As early as 1911 a medical re-
During the past several decades an in- searcher, Peyton Rous, succeeded in trans-
tensive search has been under way to dis- mitting tumors from one chicken to
cover the cause of these growths. In fact, another by means of a filterable virus.
to no other field of medical research has Since then many tumors in animals have
more time and money ever been devoted. been transmitted by viruses, yet, up till
And, yet, perhaps in no other search has now, no human tumor has been demon-
there been greater disappointment. The strated to be due to a virus. Nevertheless,
Home Encyclopedia of Modern Surgery by the evidence points so strongly to their
Dr. J. H. Rutledge observed: "The etiolo- implication that some researchers feel the
gy [cause] of this abnormal, uncontrolled question is no longer whether viruses
growth of cells is unknown. . . . Various cause tumors in man, but what tumors are
investigative approaches have included the due to what viruses.
· study of many different chemical sub- Another factor involved in causing Some
stances, hormones, germs, and mechanical tumors is certain chemical agents. Early
agents. As yet, no solitary cause has been investigators had observed that workers
ascertained.'' in the tar industry were subject to a great-
Evidence indicates that there are many er incidence of tumors than were other
factors involved in causing tumors, and persons. So it was of interest when, in
apparently a different combination of fac- 1933, British scientists isolated a pure
tors is responsible for producing different chemical from tar and demonstrated that
tumors. Chronic or continued irritation is it produced abnormal growths at the site
considered one leading factor. The theory of application in mice. Since then many
is that, when repeated destruction of tis· other chemicals have been found to be a
sue too often sounds the repair alarm, the factor in inducing tumors.
mechanism regulating cell proliferation be- Food processing and food additives can
comes upset. As a result, the cells continue also apparently be factors. ·one leading
to multiply when they should stop, and medical researcher, Dr. Michael B. Shim-
thus a tumor forms. kin, wrote in his book Science and Cancer:
Some would attribute the development Tumor-causing "materials may also be the
of a tumor to a single blow or injury, but result of changes in food brought about
the Textbook of Pathology by William by methods by which such food is pre-
Boyd claims: "No tumor has ever been pared or preserved. An example of this
produced experimentally by a single trau- occurred in the finding of many liver tu-
FEBRUARY 8, 1967 17
mora in rainbow trout that were raised it will often reach a certain size and cease
on food pellets of fish meal and cottonseed to grow any larger.
meal as the main constituents." Furthennore, the tumor is usually en-
It is generally agreed by many medical capsulated by connective tissue, which
researchers that improper nutrition, in forms aroWld it as it expands. Thus, as
combination with other factors, can result cells of the tumor multiply, they invari~
in the growth of tumors. In this connec- ably remain in contact with one another
tion, there are reports of tumors occurring in one solid mass; they do not migrate.
in animals maintained on diets deficient in Also of importance is the mature nature
specific vitamins. For instance, the popu- of the cells that the tumor reproduces.
lar Textbook of Pathology by Boyd re- They are generally of an orderly pattern
lates that when rats were fed a diet of and Wliform size, and may imitate per-
rice that included an azo dye known as fectly the cells of the structure from which
butter yellow, tumors of the liver regu- the tumor arises.
larly developed. However, when yeast or Although benign tumors may cause dis-
members of the vitamin B complex were figurement, they cause no pain and are
included in the same diet, no tumors usually of little danger to health. The ma-
occurred. jor exceptions are when they grow enor-
Imbalance in the secretion of body hor- mously large or near a vital organ where
mones has also been incriminated as a their expansion may interfere with vital
causative factor. Some believe that imped- functions of the body. For example, a be-
ed nerve flow is another important factor. nign twnor on the brain can exert dan-
And in a few kinds of tumors heredity gerous pressure, or one in the thyroid can
seems to play a role. So, as can be seen, expand and choke a person. If attended to
many factors are apparently involved in in time, such growths can usually, be suc-
producing tumdrs, yet 'DO definite cause cessfully removed, after which the pa-
has been established. tient generally recovers without compli-
cations.
Benign and Malignant The malignant tumor, on the other
The danger of a tumor generally hinges hand, is always dangerous. It is an inva-
on whether it is malignant or not. Fortu- sive, rapidly growing, irregularly formed,
nately, most of them are not. Observed the haphazardly arranged group of cells that
medical encyclOpedia The New People's may spread and establish new growths in
Physician: "It is a popular fallacy to be- distant parts of the body. These mali~ant
lieve that every tumor is to be feared. The growths are all included under the com-
majority are of very little significance as mon heading of cancer, which name is de-
regards danger to life and are correctly rived from the Greek word for crab, kar-
called simple, benign or innocent." kinos. The name is fitting, for clawlike
There are various characteristics of a processes characterize both the tumor and
benign tumor that minimize its danger. the animal.
First, instead of spreading out and infil- A malignant tumor does not remain con·
trating the sw-rounding tissue, the benign fined to a limited area. It may for a while.
tumor grows by expansion like a balloon, But then, like a crab, it claws out into
pushing aside the adJacent tissues without surrounding tissue. This is called "invR-
involving them intimately. Its growth, sive cancer." The growth infiltrates and,
therefore, is generally quite slow. In fact, in time, may replace completely the nor-
18 AWAKE/
mal cells of the area. But as long as the reg1 ession of a malignant tumour tC' be-
tumor cells remain in the general area nign type is, lamentably, unknown."
where the disease started, it is said to be
Diaf/no8is
"localized." Unfortunately, however, ma-
The diagnosis of certain tumors- is rela-
lignant tumor cells seldom stay put.
tively easy. For example, warts (papillo-
After a while they break away, enter ma) and moles (nevus). Warts of the skin
lymphatic channels or the bloodstream, verY seldom become malignant, although
and travel to nearby or distant places when they occur in the rectum they com-
where they seed and develop new growths. monlY do. Moles, too, generally are of little
This spreading is called metastasizing, and concern. Nevertheless, some moles do be-
the new tumor is called a meta8ia.sis. Very come malignant, and should therefore be
little is known about the conditions that watched for any increase in size, pigmen-
determine this spread; some tumor cells tatiOn and itching. The sites of danger are
travel by one route, others by another, where they are subject to regular irrita-
some spread almost from the start, and tion. This can cause an inflammatory reac-
still others may remain localized for years tion which, at times, flares into malig-
before they spread. nancy.
Although the features that distinguish With other body twnors, when first they
a benign tumor from a malignant one are come to our attention it is important not
easy to enumerate, in actual practke it is to jwnp to. conclusions and imagine the
often much more difficult to determine the worst, because by far the greater number
difference. Observed Dr. Michael B. Shim- are benign. Well-encapsulated benign tu-
kin in -his book Science and Cancer: mors have a characteristic mobility when
"There is also a spectrum between the examined with the fingers. They can be
benign, or innocent, tumors, and cancers, bounced around; they are not anchored to
including a zone of borderline lesions re- the surrounding tissues. Malignant tumors,
garding which decision is particulal1ly dif- on the other hand, have a characteristic
ficult. Later we shall have occasion to fixity to the underlying tissue. Generally
refer to 'incomplete,' and to 'dependent' theY are not so mobile. Doctors are some-
tumors, cellular growths that are interme- times able to determine the nature of the
diate in their behavior between the inno- twnor by a physical examination. How~
cently benign and the malevolently malig- ever, it is difficult to be absolutely positive,
nant cancers." and often the doctor is quite uncertain.
The question may also be raised as to various techniques are being employed
whether a benign twnor ever becomes ma- to identify the nature of the twnor. An
lignant, and whether a malignant one may article in Medical World News stated that
become benign. The Encyclopredia Britan- one X-ray method has proved to be 99-per-
nica, in examining this question, said: "It cent accurate in diagnosing 2,000 tumor
is not easy to be certain concerning the ac- cases. Another method t~ses a machine
quisition of malignant transformation ... that measures the variations in skin tem-
Of the group of tumours in which malig- perature, and is reportedly having remark-
nancy is variable, some are benign from able success in diagnosing breast tumors.
the start and remain so; others are ap- still another technique frequently used
parently malignant from their moment of is biopsy. Some of the tumor tissue Is re-
origin; and finally, a few appear to change moved by special instruments so it can be
from innocent to malignant type.... The analyzed. The drawback here is that, if the
FEBRUARY 8, 1967 19
tumor tends toward malignancy, tamper- Not all doctors, however, agree that
ing with it could have the effect of start- such radical surgery is justified. One lead-
ing the spread of the cancer cells. ing cancer surgeon, George Crile, and his
A new device for aiding in detection of colleagues, found in a study of many tu-
cancer was described at the current meet- mor cases that simple surgery, in which
ing of the International Cancer Congress only the growth itself is removed, had a
in Tokyo. As stated in the New York slight advantage over radical surgery, both
Times of October 26, as to survival of the
1966, it involves tak~ ARTICLES IN 11m NEXT ISSUE patient and as to lo-
ing a small sample of • P;o.rents, What Are Your Children
cal recurrences of
blood- from the pa~ Being Taught? cancer.
tient and adding a • Crimes of Youth-Who Is to Slame7 Simple surgery in
• Why Keep On Smoking?
radioactive form of • The Farmer's Fertilizer Problem.
cancer cases is often
the element rubidi- supplemented by ra-
um. The difference in diation treatment.
the rate at which rubidium is taken into The problem that faces practitioners in
the red blood cells is used to distinguish such cases is the application of radiation
between cancerous and noncancerous pa- in doses that will destroy any remaining
tients." However, the precise location of cancer cells with a minimum of damage to
the growth still has to be determined. the surrounding normal tissue. And not all
types of cancer can be effectively treated
Question of Treatment by radiation.
As soon as the development of a tumor Chemotherapists, who use chemical
is suspected, it is wise for the subject, for agents, have offered some promising re-
his own peace of mind, to obtain profes~ sults. Methods of triggering the body's
sional advice as to its nature. Some may own immunological defenses to fight the
prefer to go to their family doctor. Others malignant cells are also under investiga-
may choose some other practitioner. It tion. The use of special diets and of cer-
is important, however, to go to someone tain herbs has also been recommended as
who has had ample experience in handling a means of building up the body's ability
such cases. to fight the growth of cancer cells.
The physician may recommend an op- Malignant tumors continue to be one of
eration for removal of the tumor. This man's mysterious and formidable foes.
does not necessarily mean that it is ma-
However, not all of them are incurable,
lignant. If, after removal, examination
shows it to be nonmalignant, the wound and there is a favorable chance that any
is sewn up and there is seldom any rea- specific tUmor that turns up is of the be-
son for further concern. In cases where nign type, involving little serious danger.
malignancy has been determined, the sur- How comforting, too, to know that tumors
geon may try to remove every single can- and all diseases that cause pain and dis-
cer cell in the area. In the case of breast tress of mind and body will soon be elimi-
cancer, this includes the removal of the nated. In God's new system of things
entire breast and as much surrounding tis- 'mourning and outcry and pain will be no
sue as possible, including nearby lymph more.' (Rev. 21:4) The greatest Healer <?f
nodes where the cancer cells are likely to all, Jehovah God, has so promised, and it
have migrated. is impossible tor him to lie.
20 AWAKE/
T)OURING from factory assembly lines pletely enclosed patio, which amounts to
r in the United .States, Great Britain an extra room.
and France are homes that give people
furniture, carpeting, drapes, stove, refrig- Quality Designing
erator, and so on, all in one "package." Once an interior decor has been de-
They come out of the factory complete, signed by company designers, mass pro-
ready to be lived in. An added attraction duction of mobile homes makes it avail-
is that they can be moved from one place able to a great many people in the form
to another whenever the owner desires. of comparatively low-cost housing. Thus
In the United States more than four and people of moderate means are getting
a half million people live in factory-built, homes with an interior decor that would
mobile homes. Although their homes have ordinarily be available only in more high-
wheels and can be easily moved, few of priced homes. Actually the modern mobile
them move very often. A survey revealed home is being acknowledged as a trend-
that only 42 percent of the mobile home- setter in interior home styling. People
owners moved more than once in the past have been encouraged to visit them for
five years and 23 percent had not moved ideas before decorating their conventiOnal
at all. Usually a person who buys a home.
factory-built home that may ;measure from At one manufacturing plant when a new
8 to 12 feet in width and 40 to as much design is being developed, planning will
as 70 feet in length has no intention of consume several months. If it is a Spanish
moving around. These are homes that peo- design, for example, trips will be made to
ple enjoy settling down to live in, and conventional home shows and anywhere
they are meeting the needs of all types of else where designers can see Spanish styl-
people. ing displayed. The history of Spanish de-
The notion that no one but gypsies lives sign is also consulted. Trips are made
on wheels is being dispelled by the grow- to manufacturers of carpets, furniture,
ing multitudes who are buying mobile drapery and hardware so as to arrange
homes. Yesterday's heavy, clumsy house for specially designed materials. Local
trailer has given way to a home that is wrought-iron shops are contacted in con-
attractive to the eye and comfortable for nection with handmade lamps, tables and
daily living. Its disadvantage of less living railings. After engineers translate as many
space than a conventional home is reduced of their proposals into blueprints as are
by some people who attach to it a com- deemed practical, the manufacturing pro-
FIDBRUARY 8, 1961 21
cess begins, turning out homes with Transporting the large h6mes is still an-
SpaJI)sh decor. other problem. It is usually necessary to
Manufacturers make frequent model use a truck to pull them, and this can be
changes. The Spanish decor will probably very costly if the diStance is great. There
be replaced by others such as Regency, is the additional problem of not being per-
French, Italian, Mediterranean, Early ~nitted on certain streets. In the United
American, Modern, and so forth. Because States mobile homes that are eight feet
the designer of mobile homes' is free to wide can be pulled over almost any road,
work with everything involved-floors, bUt those that are ten feet wide must be
walls, ceilings and furnishings-his effects taken over specified routes Wlder condi-
may be more attractive and inexpensive tions prescribed by the local authorities.
than if he were doing the interior of a In Britain .the maximum width permitted
conventional home. Since his designs are on the roads is seven and a half feet. Any.
for thousands of factory·built homes, the thing wider than this must be carried on
initial cost can be spread out so that it is a vehicle designed for transporting wide
not great for any one home. Thus quality loads. The problem does not end there.
designing is made available to people who Getting down narrow, English country
could not otherwise afford it. lanes to a mobile home park with a ten·
to twelve·foot·wide mobile home is some·
The Problem of Homesites times impossible.
A shortage of suitable sites is a problem
facing persons who buy mobile homes. In How to Shop fora Mobile Home
1964, about 50,000 new sites were provid- As with conventional homes the quality
ed in the approximately 22,000 mobile of mobile homes varies greatly, and it is
home parks in the United States. But dur- well to know what to look for so as to get
ing that year about 200,000 new mobile gocid value for the money that is put into·
homes were sold to the public. Where did one. Check each door to see if it is warped.
the 150,000 homes go that could not find When it is eased shut, it should close firm-
a place in parks? A survey revealed that ly and solidly. Look at the interior ar·
the owners had arranged for their own rangement and ask yourself, "Will I like
lots, either in towns where zoning laws it several years froln now?" Is the decor
pennit mobile homes or out in the country. overdone or tastefully subdued, something
side. you can live with?
In view of the shortage of parking Look at the floor plan. Is it convenient?
places, it is advisable for anyone contem· Is there a g~est closet near the front door,
plating the purchase of a mobile home to
for example? Are cabinets, closets and
locate a place where it can be put before
making the purchase. It is not easy to find appliances within easy reach? Is the lightw
a well·situated, attractive and well·run ing good as well as the ventilation? Do the
mobile home park'that bas avat1able space. appliances and furnishings have reliable
In England there are over 4,000 brand names? Are the chairs and beds
government·licensed parks. Many of the solid and durable or are they flimsy?
very attractive ones have ten homes or In a well·built mobile home the 1nterior
less. About 30 parks accommodate 100 or doors should be at least one and three~
more homes, and the largest in the coun- eighths inche;s thick. The steel roof should
try accommodates 380. be screwed to the. sides of the home and
22 AWAKE/
not to the top. 'There should be a drip ran moblle home and travel trailer manufac~
below the line of screws to catch rainwater turing.
and prevent weather streaking. By push~ One of the companies in the United
ing on the paneling inside, you can deter~ States has plans to build enough plants--so
mine if there are crossbeams every 16 or as to be able to supply its dealers with mo-
24 inches apart as there should be. The bile homes without havin8' to transport
edges of drawers should be rounded and them more than 500 miles from any of
smooth. No cracks should be evident in its factories. Its plant in Indiana is an
the tile on the floor. enormous, sprawling U-shaped building
Every room, including the bath, should that covers an area of 80,000 square feet.
be vented, and there ought to be insulat- On a quarter-of-a-mile assembly line, con-
ing material in the walls, the ceiling and struction of mobile homes begins with a
the floor. The livability of the hpme, as nine-inch-thick steel underbridging mount--
well as how pleasing it is to the eye and ed on a chassis. As it passes along the as-
the quality of workmanship must all be sembly line, it gets its six inches of wood
taken into consideration. Like anything flooring, its walls, roof, insulation, parti-
else, the cheapest model may not be the tions, wiring and furnishings. At the end
best bargain. of the line it is taken out the exit as a
gleaming, alwninum-skinned home, ready
Industry Growth for occupancy.
This industry that started out a little These factory-made, one-package homes
more than thirty years ago h~ grown into are meeting a housing need for relatively
a billion-dollar giant. Between 1962 and low-cost dwellings among newlyweds, re-
1965 it had'
an 85-percent gain in sales. tired persons, transient workers, military
personnel and persons who want a second
There are 220 major manufacturers of
home in a resort area. Among homes cost-
mobile homes in the United States. France ~ng less than $10,000 in the United States,
has about fifty companies in the business. they represent 40 percent of the housing
The industry got started in the American market and are steadily growing in popu-
city of Elkhart, Indiana, during the 1930~s. larity. One-package, mobile homes are now
Elkhart is still called ttie world center of part of the modern way of living.
.. . . . . . .._.._..__......._._._..__..__..__........ -----------·-..-..-........
.__ .__ .__ ..__ .__ .__ .__ .__ .__
z,.. 'P" l€a..e , _
PuBLIBIUt>
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
117 Adams Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201, U.S.A.
AND IN ENat.AND
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
Watch Tower House, The Ridgeway London N.W. 7, England
N. H. KNOIIK, Preaidoot GIIANT SUITIIIII, S9CI'etaru
Average printing each Issue: 4,475,000 Now published In 26 languages
4tl 1 - CAutr.lll, So: South Alrl1a, '\loel So111111011thiJ-AfrlkuDS, Cebuano, o.t.lob, Dutcb, EDII1Bb,
Yearly sub..mot!on raltl! F!nnlob, Fnnch, Qonnan, Gr.,k, noto, ltallau Japan-.
0111• Jor .. mtmonthly edltlo""
Amorltl, U.S., lH Adamo Stmt, Brooi!Jyn, N.Y. 11201 $l
Koroan, Norwoilon,
Zul11
l'wt-. SV&Illob, llwodbh, TaploJ,
Anlralla, 11 B•reoford Rd., Bl!'ot.Meld, N.S.W. $1 Monthl~b!Jlese, ctnyanJo, H1111•rnon, MalaYII&m, Po\!ih,
Canada, 1~0 Brl<lgolon~ Mo., Toronto 19, Ont.
Entland, Ws.t.o~ Towor Houoe,
$1 0-:::!'e"e'"''-,-,----------,
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Tho !Udlowa,y, Loondon N.W. 7 7/6 CHANCES If ADDI£SS -~- ru~h 11 thirty ~Q'\1
Mew lPian,, an Now North Rd., Auckland S.W. 1 71- bofort year mortog un.
Gl>o 11 rou o]d IIIII now
s..t• A!rl111, Prl.. to Bag 2, f_O_ Elandofontcln. TTl. 70o "drtll (II polllblo, yoar old addrea llbol>. WriU
(MHlliiJ 1dlll... 101t •alf tho akn rat11.) Walth Towor, Wottb TOW«' H0111, Tho llldaoway,
... lttao"' for ouboortptlons ohould bo oont to tho omoo In Lond011 N.W. 7, England.
10111' eountry. Ot\IOI'II'!oe "nd )'out rem!!to""" t.l llrool!]yn.
Sllbootlpl!o.n ""~'""·
__ ______
Notlto of n•lratlon " ..,I at l•••t t,.. !Mues bolor•
CONTENTS
Guard Akainst the Practice of Sin 3 Why Keep On Smoking? 17
Parents, What Are Your Children The Farmer's Fertilizer Problem 21
Being Taught? 5
A Tragedy In the Greek Archipelago 25
Crimes of Youth-Who Is to Blame? 10
"Your Word Is Truth"
The Caspian Sea-Russia's Jesus' Condemnation
Billion-Ruble Problem 14 -Qn What Charge? 27
"According to Their Kinds" 16 Watching the World
2
"h is already the hour for you to awake."
-Romano 13,11
POET long ago said: uTo err is hu- In this regard some have pointed to the
A man; to forgive, divine." As much as
that saying is quoted, it is not altogether
mistakes made by certain men of God and
asked how it was possible for them to do
true. To forgive may be Godlike, but to such things. But the -important thing is
be human does not necessarily mean to not that they did this or that but that
err. OUr first parents, though hwnan, did they did not take their erring lightly,
not have to err. They were created per- they did not make a practice of such
fect. (Gen. 1:31; Deut. 32:4) When the things. Noah is such an example. On
Son of God came to earth he proved this one occasion, son}e years after the Flood,
to be true, for, though hwnan, he did not he drank wine to the point of intoxi-
err-not in thought, nor in word, nor in cation. No doubt there were extenuat-
deed. (1 Pet. 2:22) It Is only due to the ing circumstances; but, be that as it may,
transgression of our first parents that err- the fact remains that we do not read of
ing became hwnan, that "tlie inclination his getting intoxicated again. So also with
of the heart of mari is bad from his youth the apostle Peter. Though on one occasion
up."-Gen. 8:21; Rom. 5:12. he denied his Lord three Urnes becau<re <lf
But let no one jump to the conclusion fear of man, he sincerely repented and
tha4 since a tendency to err, to sin, to thereafter became a fearless witness to
make mistakes, is inherent in man, we his God and his Lord, continuing faithful
have no obligation to strive against these. in spite of beatings and imprisonment.
We do have such an obligation! We are -Acts 5:40, 41; 12:3-5.
obligated by the light of conscience, and In this respect Peter stood in striking
our very ability to reason, to treat others contrast to his fellow apostle Judas. Judas
as we ourselves wmild be treated and to had made a practice of being dishonest;
take care of ourselves properly so as not for, as the inspired record tells us, "he
to become a burden upon others. And to was a thief and had the money box and
the extent that we become familiar with used to carry off the monies put in it." He
Bible principles We are further obli- made a practice of stealing, and that from
gated, for knowledge brings responsibility. such an unselfishly dedicated group as Je-
ll'J!JBRUARY 2:!1, 1967 3
sus and his apostles while posing as one nesses two likable young people were ex-
of them! Pride and gree.d combined in him communicated, disfellowshiped, to the
to commit the act of betraying his Lord. shock of many of their friends. Why?
No wonder that afterward he found no They had been put on probation because
repentance, though remorseful, and so of having violated the Christian moral
hanged himself!-John 12:1-6. COde, but, instead of taking this censure
The apostle John makes this fine dis- to heart and exercising care in the future,
tinction between committing a certain sin they became repeaters, making a practice
and making a practice of sinning, saying: of their wrongdoing. So the Christian con-
"My little children, I am writing you gregation had no alternative but to ex-
these things that you may not 'commit a communicate them.
sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, Not that committing a single act of sin
we have a helper with the Father, Jesus is to be taken lightly. Not at all! One will
Christ, a righteous one."-1 John 2:1. never become a -practicer of certain sins
But as regards those who keep on re- if he never commits them the first time.
peating their sins he says: "Everyone who Besides, it is so much easier to transgress
practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, the secOnd time; one may even find he has
and so sin is lawlessness. He who carries acquired a craving for it. More than that,
on sin originates with the Devil, because many a single act has resulted in untold
the Devil has been sinning from the be- misery, as tmWed mothers, victims of ve-
ginning"; that is, from his beginning as nereal disease, and even King David of old
Satan the Devil.-1 John 3:4, 8. can well testify.-2 Sam. 12:7-12.
Today, more than ever before, we see Yet, because of circumstances, because
people making a practice of sin, of loose of being caught off guard, because of in-
conduct, of sexual immorality, of crime. herited tendencies, a person may yield to
Regarding the problem this poses for te1p.ptation and commit a serious wrong.
those having to do with law enforcement, Then what? Will he sincerely repent and
the New York Daily News~ July 8, 1966, change his course of action? If he is wise
had a 'guest editorial' by New York's he wiU cultivate a hatred for what is bad
Chief Police Inspector S. D. Garelick, because of the evil it entails, even though
which read: "Recidivism (the repeating of it may seem pleasant. As the psalmist
crimes by the same persons) is increasing counsels: "0 you lovers of Jehovah, hate
in intensity and is becoming much more What is bad."-Ps. 97:10.
serious. The fear of punishment is waning He who wants forgiveness and a right
and it is apparent that there is a lack of standing befo~e God and ~is fellows must
respect of other people-both for their
person and property." be on guard against making a (fractice of
erring, of sinning. He must walk in the
This "falling back,'' which is what recid-
fear of God, keeping close to Him by a
ivism literally means, is something that
every self-respecting person, every lover study of his Word and by prayer. A great
of righteousness and, in particular, every aid is association with those who recog-
Christian should want to guard against, nize the Bible's lofty princiJ?les. Doing so,
for often it is the practice, rather than the he can have stumbling stones become
sin itself, that determines its seriousness. stepping-stones, and the undeserved kind-
Thus in the summer of 1966 in a certain ness that God has extended to him will not
Brooklyn congregation of Jehovah's wit- have failed in its purpose.-2 Cor. 6:1.
4 AWAKE!
"DON'Sunday
T School
surprised Johnny comes home from
be if
some day soon and tens you that
the whale didn't swallow Jonah, that Moses· didn't
cross the Red Sea, and that what the Bible says about
the creation of the world is way off base."
Thus the Toronto Daily Star commented on the na-
ture of the modern Sunday-school course· of the United
Church of Canada shortly before it was published. The
course, a million-dollar publishing enterprise, features
special literature for children of various ages, primary,
junior, and so forth. In addition to the Teacher's Guide
for the various age-groups there are such books as
God Speaks Through People, The Word and the Way
and The Mystery of the Rock.
Christian parents know that it is important for their
children to take in the right kind of religious knowl-
edge. Why? Because as Jesus Christ said: "This means
everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the
only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth,
Jesus Christ." At the same time, knowledge of God's
Word will enable the children to go straight and avoid
the many pitfalls causing juvenile delinquency, even
as we read: "All Scripture is inspired of God and bene-
ficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things
straight, for disciplining in righteousness.''-John 17:
3; 2 Tim. 3:16.
If you are parents who love God, you want your
children to take in explanations of the Bible that will
strengthen their faith in God and in his Word, not de-
stroy it; knowledge that will help them to do what is
right by instilling in them the fear of God, not make
them indifferent to what is right and wrong. Will they
be getting this kind of teaching from the Sunday-
school course of the United Church of Canada?
I
T WAS early Saturday morning,
November 12, 1966, at Mesa, Ari·
blame? when we note
that New York
police, In mid·
zona. A local beauty shop had just Parents blame youths. March 1966, ar-
opened and in it were five women and Youths blame pa~ents. rested a group
two children. Then in came an What are the facts? of twelve boys,-
eighteen-year-old high-school youth. ages fourteen
He ordered the women to lie on their to eighteen
stomachs on the floor in a circle like years, all from comfortable homes, with money
spok-es of a wheel, with their heads and autos, ·W,ho had burglarized seventy-eight
in the center, and then calmly began different homes· and stolen thousands of dollars'
to pump bullets into the backs of worth of goods. Why? They wanted something
their heads as he walked aroWld the to brag about, they said. Then there was the
circle, reftillng his reVolver as it ran teen-.r who in three months robbed tWrty~
out of bullets, and laughing all the five taxi drivers, many of whom he wounded
while. By the time the police arrived with a knife or pair of scissors.
and apprehended the youth he had Last September the New York City pollee
murderEHi four of the women, stabbed picked up five youths ranging from twelve to
a three-year-old girl ·to death "he· fifteen years of age. Why? One of them had
cause she kePt jumping around," and poUred gasoline on two sleeping Bowery tramps
wounded the remaining woman and and another threw burning matches on them
infant. while the other three stood by to watch the
Why had he .done it? According to "fun." Both men had to be rushed to the hos-
his own statement: "I wanted to get pital, where one died four days later from his
known .•• just wanted to get myself wounds. What kind of mentality did these five
a name." He further boasted that he "good boys"-according to their parents-have,
had planned the murders for about for them to plan and execute such a cruel deed?
three months, eettina the idea from In November in the same city three well~
the massacre of 1eight nurses in Chi- dressed youths asked an elderly slightly built
cago and the IIl&$S m\U'der of more unemployed man for the time and then sud-
than a dozen persons in Austin, Tex- denly knocked him to the sidewalk and, in spite
as. At the time of his arrest he was of his pleadings, poured a can of searing lye on
cocky and showed no sign of remorse. his head. Why? Not for money, but, according
Yes, in this age of violence and to the police, simply ''for the thrill of it."
crime, youth looms up prominently. Modern youths' proclivity for crime is also
In the United States 48 percellt of all seen in vandalism. In New York city alone
arrests for seriOUil crimes involve youthful Yondels each ;year destroy $5 million
10 AWAJriil'l
worth ot SChool property. '!bey not o!lly gee from j u s - What kln4 of 811 Ideal
break windowpanes by the hundreds of is be for youth to copy?
.thousands, rip out pay phones and mark Not only do adUlts set wretched exam-
up walls with paint or lipstick but also ples for youth, but some of them make it
steal much. valuable school property. their business to exploit youth for the
There are also the sorry and harmful sake of selfish gain. They encourage youth
aspects of "glue sniffing" and other forms to gamble, to become drug addlets, and
of drug and narcotic addiction such as they harden them to violence by' its ppr-
LSD. Police records are filled with · the trayal in motion pictures and on television
violence and crimes committed by youth- screens, and in particular do they abet
ful glue addicts, including armed robbery, youths' trend toward sexual immorality
rape and murder. Three Chicago youths by pornographic material, books, maga-
of "respectable" homes, while under the zines and moving pictures, all of which
influence of "pills," shot a sixty-three- has become a multimillion-dollar business
year-old man and then stomped him to in the United States. Who is operating it?
death. Adults. Who are its prime targets? Youth.
Not that the crimes of youth are limited But in particular are the immediate
to the· United States. It is only that they parents of delinquent and criminal youths
are more widespread and vicious there. to blame; a fact on which, incidentally,
Other lands also have their problems. An both the Bible and psych)atrists are
item from New Zealand tells of three boys, agreed. Thus the Bible says: "Train up a
two of them thirteen, and one fourteen boy according to the way for him; even
years of age, having been involved in when he grows oid he will not turn aside
thirteen, nine and six robberies respec- from it." (Prov. 22:6) And reports Science
tively. They stole hundreds of dollars' Digest (December 1966): "Psychiatrists
worth of transistor radios, wrist watches ... place the blame for criminallty almost
and like valuable articles. The press also completely on the early parent-child rela-
reports increasing juvenile delinquency in tionship." It also reports that "delinquents
Russia and blames it on boredom. And the begin antisocial acts at the average age of
latest phenomena are China's Red Guards, eight."
who have embarked on a campaign of ter- In what respects do the parents fall
ror, violence and torture. short? Primarily in two respects. One of
Who Is to Blame these is the fallure to be firm for what is
Shocking? Yes, this behavior on the right, or to be "strict," in dealing with
part of youth is indeed shocking. But let their offspring. The other is an indi1fer~
it never be forgotten that youth takes its ence as to what is best for the child and
attitudes, its values, from adults. There is an unwillingness to sacrifice one's plea-
no question about the increase of lawless- sures for one's children. They both betray
ness among adults. According to the FBI a }ack of parental love and affection.
of the United States, there were 2 ;780 ,000 whiCh the Bible shows was to be• one of
serious crimes in the United States in the characteristics of the "last days."
1965, a 6-percent increase over 1964. It is -2 Tim. 3:1, 3.
the adults who set the example. Thus a Rightly the Bible says: "Do not hold
prominent New York City clergyman has back discipline from the mere boy." (Prov.
used every conceivable disreputable trick 23: 13) The wisdom of this is apparent
to evade the law and even became a refu- from the report of a seven~year survey
FEBRUARY 22, 1961 11
sponsored by the National Institute of and Better Homemaking3 February 1966.
Mental Health and under the direction of In one New York community there is a
Dr. Coppersmith, chairman of the Univer- somewhat similar arrangement in which
sity of California P,sychology Department. 'tlature, volunteer women are assigned as
According to his findings: "Almost with- 'school moms," one to each problem child,
out exception the most successful children with whom they spend several mornings
-in school and in play-came from homes each week. Being a "school mom" requires
where parents laid down the law. Children much patience and affection, but the re-
of strict parents reported that punishment sults are worth it, not onlY for the child
usually was deserved . . . Children from but also for the "school mom," one of
strict parents felt closer and more affec- whom stated: "I've never done anything
tionate to their parents than children from so exhausting and rewarding in my life.
Permissive homes. The father usually was No one can measure what it means to me
successful, confident and the family dis- to know that I am, in a very real sense,
ciplinarian." He also stated that these helping to save [the child's] life." What
strict parents put the acquiring of high these are willing to do for other people's
standards ahead of a child's enjoying him- children, pa.rents should be willing to do
self, and achievement ahead of sociability. for their own. If they did, there would be
"They knew practically all their childrens' no need for such "school moms."-The
friends." Yes, as the B1ble shows, the par- PTA MagOOne, June 1966.
ent that-truly loves his child will discipline Note also the record being made by the
hirn. (Heb. 12:6-11) This is in striking Kinderdorf orphans. Instead of being
contrast to such pare_nts as the prominent hOused in large institutions, these live in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, attorney who tiny villages consisting of individual homes
tried to· excuse the raping of a fifteen- where a mature woman with a sense of
year-old girl by seven teen-age youths, one humor and, above all, a large motherly
of which was his own son, as a "boyish heart presides over eight children. The
prank." village itself has a male suPervisor serving-
The importance of parents' having a as father. The purpose of Kinderdorf is
genuine interest in their children is being "the generating· of strong currents of love.
demonstrated by the N'ew Castle, Pennsyl- ... The mother's job is love." Some 200
vania, Youth Guidance Council. According , of these children have already grown to
to its spokesman, "most children who get adulthood, not one of whom has turned
in trouble are in one way or another ne- out bad. Originated in Austria, the Kinder-
glected at home.... Some parents are just dar! idea is spreading to many other lands.
indifferent." Through this Council a youth But it is nOt only mother love that is
who has gotten into trouble with the law needed. The role of that male supervisor
has a counselor assigned to him whose is just as important if not more so. The
chief role is 'to be a substitute parent for Scriptural principle of the father being the
the youth to confide in and look up to.' head of the home is a sound one. (Eph.
(Just what parents should be!) This has 5:22, 23; 6:1-4) Says one government of-
proved so helpful that very few of these ficial: "The ancient culture in which the
youths shOw up at police headquarters a father is the undisputed head of the family
second time, resulting in a decrease jn ju- .. , appears to produce fewer lawbreak-
venile crime in this city as compared with ers." No question about the, father's re-
increases elsewhere.-ParentB' Magazine sponsibility for the way youth turns out!
12 AWAKE!
Y outh'B Own Re•POIUIIbiltty bring into the world ana rear these
Do the foregoing facts absolve youths youths? Youths may think t.u::y are sm~
from all blame? By no means! They are but no more than adults can they thwart
not robots. On the principle of particeps the divine principle that what a man sows
criminis, accomplices to the crime, they he will also reap.-Gal. 6:7.
share the blame. Youths blame parents There are also other things to consider,
and then deliberately do worse themselves! such as peace of mind and self-respect.
Youths pride themselves on their think- Certainly no one who gives expression to
ing ability, so let them think. Do they his feelings without regard to the interests
want someone to steal their auto and then of others can have either self-respect or
wreck it? Do they want to be tortured or· peace of mind.
have their home vandalized? So youths Above all, there is the question of God,
should think about the lack of logic in '
the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. All
treating others differently from the way visible creation testifies to his existence,
they themselves want to be treated. even as his Word, shows·. (Rom. 1:20)
-Matt. 7:12. Only the "senseless one has said in his
Further, youths should ask themselves, heart: 'There is no JeP,ovah.'" (Ps. 14:1)
Does my pursuit of "kicks" or thrills make Since He is our Creator, we are account-
sense? Doctors tell that glue sniffing re- able to him. To recognize that fact means
sults in much physical harm and even to fear to displease him, which the Bible
death· as_ well as leading to the use of shows is the beginning of wisdom, as it
stronger drugs. As one youth put it: "You means to turn away from what is bad.
start on the glue kick and you get to like -Prov. 8:13; 9:10.
it. Then you want a bigger kick. You be- The fact that there is so little respect
gin to take pills and you like them even for the Bible, and that Bible knowledge
better." But the result is a ruined life. has declined and Bible prlnciples are ig-
Further, youth should be realistic. Does nored is a basic underlying cause for
the pursuit of such lawlessness pay? Is it youths' crimes, and for this the clergy of
_wortttwhile? Is it rewarding? Who sits out Christendom are chiefly responsible. But
a lifetime sentence for rape, as in the the Bible points out the true course of wis-
case of a white Mississippi youth who dom: It shows that, rather than selfish-
lured a fifteen-year-old colored girl into ness, tmselfishness is truly rewarding:
his car on the pretext of needing a baby- "There is more happiness in giving than
sitter and then took her to a lonely spot there is in receiving," and who does not
and at knife point raped her? That teen- want to be happy? More than that, the Bi-
ager's parents or himself? Thus also, ble holds out the hope of everlasting life,
Science Digest, August 1966, tells that sui- and who would not want to live in happi-
cides are increasing as the cause of deaths ness forever?-Acts 20:35; John 17:3.
'by youths, only auto accidents, cancer and That Bible principles can be applied by
drowning being more frequent causes of parents and youths to modern living is not
death, whereas among college students it merely a theory but is practical and prac-
is the second most frequent cause of death. ticable. It has been proved to be so by
Besides, are these the ways to reward some one million Christian witnesses of
one's parents for having practiced all the Jehovah living in nearly two hundred
self-denial and sacrificing necessary to lands and islands of the sea.
FEBRUARY 22, 1961 13
......,..._e <JaA;p-ta:n.. Sea.
-Russia's Billion-Ruble Problem
The biological rule that living things were created to reproduce "according to
their kinds" occurs ten times in Genesis chapter one. This immutable law was
made by the creator, Jehovah God. While allowing for immense variety within
each family kind, It does not allow for the evolutionary idea that one family kind
can make or evolve another, entirely new, kind. So obvious is this that even
current proevolution scientific journals such as Scientific American have admitted
it. In its December 1966 issue on page 32 It said: "Living things are enormously
diverse in form, but form is remarkably constant within any given line of descent:
pigs remain pigs and oak trees remain oak trees generation after generation."
16 AWAKE/
F'l'ER a separation of about two
A years a couple of old friends got
together, keen oD. exchanging news
and talking over old times. As we
listen in on their conversation, John
is saying: "Make yourself comfort-
able, George. Will you have a
smoke?"
"No thanks," is the rejoinder.
And then, after a brief pause: "I
thought you quit smoking the same
time I did after that report by the Surgeon
General in• 1964 ?"
"You're quite right, I did cut out ciga-
rettes for a few months. But then I got
started again. Everyone else is doing it,
so I could see no reason why I should deny
myself the pleasure."
"That may be okay,'' .said George, "but
if everyone took to lOOse living, I'm sure
you would not follow the crowd."
"Oh, that is different. After all, there
has been no solid proof that smoking is
the hazard· they try to make of it, and I
have been told that the Surgeon General's
report was only a scare." dence of cancer is directly related to heavy
"I would like to know where you get smoking."
your information, John, because every •'Well, I am not a heavy smoker-only
time I pick up a magazine or a newspaper, about twenty a day."
it seems, I find articles about the dan~ers •'It's rather odd you should mention that
of cigarette smoking, often by mediCal figure, for I just read a clipping from a
men with long experience. The mere fact Toronto paper telling how one doctor
of cigarettes being linked with lung can- claimed the man who smoked one pack per
cer prompted me to give some serious day can expect to die eight years earlier
thought to the subject. Why run the risk than he should; and the two-packs-a-day
of cancer?" man can move up his date with the under-
"Do you really think the matter so se- taker another eight years."
rious, George? You know, there are many •'What should I care whether I'm going
cancer de.aths among nonsmokers." to die at sixty-five or seventy-three. Ifs
"Quite true, John, but that is because still a way off."
there are other causes. At least. the link •'You must be joking," said George. "I
between cigarettes and lung cancer is es- know right well you would not want to
tablished, and statistical records of male leave your family without its mainstay
smokers who were patients in hospitals even at sixty-five, if you liVe that long.
for other· reasons indicate that the inci- It reminds me of the experience told by
FEBRUARY !2, 1961 17
a scientist who contracted cancer. Speak~ the tobacco ineiustry or are justifying
ing of his ability to ~top smoking, be. said, their own captivity to the habit."
after the operation: 'I was strongly t,no- "Well, don't you think if the danger
tJvated; jf I did not stop, I was a goner. were so real the Government would step
Even so, I had to submit to surgery, an in and completely ban the sale of ciga.~
ordeal I might have avoided had I quit rettes?"
a few years earlier.' And his operation "The Government. John, has to respect-
involved an incision nineteen inches long." democratic rights and processes. But even
''I hope I never run into anything like at that, various governments have gone
that. BUt did you know, George, that only quite far. In Italy cJgarette advertising is
a small percentage of cigarette smokers unlawful. The Polish Government has pur~
ever contract cancer? Also, I read recently posely upped the price of tobacco because
that a prominent officer of the Tobacco of the conviction that smoking exerts 'a
Institute charged that many 'unjustifiable negative influence on the health of the.
emotional campaigns based on the "health population.' In Britain television adver~
scare" technique' were being conducted," Using of cigarettes was discontinued on
"But has it occurred to you that .smok~ August 1, 1965. In fact, the chief medical
era who die of other ailments may already adviser to the British Health Ministry
have developed cancer, even though not only recently urged a complete boycott of
to the extent that it would appear on the cigarette smoking in his country. He
death certificate as the major cause of claims that lung cancer and respiratory
death? Anyway, physicians claim that the ailments cause more than five times as
smoker doubles his chances of coronary many deaths as do road accidents in a
disease and lays himself open to chronic year. And here in the United States the
bronchitis. The statistics are quite positive Federal Government :requires tobacco
on this." companies to print a danger warning on
"Yes, George, but don't you know that aU their cigarette packages. Our Public
almost anything can be proved by statis· Health Service, too, has no delusions about
tics? They are not so accurate as they are cigarettes. It awarded grants and conM
supposed to be." tracts totaling nearly $2 mllllon durjng
"That depends altogether on the hon- the year that ended June 20, 1966, for
esty and the integrity of the one employ- research and education on the dangers of
ing them. All these doctors who are them~ clgarette smoking.''
selves breaking away 1rom the cigarette "I admit' they are spending plenty of the
habit and warning others to do the same taxpayers' money on a lot of projects that
are not going to make more money if I can't- see. What the Government spends
cancer and heart cases are reduced drasti~ money on does not always make sense.''
cally in number. Besides, you yourself are "But look at it this w8.y, John. The
in the insurance business, and you have Government stands to lose a lot of badly
to depend to a large extent on statistics needed revenue through curtailment of
to protect you from crippling losses. In cigarette smoking. Yet in spite of this,
fact, several life insurance companies are state and federal programs are moving
now offering lower premium rates to non- right ahead. This can only mean that a
smokers. Most of those who challenge the growing number of responsible citizens
statistics produced by independent re~ are convinced of the danger. On this very
search projects have some connection with point I recall that the sponsors of the !tal~
18 AWAKE!
ian legislation banning tobacco advertising cusa.ble dosage of dishonesty.' And the
felt that it was immoral to permit the worst feature of all was touched on by the
advertising of products clearly injurious to AmeriCan Public Health Association back
the nation's health." in 1959, when it declared that 'lung can-
"You make a strong case, George. But cer wHl claim the lives of more than one
you must admit that there are many peo- million present schoolchildren in this coun-
ple, prominent and otherwise, who still try before they reach the age of 70 years.'
smoke their favorite brands, and have no I am convinced, however, that there are
intention of giving them up." those who wm be just as much to blame
"I can't deny tl)at. I am inclined to as tobacco advertisers."
think that they are so completely enslaved "Who do you mean?"
to the habit that they cannot even see "I mean adult cigarette smokers in gen·
how they could ever get free. It is not that eral."
they believe all the phony advertising "You mean, George, that we smokers
claims about 'cooler' smokes, 'more puffs are the main cause of young people taking
to the cigarette,' billboard posters depict 4 up the habit?"
ing smokers in delightful and healthful "That's exactly it. You know, young-
surroundings-not far from outright mis- sters are great mimics, and they like to
l'epresentation." try everything they see done by their par-
<~Yet the law does not step in and curb ents, their heroes, their sport champions.
it." What they see in real life, on television,
"Well, in the past it did have to step at the movies, becomes something all right
in and curb many false claims made by for them. And they are innocent enough
cigarette advertisers, claims that the prod- to believe there can be no real harm in
uct would sweeten the breath, prevent something that is done by so many
colds, soothe the nerves and all sorts of people."
other benefits. And even recently the in- "Well, I can't help what other people's
dustry agreed under pressure to impose children do. I forbid my yoW1gsters to
its own code of advertising ethics. By this smoke until they are seventeen.''
code they pledge that 'cigarette advertis 4 "So you do realize that smoking is a
ing shall not represent that cigarette menace. But your verbal warnings, with-
smoking is essential to social prominence, out the backing of example, will have no
distinction, success, or sexual attraction.' effect. Your children are going to get
They also agree to refrain from using the hooked. In fact, most children manage to
names of popular athletes in testimonials get in quite a lot of secret smoking before
of their products. Yet all these gimmicks they start smoking openly. After all, John,
they have been using for decades to entice you are their hero.''
the gullible public into becoming their cap- "But I really don't do much smoking in
tive customers.'' the home or when they are aroW1d; mostly
"Well, I agree that there bas been plen- it's when I'm commuting to and from
ty of promotional advertising of cigarettes, work."
and I feel that too much of it has been "So that makes you a big-time adver-
directed at children." tiser for cigarettes."
"You're so right, John. You know, one "How do you mean?"
writer aptly described cigarette advertis- "Have you ever stopped to think of the
ing as 'a narcotic dream with an inex- many young people who may be riding in
FEBRUARY 22, 1967 19
the same coach with you? They probably "I know it takes powerful motivation
look forward to the day when they can do to qu~t, for I've been all through it myself.
just what you are doing. Of course, there But that fact alone is enough to show you
are also the norlsmokers who are forced that it is a habit-forming drug that robs
to breathe in your exhaled smoke. It sure- its victims of the liberty to make good de-
ly must appeal to. them as a deprivation cisions. That thought got me so mad that
of their right not to smoke, when so many I fought all the harder. When you mar-
smokers on public vehicles insist on blow- shal all these factors we have been dis-
ing their used cigarette smoke all around, cussing, you have a strong case against
even when 'No Smoking' signs prohibit it. cigarettes."
For myself, I never realized how utterly "But, George, how do you explain the
oblivious to the comfort of others we fact that so many people eased up on
smokers are, until I quit the habit." smoking after the Surgeon General's re-
"You know, I never thought of that an- port and then ·slipped back again into the
gle, George. Of course, I usually ask who- old routine before many months passed?"
ever is next to me if they mind my smok- "This conversation tells quite a good
ing. B1,1t I know many smokers just go part of the story, John. You did not take
right ahead without even bothering." the report too seriously yoUrself. You did
''Even if you do ask your neighbor, your not bother to investigate the great pile-up
smoke reaches far beyond him. And in any of evidence against cigarette smoking.
case, what are they going to say? Not You were more prone to notice the state·
many are going to make an issue of it. ments that tended to justify the habit you
Nevertheless, I now know that they are very much wanted to continue. You just
far from pleased about the situation. More failed to examine the whole question im-
than that, there are many characteristics partially. And many others are in the
of the smoker that are revolting to the same boat. Consider, however, the many
nonsmokers." benefits to be gained by breaking free of
"There are? Tell me more." the habit. You would save money for oth-
er needs. Your lungs and throat would get
"Well, a smoker's breath and clothing
just reek with stale cigarette smoke. His a chance to get back to normal. You would
teeth and his fingers are often stained an taste your food so much better, and have
ugly yellowish color. More often than not a healthier appetite. You would be giving
he has a smoker's cough, a harsh, raspy your own and other children an excellent
kind of cough. And, perhaps worst of all, example. Of Course, you could not expect
he keeps clearing his throat and spitting. miracles. But at least you wo).l].d know
that you are not willfully contributing to
Nonsmokers get to thinking of him as a
your own decline in health. To that extent
real menace to their health." you would be doing the right thing by
"You know, George, you make me feel your family, and they do rely upon you
like a delinquent. And I would quit the for so many things."
habit tomorrow if I thought I could beat "You'll never know, George, how help-
it. But I have tried it before, and I must ful this chat has been to me. Why not let's
admit it was an awful experience-to find have another get-together soon. Meantime,
the longing for cigarettes so deeply rooted why sh.ould I keep on smo.king? I'm going
in my system. Do you think it is possible to make a real effort to break tbls sense-
that I could win out?" less habit."
20 AWAKE!
By ''Awak•l"
corr.1pond•nt
In Ccma Rica
MARCH 8, 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINI
New• scurees that Orf able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettl,red by censorship and selflsh interests. "Awake!'~ has no fetters, It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It Is .not bound by political tier; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse Its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but Is International, "Awoke!" has its
own correspondents In scores of nation1. Its articles are read in many lands, in mctny
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social coi1ditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious tssues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many jands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in it• coverage. "Awake!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comfor.ing mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awoke by reading "Awakel''
CONTENTS
Where Is Middle America Today? 3 Nicaragua-Home of a Gay
but Hard-working People 2Q
Mexieo-A Land of Contrasts 4
British Honduras-A Land Often
Guatemala-A Tropical Swi~rland 9 Overlooked 23
MARCH 8, 1967
5
this one Slut mere were many eVIaences to
support the claim that these people, or their
ancestors, derived their religious ideas from
ancient Babylonia, where ziggurats, serpents,
crosses and astronomy were all Integral parts
of false religion.
We were looking forward to a visit later
that day to a modern religious site, but de-
cided to stop for a typical Mexican meal. It
did not take too long to get across to a helpful
Mexican walter what we wanted and then pro·
ceed with the new and unusual. There were
enchilada, or flat corn cakes called tortillas
stuffed with chicken and covered with spicy
mole sauce, crispy tacw made out of fried
Heads of serpents and other deities ornament tortillas filled with vegetable and meat, guaca·
the temple of QuetzalcoatJ. Teotlhuacin, Mexico mole or avocado salad, and a fillet of steak.
It was, as we learned to say,
is gone, but still we were deliciosol
impressed by the grand The Roman Catholic shrine of
panoramic view of ali that Guadalupe was our next stop. Ac·
Is below, including the cording to the historical facts,
"Avenue of the Dead" when the Spanish conquistadores
stretching in front of us. moved in, Roman Catholic mis·
While archaeologists do not sionarles followed In their wake.
fully understand all the as· Church-State rule became the
pects of the religion carried
on at this "holy" City, it
was obvious that the wor·
shipers were very interest-
ed in the sun and the moon.
The whole city, in fact, was
built according to very crit·
ical astronomical calcula·
tlons as to the relative po-
sitions of the sun aDd the
moon. Devotees frequently approach
Before the tour was over the ClathoHc llhrlne of the Vll'-
we also visited the Pyramid gin of Goa4alupe, Mexico City,
of the Moon and the beauti· on their knees. 1n mid..December
ful buildings designed for 2,(51 persons on pUgrlmage Native Mexican woman preparing
here were treated fo:r Injuries, "tortUJas," thin cakes of unleav-
the luxurious· Uvlng of the mostly bleeding knees ened cornmeal
Teotihuacan priests.
Having already seen
other evidences of Bah· way of life In "New Spain," as Mexico was
ylonish religion, we were called soon after 1t was conquered in 1521. The
not surprised to see a Catholic church was bent on converting the
painted "cross" among Indians, even resorting to the terrible "Holy In·
quisition" from 1571 to 1820. Nonetheless, from
the things worshiped by what we saw at the Guadalupe Shrine, we
the Indians. Yes, even at realized that in many respects the Catholic
church had made corrlpromises and concessions
For sake of Indians who in Its ef'torts to convert the Indians.
elatmed that Jesus Impaled In ·the very courtyard of this large church
was human aacrltlce and the Indians on certain festivals offer up their
so no dlft'erent from Children, In pantomime, as a sacrifice to the
their reUgton, Clathonc sun-god. While we were not there for such a
church depleted only festival, our visit did reveat many Mexican
Clhrlllt'a head on this men and women following the torturous prac·
croas outside Mexico Cllty tlce of crawling on their knees up to the
6 AWAKB!
chureh. aomettmes eowr~ng a mile or: morw. lrleKlco. nm 11 at: beutuUl unn allt)'- CitY
VUJ.ton to this shrble should not b~ ibO'Cked that h~ Ita t.undfhg with a apeclal .eharter
lt they see blood on the pavement. We were !rom the king l!d Spain in 1551. However, many
even more startled, though, When inside the o! the common people first need to learn to
church, to see what was going on at a glass read and write, so they can study the Bible.
ease containing a religious relle. 'The worship· But why the Bible? BecliJ.Ise it Is the Word
ers were rubbing their hands over the glass o! the true God. From it the people can learn
case and then wiping their own !aces and the the truth that can set them :tree !rom the
!aces o! their young babies, in order to receive superstitions and creeds o! men, both those
blessing or protection. brought down :trom pagan forefathers and
How much did the Indians have to change those propagated by the clergy of Christendom.
in order to become Catholics.? Well, before the By studying the Bible and letting its moral
Spaniards arrived, the hill o! Tepeyac, where principles mold their lives, people can gradual·
the Catholic shrine is now located, was the ly pull themselves out o! the cesspool of im·
site o! a shrine to Tonantztn, an Aztec god· morality in which so many wallow.
dess o! earth and maize. It was also interest·
ing to learn that the "virgin" idolized at this
place, and. who supposedly appeared A Grand Assembly
in vision to a native in the There are many In Mexico,
sixteenth century, has a as in other countries, who are
dark complexion. Since devoting themselves to a
ln8ny o:t the people in study o! God's Word and shaP·
Mexico are similarly ing their lives in accord with
complexioned, the image Its principles. We had accept·
o! the "Dark Virgin" ed the invit8:tion to Attend
hanging in the church this national convention in
Mexico City under the spon·
would be niore appeal· sorship of La Torre del Vigia
lng, than a !air-skinned de Mexico, which had dele·
likeness. Understand· gates from all the Mexican
ably, one writer com· states. Prepara·
mented: ''Many ortho· tions had begun
dox Catholics have months earlier,
complained that the since some 23,·
Mexicans were never 000 delegates
were expected,
Christianized at all, and never be·
and that Catholicism fore had Jeho-
was, instead, Mexi· Library buDding, National Untvenlty of Mexico
vah's witnesses
canized."-Mexico by w. W. Johnson and The In Mexico assembled in such a large group.
Editors o! l.Afe, page 136. For the delegates coming !rom distant parts
of the country, transportation was a problem.
The Needs of the People Hence, arrangements were made for special
Some o! the visitors who came by automobile trains. The National Railroad Company co·
were especially conscious o! the cOntrast be- operated by allowing representatives of the
tween those Who lived· in the city and those in convention's In!ormation Department to board
the rurals. Though Mexico has produced en- the four special trains eighty-five miles out-
gineers, scholars, doctors and lawyers who side the city. Then, while the final miles were
have turned the capital into a modern city, clicking oft', the convention delegates received
!aclllties and conveniences such as hospitals, information as to transportation within the
schools, electricity and adequate water sup- city, location. of hotels and rooming accom·
plies are not !ound everywhere. One can modatlons and other arrangements made for
drive through town after town at night and their comfort and enjoyment. However, there
never see a light. were other trains on the way that in effect
The visitor to this land o! great contrasts became "special" trains as time went by. As
who stops to ponder the question "What do regular trains passed certain locations, addi-
these people need the most?" comes to some tional coaches full o! Jehovah's witnesses were
very definite conclusions. Education Is at the added. One train from the northern part o!
top of the list. It is true that for some there the country could not pull all the passenger
are opportunities for advanced learning in coaches that were finally added, and, as a re·
MARCH 8, 1961 7
suit, the train had to be Travel by Automobile
divided and an extra loco- While many of the for-
motive used to bring them eign travelers wer~ leaving
to the assembly city. for Guatemala by plane,
The arena in Mexico City some drove by automobile
was ready and waiting for to the next assembly. After
the arriving delegates. A negotiating the crowded,
week before the opening fast-moving traffic of Mexi-
date Witnesses from the co City, what a contrast it
city had converged on the was to get out on the open
arena and given it a thor- roads of the country, where
ough cleaning. In fact, the one meets stubborn burros
watchmen at the Arena and slow-moving oxcarts as
Mexico commented, "This often as automobiles and
is the best cleaning the trucks. Driving at night es-
Arena has ever had!" pecially was "hair-raising,"
A high percentage of since one never knew what
those in attendance had to expect around the next
curve. And curves there
been taught to read the President N. H. Knorr of the Watch were! Coming down out of
Bible by Jehovah's witness- Tower Society (on the left), through the mountains to the coast
es. For example, in 1964, an interpreter, addresses 36,556 dele- near Arriaga there were so
199 reading classes were in gates to the cultural convention in
the Arena Mexico many sharp twists and
operation and 1,230 adults turns that one felt like a
learned to read and write. The Mexican Minis- corkscrew by the time he reached level country.
ter of Public Education acknowledged this by Many drove down to Acapulco, the famous
writing a letter of commendation to the repre- resort area. While most persons who go there
sentative of Jehovah's witnesses. Once the are solely Interested in swimming, eating and
humble Mexican people learn to read they are pleasure-seeking, the Christians visiting there
able to study God's Word and apply its prin· after the Mexico City assembly were able to
ciples in their lives. Such ones were especially associate with spiritual brothers making up the
thrllled at the convention when Rodolfo Lo- ten active giOups of Jehovah's witnesses in
zano from the branch headquarters in Mexico that city.
released a pocket-size version of «Things in
Looking back on Mexico, we visitors hold
Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie" in
fond memories of this land of contrasts, where
Spanish. Later the president of the Watch the rich and poor, old and new, enlightened
Tower Society, N. H. Knorr, when invited to
address the audience, released the book Life and mysterious exist side by side. We will-long
Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God recall what we have seen and the pleasure of
in Spanish to 28,818 assembled Christians. The associating with our brothers who also are
visitors who were invited to attend the En· looking forward to the time of total peace
glish program were delighted to have a glimpse and paradise under God's kingdom.
of some of the Witnesses from distant parts
of Mexico in their native costumes. They
knew that, though these people spoke a dif·
ferent language and in their bright cloth·
ing looked quite unusual, they were at heart
unitedly worshiping the same qod.
All at the convention rejoiced together
when, for the main lecture, "Mankind's Mil-
lennium Under God's Kingdom," on Sun-
day, December 4, the attendance was an-
nounced as 36,556! This was about 13,000
more than originally expected. And there
was the additional joy of knowing that
1,082 persons dedicated their lives and in· Acapulco, famous International resort. Here 1,100
dicated they were now Jehovah's witnesses. of Jehovah's witnesses carry on teaching work
8 AWAKE!
HE first planeload o1
D visitors arriving at
Guatemala's "La Au-
rora" Airport to attend
the "God's Sons of Lib-
erty" Assembly, Decem-
ber 7-11, 1966, sw-ely re-
ceived a he8rty welcome:
Smiling missionaries and
local Witnesses, some
splendidly dressed in col-
orful native style, fur-
nished visiting sisters
with beautiful corsages,
and the Guatemalan
Airlines provided the
lilting music of the
marimba. A huge sign bearing the message seas mingled with a fine cross-section of Gua-
"Welcome Jehovah's Witnesses" adorned the temala's own people. At one end of the long
fa!tade of the airport building. Cooperative hall on the platform there was a typical native
officials waived customs inspection, and the hut of corn cane with thatched roof, -and in
excited travelers boarded chartered buses to front were colorful lloral decorations. Around
their hotel rooms. At the main building and
the hotels, too, the "Wel- other lesser buildings of
come" signs were , out. the Centro the peace and
And what was the first quiet of a pleasant pa,rk
impression of Guatema- added to the delight of
la'! What could i.t be 'out the conventloners.
one of friendliness and
color? A land of lofty The assembly's Room-
mountains and deep val- ing Department had
leys, of forests and quite a problem to care
green highlands, of hot for the inllux of visitors,
lowlands and invigorat- ·not alone from other
ing altitudes, surely re- lands but from all across
minded us of Switzer- Guatemala, from Atlan-
Ia,nd. The Indian popula· tic to Pacific. Rooms in
tion, constituting over 55 homes and hotels were
percent of the total, are soon exhausted, and
noted for their colorful The lilt of the marimba at GuatemaJa many who had come
dress and their tribal City's airport weloom&~~ foreign delegatet~ from remote parts of
handicrafts, which are to the a1!8e1Dbly the country had little
to be seen in profusion money to spend for ac-
in the village markets. commodations, and at
Even among the crowds the same time would be
at our assembly one easily bewildered by city
could quickly note the travel. The solution: One
outstanding features of of the clean, large aux-
this or that tribe. iliary buildings of the
The main exhibition Parque Centro America
hall of the beautiful was set aside as a place
Parque Centro America,
for families to sleep on
out on the edge of Gua-
temala City, was the the lloor in their own
meeting place of a truly little groups, happy to
international group. be surroWided by scores
United States citizens, of other such family
Canadians, Mexicans Sign on Biltmore Hotel, Guatemala City, groups who had come to
and visitors from over- bids arriving Witnesses •IWelcome" this city to enjoy the
MAROH 8, 1967 9
gfon. As the late afternoon approached we
Were glad to have sweaters and wraps along,
for the air at these altitudes is distinctly brisk.
High up on the sides of hills we observed
the coffee plantations, the coffee trees flourish-
Ing under the shade of taller trees that pro-
tect them from the full strength of the tropi-
Cal sun. When the coffee berries ripen to a
rich red, men and women and children will
come and pick them by hand, readying them
for transport to a coffee processing plant. We
Were told that in blossom time the mass of
White flowers on the coffee trees sends forth
View of a. volcano across beautiful Lake AtltiAn, a fragrance rivaling that of the orange grove
not far from Guatemala City in bloom.
In the upper highland regions of this tropi-
spiritual good things of the assembly. For Cal Switzerland the population is almost solidly
some it was not at all unusual to sleep on a Indian. Illiteracy is high, and Catholic tradi-
mat on the floor. tion, admittedly mingled with preconquest pa-
ganism, enslaves the minds of the majority.
A Look at the Country However, it is in just such an area that Que-
The features of Guatemala are almost as Zaltenango, second city of Guatemala, is lo-
cated, a place where there is now a flourishing
varied as the tribal groups it contains. In area Congregation of Jehovah's witnesses. Even one
the land is more than twice the size of Switzer- Of the Watch Tower Society's traveling repre-
land, There is a hot tropic plain along the sentatives in Guatemala is one of these humble
ocean where corn, cotton and cattle are the Maya-Quiche people.
main products. Coffee plantations ascend well
up the slope to an altitude of some 6,000 feet
above sea level. At 5,00(} feet there are passes Fusion Religion in the Highlands
that penetrate to the interior mountainous We were under the impression that what we
plateaus and alpine valleys that may reach an had seen in Mexico of Indian religious prac-
elevation of 10,000 feet, topped by volcanic tices had prepared us for anything to come.
peaks towering as high as 13,000 feet In the How wrong we were! What we came upon in
temperate highlands, where the air is cool and Chichicastenango, another town of the Quiche
invigorating, apples and fresh vegetables territory, brought home to us how deep-
abound. The mountain slopes of this tropical rooted paganism is among the Catholic Indians
Switzerland are usually covered with pine and of this whole region.
other evergreens. After a tortuous drive over dirt mountain
One of the tours arranged for visitors at the roads we were happy to park our little auto·
assembly took us up into those highlands to mobile where traffic came to a standstill in the
see beautiful Lake Atitlful, nestling In a ring town. But why were the streets so crowded
of volcanoes. At a Vil- on this Sunday after-
lage along the way and noon? Like carefree
at other little villages tourists we strolled
around the lake we had down the crowded thor-
opportunity to see and oughfare, quite unpre-
mingle with gaily pared for the shock that
dressed Indians in out- awaited us just around
door markets, where all the corner. Before we
sorts of strange fruits, realized it we were in
vegetables and local the midst of a religious
handicrafts were chang- procession temporarily
ing hands. Some of our stalled as a large bus
companions were heard was forced to back
remarking that they had down out of the way.
not seen anything so Then the music started.
beautiful since they had In front of us rose the
visited Switzerland, so slow, booming tones of
impressed were they by VIsitor fascinated by ICelle at vUiage weD Indian drums. From be-
the scenery in this re- In Guatemala hind came the shrill,
10 AWAKE/
n1zed in the &m.oke of the mcense and of the
thousands of candles and punctuated by the
murmur of prayers in a language of strange
origin, are an interesting mixture of paganism
and catholicism."
All too soon we had to turn our backs on
Chlchlcastenango and head toward Lake Ati-
ti<in, which we hoped to see before sunset. On
the way we passed an Indian staggering down
the middle of the dusty road, swinging his
machete in long arches. According to the In-
dian Idea, he must have been very close to
the spirits of his ancestors. How long we will
remember the sights and sounds of colorful
and startling Chichica.">tenango!
MARCH 8, 1967 11
tion -have come to light. One group of twenty-
eight visiting Witnesses tell of their thrllllng
plane trip over mountains and tropical jungle
to the Tlkal ruins in the northern province
of Peten. Imagine walking as they did around
the huge pyramidal structures. Some of these
structures are as high as a twenty-story build·
ing. From atop the highest the scene is one of
jungle greenery stretching away as far as eye
can see, broken here and there by the plastered
tops of other Mayan edifices. Immediately be·
low and all around, the ground is screened by
tree branches festooned with vines.
The visitor cannot help meditating on what
must have been here at one time------exactly
when we do not know. Tens of thousands of
A cemetery whero the dead are put in wall tombs laborers must have felled the trees, fashioned
-but only for as long as payments continue the heavy beams, dragged the heavy stones,
mixed water and lime, hoisted materials high-
of the afternoon people sit in the shade of the er and yet higher until the finishing touches
plaza's trees and enjoy a siesta. Always there were made. Then hundreds of artists were
is a great number of vendors who suddenly needed to paint beautiful designs on the inner
come to life on the approach of anyone who walls of temples. Expert craftsmen were need-
looks like a tourist. ed to execute the sculptures appearing on al-
In Guatemala City itself we went around to tars and monuments. What a teeming popu-
see some of the unusual places and activities. lation there must have been! But now all is
For example, we visited a handweaving es- desolate and silent, and the few inhabitants
tablishment where colorful designs are woven today are made up of some chicleros, who
from memory by expert craftsmen. Then there collect the sap of the zapote tree for the chew·
is that unusual cemetery where, in great ing gum industry, and those who are in de-
thick walls that rise some fifteen or t\Venty mand as laborers at the archaeological dig-
feet high, the remains of the dead are filed gings.
away in what look like the openings Intended The skill that produced those mighty monu-
for drawers in a filing cabinet. ments, as well as the pottery
We were interested in knowing and the tiny carved objects of
why some were empty. It seems jade, wood and obsidian, is all
that the first payment for care of a high order. There must
of the remains covers a period have been efficient organization.
of five years. Then, if addition- Great crops must have been
al payments are not forthcom- grown to support a vast popu-
ing, the cemetery authority re-
lation. Yet no one today knows
moves the remains to a field.
This opens the vault for anoth- what became of the population,
er paying customer. Elsewhere why they forsook their great
in the same cemetery are the ceremonial cities, or where
palatial chapels for housing the their burial places are. Indeed,
dead of the wealthier classes. in this entire Tikal complex
On the religious "All Souls' only a comparatively few skele-
Day" Guatemalan Witnesses tal remains have turned up. It
come here to offer comfort to may well be that these myster·
mourning ones of all classes
ies will not be cleared up until
with the Bible's message of res·
urrection and life in God's new resurrected Mayans tell their
order. own story.
Monuments of the Past At Tikal this Mayan mln, GoodNews lor Guatemalans
Guatemala abounds with ar· tht1 Templt! of the Giant Guatemala thus has its mys·
Jaguar, towers 155 feet out
chaeological sites where re- of the Pet6n jull&'le In northM teries. And it has its problems
mains of a long-gone civillza- em Guatemala too---illiteracy, poverty and
12 AWAKE!
sayiq to au observers, "We 81:'8 de-
termined to serve as faiflhtul witn.611es
of Jehovah and his Ktngdom as ~
as we 'have breath."
Sunday morning at ten o'clock the
main public discourse of the assembly
was presented by President Knorr.
The audience of 2,475 (wtdch exceeded
by a thousand the number of Witness-
es in Guatemala) gave rapt attention
as the speech "Mankind's Millennium
Under God's Kingdom'' was interpret-
ed to them. Prolonged applause in-
dicated the appreciation of these ea-
ger listeners for the recital of thrillin&'
prospects In store for lovers of God
and righteousness in a New Order now
near.
Guatemalan Witnesses rooetved the new Spantsh·la.nJrua.Jre As we parted from our Guatemalan
book •'IJfe Everla&tlng-ln Freedom o1 the sons of-Goa" brothers and sisters, they assured us
of the great encouragement and plea-
banditry. During the present uneasy situation,. sure they had der~ved from the presence of so
with Communist guerrtllas active in a number many visiting Witnesses in their midst, and we
of regions, those driving through the country felt truly appreciative for the comparatively
are halted frequently at checkpoints along the peaceful and easy conditions under which we
routes. Describing the experience, one of our can.serve Jehovah in our respective home coun-
delegates said: "I saw the large ALTO (Stop) tries. Many of us had accompanied the Guate-
slgn and two officers with rifles waving me to tpalan Wibiesses in the field :ministry, preach·
a halt. One got on each side of the car. The one ing from house to house, and had observed the
on my side asked to see my personal papers willingness of the people to llsteD to the Bible's
and the ctocuments authorizing me to have the message. But we had also observed the lack of
car in the country. While he was reading them education and the other problems that many
I glanced over at the other soldier, who looked of these humble people face. How easily now
rather nervous ...W,th his rifle in fUll view and we shall be able to visualize the .faithful work
his finger on tlfe trigger. And if he was ner- of our spiritual brothers in Guatemala as they
vous I can assure you, so was I! The papers patiently continue to search for sheeplike per.
in o~der, they nfade me open the trunk and sons and "deliver them out of all the places
glove compartment. Of course, there were no to which they have been scattered"!--Ezek.
guns or grenades. When. satisfied we were not 34:12.
guerrtllas they smiled and signaled me to pro-
ceed. I did, with pleasure and relief. But it
would take a tong time to get used to
this kind of thing."
Yet, even with such difficulties in
the land the growth of the Kingdom
work in Guatemala is impressive.
Since President N. H. Knorr of the
Watch Tower Society first visited a
few publishers here in 1944 there have
, be{ln gratifying results from the la-
bors of zealous missionaries and local
Guatemalans. Indeed, during the past
etght years the number of Witnesses
in the country tias doubled.
At this assembly the evidences of
continuing increase were to be noted.
After the speech on the subject "Re·
sponsibllities of a Baptized Witness,"
Friday, December 9, 102 Guatemalans
signified their dedication to Jehovah
God by submitting to immersion 1n Heavily loaded (Ddlan woman reoelYell ••~••...,•~•h~ly baYJta.
water. In doing so they were, in effect, t:lon from a Guatemalan Wltneq
MAROH 8, 1967 13
GAIN it was time to mount our great the tropical park called "Los Chorros,'' !ea·
Religious Confusion
In El Salvador we encountered
con'siderable evidence of the con-
fusion of mind among the people
with respect to religious worship.
After four hundred and fifty years
of eifort at conversion of the people
to Roman Catholicism, the majority
know little or nothing about the
Bible and God's purposes. Instead of
making a clean break and a cleu
distinction between paganism and
Christianity, Cathollc policy was
to throw down pagan temples and
build their own on · sites considered
holy by the natives. Specially con· The market comes to one's doorstep 1D San Salvador
MARCH 8, 1967 15
of their wives and daughters if they go on ters, gave his permission and then later tried to
errands or to school unaccompanied. The 1964 retract ft. The Witness told him that in that
edition of An.uario EstadiatWo (Year(?ook of case he would have to find another employee.
Statistics) reports that more than 50 percent The matter was reconsidered and the permis-
of all births in El Salvador are illegitimate. sion granted. Another Witness with a similar
The religious confusion affords no restraint problem was advised by an acquaintance to
upon such a situation. He about the purpose of her request for leave
of absence. She refused to do this and was
Real Gems in El Salvador frank with her employer. He said: "That is
Bible knowledge, however, is reaching many Why you are different from the others. You can
people in this beautiful land. They are learning have the five days off."
that opportunity for life in God's new order But, now, back to the Gymnasium and just
is open only to those who now conform their in time for a meal in the assembly cafeteria.
lives to the righteous standard of Jehovah God. ~s we . passed along the serving Une, how
They are happy to make the changes and asso· mterestmg to observe the various items served:
elate with a clean organization in which people,.. rice, then sh~imp with ginger sauce, fresh
can trust one another and find honorable, peace- watercress, fned. bananas With sour cream,
ful fellowship in the service and worship of mashed be~ns fried crisp, tropical fruits, and
the true God, Jehovah. The depth of their finally torhllas or hot corn cakes!
appreciation is shown by the obstacles they After the fine meal some more happy fellow·
will overcome in order to attend Bible-study shiping with our spiritual brothers and sister~
meetings and further the interests of Kingdom and then another session of the assembly pro·
preaching. One family, for example, has to gram. This is the public lecture "Mankind's
cross three miles of lake in a dugout canoe Millennium Under God's Kingdom," to be de·
to get to meetings. When the lake is low they livered in Spanish by the vice-president of the
wade through three miles of swamp instead, Watch Tower Society, F. W. F.ranz. There was
and this three times each week. an atmosphere of expectancy as the crowds
Getting to the assembly and enjoying all came In and filled up row upon row of the
its sessions was no easy matter for some. One concrete seating around the bowl. The total of
Salvadoran father of four children was de- 4,780 In attendance gave rapt attention and
termined to be there with his family even if loudly applauded at the close ot the session.
he had to sacrifice his secular job. His em- On Monday morning a goodly number turned
ployer, not normally lenient about such mat- out to hear the discussion on "Responsibilities
of a ..Baptized Witness." One hundred
and five persons rose to signify that
they had dedicated their lives to the
service of Jehovah God and were ready
to submit to water immersion as
public testimony of their decision. This
is but another evidence of the rapid
growth in the number o! Jehovah's
witnesses in this land. In the past ten
years the number has more than
doubled, and the attendance at this
assembly's public discourse was four
times the total number of Witnesses
in all of El Salvador.
El Salvador truly has many honest-
h~arted persons who long for the
rigf).teousness of God's kingdom. It is
with satisfaction that we reflected
upon the fact that there are many
capable missionaries and ministers of
Jehovah's witnesses who are willing
to lend them a hand to get on the
road .-to life. Even some of the visitors
from abroad to this assembly are
wondering if they cannot somehow
arrange their affairs to move to this
land and join in bringing the message
Bl'anch Office of Watch Towel' Society in San Salvador. of the Kingdom to people who thirst
Audltorlwn serves as a Kingdom Hall for local Witnesses and hunger for Bible truth.
16 AWAKE/
S W~ were about to leave San Salvador's "70 percent avoidable deaths," 70 percent of the
A very modern airport, it y;as learned our
plane was headed for San Pedro Sula in
people live in the primitive conditions of the
rurals, 70 percent of the population are illiter-
ate and 70 percent of the children are illeglti·
Honduras, where we would have to change to
a smaller plane for the trip to Tegucigalpa, mate.
the capital of the country. This, then, was the It Is the same story as told in many coun·
start of our trip into thts· land that stretches tries. Where Roman Catholicism has ruled with
from the Caribbean Sea on the north down a high hand the people have suft'ered and in
to the Pacific Ocean on the south. darkness have been held back from making
We were content, however, with this side progress. In the early sixteenth century, after
trip to San Pedro Sula, even though it meant securing their hold on Mexico, the Spanish
traveling more than three times the distance successfully pressed their campaign of con-
and took us four times as long, for it afforded quest into Honduras, bringing her people also
a chance to see the northern part and coastal under the heel of Rome. The countries that
area of the country. As we descended to this first rebelled against such clerical oppression
low coastal plain we fOU\}d ourselves flying were the first to begin making progress toward.
over flat tropical land that is cut up by many the- light; countries less fortunate were slower
rivers and streams. Much "Of this land has been in making the change.
cleared of tropical jungle and turned into ba· Obviously, one of Honduras' greatest prob·
nana plantations. The houses we saw from the lems Is the economic plight of her people. A
air were all built on stilts because of the dan· poor people cannot be heavily taxed, and lack
gers from fl.ooding. When our plane landed, the of tax money hinders a government from build-
heat and humidity hit us especially hard be· ing schools and hospitals, paving roads and
rause of our coming down from the cooler ele- improving the living conditions of the people.
vation of San Salvador. After a brief stop to For such reasons, it is argued by some the
national lottery is the best form of tax~tion.
change planes and to go. through Immigration But, in reality, thi~> is one of the curses of the
and Customs, we welcomed the invitation to country, for those that can least afford . to
board the plane and head for Tegucigalpa and gamble are the greatest victims.
its higher altitude. What, then, is the solution to the problem
The coastal plain of Honduras extends east of raising the living standard of the people
of San PedrO Sula for many miles into the of Honduras? Those who have little or no
MosqUito territory, so named after the Indian education, who live a very primitive .life, who
tribe of that area. In have only the mini·
this jungle .country mum amount of food,
they build- houses out will, in turn, work for
of mahogany because little or nothing more
it is cheaper than pine- than their daily ration
wood. And it was along of food. It is such peo-
this coast of Honduras ple who provide the
where Columbus manpower for the cul-
touched land on his tivation of the vast
fourth voyage, in 1502. plantations of coffee,
A former president bananas, pineapples
of Honduras described and cotton for which
this land as "the coun- these Latin countries
try of the four 70s." are famous. To change
(Time, May 19, 1961) -.• ' ' ., " ... ,. drastically the cost of
He said this because of labor in any one coun-
MAROH B, 1967 17
try would Immediately But changes for the bet-
price that country's pro- ter have been made in
duce out of the world Honduras. It was a little
market. s.Jower Jn comJng because
For example, if Hondu- it took longer for the
ras were suddenly to start country to free itself
paying the common labor· from the shackles of
er a minimum wage of Church-State rule, and be-
$L50 per hour, instead of cause of the frequent tur·
perhaps $1 per day, the moil and insecurity caused
people would, in turn, by successive revolutions.
have more than ten time& Twenty years ago there
as much money to spend. were few paved roads in
They could live in nice the capital, only one hotel
homes and enjoy the finer ' and no high bui,dings.
things that a higher liv-
ing standard affords, and Today the large towns
at the same time be in a here are like islands of
position to pay much high· prosperitY in the midst
er taxes so that more ll5,000 acres are devoted to bananas, of the land. Interna·
schools and hospitals Honduras• most Important crop tional business inter-
could be built. But just as suddenly as this was ests and the constant flow ol v1s1t1ng tDurlsts
done the price of coft'ee, bananas, and so forth, into the capital ghie Tegucigalpa a glitter of
would be raised to ten times their current good times not see11 m the country as a whole.
prices in the American grocery store, and ei- Here are all the latest inventions of the twen·
ther the housewife there would buy one-tenth tieth century for sale-transistor radios, stere-
as much or would find a substitute altogether os, electric appliances of all kinds, some of the
for the product. So ju~t as suddenly as the world's finest watches, imports from Europe,
Honduran coffee picker got a raise to ten America and Japan-and at a price 50 to 100
times what he was earning, just that suddenly percent more than their regular value In
he would work only one-tenth as long, 1f in· this way the government seeks to protect' the
t I~ai currency and stop the flow of money
deed he ha d a j ob a a 11· out of the country. But this, in turn, tends to
So 1t seems to be a vicious circle, this eco- create a two-class society, the very rich and
nomic one, and one that is most difficult to the very poor, those who cnn and those who
break. The problem of raising the standard of cannot aJ!ord these finer things of life.
living of these people as a whole is far
more than that of one or two coW1tries Pagan Shadows Still Linger
here in Middle America. It becomes a When on our tour around the
world problem. city we stopped at La Concordia
It is for these r~asons that many men Park and saw replicas of ancient
in authority are content with the Mayan artifacts, we were not
status quo. If the native is given surprised to find many evi·
dences of pagan religion. It
little education, not encouraged to was amazing, though, in go·
raise his standard of living, he ing from this park to the
remains hopeless of havlng Dolores Roman
any more than his mea· Catholic Church to
ger existence, does not find there numer·
quit his job to seek ous similarities.
other employment, The c r o s s, of
and the price o! course, was promi·
nently displayed,
coffee and bananas jus;;t as we had seen
on the lower east- it as part of May-
side of London or an symbolism. We
New York remains Replica of Mayan temple unearthed in Honduras. ob.served the blaz·
about the same. Seen In La Couoordla Park, Tegucigalpa ing sun on the
18 AWAKE/
m OO'Il:riEt.·.~not the only 01lM Who
had to ·tre.VM' ~g cDstance tn order te at·
tend the conveMlon. In fact, many of our
spiritual brothers in Honduras endured a much
more rigoroil'l trip than we. Tegucigalpa i$ not
connected to the northern coast by railroad.
Since that section is where 70 percent of the
congregations are located, It was necessary
for 450 of the flrothers to come ;tram the
coast In a caravan of eleven buses. It Is a trip
of only 180 miles, but with the ups and downs,
and curves over rough roads, the journey took
ten to twelve hours. The newspapers on both
the north and south coasts took note of this
accomplishment. There was another group o1
forty that came all the way from the Carib·
bean port of La Ceiba, and that despite the
1act that there are only thirty-five of Jehovah's
Sun symbol at entrance to altar 1n the Dolores witnesses in the congregation there!
Church 1n Tegucigalpa These brothers were all richly rewarded
for their strenuous efforts to attend. They
main altar and, above that, the sun with a expressed the thought that the assembly pro-
face, a symbol of sun Worship. gra~, especially the Bible dramas, seemed es·
We learned of other evidences of ancient sun pec1ally design~ for the circumstances in Hon·
worship being absorbed Into the religious me duras. There, as In other lands, nationalism is
of Catholics. It seems that most churches in on the increase. Some government officials,
Honduras are built facing from east to west, with the public agreement of Mormons evan·
even when this puts them out of line with the gelists and others, have been trying u; force
street. The altar is toward the east, conse- all schoolchildren to participate in nation·
quently, when the priest is saying the mass alistic ·rites. Hence the brothers listened at·
about 6 a.m., he is facing the rising sun. Those tentively to the discourse on the importance of
who drove through Honduras realized that Daniel's words for our day. -
even at death the people do not escape this With inunorallty so common among the peo-
devotion to the sun. Along the road one can ple and so many young people betng infl.uenced
see crosses to mark where traffic deaths have by sensual dances and styles of dress, the
occurred. But no matter how odd it looked, the younger delegates especially appreciated the
crosses always faced the rising sun. The same superb drama, "Look to the Bible aa Our
was true in the cemeteries. Probably most of Guide In Li!e." Even though In Honduras many
the people never stop to inquire why such tra- look at one who does not engage in immorality
ditions are followed, but for us it proved inter· .as being a "rrtlsfl.t." the brothers saw and felt
eating and revealing. the Bible's forceful counsel on such matters.
Even though the people in general are bur· And how fitting that this demonstration was
dened with such pagan traditions, their friend· put on before a huge mural mounted as a
llness is helping many to come out of dark·
ness into the light of Bible truth leading to
life eternal. Missionaries report that, when
standing at doorways talking to people, friend·
ly strangers often walk over and qUietly listen
to the good news from the Bible.
OW would you like to visit buses and en route to our hotels. Ours was
H this land of lakes and vol·
canoes, of gaiety and hard
but the first of six planeloads that brought
320 delegates to the Managua assembly sched·
uled for December 17-21, 1966.
work, of steaming tropical low-
lands and invigorating high- The Parque de Exposlciones y Ferias in
lands? This was to be our priv- suburban Colonia Centroamerica was the site
ilege as we followed the tour of of the assembly, an open·air location with
Middle America's series of "God's covered stands face to face and ample space
Sons of Liberty" International Assemblies. between for a unique platform arrangement.
Doing some advance research, we learned that In front of the platform and reaching forward
Nicaragua is actually divided roughly into about fifty feet there was a typical tropical
three zones: the highland area that takes in garden with real pineapple plants at one end,
the extension of the Rockies from the north, large-leaved yucca plants, many varieties of
the Caribbean coastline known as the Mosquito tropical flowers, a miniature lake, and two
Coast, so called after the Indians of that name, paths leading to the stage. Forming the back
and the heavily populated, fertile area that of the platform there was a huge relief map
lles along the Pacific coast. of Nicaragua vividly marking its mountains,
Our big plane braked to a stop at the Las lakes and volcanoes. On either side there were
Mercedes Airport near the capital of Managua, three real banana palms, transplanted and
seen In their natural growing state. From oUr
where we received enthusiastic greetings from seats we could see Lake Managua stretched
a great crowd of Nicaraguan Witnesses as out in one direction and the green hills and
well as some ot the Watch Tower Society's mountains in other directions.
missionaries. Hearty embraces were the order Here, perhaps more than at any other of
of the day. Customs officials consented to dis- our assemblies so far, the foreign visitors
pense with a thorough checking of the bag- were approached and greeted by young and
gage, and so soon we were aboard special old, The handshake and a big grin often had
20 AWAKE/
to substitute for conversation, but there could
be no nrlstaking the spirit of warmth and
friendship they represented. That Nicaraguans
are a happy people qulckly becomes evident.
How relaxing it was to sit among them and
enjoy the assembly program, while frequently
resting our eyes on the surrounding green
of the hills!
Some of Nicaragua's Past
It is amazing how the good humor of this
people has survived the sorrows and oppres·
sions they have experienced, first under rule
of pagan priesthoods, next under Spanish
Church-State rule, and then under political Quiet beaeb. With background of bills as vieWed
opportunists and foreign interferers, The from the port of San Juan del Snr, Nicaragua
country gets its name from "Nicarao," an
Indian chief of the time of the Spanish con· are [in fact] prayer, they dance dressed in
quest. The mass of the people were like beasts rich styles with precious feathers on them,
of burden under the rule of pagan theocracy. decorated also with a variety o:( coins among
But did they fare any better under the all· trinkets and mirrors, carrying upon themselves
pervading influence of the Roman Catholic a considerable weight of these adornments.
Church? The situation today answers that They dance singing praises to the Saint which
question. Fifty percent of the population is they are fsupposed to beJ honoring but In
still illiterate, though many long to leat'Il how the dance they sing the history and the deeds
to read and write. of their ancestors and those of their false
Back in pagan times the trinity idea was gods."-Nioaragua, Land of Marvela, Paco
prevalent, for the Indians believed that their Gallegos, Managua, September 1964.
supreme god had three different rnanifesta·
tlons: Lightning, Thunder and the Thunderbolt. Nicaraguans Are Hard Workers
They believed in a soul as distinct from the Besides the gay side of their character, which
body and in the reincarnation of creatures; finds expression in their numerous festivalS,
the good being reincarnated as birds and the even though they are mixed up with false
bad as serpents. According to a modern histo· religious ideas, there is the other side also.
rlan: "Chief Nicaragua and other vassals gladly They live in a country that is rich in resources
accepted the Catholic religion, being baptized yet not really economically rich. So they have
by thousands. Without any doubt whatever, to work hard for their cordoba (one-seventh
the new Christian [?] teachings should have of the U.S. dollar). Cotton, corn, coffee and
been very easily comprehended by the Nicara- sugar have to be harvested, most often the
guan worshipers as they then had the belief laborious way. Gold and silver have to be
of a Spirit which animates the body, which dug from their mountains. Cattle and dairy
they called 'yulio,' as wen as places of reward farms have to be manned, and cedar, pine and
and punishment for the good and for the bad." mahogany logs have to be hewn from the
-Geografia y Historia de Nicaragua (Geogra- :forests that cover four-fifths of the country.
phy and History of Nicaragua), Julian N. As we observed our Christian brothers and
Guerrero C. sisters from all sections of Nicaragua at the
Today in Catholic Nicaragua the people assembly site we could see that they truly
celebrate rb.any festivals that h$Ve come down represented a cross-section of the population,
from ancient times and that have' been given most of them unable to indulge in luxuries.
Catholic titles. But the rituals and the dances Nevertheless, they were cheerful, commtmica-
are still the same as in their pagan days. tlve, eager to learn and happy to have the
Masks, skins, beads and incense are stm the opportunity to come from their far-separated
elements of their festivals, regardless of the homes to this spiritual feast of good things.
saint or virgin that is supposedly honored. They had worked hard to make the assembly
It is claimed that Catholic priests of the past a success. At an outdoor site such as this some
have tried to prevent these rellgl6Us dances, the provision had to be made for the housing of
majority of which are of superstitious and the various departments of the assembly orga·
Idolatrous origin. Nonetheless, today they are nlzatlon. Undaunted, they set to work and con-
an Integral part of Cathollc religious festivals, structed opposite the platform a long, low,
Historian Torquemada (not the Infamous In· native-style hut with cane walls and thatched
quisitor of Spain) had this to say on the sub- roof. This was divided into small compart-
ject: "In these festivals of these people which ments that were utilized for administration, fn.
MARCH 8, 1961 21
fonnatlon, literature, travel and other depart· Walls and buildings, many of the:b giving evi·
menta. Here, too, was located the refreshment dence of tension and bitter hostility. Indeed, we
stand. got the impression that Nicaraguans were ap·
The Nlcarag!.Utn Witnesses were surely ener· preaching their scheduled election in an atmo-
getlc In their campaign of advertising the sphere remJndfng one of a Volcano ready to
principal discourse of the assembly, which was blow off. Events subsequent to our tour justify
delivered Sunday afternoon, December 18, by the feelings we had, for newspapers told of
the Watch Tower Society's president N. H. bloody rioting and demonstrations that have
Knorr. In a country where the peak number of brought sudden death to men, women and
Witnesses last year was 822, it was most children.
gratifying to see a crowd of 1,654 giving close We found the city of Granada, founded in
attention to the lecture "Mankind's Millen· the sixteenth century, to be a quaint place filled
nium Under God's Kingdom," and loudlY With reminders of the Spanish rule and cus-
applauding the release of the "new book In toms. From this lakeside city we sailed in
Spanish, Life Everlasting--in Freedom of tfte motor launches, among the more than 3(](]
Sons of God. Just as President Knorr held Islets at the western edge of Lake Nicaragua.
the book high, a 'huge replica was raised above On some of them we saw beautiful modern
the platform to the surprise B.nd delight of the summer lodges knd on others interesting native
audience. huts. This portion of the lake is appropriately
On Tuesday morning one of the spe<ikers called "the Venice of the Tropics." Lake Nica·
presented some sobering thoughts on "Respon· ragua is a veritable freshwater sea, for it reach·
sibillttes of a Baptized Witness." At the close es a length of some 100 miles and at its Widest
of his discourse seventy-one Nicaraguans rose some 40 miles. Its waters contain swordfish,
to be questioned as to their dedication of their sharks, tarpon, alligators and a number of
l~ves to God and were then baptized. other deepwater fish. JnterestjngJy, its sharks
The assembly was most successful. Due to its are akin to those of the Pacific Ocean, though
international flavor it received much favorable the lake's connection is with the Atlantic Ocean.
radio and newspaper comment. One company It was certainly a peaceful interlude to be
donated all the coffee needed for the assembly. able to cruise along among the islands, feasting
A beverage company provided ample equip· our eyes upon the jungle growth, the tropical
fruit trees including the huge mangoes and
ment such as freezers, paper cups and napkins the gently waving coconut Palms. The' local
and even loaned loudspeakers to strengthen people fish from primitive canoes in these
the sound arrangements. 'l'his same firm also waters in order to add flesh to their diet of
provided all the purtfled, bottled water that fresh fruits and vegetables..
would be needed so that the na· The next part of our tour was
tlve frescos (cold drinks) could by bus. We climbed the winding
be enjoyed by the delegates. road into the highlands, while
crest after crest of the road
brought us delightful scenes of a
Seeing the Sights green and smiling countryside. In
We travelers from abroad were places the air was filled with the
very pleased that arrangements sweet scent of flowering trees
had been made for us to see and shrubs. Then, in the cooler
something of tlte beauty and air Of thE> higher altitude, we
the scenery of Nicaragua. For came to the coffee country. A
stop was made at one plantation
example, one four-hour tour took at 3,000 feet, where we enjoyed
us south of Managua past a era· a panoramic view of Managua,
ter lake and a lava bed remain· Lake Managua and beyond to
ing from the eruption of the the rolling mountains with their
Volcano Masaya in 1775. In an· volcanic peaks. The owner of the
cient times, w~ were told, the plantation had a Spanish type of
aborigines hurled virgin girls home, with its central patio and
into the crater as otferings to
a surrounding garden in which
colorful birds flitted among a
appease the gods. wonderful variety of trees and
Politically there has been un· Watchtower Soclety ell· shrubs.
rest In Nicaragua. Throughout rector L. K. Greenlees
addresses conventtoners at Many of us travelers had had
Managua we saw political post- the Fairgrounds, Mana,.- the opportunity to go with native
ers and crayoned slogans on l'llflo Nicaragua Nicaraguans as they preached
22 AWAKE!
the Kingdom mest:age from house to ho\l.n. ~fng down here to help the Nicaraguan
and so we had firsthand observation of the brothere to appreciate the unity and love of the
innate l)indliness and hospitality of the people. international congregation of Jehovah's people.
Indeed, some were even encouraged to think I now find that·the encouragement is mutual;
seriously about moving to this country to help they have been most encouraging and inspiring
with the preaching work, seeing that there to me."
is at present but one Witness to some 2,100 o! Time now demanded that we get back to
population. The sentiments of all of us may Managua, say good-bye to our Nicaraguan
well have been expressed by one international friends, and finalize our arrangements to leave
tra\'eler, who remarked: "I looked forward to' for the next country on our itinerary.
...BRITISH HONDURAS,...
-A Land Often Overlooked
...............................................................,
OCATED on the east coast of Central Amer- the land level rises into a mountainous area
L ica, between Guatemala and the Caribbean
Sea, this little country is often overlooked
with high plateau country bQrdering on Guate-
mala. Here sparkling waterfalls punctuate
by travelers,· But it was not overlooked in the the mountain streams, affording scenic thrills
plans for the serles o1 "GOO's Sons o1 L'l.'nerty''that are dim.cult to match anywhere.
Assemblies that we were attending. Though Along the reefed coastline, in the blue Carib·
many of the international travelers were dis.- bean, there are countless cayes or islets where
appointed that they did not get to British the visitor may find quiet and seclusion, !rom
Honduras, due to failure of the airlines to the bustle of populated places. British Hon-
fultUl their promises, those of· --us who did duras has few population centers apart from
reach Belize enjoyed our visit. Belize, and even though that city is probably
The approach by plane afforded a panoramic vieWed by local people as somewhat o! a
view of the country, revealing Its physical metropolis, its population is less than 20,000. It
features. For example, to the north lie the has the appearance o! a provincial town. Frame
low, htunld coastal plains., with Belize, the buildings, many of an earlier era, still pre-
capital, guarded by a reef-linecf harbor. Large 'dominate. Here and there a modern structure
ships have to anchor outside the reef and speaks of progress and the desire to get away
Ughters ply from ship to shore. Southward from the ways of the past.
It is said that the highest point In the
city Is only four feet above sea level,
and this is why, as you look around town.
you note that most o! the homes are
built up on stilts. Surely a wise precaution
when we call to mind the tremendous
damage infiicted on this coast in 1931
and in 1961 when hurricane winds
whipped up huge tidal waves. In that
latest disaster many of Jehovah's wit-
nesses and a number o! neighbors took
refuge in the second fioor of the Watch
Tower Society's branch office in this city,
one of the strongest and most attractive
buildings in the area, Now the Govern-
ment has declared it a national refuge in
I.arge:r ships cannot penetrate the coastal reef that event of disaster.
lhelten this harbo:r at Belize Because of this low elevation Belize
MARCH 8, 1961
drains oft' water from its streets by means or spiritual freedom and are serving as true
shallow open gutters, which have to be swept ministers of Jehovah God.
down regularly.
Assembling with Freedom Lovers
Meeting the People The assembly site was In a park along Be-
As we walked among the people of Belize lize's seafront. Here our brothers had to erect
we soon noted that the population is a mixed their own grandstand, large enough to seat
one. The majority are descendants of Africans about four hundred people. The mayor. of the
who settled in the area at the time when Belize city even came out to see this preparatory
was used as a slave center back in the 1880's. work, for, as he said: "Some day we may have
They have adopted many to install such facllitles."
of the European ideas and And another man ap-
customs, and we were hap- proached and said: "We
py to learn that among this can indeed learn from you
section of the population people. What an undertak-
there Is an excellent appre· ing!"
ciation of the value of The many fine features
God's Word, the Bible. of the program as l"njoyed
Their warm, friendly atti· by brothers at our other
tude is expressed by a quick assemblies were keenly ap-
smile and pleasant word at preciated by the British
meeting. Honduran audience also.
The Caribs of the south· The Bible dramas- and talks
ern highlands are descen- were loudly applauded.
dants of island Indians ~ho There were a few anxious
settled here in order to moments when it became
maintain isolation. They are evident that President N. H.
distinct in their traditions Knorr of the Watch Tower
and have endeavored to Society would not arrive in
avoid intermarriage and time !or the scheduled pub-
association with other peo- lic lecture, due to a delay
ples. They even have their in the incoming fiight. How-
own language. Among these ever, the chairman invited
people sickness is viewed John Groh, a' visiting dire<"·
as no chance happening, tor of the Society, to sub-
but is considered to be the stitute for the president.
result of someone trying J. 0. Groll, one of the directors of What a joy it brought the
to hurt the ailing person. the Watch Tower Society, dellvers brothers wht> had worked
Right away the spirit doc- the publlc address at Belize, British so hard to make the con-
tor or Buiyei must be con- Honduras vention a success to see 755
sulted. Through him the invalid's dead ances- present for this outstanding session! Since the
tors are appealed to for aid in restoring him peak number of Witnesses in the country is
to health. Perhaps some disgruntled spirit 385, it was certainly 1i' big event to assemble
needs to be soothed with a gift, they believe, with so many lovers of Bible truth.
or the treatment may even involve calling a Though his arrival was belated, N. H. Knorr
special feast during which the saying of a mass did have the opportunity of speaking to the
in the Catholic church may be considered audience, at which time he passed along to the
advisable. The ecstatic dancing at such feasts British Honduran Witnesses the warm love
has been known to lead to a trancelike con- of those who had assembled at Mexico <;tty and
dition and actual harassment by demons. Guatemala City, This brought them great de-
The Bible's pure message is badly needed light.
among these people in order to set them free
from such gross superstitions. It was a real What Future for British Hondurans?
pleasure to us to learn that the message British Honduras has made some rapid
of Jehovah's kingdom is finding acceptance strides toward sel!-government. It is hoped by
among the Caribs, and that from their ranks the party presently holding office that in 1968
have come some who are already enjoying plans at present under way wlll bring inde--
24 AWAKE!
pendence. Nonetheless, the movement In thJI' of this, for mere 18 one active Witness in
direction Is stm quite cautious because tt il British Honduras for every 287 persons.
well known that complete independence coult! We are sure that the "God's Sons of Liberty"
produce grave economic and polltical deVelop. Assembly at Belize has opened many more
menta, eyes to the road to spiritual freedom. Our
The real freedom that enlightened people prayer is that they will follow that road and
enjoy is the !reedom that comes with knowl· find peace. We shall always ,cherish the mem-
edge of Bible truth. Many British Hondurans ory of our few days spent in company with
are seeking this kind of freedom, and many our Christian brothers here, thankful that we
are already free. The facts speak eloquently did not overlook British Honduras.
The Bible speaks of God as the One who "is making wars
to cease to the extremity of the earth" and who establishes
"the abundance of peace until the moon is no more." If you
are "a friend of peace" you will concern yourself with
these Bible promises. Learn how and when they will be
realized. Read
From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained Only 75c
SBXIMONTELY
P"BLI(I~ ~D BY
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY O F NEW YORK,INC.
117 Adams Street Brooklyn. N.Y. 11201, U.S.A.
N. H. KNonn, PresUent GBANT SUITEX. Smeta~z,
CONTENTS
Worried About What A New Day Dawns in the Land
the Neighbors Think? 3 of the Ancient Incas 19
Why Did God Create Man? 5 Bolivia-Where Divisive Barriers
Expo 67-The World Are Being Overcome 22
in a Thousand Acres 8
Which I s the Largest? 12 Chile-Land of Many Latitudes 25
Colombia-A Fertile Land 13 "Your Word I s Truth"
Ecuador Welcomes News Why Was the Fruit Forbidden? 28
of a Brighter Future 16 Watching the World 30
"It is already the hour for you to awoke."
-Romonr 13:11
W M A W
What the
Neighbors Think?
T HERE are people who spend a good
part of their lives worrying about
what the neighbors think of them. Their
learn about them, practice empathy in
your dealings with them!
However, worrying about what the
concern on this point dominates all their neighbors think is quite a different matter.
actions in and around the home. You It is amazing what such worry can make
might say they almost become enslaved to one do. There is the woman, for example,
their neighbors, for every major consid- who insists that her family keep their
eration takes into account the question of conversations to a whisper for fear the
how to hold on to the respect and approv- noise will bother the neighbor. If they do
al of the people next door. On the other raise their voices, she begins closing all
hand, there are those who go to the other the windows.
extreme, for they care nothing a t all about In other households where worry about
what their neighbors think. Now, what is neighbors is evident, the front lawn and
the balanced view to take toward one's the back garden become merely ornamen-
neighbor? tal but useless places. Why? Because to
All things considered, neighbors are spend time in either would put one under
good to have. So often it turns out that the critical eyes of the neighbors.
we need them. In emergencies they are This preoccupation with what the neigh-
often the first to respond. A bond of mu- bors think may even drive one into a ma-
tual protection can build up. You look terialistic way of life. Great numbers of
after their interests when they are away, people strive to put on as good a front as
and they do the same for you. When you the neighbor, having just as good a car,
leave on an extended trip, it is good to just as big a TV aerial, and so on. Adver-
know that someone will keep an eye on tising capitalizes on this inclination, stimu-
things for you. How pleasant, too, to ex- lating one's desire for articles that are
change a few words with them morning or really "status symbols." Many a house-
evening and, on the basis of what you holder has become engulfed in debt due to
MARCH Be, 1967 3
efforts to keep up with the Joneses. How If you are doing what is right, then
frustrating it can be to be caught in this there is no reason to worry over what the
very common snare! neighbors think. In fact, if they are up-
But what about your neighbor? Who is right people, your good example will move
he? For the most part he is simply an- them to speak well of you. How many peo-
other person very much like yourself. Fi- ple wish today they had the courage of
nancially, he may not be any better off their convictions, courage to refer to the
than you yourself. If he does possess a lot Bible and support it, courage to study it
of material things, much more than you with family and friends, courage to invite
do, don't forget that a large percentage all their friends to their home, irrespec-
of the population is struggling to keep tive of race or social standing! And de-
above water, so to speak, as they pay and cent people admire such courage and will
pay and pay for the things they purchased admire you when you display it in their
on credit. If you were to have a talk with neighborhood.
him you would doubtless find that he re- When a young mother was asked wheth-
spects you if you are one who has not er she worried about what her neighbors
been drawn into the scramble for status thought of her having a group Bible study
symbols. in her home, she replied: "I want them to
There are times, however, when wc know that I have a Bible study group
should care about what the neighbors here, that we are Jehovah's witnesses.
think. Christians are not extremists. They They may not care for what we believe,
cannot be oblivious to others. They can- but knowing that we study the Bible gives
not be like the man depicted on the front them a greater sense of security. They
cover of a popular magazine. From the know we're not going to do anything to
one house that showed every sign of ne- harm them. Also, their knowing is a great-
glect came this man, all smiles, heading for er safeguard for me, for it forces me to
his economy car with his golf clubs. It is live up to my Christian convictions." Such
true he looked carefree, but it is also true a stand cannot but be admired by honest
that he was demonstrating indifference to persons.
responsibility. But how can one break free from neigh-
However, an exaggerated concern over bor icar and gain this courage? The only
the folks next door can produce bad re- way is by developing first a proper love
sults. This may be the real reason why for God and a desire to do his will. This
some people refuse to invite to their homc can be done through study of the Bible and
friends who are poor, or of some other by gaining a deep appreciation of its fine
principles. God's Word is the truth, and it
nationality, race or religion. This may ac-
is this truth that sets men free from bond-
count for the fear of some to display a age to improper fears. (John 8:32) Once
Bible in their home. Young people, par- we have gained the fear to displease God
ticularly, fear religious discussion or open in any way, we are then in position to love
identification with the Bible for fear of our neighbor in a proper way. Then we
being dubbed "old-fashioned" by their shall certainly want to do to our neighbor
neighbors. what we would like him to do to us.
War o.tv~+&&
we a shod
time on earth and then to die?
What does the Bible how?
--
those tight, d i f ~ dcornunities
t the ~ i ~
dam mesgage is now spreading swwy, new named Guayas and a woman named Quil, who
having been ogm in Ibarra traBitimally suicide in protest
against the atrocities committed by the de-
and in Quito. and the w ~ &is being opened voutly a t h ~0n-d- ~~~
UP in a good number of other towns and cities, that
I,to it is easy to see the
in-g the rdigion has had on the lives of all. There, on
Cuenea. the high hill overlooking the city, used to
Even within the last two years the attltude stand the ancient Inca Temple of the Sun, and
of the public has undergone a remarkable across the city stood the Temple of the Moon.
change. Those who were formerly fanatically
opposed to the Bible's message are now at
least tohant Those who were inmerent are
showing some interest Sheeplike ones are
making themselves manifest People even come
lookh~gfor the Wrtnesses, asldng that Bible
studies might be conducted in their homes.
They are even coming to meetings before
being invited! Truly many in Ecuador are
welcoming the news of a brighter future by
means of Gcd's Kingdom
Something of this great change became evi-
--
dent to us visitors to the "God's Sons of
Liherty" International Assembly held in the
Coltseo Cerrado, Guayaquil, December 31,1366,
W u g h January 4, 1967. The amiknce that
listaed intently to the public lecture, "Man-
Idnd's Milknnium Under God's Ki~@mn.~
nUdET& 2.m m n s . in l
&d that Sad&fs s4re-Plaa-F.
- with wsm
W. Fraa. s&
Toaer
not all Witn- from remote areas would q a , Ecllador
XARCH BE, 1967 17
On the latter site there has been substituted a This welcome was greatly appreciated by Je-
Catholic convent and church hovah's witnesses and is certainly a n indication
Quito nestles among the snowcapped vol- that responsible men in the country recognize
canoes of the Andes. I n the western hemi- that the Witnesses are a clean, harmonious,
sphere it is surpassed in continuous existence hardworking organization that bring with them
a s a city only by Mexico City and Peru's city to Ecuadorians a n a u e n c e for gwd. This was
of Cuzco. Here, a s in Guayaquil and indeed their first international assembly in the conn-
all over Spanish America, the church gives try, and we are confident that it has beneficially
more prominence to the worship of Mary than affected many sheeplike ones.
to the worship of God, more attention to the The hunger for the good news and the
Virgin than to Christ Jesus. Two years ago the bright future promised for obedient creatures
military junta accorded to Mary the rank of that is everywhere evident in this land is
General. The ceremony of installation included pointed up by the experience of one young man
the hanging of a sword in front of the image who was visiting Quito a t the time of a circuit
of Mary, she being pronounced Patroness of assembly. A missionary sister spotted him,
the Armed Forces. saw his interest and took
Mary is really the goddess time to speak with him. I n
of the Catholic church in fact, she commenced a brief
study in the "Good News"
Ecuador. One of the most booklet. W h e n h e h a d t o
frequent questions directed leave for home, 150 miles b e
to Jehovah's witnesses in yond the mountains, she SUE-
their houseto-house ministry gested continuing the study
is: "0 you believe in the by mail. When he got back
Virgin?" If one says he does to his jungle home he ar-
not believe in God, that is ranged to attend another
passed off a s something not circuit assembly, where he
too extraordinary, but to say was baptized. Meantime he
preached in his home dis-
that one does not believe in trict, reported his work to
the Virgin, that is terrible. the branch office, and was
On the facade of one of Gua- happy to be told that a cir-
yaquil's schools we saw a rep- cuit or traveling represen-
resentation in tile of Mary t a t i v e of t h e Society had
crowned a s queen and crush- been scheduled to visit him.
ing the serpent's head with Imagine t h e surprise a n d
her foot. And her crown was pleasure of that visiting rep-
actually formed of stars! resentative to find on arrival
Tilework : ~ t Guayaqoil school in that remote region that
~rra~lcouslydepicts Mnry 'bruisinc thirty persons had been as-
A Hopeful Future the serlrnlt's head' ((+en. 5:15; sembled to listen to ~ i -
A b r i g h t a n d h a p p y fu- Rev. 1'z:l) ble counsel and news of a
t u r e f o r E c u a d o r ' s peo- brighter future!
ple is in the sure promises of God's Word, The growth of interest in the Bible's message
the Bible. Thus the messengers who bear such and in participation in the work of spreading
newsu to the peopleshould fittindly be it in Ecuador is most heartening. Back in
as a force for peace and unity. 1956 there were in the country 303 publishers
It was interesting to note the three.column in 10 congregations. In 1966 the peak number
of publishers had risen to 1,575, organized in
article in one of Ecuador's leading newspapers 3y congregations. A great deal of this
which included the following greetings to dele- may bc attributed to Jehovah>s blessing upon
gates arriving for the assembly of Jehovah's the faithful labors of twentyeight mission-
w~tnesses: aries, graduates of the W'atchtower Bible
''The National Government, the Ministry School of Gilead. God's approval has also been
of Commerce and Industry and the Ecua- manifest upon the activities of many native
dorian Corporation of Tourism is pleased Ecuadorians who have set aside less important
to welcome the distinguished group of matters and devoted themselves to the preach-
North American tourists (Jehovah's Wit- ing of the Kingdom's message of a bright fu.
nesses) that is visiting the City of Guaya- ture. As the touring Witnesses from other
quil from 1 to 4 of January, 1967, and lands left Ecuador on their way to still another
to declare them Guest of Honor, with the country, they rejoiced in the opportunity they
fervent wish that t h d r stay in the country had had to associate with such a zealous group
may be the pleasantest possible." of Jehovah's servants.
18 AWAKE!
HE I n c a r u l i n g in this land in antici-
dynasty that sub- pation of our visit a s
jugated and con- delegates to the "God's
trolled t h e Indian Sons of Liberty" Iuter-
t r i b e s of P e r u f o r - national Assembly to
hundreds of years be- ; be held in Lima, Janu-
fore the arrival of the ary 4-8, 1967. It was
Spanish styled their 1 then that we learned
royal family "Children that almost 50 percent
of the Sun." The sun of Peru's population is
~~$~effim~&pii~ illiterate; one quarter
of the people speak
ligion thus awed the only one of the native
superstitious populace and exploited them Indian tongues; many Peruvians "mix Catholi-
for its own enrichment. The people were cism with ancient Indian beliefs," and besides
slaves to the system and had little to brighten attending mass, "worship spirits of the Inca
their lives but the blinding reflection of the religion."-The World Book Encyclopedia
sunlight on the gold- and silver-bedecked tem- (1966), Vol. 15, pages 271, 272.
ples and palaces of their masters. To the visitor, Peru is certainly one of the
I n the early sixteenth century the Spanish fascinating areas of earth. Its coastline on the
soldiery appeared on the scene. With superior Pacific stretches 1,400 miles. Almost uniformly
weaponry they routed the Inca forces, looted throughout that whole length the Andes
and destroyed the temples and palaces, and mountains parallel the coast about forty miles
in their places, often on the exact sites, raised inland. Along this warm, dry coastal area are
temples and convents of the Catholic faith. found the principal towns and cities, including
They, too, proved to be cruel taskmasters to Lima, the capital.
the Indian population. By every means a t The majority of the population a r e farmers,
their disposal, not excluding threats and tor- with cotton and sugar a s their chief crops.
tures, they brought about a mass conversion The mountainous areas a r e rich in minerals.
to the Catholic religion. The ancient pagan Mines dating from the era of the Inca are still
rituals, festivals and holy sites were superseded in operation, producing copper, vanadium and
by cunningly contrived Catholic rites, "holy" ores of lead and iron. Besides the corn and
days and shrines. The humble Indians had alfalfa grown for his own and his animals'
just experienced a change in masters. Other- staple food, the Indian also turns out many
wise the drudgery of delightful products to
their lives went on a s interest the tourist, in-
usual, unlighted by any- cluding basketwork and
thing beyond the tawdry brilliantly hued woven
sheen of Catholic altars goods.
and church decorations. A prime attraction to
The church in Peru archaeologists and trav-
has continued the domi. elers is the ancient Inca
nating influence through city of Machu Picchu,
two hundred years of traditionally believed to
Spanish colonial rule and be the last refuge of the
almost one hundred and embattled dynasty when
fifty years of turbulent the Spaniards overran
republican rule. Yet, do their dominion. For some
we find in Peru a good hundreds of years its
fruitage from this long precise location was for-
period of Rome's domin- gotten. Then, in 1911, it
ion? We found the an- Lofty viexv of the ruins of Picchu, was discovered. I t is
swer when we began to one of last stronghoids ~i the eonquored b u i l t a t o p a n a r r o w
read up on conditions Incas of Peru mountain, with a river
MARCH BB, 1967 19
winding around three &on not yet Inve6ligated is
Bides,andpm~bp safd to contain the bones of ha-
steep declivities. bies. Where all these stacks and
stacks of bones eame from, what
~ncaism is back of the gruesome collec-
to Catholicism tion, remains a mystery. A few
blocks away is the Inquisition
-Not a Great Stride Plaza. Here we were shown a
The visitor in Peru is section of wall in which victims
struck by the uniform of that Catholic institution were
manner in which the d e d inside. in it standiag posi-
Catholie church has tion, while still alive. and left
adopted the sites, the rit- there to dmte dowly. There
ualthefestivalsandthe were even scratches on the inside
attitude of the ancient oftheseghastIytombssaidto
?! represent t h e last desperate
- --
state -ion. For exam-
ple, the Santo Doming0
Church, Cuaco, was built &%%
Fvww- struggles of the immured ones.
The attitude of church author-
ities in relation to the humble
atop the ruins of the Indians has always been very
Temple of the Sun; in MoL 8.nto uuoo. similar to that of the heartless
1534 fhe monastery was boPIL at pries&d of the Inca dynasty.
erectedonthesiteofthe -OitLs8.. So now the JmEm is becoming
temple dedicated to the worsMp of the moon, indilYerent to the church and apathetic to
stars, thunder, Egh- and rainbow. Another religion genemdly. The modern youth of Peru
church and monastery covered the palace of no longer want to be dominated by the
the Virgins of the Sun, whose occupants often clergy, and juvenile delinquency is ,common
became concubines of the Inca. in this part of the world also. One Catholic
-
~ ~ the creator
~ deity h of the rnca
, priest, Harold G B W , admitted the resPonsi-
pantheon, also had a temple in Cuzco. The bilitY of the church. 'The blame is
church of the m-ph was built on its rtdns. Om* be it church Or soda. we did
and it is fnteresttng to note that it has an
altar to the "hoty with a 'pepresentation mulation live in *
~ t ] m o w h ~ w t o e d ~ et ah et em . . . =slum
and hmerand
of -o,,&& by three of the
sun. At the village of Cbinchero,just eighteen them
-0t preach
we hurultthem by Ourwe give
them
Pr-
miles away, the highest part of an Inca temple
rnin is the site of a church in honor of "Our **
and our dMaim"-La
1958.
Lfms,
The churches are no longer the center of
Lady of Natlvity))I the very stones of the an-
=
cient structures having been used in its con. iamily life as in years past. On certain im-
struetian. The church contains artwork of a portant rdigious festivals there are great
native miancatholic p b t e r , depicting a crowds of people that mme far the enter-
mixture of pagan Inca and Catholic religious
SceneP
gAeM m
~ & ~ & ~ ~ ~ ~
goon lapse into their religious apathy. The p
we
downtown also Notable
Lima. the in
of was the large
there ple
massweresaid overwhelmingly
in the ,v
- in favor
buf of having
a
ten-foothigh cross e~crvstedwith mother-~f- months of hearing it and dhoverlng how little
pearl and surrounded by dozens of burning information is really being given them, their
candles. The walls all around are covered with interest wanes. There is no longer any mystery
thousands of silver medallions of all sizes and to i t Few even go to the confessional anymore.
shapes, each one the thanks of That 0eremrmi0~8p-fons of pagan orlgia
wrmeDne Who has all- been c u d Or are still debmted among Catholics in titis
b l e s d in some way. WOmhtpm-6 Wme up and land is indleated by this headke fn the news
kiss and caress the cross and W ~ Ybefm'e it paper BZ Puebb (The People), Arequipa, Peru,
jnst as devoutly as the mPerstiti0ug Indian dated December 6,1966: YLady in Black Pmme
warships hie pagan idola nades Skull in Tray. Pmegqion Yesterday
InWmA5ng, too, was the C h w h of San Was for Souls in Purgatory." Flowmbedeked
Frandscq where underground cellers and pas- cofRns containing bones from the local oeme
sageways were discovered filled and Ilned with tery are paraded through the streets, priests
layers of skulls and partial skeletons. One taking turns sprinkling "holy water" on thenb
20 AWAKE1
and the populace chant funeral songs as they mous bullring, was the site of this international
march. convention. Here the international audience
thoroughly enjoyed the line, practical program
New Day Dawns that was presented, by discourse and by thrill-
ing Bibie dramas that emphasized the moral
But not all Peruvians, whether Indian, white teaching of the ~ i b l ~ .
or mixed, have lost faith in God. Not all of H~~ delighted everyone was with the atten-
them have lapsed into stolid indifference or dance! the main discourse Saturday eve-
sheer apathy. There are those who have heard ning there were 5,9g present and on Sunday
the message of the Kingdom preached by Jeho- the peak attendance rose to 6,925. And on the
vah's witnesses and have seen in it the dawn- preceding m d a y it a joy to see
i n of a new era of enlightenment and how. 265 witnesses t&ing the step of water
This became especially e\-ident when people of baptism ill token of their dedication to serve
a n classes and from all regions of tile country and please the true ~ o d Jehovah,, with all
made special effort to come to the "God's Sons their life and effort, excellent cafeteria
of Liberty" International Assembly. Fmm manned entirely by witnesses provided tasty
Pucallpa one group of eleven. including chil- meals for the conventioners and provided the
dren, set out for Lima six days before the oppohnity for perurians, North Americans.
assembly was due to begin. They had to return Europeans, yes, and Australians, to chat with
that day because torrential rains had rendered olle another and build one another up in the
the route impassable. They started out again faith.
the next day and spent two days creeping along Hardworking, devoted missionary witnesses
through terrible roads in mud Sometimes eigh- from varfous lands have been serving in Peru
teen inches deep. Often they had to get out fo,. many years. Their labors under all kinds
and push and rock their microbus to get it inconveniences have been noted by peru-
through. Ten times they had to dig out the vians. Their loving, helpful attitude has stood
wheels. In one place they slept overnight in out in strong contrast to that of a haughty
the crowded vehicle. Then they had a flat tire, clergy. ~ ~ l t i of t ~humble
d ~ ~ people have
and spent much valuable time locating another gladly accepted Bible teaching from them. The
spare. On the fifthday they reached the assem- results have been truly gladdening. I n 1945
bly city just in time for the big spiritual feast. there were only a few Witnesses in all of
Other intrepid Witnesses carry on the preach- Peru. In April of that year Brother Knorr
ing work in all sections of the country, in started a congregation in the home of Sister
jungle, coastal desert and mountainous terrain. Lura in Lima. Ten years later there were 524
At 12,000-foot-highLake Titieaca, in the colder Witnesses in 13 congregations. In 1966 a peak
region, there is a growing congre- of 2,530 Witnesses was
gation. Even the floating islands reached, these organized
on the lake, held togrthel- by the in 63 congregations. And
strong roots of the totora reed,
have been visited by Witnesses remember, Witnesses are
intent on bringing Bible enlight- those who do more than
enment to the Uros Indians who j u s t a t t e n d Kingdom
dwell on them. Many of the Peril- Hall meetings. They are
vian Witnesses work on sugar those who personally
plantations on the coastal side share in witnessing to
of Peru, and their employers their neighbors about the
have come to appreciate their Bible's message, who ac-
diligence and integrity. Thus tually serve as "the light
there was no great difficulty for
them to obtain permission to of the world" in har-
leave their jobs to attend the mony with Jesus' instruc-
assembly. tion a t Matthew 5:1416.
Early in 1966 many Peruvian So, how true i t is that
Witnesses took up the suggestion . , a new day has dawned
that they try to learn a few for the people of Peru!
phrases in English so as to be ,. /,, May many thousands
able to greet and speak briefly more avail themselves of
with visitors from North h e r - the bright light of truth
ica and Europe. It was heart- and forever leave behind
hear them as they Interview at Pem assembly: them the darkess and
bid the almost 500 visitors wel- rndian mmnan h g h t to read by
come to Peru and the assembly. witnesses, now herself a home- iflorance of Babylonish
The Plaza de Arho, Lima's fa- to-house preacher superstition
MARCH 8% 1967 21
of good luck, Ekeko, whose
image is generally made out
9
of silver and sometimes plas-
ter. Indeed, many of the In-
dian superstitions have per-
meated the thinking of many
x n o n - I n d i a n s a n d t h o s e of
.. :, mixed descent. Even ~ e o p l e
who a r e otherwise inteiligint
V m I V E BARRIERS will assure you that offerings
to Pacha-Mama, goddess of
.. .. ruritv and success. A Catholic
rc~~~..,..~..,..,..,..,.rcIC.,..,..,..,..LL~..,..,..,..
A
$
~~ ~ ~ ~
lects are spoken in Bolivia. The Indian's ten- Friday morning, January 6, 1967. They came
dency to isolate himself, dealing with the from North America and other parts of the
Spanish-s~eakinggroup only when absolutely world to attend the "God's Sons of Liberty"
n&essar<- . ooeritei
- to-main- International ~ s s e m
tain this separation of two hly. Thrilling indeed
cultures. was the welcome they
Finally, there is the har- received from 150 Bo-
rier of religion that divides livians w-ho held up a
the people of this land. I t is huge 'Welcome" ban-
true that Bolivia is officially nel; s a n g Kingdom
considered to be ovenvhelm- songs, threw rose pet-
ingly a Roman Catholic als and treated each
country, and this appears to arriving delegate to
be borne out by the thou- the typical warm hug
s a n d s of Catholic shrines and pat on the back.
and churches that dot the Then there was the
land. However, among the loading into a fleet of
Indians the religion forced taxis that were to
upon them by the swords of take the visltors into
the city. But where is
the conquistadores is purely
the city? Then, sud-
a superficial one. Deep down d e n l y , as w e d r o v e
in their hearts they are along we saw it, the
strictly worshipers of their whole city, for there
own pagan gods. F o r in. Ls Paz. Bolivia. vierved from lookout some it lay f a r below us,
stance, thereis the Indian god 1,000 fket abovh p e r h a p s 1,000 f e e t
22 AWAKE!
below in a cup-shaped depression, for all it came by its name. I t appears that when the
the world like an extinct volcano crater. I t Soanish m s t saw i t thev asked. What is it
was breathtaking to see. and as we dipped tilled? (in Spanish, ioomo se lama?) and the
swiftly down into the city we could note that name stuck
wherever one chose to eo - he would be either
climbing steep streets or going down them. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ b z ~to unity
Narrow streets. Spanish-style balconied houses,
way p ~ i ~ t ~
a mixed street population of Indians, whites arriving from abroad were
and those of mixed ancestry, trailic police happy to learn that the assembly was to be
mounted on their strange little rostrums, were held on the third floor of the very hotel in
a few of the things that captured our atten which they would be staying, the Hotel La PaZ.
tion in this mountain city. How convenient! And another thing-from
We could even detect the differences in In- their hotel window they would be able to view
dian tribal representatives by the kind of hat one of the most impressive sights of this
worn by the women. Some scenic land, the mighty
wear a hat quite similar in Mount Illimani towering up
shape to the English bow- to its elevation of 22,000
l e r h a t , o t h e r s a wide- feet. How its snowy cap re-
brimmed hat. Some of the flectcd the dazzling sun-
males were wearing hats light!
with earflaps attached, The Saturday-morning
something previously seen session in the hotel's Fan-
by some of the visitors only tasy Hall was of special
i n t h e n o r t h e r n United interest t o the English-
States and Canada in mid- speaking delegates. A half-
winter. And look a t those hour program of song and
Indians carrying tremen- dance by natives dressed in
dous loads on their backs! typical Indian fiesta cos-
How d o they do i t in this tume, to t h e accompani-
rare atmosphere where vis- ment of Indian-style music
itors are already panting r e n d e r e d on t h e i r own
from the least exertion? S t r a n g e instruments,
Marvelous, is it not, what proved to be a pleasurable
a human body will adapt variety oaf stranae Indian remedies
are available surprise. Then, too, there
itself to? were heart-stirring experi-
La Paz' population of 400,000 presents a fine cnces related by missionaries who have spent
cross-section of life in Bolivia, for to this city many years in Bolivia, struggling amid dif-
come Indians from the surrounding area to ficulties to get the Kingdom preaching work
sell their produce, their handicrafts, in the started and then joyously noting the marvel-
open.air markets. Here laid out on the ground ous increase that Jehovah has given. Visitors
the visitor encounters all kinds of strange got a clear and accurate view of genuine mis-
fruits, vegetables, medicines, while the ven- sionary work and of those who persevered at
dors sit amid their wares vying for CUStOmerS. it and received rich blessings for doing so.
One market offers a great variety of strange Imagine the thrill of those missionaries as
"witchdoctor" remedies for every conceivable they told of the many persons they
ailment a s well as odd items, such as dried-up contacted and who are now stal-
fetus of a llama, to be offered to the earth-
goddess Pacha-Mama. wart CVitnesses to God's name and mgdom!
men we got our first glimpseof a fiama, All of the assembly sessions were conducted
Bolivia's beast of burden. Bearing a load on front of a most appropriate backdrop--a
his back, but head erect and eyes alert to huge mural depicting Bolivia a s a paradise,
watch everything that is going on, he struts snowy Mount Illimani dominating the scene,
along with dignified mien. So this is the a t the center of which two lifelike llamas
strange camellike creature that is the friend look& out curiously at the audience, while a
and helper of the humble Indian, his source llama lamb bounded onto the scene alongside
of wool, meat and leather, and provider of an rndian shepherd lad. me peace and tran-
little lambs to be pets for his children. Though
its head does remind one of the camel's, this quillity of the scene delighted everyone.
graceful creature has none of the ungainliness At the address, "Building on a
of the camel. AS one visitor put it: "just see Right Foundation with Fire-Resistant Ma-
how cute the Creator made their little rumps terials," a total of 664 listened to N. H.
and tails!' It was interesting, too, to learn how Knorr, president of the Watch Tower Society.
MAROE ,22, I967 23
This was a greater number than the peak real effect on their hearts and minds. Slavish
attendance at any previous Witness assembly performance of outward rituals was no new
held in Bolivia. I n the evening a n audience of thing to these Indians. And a unity achieved
675 enthusiastically greeted the release of a by compulsion bas proved to be no genuine uni-
new book in Spanish. Life Evw'Zustirag--An ty. Said one high school professor in La Paz:
Freedom of t h e Sons of God. Then it was "The Indian worship of their forefathers and
really thrilling to see Fantasy Hall packed thc Indian concept of the soul have shoxvn
out with a crowd of 1,053 persons for the pub- themselves immune to the action of the [Cath-
lic lecture delivered by M. G. Henschel, one olic] missions. . . . the imposing ci~urches
of the SocieQ+s directors. The peak number spread throughout the country have not fol-
of Witnesses in the country is 647, and many filled their mission and their deteriorating
of tinem, for one reason o r another, could not building fronts are not only a consequence of
get to La Paz from remoter areas of the land. time and poverty, but also a symbol."-El
Making allowance also for about one hundred Diario (Daiiy), La Paz. October 28. 1966.
visitors from abroad, it still appears that sev- The Church of San Francisco them in La
eral hundreds of the loral population were Paz, visited hy the Witness tour group, is an
eager to learn what the Bible has to say about example of the Indo-Spanish hybrid a r t fre-
the blessings of the coming thousand-year quently seen in these structures. The Indian
r e i m of Christ. has dccorated the outside walls with his own
There had been much publicity about the ancient symbolisms. I t is said that construc-
assembly and the public talk. Eanners had tion of this building began in Au-wst, 1549. In-
been strung across some of the main streets. dians can be scen entering it and leaving a t
Newspapers had mentioned many features of all hours of the day. The Indian woman re
the assembly and photographs had been re- moves her hat before entering, contrary to the
produced. Dramas were mentioned and Bo- usual Catholic practice of having women cover
livians love dramas. So interestingly it turned their heads. When passing by any such church
out that Sunday night when the drama of buildina the Indian. not only makes the s i ~ n
"Look to the Bible a s Our Guide in Life" was of the-cross, that gesture t h a t shows more
presented, not only was every seat filled, but respect to the building than for tine Bible
people were standing on tables, windowsills, principles that should be taught in it, but he
anywhere they could fit into the Fantasy Hall. also kisses his hand.
and the attendance was 1,150. One newspaper
reporter present said it was the best play he Monuments o f Ancient Bolivia
had ever seen. But the important thing was Visitors to this convention in L a Paz were
that Bible principles were deeply impressed also treated to delightful tours of interesting
on the minds of all who saw it. places. Perhaps foremost was the trip to Lake
Monday morning, January 9, produced an- Titicaca, considered by many Indians a s a."ho-
other gratifying development. Sixty-six Bolivi- ly place." The highest navigable lake in the
ans responded to the discourse on "Responsi- world, with a surface that is 12,506 feet above
bilities of a Baptized Witness" by offering sea level, its waters are a beautiful deep blue.
themselves for immersion in water in token Remains of ancient Indian monuments have
of the fact that they had already dedicated been discovered submerged in its waters near
themselves to the service of their Creator. Puerto Acosta This has stirred archaeological
Jehovah. excitement, for tile underwater discovery in-
How upbuilding it was to us visitors to La cludes a n extensive avenue built of marble in
Paz to see people f m m all walks of Bolivian a n excellent state of preservation.
life, people from the mountains and the plains. Our mute lay through the high plateau r e
Quechua and Aymara and other Indians, united gion 12,000 to 14,000 feet above sea level, and
a t this assembly in proof of their common yet rising still higher we had a Ene view of the
desire to know and serve the God of unity snowcapped mountains of the Royal Cordille
and of love! The prevailing atmosphere dur- ra. Glimpses into the life of the Indian popu-
ing these few days of association was surely lation could be had here and t h e . An Indian
a foretaste of the unity and spiritual freedom woman weaving her colorful rug by the road-
that God's kingdom will confer upon all of his side fled, leaving all her equipment when she
obedient human creaturcs. saw a cmwd of amateur photographers con-
verging upon her. Here a man was herding his
Religious Confusion llamas, and there a n Indian woman carrying
I n contrast to the peaceful, unifying religion a child on her back was spinning yarn on a
taught in the Bible is the state of religious spool a s she walked along. At the lakeside it
confusion everywhere evident in this land. The was interesting to see the modern yachts of the
religion to which Spanish might compelled the wealthy moored alongside the reed boats of
Indian population to conform has had little the Indians.
24 AWAKE!
Another place of interest that we visited
fs aptly called M w n Valley. We were taR-
en in taxis to visit this area comprising
deep valleys thousands of feet beIm La
Paz There we were amazed a t the strange
mclr formation at volcanic stone It was
d M i d t to t o e v e that meh mmnlike ter-
rain could exist anywhere on our earth,
yet there it was before our eyes One
jagged &?mmheme of dark ruck jutting
above tbe rest .in one ridge is called Mu&
-
deZ Diablo (Devil's Molar). It is believed to
be the core of an old volcano whose sfdes
have eroded, leaving only the feeder pipe
or neclc of volcanic rock.
Our visit to Bolivia was truly one to be Far below Lu Pse,Bollvie, lies Mom Valley with fta
iormatfO1lsoi vdcenlC
long remembered. When it came to a close,
our thoughts lingered with the many flne yet its people cannot &ord to develop them.
friends we had met and come to love. They live It surely needs a righteous, heavenly govern-
portrayed on the backdrop of the
0 reaches northward from Cape Horn a t supreme defty. Their heirn nomad life had little use
the -ern tip of Sarth h e r i m 2,650 for t=IIples or other permanent struchms
miles to the border of peru. I& fengtb is With Spanish domination came
therefore about twenty-four times its average mvemion to the Roman Catholic religion, par-
famed
width of 110 miles stretching from the torrid t i a l y ~panishcatholi- SO I ~ ~ and U S
zone to some d- of Spaniards alike have borne Rome's yoke ior
the f W d zone- it is the only watry in the a long time now. With what resub? Instead
southern -here with SO many latitudes. of N~~ there is now the widesp-d
Its name fs the Indian eqdvalent for "pla* pradlee of men and living together
where the land ends:' and that is precisely
how it must have looked to early natives a s without Of marriwe The heroes and
they gazed out at the apparently endlem reach. Of Indlan tradition have now
es of the Pacific Ocean. Even the Spanish replaced by those of Catholic trsdition, all
conquistadores must have felt the appmpriate duly attested, as the church alleges, by &a-
m of the name. clea Holy sites where pagan notables were
HdRCE 32,1967 25
known to be buried are now occupied by shrines An Opportune Assembly,
and chapels of the new religion, only now those so this is the background of the land h,
notables bear the names of "saints" and "vir- which we were now arriving as our plane
gins" of Catholic fame. So-called Christian fes-
tivals are still the excuse for drunken bouts, touched down a t Santiago's airport, a thousand
games and senseless ritual miles south of the Peruvian border. This city's
-such as carrying in procession dolls made altitude of 1,800 feet and its location in the val-
up to look like "saints." ley region between mountain ranges lends it a
Meantime, education in Chile has progressed fresh, yet warm, atmosphere. The welcome
to the point where there is only about 15 Per- given us by the missionaries and native Chil-
cent of its population of 8,700,000 illiterate eans was also warm and friendly. Singers and
his can by no mean be credited to the church, dancers in typical fiesta costume were there
for most Of the advance has come to give a welcome performance to the arriving
through agitation by laymen. Since Vatican delegates to the "God's Sons of Liberty" Inter-
Council II lifted some restrictions on Bible
by the catholic public, there has arisen national Assembly, delegates from Europe,
among Chileans a healthy curiosity about the North America, Central America and other
teaching of that Book of books. lands in South America.
Inside the Catholic organization rival groups Among the delegates was a German couple
have developed, groups that vie with one anoth- who had just been released three years ago
e r for supreme influence among the people. after spending between them a total of forty
On one side there is the haughty, aristocratic years in German camps and
element led by the bishops, and on the other Russian prisons, They were radiant with hap-
the Jesuits, who are interesting themselves in
modern social and political questions, When piness a t meeting their spiritual brothers here
Pope paul VI recently chided the jesuits for in Chile. One Witness woman from West Ber-
their radical approach and their worldliness, lin approached the assembly rooming depart-
the other party hailed his action a s favorable ment to request accommodations. Surprisingly,
to their views. There are also other divisive another German woman, now resident in San-
developments that have helped to weaken the tiago, came along a t the same time looking
power of the church. As the bishop of ConceP for someone to occupy the room she had
cidn declared: "We have the problem of very How happy they were to meet and
few priests here, or rather, very few preachers together after discovering they were
of the Gospel. I t is not uncommon in this area go
to have but one priest for 40,000 persons." H e both West
also admitted a failure on the part of the The place chosen for the assembly site was
church to adapt itself to the modern, educated the huge, new Velodrome. Until a few weeks
mind. He feared that if the church did not before the assembly its construction WaS not
soon get busy it would become greatly reduced even completed, and yet we were now to be the
within the next twenty years. The Bible edu- first to use it. A gigantic clean-up job had to
cational work of Jehovah's witnesses is further be done on the grounds around the auditorium,
reducing the membership of the church. but local Witnesses rose to the occasion so
that everything was in readiness for the
opening of our five-day assembly on
Saturday, January 7, 1967.
Extensive publicity in newspapers,
magazines, radio and television programs
gave plenty of advance notice to our
assembly. Never before had Jehovah's
witnesses in Chile received so much
favorable attention. Radio stations from
one end of the country to the other car.
ried lengthy announcements, sometimes
followed up by a regular weekly program,
a fifteen-minute dialogue supplied by the
Witnesses, on the topic "Things People
Are Thinking About."
In the Velodrome the platform of
white fleld stone and nodding petunias
was set amid a formal garden surround.
Andes mountains provide majestic background for ing a kidney-shaped pool. At night the
assembly a t Santiago, Chile trellised arbors and hanging plants were
26 AWAKE!
the only illuminated spots in from cowbov countrv. -. some
the dark stadium, aside from from the mining regions, oth-
the paleblue platform. During ers from the sheeulands of the
the day the conventioners had far south, and still others
to shield themselves from the from the coastal fishing areas.
hot sun with umbrellas. chu- Some were mountain people,
pallas (straw hats) or other and others came from the low-
improvised shelter. land plains. But all were in-
When the time arrived for terested in one thing, namely,
F. W. Franz, vice-president of improving their knowledge of
the Watch Tower Society, to God and Christ, a knowledge
deliver the public lecture, it that brings intellectual and
was thrilling to look out spiritual freedom to minds
across the throng of 7,693 who and hcarts long stifled by
had come to hear. Since the Babylonish ideas.
peak number of Witnesses in By us visitors to Chile the
Chile is 4,168, it was very special tours arranged for our
evident that there was wide benefit were very much a p
public interest in the theme preciated. The green of the
of the lecture, "Mankind's Mil- countryside, the visit to the
Icnnium Under God's King- Watch Tower Society's vim-
branch home and office of the
dom!' president Fraru and branch
Most other sessions representative Wilson leave Watch Tower Society there in
were attended by upward of . platform st close of pnblic Santiago, and a lofty view
5,000 persons. leetnrn in Santiago, Ohile from San Cristobal Hill were
In the beautiful, nearby pool all enjoyable opportunities to
of the National Stadium we el?joyed the spec- see something of this land of many latitudes.
tacle of' 441 newly dedicated Witnesses being Another fine feature of our visit was the
baptized, an event that received a great deal
of attention by press and television represen. provision of English sessions a t the assembly,
tatives. for there we listened to missionaries who told
about the history of Kingdom preaching in
Enjoying Chile and Her People Chile. Back in 1945 there were about sixty-five
From practically every section of this long, Witnesses in the whole country. During the
narrow land came eager conventioners, many years following, thc Watch Tower Society con-
making great sacrifices of time, effort and tinued to send trained missionaries, graduates
money to get to Santiago. From Arica, near of the Bible School of Gilead, into this field,
the north border, two busloads bearing ninety with such wonderful results that in one year
Witnesses traversed the searing heat of the there was an amazing increase of 71 percent
desert. From the other extreme, too, sixty in number of Witnesses sharing in the preach-
Witnesses madc the costly trip of 1,500 miles ing and teaching ministry. Many were thc
by plane from Punta Arenas. southernmost city
in the world, and Puerto Natales, center of inconveniences and hardships surmounted by
the sheep-raising region of Magallanes prov- those genuine "pioneer" missionaries as they
ince. traveled this long land from end to end, work-
At Pedro de Valdivia, in the nitrate pro- ing port cities, climbing through mountainous
duction area of the north, the Kingdom Hall areas, penetrating the south country and the
of the local congregation of the Witnesses islands. How happy they arc and how happy
was destroyed by lke originating in a nearby we were with them as we saw the fruitage of
dwelling just two weeks before the assembly their labors a t this most successful inter-
was due to open. However, the brothers left national assembly in Santiago!
for Santiago at the prearranged time. The But now the assembly is all over. It is always
nitrate company's officials had assurcd thcm difficult to say good-bye to our spiritual broth-
that the company would be responsible for ers. However, the knowledge that the Kingdom
reconstruction of their meeting place. message is now being heard throughout Chile,
As we listened to the upbuilding sessions preached by native Chileans of stalwart faith.
of the assemblv there in the Veloodrome. we has proved to be a source of refreshment and
were additionafiy refreshed to see around us encouragement to all of us visitors to that
in the audience Witnesses and well-wishers "God's Sons of Liberty" Assembly in the land
from every walk of life. Some were evidently of many latitudes.
MARCH 88, 1967 n
gave some also to her husband when with
her and he began eating'it." Certainly if
the forbidden fruit had been sex relations,
Eve could not have first partaken of it
when alone.- 35.
And further, the Bible shows that God
wny was tne Fruit commanded Adam and Eve: "Be fruitful
Forbidden? and become many and fill the earth." How
could tbe &st human oaic have obeyed
& c o k d if they were not to have
Living Parents?
APR !L 8. 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which yo u $hould be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues ale rt you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of cre ation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awakel" pro-
vides w holesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
" Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
·------·-•-tt~·
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WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK , IN C.
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The 61ble translatfoo re9ularly used in "Aw~bl" is the New V/orld Translation of the Holy Scrfpture.s, 1961 edition.
When otbcr tranalations are used, this Is clearly marked.
CO N TENTS
Meet the Challenge of Adversity 3 Uruguay-Unique Among
Worship of Dead Ancestors or L ove Latin-American Lands 20
for Living Parents? 5 United States of Brazil-Colossus
When They Get the Keys to a Car s of South America 21
High Blood Pressure and What Can Visiting Venezuela in the Interest
Be Done About It 12 of Peace 25
"Your V/ord Is Truth"
Enjoying Good Food in Argentina 17 What Kind of Wo rship
Paraguay-in the Heart Does God Approve? 27
of South America 19 W atching the World 29
" lt is a lready the hour for you to awake."
- Romans 13 :I I
AVE you ever wished, "If Some literally quit, run away.
H only things could always
;o smoothly, reasonably,
Others seek some escape, such
as bitterness and resentment
·,thout too much difficulty"? or self-pity and discourage-
•If only we were never ment. Concerning such, wise
:!'o ught face to face with ad- King Solomon wrote : "Have
·ersity"? But since such is you shown yourself discour-
::ot to be, at least not in this aged in the day of distress?
; :-esent system of things, why
::ot look at it another way,
CHAlLENGE Your power will be scanty."
(Prov. 24: 10) That is not
-~at you can learn valuable meeting the challenge.
.cssons from your meeting up If you would meet the chal-
-Hh adversity, if you are lenge of adversity you must
•·Hling to meet its challenge train for it; you must prac-
.:!Stead of rebelling or run- tice self-discipline. For exam-
_.Jng away? ple, to the extent that you are
For one thing, adversity moderate in your spending
.::elps us to become better acquainted with habits, exercising self-control, to that ex-
:'..lrselves, with our strong points and our tent you will find it much easier to get
- ·eak points. In the springtime a young along with less; and most likely you will
:::an may pledge constant love, but, as the have something saved to fall back on,
;upular song has it , 'Will he love her in should adversity suddenly strike in the
:>ecember as he did in May,' when the form of an economic depression that could
'"'inds of adversity blow? throw you out of employment.
:Ylore than that, adversity will strength- The same principle also applies to your
£.'1 you if you meet its challenge. Thus, physical health. Disciplining yourself by
!"egarding discipline, which might be said taking a little bodily exercise, by modera-
<:o be one form in which adversity meets tion in food and drink and by a voiding
'-'Y with us, we read: "True, no discipline such vices as the tobacco habit will en-
se-ems for the present to be joyous, but able you to meet adversity better when it
rnevous; yet afterward to those who have strikes in the form of an accident or a
:Jeen trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, serious illness.
:-.amely, righteousness."- Heb. 12:11. Or adversity may strike in the form of
Failure to meet the challenge of adver- an emotional crisis. If you have been
E!cy shows itself in more ways than one. working at disciplining yourself, control-
A.PRIL 8, 1961 3
ling your temper in little things, you will under their obligations. But love would
likely meet well the challenge of adver- have helped them to meet the challenge
sity in the form of a serious reproof by of adversity, to make the best of the situa-
someone in authority. You will appreciate tion. And thereby they could have hung on
that you are prone to err, that the things to their self-respect, for a man's need to
you would not do you often do and the shoulder responsibility is as real as his
things you would like to do you often do family's need for security.-1 Cor. 13:7.
not. More than that, the reproof admin- Still another great aid in meeting the
istered to you most likely will be less se- challenge of adversity is humility, sub-
vere by reason of your practicing self- missiveness. It will enable you to absorb
discipline. It might therefore be said that, the blow instead of going to pieces under
to the extent that we are concerned with it. The Biblical character David must have
doing what is right instead of following had such humility, for, whether hunted as
the lines of least resistance, we will be an outlaw by King Saul, severely reproved
better able to adjust to circumstances ove1· by God's prophet for his mistakes or flee-
which we have no control, to meet the ing from his usurping son Absalom, Da-
challenge of adversity.-Rom. 7:19. vid neither rebelled nor became discour-
Another great aid in meeting the chal- aged and quit, but made the best of each
lenge of adversity is hope. Remember, as situation. Humility will help us to meet
a common saying goes, "This too will the challenge of adversity by picking up
pass." Yes, when in the midst of adversity, the broken pieces, as it were, and starting
we may feel that it will always be t his
over again.-2 Sam. 12:13; 16:11, 12.
way, we will never get well, we will never
find employment, we will never be re- Not to be overlooked are faith in God
stored to favor, and so forth. But not so. and prayer. The Bible tells us that for his
More likely than not, time will solve these people God is "a refuge and strength, a
problems. Especially is the Christian1s help that is readily to be found during
hope a help here. Thus a missionary who distresses." (Ps. 46: 1) He is to be found
had spent seven years in solitary confine- primarily by means of prayer and his writ-
ment in a Chinese Communist prison, ten Word. He works in all things for good
afterward stated: "The Bible said we to those who love him. So look for some-
would have 'tribulation ten days.' In other thing good when adversity strikes.-Rom.
words, there's going to be an end to it . 8:28.
Everything comes to an end in its own
And, among other things, seeing how
time. Therefore we just endure. God will
bring us through."-Rev. 2:10. others meet the challenge of adversity can
help you to do the same. If no living ex-
Another great aid in meeting the chal-
lenge of adversity is love, for it "bears all amples are close by, turn to the Bible; it
things," the inspired apostle Paul tells us. contains many of them, such as virtuous
Most likely, many of the thousands of hus- Joseph and patient Job. They met the chal-
bands and fathers that have deserted their lenge of adversity and in the end were
wives and children have really been put to blessed for it.-Jas. 5 : 11.
the test because of adversity, adversity in Yes, it is in your interest to meet the
the form of shrewish wives, sickness in challenge of adversity. Do so by training
the family, unemployment and what not, for it, and by letting hope, love, humility,
and so rationalized their walking out from faith and the example of others aid you.
4 AWAKE!
H e r e, t o o, i n c e n s e i s
burned, prayers are regu-
larly said, flowers are
placed and even food is of-
fered. However, after a
while the food is usually
thrown away or eaten by
the rest of the family.
Many parents instill
deeply in their childre n
this form of worship, be-
cause they believe that
such homage paid to them
after they have died will
ass i st them to enjoy a
-' there value in worshiping dead relatives? liow does it happy existence in the "next life." It
<: :r>pare in im po rtance with honoring living parents?
is also felt that prayers by living rela-
t ives will assure a future uniting of family
HE above are not just idle questions.
T For in many places in the world the
···orship of dead ancestors is a prominent
members in a life after death. In addition,
ancestor worship is believed to placate the
dead, ensuring that they remain friendly
; art of the religious service of people. I t
spirits rather than become hostile ones
··as already highly developed in the sixth
who may do the family harm.
:entury B.C.E., and the famous teacher
Confucius, who lived then, served to en- Honor of Living Parents Vital
.:ourage it, saying: "As t he foundation of In many families it is readily observed
:hings is Heaven, so the foundation of that more emphasis is placed on revering
::1an is the ancestors." the dead than on showing love and re-
Today ancestor worship is common spect for the living. Is this proper ? Would
.:imong people in China, Japan, Korea, In- you not much rather have your children
iia, yes, throughout most of Asia and honor you while you are alive? The oldest
!)arts of Africa. It plays a major role in collection of sacred wr itings, commonly
:he lives of many Confucianists, Bud- known as the Holy Bible, stresses that re-
dhists, Shintoists and even those not pro- spect should be given to living parents. It
:essing a religious faith. Observed one says in one of its oldest parts: "Honor
!"eligious correspondent in Korea : "Al- your father a nd your mother, just as J e-
though only some three million of Korea's hovah your God has commanded you; in
:nore than twenty million population be- order that your days may prove long and
~ong to an organized religion, the vast ma-
it may go well with you."-Deut. 5 :16;
jority of Koreans practice ancestor wor- Eph. 6 :1, 2.
Parents who, in keeping with this com-
m ip as a national custom."
mandment, instill within their children the
It is a common practice of ancestor wor- need for respect and obedience to their
~hipers to keep in the home a small altar father and mother lay the foundation for
a t which they pay homage to their de- a happy family life. The family is united
ceased relatives. At times a picture of the in a warm bond of love when children
cnes being honored is kept on the altar. truly care for their parents, and, in turn,
APRIL 8, 1967 5
the parents always seek the best interests apparent from the exemplary conditions
of their children. that exist in the homes where its coun-
Just last year this was drawn to the sel is truly applied.
attention of a Buddhist man in Japan who
opposed his daughter's investigation of the Why Worship D ead Ancestors?
teachings of the Holy Scriptw'es. He However, it is only natural that per-
feared that if she continued her studies sons who have been taught to practice
she would not worship him after he died. ancestor worship are inclined to attach
However, when the value of the Bible's importance to it. But think now: If you
fine counsel was illustrated for him, he worship your ancestors, for what reasons
was deeply impressed. do you consider such ancestors to be of
The example of another Buddhist family value? Why do you regularly burn in-
was called to his attention. The daughter cense before the family altar and offer
of the family, one of Jehovah's witnesses, food there? Do you believe that the de-
adhered closely to t he Bible's teaching and parted loved one can smell the sweet scent
cared lovingly for her Buddhist parents or derive value from the food? If the per-
right down W'ltil they died. On the other son were really alive, would he not make
hand, the son did nothing to help his par- use of some of the good food that is of-
ents while they were alive, but bought fered? Does not t he fact that t he food is
them a $300 btttsudan (a family Buddhist left lUltouched indicate that the dead are
altar) after they died. Now, which is bet- powerless?
ter: To be respected and loved while you Nevertheless, ancestor worshipers gen-
are alive, or to be given perflUlctory wor- erally believe that the dead are more
ship after you have died? The Buddhist powerful than when they were alive as
father saw the point, and his attitude humans. Thus, many worship them to pre-
changed. vent their disp!easure or to avoid some
The wisdom of the Bible's counsel was form of retaliation by them. But consider:
also recognized by a respected eighty-one- Are you personally acquainted with any
year-old elder in a small village in Korea. instance where a neglected ancestor came
When a yolUlg man, who had become one back to cause living relatives trouble? Is
of Jehovah's witnesses, retw'ned to his na- there any evidence that the millions of
tive village last year, he was severely op- earth's inhabitants who do not worship
posed by his ancestor-worshiping parents their ancc!'>tors are ever troubled by them?
and the village elders. However, when the No, there is no evidence that they are.
Bible views were presented, the above- Still, persons who believe that their wor-
mentioned elder recognized t he value of ship might, in some way, benefit dead
them and said: "We should walk the way loved ones are hesitant to forsake it. Yet,
of life rather than the way of the dead." when you stop to think, is t here any real
Honoring living parents is clearly seen evidence that the dead are alive somewhere
to be of superior value, even by persons and can accept such worship? Is ancestor
who, from their youth on, have been worship not simply a custom t hat has
taught to worship dead ancestors. How been handed down from generation to gen-
practical it is to inculcate within children eration since away back before the days
the importance of obeying t..l-J.eir parents of Confucius? Yes, it is, and neither sound
and keeping God's laws! (Deut. 5 :16; 6: reasoning nor the facts provide a solid
4-9) The value of the Bible teaching is basis for practicing it.
6 AWAKE!
Do Humans Survive After Death? long.... The soul that is sinning-it itself
Scientists and surgeons have not been will die."-Ezek. 18:4.
-::e to find in man any evidence indicat- These writings are in perfect harmony
_::g that a conscious, liv1ng part survives with the observable facts in saying that
:::e death of the body. Yet, it is under- the soul dies. In addition, they are the
~:.a ndable that a person might hold strong- oldest existent sacred writings, dating
.·· to beliefs that are old, sincerely believ- from before the practice of worshiping
;,g that these originate with God. And dead ancestors. And, really, how much
-:e belief that man has an immortal soul more practical is their counsel, which em-
~ certainly an old one. Today it is so phasizes the honoring of living parents!
!despread that practically all religions The practicalness of these writings should
.3roughout the world teach it, including inspire confidence in what the Bible also
...:ose of Christendom. But is this belief, says about the condition of the dead.
_pon which worship of dead ancestors is
-a.sed, true? Does the oldest available evi- R eunion with Dead Relatives
.:;ence support it? Does this mean, then, that there is no
Dating from long before the days of hope of being reunited with dead loved
:onfucius, Buddha and other such famous ones? Do people die and simply cease to
-cachers are the sacred Hebrew writings exist forever? Not at all! In his inspired
.:.at compose a major part of the Holy Word the Bible Almighty God makes
known his purpose to destroy this wicked
3.ble. These inspired writings even tell system of things, with its oppressive gov-
;..)()Ut the first human family and its ere- ernments, and to usher in a righteous new
:.:ion by God. Observe what that record order. Then, upon an earth under the di-
S2YS about how man was created: ~<Jeho- rect rule of his heavenly Son Jesus Christ,
-a..h God proceeded to form the man out persons separated long ago by death will
:.: dust from the ground and to blow into be united again when they are brought to
.::s nostrils the breath of life, and the man life in the resurrection. "The hour is com-
-me to be a living soul.)) Note that man ing," the Bible promises, "in which all
·as made a living soul; he was not given those in the memorial tombs will hear his
.:. immortal soul.-Gen. 2:7. voice and come out."- John 5:28, 29;
Throughout these old sacred writings 2 Pet. 3: 13.
--ot once does it say that man possesses What a grand reunion that will be! No
-"1 immortal soul that survives t he death human can accomplish such a miracle, and
-: his physical organism. Man is mortal; certainly no one who is unconscious in
'~ is subject to death. No part of him lives death can do so. Only man's Creator, the
:::1 and so can receive worship by living Almighty God Jehovah, can bring the dead
:-e.:atives. In the tenth century before our back to life in a resurrection, enabling
C,.::)rrunon Era an inspired Bible writer re- them to enjoy fellowship with one another
:.::::-ded: "The living are conscious that again. So, instead of revering persons who
:.:.ey will die; but as for the dead, they have died and trying to instill in your
::e conscious of nothing at all." (Eccl. 9: children such reverence for the dead, heed
: And sometime later, the Almighty God the admonition to worship the true God
..:_."TTself said, as recorded by his prophet Jehovah, the One alone who can make
Z.Zekiel: "All the souls-to me they be- possible a reunion with dead relatives.
....?RI L 8, 1961 7
OUTHS just cannot himself and killing his
Y wait until they can get
the keys to a car. It gives
young companion.
And at 3:15 a.m. a
them a feeling of prestige, nineteen - year-old
a sense of power, indepen- driver, traveling at
dence and of being grown high speed, drove on
up. "I don't know how to the left side of the
explain it," one fourteen- highway and smashed
year-old said, "but when head-on into another
you have your own car, vehicle, causing the
you've got it made. You death of himself and
can get where you want three others.
when you want." Another However, some per-
boy concurred: "It has sons may object that
something to -~~~~~==:=!~~~~-l~~~::~ it is unfair to
do with reach- ,.. isolate the ac-
ing the age of cident s of
freedom. Hav- youths, as if
ing a car gives they were the
a person more chief offenders.
liberty." Many Only a small
of the dreams m i n o r i t y of
and ambitions youngsters are
of youth are often bound up in obtaining careless and irresponsible, they claim; the
access to a car. vast majority are said to be superior di'iv-
But what happens when they get the ers. But what do the facts show? Just how
keys to a car? Unfortunately, it all too good or how bad is youths' record behind
often leads to tragedy. The frequency of the wheel?
the slaughter on the highways has caused
alarm among safety and law-enforcement Youths' Driving Record
officials and ordinary citizens alike. In "Frankly, it's not too good," a pamphlet
the United States one motor vehicles com- of the United States National Safety Coun-
missioner of an Eastern state emphasized cil observes. "Special studies have shown
his concern by citing the accidents during that teen-agers are involved in twice as
one early morning period. many fatal accidents for the number of
At 1 a.m. an eighteen-year-old driver miles they drive as drivers over 25." The
fell asleep at the wheel, ran his car into American Automobile Association re-
a tree and was killed. Eight minutes later ports: "Considering miles covered, 16-
a twenty-year-old driver plunged into a year-old drivers are involved in nine times
railroad locomotive and died. At 2:20 a.m. as many fatal accidents as are those in the
another twenty-year-old drove off the 45-50 age bracket." Youths are involved in
highway into a pole, killing one and in- so many accidents that, as soon as a teen-
juring three other young passengers. ager is added as a family car driver, in-
Twenty-five minutes later a youth ran off surance rates may jump more than 100
the road into a tree, seriously injw·ing percent.
8 AWAKE!
There is no getting around it- not just ment, its exuberance, its yen to dare and
_ minority, but young drivers in general be dared. Combine the thoughtlessness of
!:_""e more unsafe than older drivers. "It's youth and the power of the modern
2::1ply not true that a small minority of American automobile, and the result too
:.::e youngsters are responsible for most often is death on our highways."
2: the accidents," Judson B. Branch, It is these immature characteristics of
..:::11airman of the Board of the Allstate In- youth that are also responsible for their
~ance Company, explained. "Repeaters being involved in nearly two out of every
=-.--en't the major problem, for we have three automobile thefts. According to the
.:uund that those who have accidents today National Automobile Theft Bureau, teen-
~ually aren't the same ones who have the agers steal some 280,000 of the more than
:;.ocidents tomorrow." 450,000 cars stolen each year in the Unit-
The JouTnal of American Insurance ed States! Usually they simply want a car
:nmmented on this matter, saying: Na- for a "joy ride," and then abandon it when
:::onal Safety Council "figures also debunk they are through. But their recklessness
il:e widespread notion that young drivers and lack of concern for life and property
.::e tarred by the bad driving habits of contribute toward the fact that an esti-
.::1ly a small minority. Reports from traf- mated two out of every five stolen cars
:'::: authorities of 27 states show that an are either wrecked or damaged.
~tounding 43 out of every 100 drivers
. JUnger than 20 were involved in acci- More than Skill Required
.:znts in 1962, and that 30 out of 100 Parents should, therefore, realize that
zivers age 20 to 25 had mishaps. By com- being a good driver involves more than
~r ison, 18 out of 100 drivers of all other simply the ability to control and direct the
::ges had accidents in 1962." One state movements of an automobile skillfully.
;;·en attributed one out of every three of This ability can quickly be canceled out
. ~s traffic accidents to teen-age drivers! by overconfidence, lack of judgment and
the desire to "show off." Careless drivers
~ r hy They A re More Dangerous often get into situations that prove dis-
Since younger persons are blessed with astrous, regardless of their amount of
; .licker reflexes, bette1' vision and other skill.
mcb physical assets, why are they poorer True, a young person may drive care-
~ivers? Inexperience is one reason. They fully while his parents are with him, but
::"ten have driven for only a year or two they cannot take it for granted that he
::.::d have not learned to cope with danger- will drive that way when they are not
.::::; traffic situations that can quickly arise. around. It is just not characteristic of
·:-et even youths who can skillfully operate youth. They want to see how fast the car
~ automobile have more than their share will go, how well they can handle it on
: : accidents. Why"? a twenty-five-mile-an-hour curve doing
One source gave the following reasons: fifty miles an hour, and so forth. Accord-
:-fere at Nationwide Insurance we're con- ing to a GaHup poll, one out of four high
.-:..'"'!ced that young drivers have this appal- school seniors admitted that he had driven
_::g accident record not because of inade- faster than ninety miles per hour. And
~te driving skill alone. We believe that you can be relatively sure that their moth-
::.::e real cause lies in the very nature of ers and fathers vvere not with them when
~'.lth-its inexperience, its lack of judg- they did!
.:-.?RIL 8, 1961 9
A case in point is a seventeen-year- whole show and the poor parents, rather
old high school football star. He easily than having an understanding, tend to
passed the driver's test. There was no pass the whole thing off as an act of
question about his skill in handling a car. youth."
Yet the first night out by himself, he ran But misuse of the automobile cannot be
down a mother and child in a crosswalk dism:ssed as "an act of youth," as might
in a jackrabbit start. Why? What was the a ball accidentally thrown through a glass
trouble? The boy's athletic coach offered window or some other such mishap. It is
this explanation: a life-or-death matter! As parents you
"If they had asked me, I could have told need to assert your authority and enforce
them t hat Harvey wasn't ready emotional- necessary rules and restrictions relative
ly to drive. He has a bad temper in the to use of the car. You must realize the
locker room and needles other players. He urgency of exercising more control over
is a flashy performer and carries a chip your teen-agers in the matter of how and
on his shoulder. His mental attitude when they drive. Such supervision will
showed itself in his driving as soon as he reap good returns, for youths love and re-
was unsupervised. The boy just had to be spect parents that discipline and instruct
first away when that light turned green." them.
16 AWAKE!
could observe modern residences mingled with
some of older style and linked to the past
by such reminders of yesterday as horse-
drawn carts. The horses wore hats, which is
required by law. Noteworthy, too, was the
tremendous amount of construction going on,
especially new apartment buildings.
The open soccer stadium had been made
ready to receive thousands of Argentine con·
ventioners and the visitors from ether lands.
Everyone had come prepared with hats and
umbrellas because at midday there is no shel·
ter from the warm summer sun. In the after·
noons while most of the Argentines were hav-
ing a siesta, serious-minded Christians at the
conventions were enjoying good spiritual food .
It wz.s a remarkable thing to observers and
passersby to see this large crowd engrossed
in taking in more knowledge of God's Word.
The crowd of 11,020 persons at the open sta·
dium for the principal lecture was indeed
gratifying. This, added to the 4,218 assembled
RAVELING groups of J~hovc.h's witnesses in the covered stadium at Cordoba, meant that
~ South America, are guaranteed a meeting opening day could not do so then until the
with the unusual. During and after rains assembly was almost over. Notwithstanding,
.:>araguay's roads are closed by law until dry. it was truly gratifying to see 485 present at
?_,·er travel Is much more general among the the public discourse, "Mankind's Millennium
-..atives than road travel. Its capital city, Asun· Under God's Kingdom."
. 6n, with about 300,000 inhabitants, has no Sunny Asunci6n lived up to its reputation on
_-aft'ir lights; its streets are delightfully shaded Monday, the day for the baptism, as the skies
· orange trees; television Is still a novelty. cleared and a warm sun shone. Thirty-seven
·.er the years German, Polish, Russian, Japa· candidates listened to the talk on "Responsi·
se, Ukrainian, Australian and even Korean bilities of a Baptized Witness," and were
"!''migrants have become established in vari· thereafter baptized in water as evidence of
..s parts of the land. their dedication to Jehovah God. One Witness
The predominant religion of the people is got special joy out of this session, for he wit·
~o :nan Catholicism. When the conquistadores nessed the Immersion of seven of his personal
- 1 ived here, they found the Guarani popula· friends with whom he had been conducting
;.on along the banks of the river Paraguay Bible stud!es .
. ~actlclng a very simple type of religion. They The Witnesses and their good work among
~d no Images or temples, so the religion of the people are being more and more appre-
-.e Spanish was different from what they ciated. Justices of the peace note that Para-
.ere accustomed to. However, some of the guayans who study with the Witnesses act
: actices of the people today seem quite pagan soon to legalize consensual marriage relation-
-:npared with the early religion of the Gua· ships. Employers note the dependability and
"'3..:l.ls; for instance, the Catholic festival cele· honesty of. Wlt:-~esses. For example, when Wit-
. :ated on the eve of St. John's day, June 2~. nesses w ere used as ticket collectors on the
.... bonfire is lit amid much singing and dane· buses, management found they were collecting
-.g. Then a bed of hot coals is prepared, and considerably more money than previously. One
c:ne men and even women walk barefoot woman who lost her gold watch on a bus
:-oss it without any apparent Ill effects. manned by a Witness conductor was amazed
~ced back to Europe and to the fakirs of to get it back.
-e East, this religious custom is quite evi· Paraguayan Witnesses !mow that their spiri-
-:=.."llly of Babylonish origin. tuality is due in large measure to regular at-
:.rany Paraguayans are Catholic in name tendance at meetings. Often they have to
-~· A goodly number arc quite perturbed travel many miles to reach the Kingdom H aU.
~Au t the changes introduced by the Vatican Sometimes they go on horseback and some-
.:......lllcil n, aud are not quite sure what to times on a horse-drawn cart. But when it
""E.Jeve. Changes in ideas and rites that they rains, there is no alternative; they go on foot.
~:e for so long assured to be God's will cer· To conserve their shoes they will walk bare-
.A-"lly shake their confidence in the church. foot to the hall, then wash their feet and put
: · ~ a pleasure to see so many sincere Catho· on their shoes .for the meeting.
~ people coming out of "Babylon the Great"
....!e there is still time.-Rev. 18: 2, 4. Visitors to this landlocked country in the
.-\ group of travelers from various lands ar· heart of the vast southern continent were hap·
• ~ in Asunci6n to attend the "God's Sons py and refreshed in the knowledge that dUi·
: Uberty" International Assembly, scheduled gent Witnesses are spending themselves faith ·
. . · January 7 to 11, 1967. They found that fully to carry the "good news" of God's
?2.-aguayans have a relaxed manner, having kingdom ar:d its blessings to hWlgerlng and
,_·:..e of the abruptness common in the so- thirsting ones in the remotest regions of
.._._:ed developed countries to the north. They Paraguay .
.J..-:>RfL 8, 1961 19
C!dJ(]lQ:!J@ QdJ~ W
-Unique Among Latin-American Lands
ELEGATES to the "God's Sons of Liberty" ment of the image, many in the hope of gain·
~
S THE jet plane sped out over the blue Many of the visitors took advantage of the
waters of the Caribbean along the coast prearranged tour of Caracas. We headed oft'
of Venezuela, the passengers felt great thr~n~gh one of the main arteries of the city,
~atisfaction at having circled the South Ameri· arnvmg at the Parque del Este (East Park),
311 continent successfully and at now ap· located on 500 acres of what was once a sugar·
;>:oachlng the last of the "God's Sons of Liber· e:ane plantation. Artificial hills were built with
:y'' International Assemblies, the one scheduled the dirt from excavations for the lakes, and
: or Caracas. Did the Witness delegates feel any huge boulders were brought from the seashore
'-'isgivings on account of the press reports to add variety to the landscape. It was a joy
; bout the terrorist activities in cities and the to see the strange and beautiful birds of Vene-
~erri!la depredations in the backlands that zuela, including the national bird, the yellow
~ave upset the tenor of life in Venezuela? No! and black turpial.
?or they knew they were peace-loving dele· Also, on the tour, we went under the p2tl1JO
ga tes to an assembly of peaceable Venezuelans. or octopus (an interchange, so named for its
The coast near Caracas is very mountainous many arms), arriving shortly at the National
:=.:1d it seemed for a time that the captain of Congress Building. This is a beautiful two-
:::e huge jet was aiming his craft directly at story Spanish-style building that had been a
:::e coastal range. The airport is located on a convent, but was expropriated by the govern-
.::~rrow coastal strip parallel to the sea, and
ment in the time of President Guzman Blanco.
:_':e captain, at the appropriate moment, makes Then on to the Venezuelan branch of the
;. sharp turn so the plane will head into the Watch Tower Society, where we Inspected the
:asterly wind along the coast, and makes a office, the book storage rooms, the large kitch-
z::-:ooth landing. Nearby is the port city of La en and dining room. It was bought by the So·
:;uaira, but Caracas is on the other side of the ciety twelve years ago and houses eleven mis·
=.:st range of mountains, in a huge valley some sionaries.
; ')()() feet above sea level. The tour was capped by the twelve-minute
Reaching Caracas by car was made relative· cable-car trip to the top of Mount Avila, al-
.. easy a few years ago when a $70,000,000 most 7,000 feet high. As the station is on the
· :opista or superhighway was opened. This ridge of the mountain, on one side we had a
~-mile freeway, cutting through rocky moun· panoramic view of the entire city of Caracas;
:..:1.'1 terrain as it climbs from the seaport of on the north side we had an impressive view
:..Z Guaira to Caracas, required two twin-tube of the jewellike Caribbean Sea.
=::nels and three superbridges to master the
~:eep mountain roadbed. In a modern car it The Country and Its People
. , ~es only about fifteen minutes to reach Ca- Venezuela, the seventh-largest country in
:-~as, and every minute of it held our atten· Latin America, may be divided into geographic
::e n. Quite suddenly we found
: .:.rselves in the city of Cara-
:2-s with the modern towering
~ce buildings In the center
:: town and small houses on
:.: ? hillsides. Huge freeways
::-a\·erse the city and speed up
:..::<: traffic, so it does not take
:: ':'y long for a visitor to
~ch his hotel. Immediately
"' noticed that the weather
.:.s pleasant, tempered by the
;..::::ude of the city; in fact,
...:: around us mountains are
_-:: evidence. Caracas, modern, attractive city with international population
25
regions, namely, the Andes Highlands and the tend the international assembly of Jehovah's
northern coastal mountain range, where the witnesses at the Nuevo Circo of Caracas, a
weather is very temperate and sometimes cool; baroque bullring, J anuary 23-27, 1967. The four
the Maracaibo Basin, which is hot and humid; thousand Venezuelans were delighted to have
the nearly treeless plains or llanos that are 515 guest delegates from some fifteen other
found below the mountain ranges and toward countries, including a good number from Eu-
the Orinoco River; and finally the Guayana rope and several from as far away as Aus·
Highlands, south and east of the Orinoco River. tralia and New Zealand. While the Nuevo
Although Venezuela lies entirely in the tropics, Circo did not have a roof over it, very often
almost any climate can be found. The tem- during (he daytime fl-iendly clouds would gath -
perate climate around Caracas indicates why er above the city of Caracas and provide an
early Spanish settlers chose this as the loca- almost air-conditioned atmosphere for the con·
tion for their capital. ventioners.
Venezuela is one country where population Their presence and activities in Caracas
explosion is an evident reality, for the annual aroused great interest among the citizens, and
increase is 3.5 percent-one of the highest in everyone attending the assembly hoped for
the world. The number of inhabitants is now good response to the public talk to be deliv-
over nine million, as against 3,665,000 in 1940. ered by the vice-president of the Watch Tower
Also on the increase are Jehovah's witnesses, Society, F . W. Franz. But we never guessed
they having reached a peak last year of 4,395 that the attendance would rise to 10,463 for
ministers preaching the good news of the es· that special occasion Thursday night. How sur-
tablished Kingdom, a ratio of one Witness to prised and happy were the conventioners to
2,055 of the pop1.1lation. see so much interest manifested in spiritual
Three cultures form the heritage of the Vene- th ings at a time when the world is giving
zuelan: the native Indians, the Spanish colo- emphasis to the material! More and more peo-
nizers, and the African Negroes who were ple are beginning to appreciate the need for
brought in by the Spanish as laborers. Of the Bible education, and the prospects for the fu-
earliest inhabitants, the various tribes of In- ture activities of Jehovah's witnesses in Vene-
dians, less than 100,000 individuals remain. The zuela are v ery bright. During the convention
largest and most civilized of the tribes is that 195 new ministers indicated their dedication
of the Guajiros in the western part of the to Jehovah God by immersion in water. Thus
State of Zulia. Thousands of them have set· the ranks of Kingdom publishers are swelling
tied lately in Ziruma, a suburb of Maracaibo, in Venezuela too.
the hot, bustling second city of Venezuela,
where they hope to earn something better than As for troubles and dangers in Venezuela,
a subsistence living. J ehovah's witnesses visiting that land had no
This circumstance makes it easier for the such experiences, and their international as-
wandering Guajiros to be visited regularly by sembly in Caracas was a scene of tranquil
Jehovah's witnesses in Maracaibo, and, in spite cooperation by peoples of many cultural bacl<-
of the language barrier, Guajiro being quite grounds. Jehovah's servants know that Vene-
dissimilar to Spanish, they are able to con- zuela, like the rest of the world, must experi-
duct Bible studies with interested Guajiros who ence the perils and the uncertainties of the
lmow a little Spanish. Members of this tribe
can even enjoy reading a part of the Bible, "last days" foretold in the Bible. But meantime
as the book of Mark is available in Guajiro. they must continue with the peaceful mission
In 1946, the year the Venezuelan branch o.f committed to them by Chr ist himself, that of
the Watch Tower Society was established, the preaching the Kingdom as the hope for peace-
Venezuelan government opened the gates for loving humans.
immigration and people flooded in from sixty- When one visits the home of a person in
one countries. Over the years 700,000 foreign- Venezuela, it is the custom for the householder
ers have come to stay. Jehovah's witnesses to call out, "tQttien es?" ("Who is it?"), to
have felt the responsibility to help the im- which the customary response is, ''Gente de
migrant people learn God's truth in spite
of language barriers. Thus Italians, Span- paz," ("People of peace"). This custom is more
iards, Portuguese, Latvians, Russians, French, widely practiced today than ever, as many
Ukrainians, Germans, Hungarians, Lebanese are afra id to open their doors to strangers.
and many others have gradually come into But certainly Jehovah's witnesses in Vene-
association with the Venezuelan congregations. zuela can respond with the phrase "People of
peace" loud and clear, as they truly are visiting
Grand Assembly at a Bullring the people with a message of peace, which
So it was possible for some from among will be to the everlasting benefit of those who
all g roups of the Venezuelan population to at- accept it.
26 AWAKE!
worship approved by God does not ignore
these scriptures but honors God by giving
due prominence to his name.
What place does Jesus Christ have in
the worship of which God approves? Open
your Bible, please, to John chapter five,
verse thirty-seven, and you will see that
Jesus did not claim to be God. Notice that
he said: "The Father himself, which hath
sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye
have neither heard his voice at any time,
32 AWAKE!
EVOLUTION
OR
CRUTION
B GOD /
fJ
• Popular misconceptions undermine faith.
Scientific facts confirm the Bible.
PuBLISHED SEMIMONTHLY BY
WATCHTOWER BIBLE A~'lD TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
117 Adams Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. U.S.A.
N. H. KNORR, Preit!dent GRAN'!' S t.ltT.!lJI, $ecreto,rv
CONTENTS
Why the Question Affects You 3 lE
Is Evolution Open to Question? 5
l How Evolution Is Explained Today
How Did Life Originate?
I The Human Body-Product of Evolution
7 I or God's Creation? 2(
Spontaneous Generation Unscientific 9
Animals T estify to the Existence
Does One Kind of Liie Evolve of a Creator
into Another? 10
Life Appeared Suddenly 13 Why Do They Believe It ?
What Modern Dating Results Reveal 14 Watching the World
"It is already the hour for you to awake."
-Roman& ll •ll
\ If ANY persons have been sincerely led in Christendom, says in Volume I, page
_V1 to believe that the evidence is over- 755: "The reptile was content to stay in
whelmingly in support of evolution. So, the swamp; man wanted to climb out of it.
eespite its undermining of faith in Bible He had and still has primitive instincts
:eachings and moral standards, they ac- against which he must struggle, for he be-
cept it because they consider the theory gan on the plane of the animal; but he has
'.lp-to-date and scientific. not been content to dwell there."
At the Darwin centennial celebration The general acceptance of evolution can
i:eld in Chicago in 1959, the prominent be attributed, in particular, to its teaching
Dialogist Sir Julian Huxley told the 2,500 in the schools. The San Francisco Ex-
j elegates: "We all accept the fact of evo- aminm· of January 10, 1964, on its front
.ution .... The evo1ution of life is no longer page, reported to what extent this is done,
2 theory. It is a fact. It is the basis of all despite vigorous protest: "Darwin's Theo-
0 W' thinking." Also, the supposedly au- ry of Evolution will continue to be taught
:horitative Encyclopcedia BTitannica as- in California public schools as the expla-
5 ~ : "We are not in the least doubt as nation for the origin of man, the State
:o the fact of evolution. .. . The evidence Board of Education decided here yester-
sy now is overwhelming." Even many re- day. The board refused to approve recom-
_:gionists have been led to accept and pro- mendations by State Superintendent Max
:-:: aim the theory. The Inte-r preter's Bible, Raffe1'ty that Darwin's Theory be present-
,:dited by some of the foremost theologians ed only .. . as a theory, not a fact."
.J.PRIL 22, 196'1 5
The presentation of evolution in the abundant that you should teach your chil-
textbook Biology tor Today, 1964, used in dren evolution, even at the risk of their
New York schools is typical: "Living losing faith in God and casting off the
things probably originated as single-celled moral restraint offered by His laws? Cer-
organisms (single-celled plants appearing tainly not.
first). These developed into more complex
organisms. Effects of mutations accumu- Shortage of Evidence
lated, species changed and varied until Regarding the lack of evidence in sup-
thousands of different types of organisms port of evolution, the Saturday Evening
existed." And the widely used school text- Post of December 3, 1966, noted: "Among
book Biology for You, Fifth Revised, 1963, those [evolutionists] leading the current
page 531, asserts: "All reputable biologists research ... feelings often run high when
have agreed that the evolution of life on it comes to interpreting evidence.... In-
the earth is an established fact." vestigators have stalked out of meetings,
The indoctrination begins even in pre- indulged in personal vituperation, argued
teen years. If you doubt this, visit the chil- over priorities, accused colleagues of steal-
dren's section of a library and examine ing their ideas. . . . The reason for this
literature there dealing with the origins of occupational ailment is obscure, but it may
life and mankind. For example, the fore - have something to do with the shortage of
word of The Giant Golden Book of Biology solid evidence."
(1961), by Gerald Ames and Rose Wyler, Thus, it is noteworthy that in a discus-
says: "About 400 million years ago, plants sion of the topic 'Evolution and Creation,'
and a few animals emerged onto the land in November 1965, John W. Klotz, head
_ . . About 1 million years ago, some of of a college science department, admitted
them began to be human, and about 50,000 that "acceptance of evolution is still based
years ago one such creature came to be on a great deal of faith." And in consider-
OW' kind of man. And here you are, 50,000 ing the question the evolutionist George
years later, with a book that tells the Paulin some years ago said: "These con-
story." siderations to me, a lifelong evolutionist,
Another book for children, Man in the have proved of a highly disconcerting na-
Maki ng (1960), by Estelle Friedman, says ture; ... I must in all honesty confess that
on page 45: "Apes are our very distant logically, as the matter presents itself to
cousins, descended with us from some com- my mind, the argument is in favour of
mon Primate ancestor many millions of those who believe in the doctrine of special
years ago. Although this idea caused such creation as our fathers believed in it."
a commotion when it was first introduced
Clearly, then, the evidence is not over-
a hundred years ago, it is no longer a mat-
ter of doubt. All scientists today know that whelmingly in support of evolution. Evo-
both man and the living apes descended lution is not an established fact, as school
from some ancient common ancestor." textbooks dishonestly assert. Nor do an
Does all this mean that the subject is scientists believe it. For example, Dr.
no longer open to question? Is evolution Theodore Newton Tahmisian, a physiolo-
actually uan established fact"? Do scien- gist for the Atomic Energy Commission,
tists really <'know that both man and the told audiences at several European uni-
living apes descended from some ancient versities, as reported in the Fresno Bee
common ancestor"? Is the evidence so of August 20, 1959:
6 AWAKE!
"Scientists who go about teaching that How great the differences of opinion!
evolution is a fact of life are great con A matter that so vitally affects our faith
men, and the story they are telling may in God and his Word, as well as the moral
be the greatest hoax ever. In explaining standards of ourselves and our loved ones,
evolution we do not have one iota of fact. demands our careful consideration. What
... To advance you have to have some- do the facts show? Did the great variety
thing new. How can the progenitor pass of life on earth come as a result of evolu-
on to his children what he himself didn't tion, or as a result of creation by God?
have? Like breeds like. Yet evolutionists Endeavor to dismiss any prejudice from
would tell us like breeds unlike." mind as you consider the evidence.
: \\
"w d,~a
1
/ I j //. produce a ldtten or an oak seed
"'\ a palm tree? Of course not.
~ ..- / No need either to believe that
_ ~ .---- earthly creations were completed
_ ~ - in six literal twenty-four-hour
- days. Judging by the length of the
URELY you - seventh day of the creative week,
S do not want
to depend upon /1 ., ,'-.....
1
, ~ ? which the Bi-
ble indicates is
myths or theo-
ries or even
educated guess-
es for the an-
,vrtgtJttlit. ~~~:~~~p~r~
1,000 years to
swer to this vital question. Rather, you go, each creative day was at least 7,000
look for information that is reasonable, yea-rn in length. Man was created at the
logical and in harmony with the facts as very end of the "sixth [creative) day" ;
you know them today. and according to chronology of the Bible,
What the Bible has to say on the sub- humans have now been on earth almost
ject is certainly reasonable. No mythical six thousand years.*-Gen. 1:31.
stories about animals being developed into True, evolutionists assert that humans
men or of humans being produced from have lived here on earth hundreds of thou-
seeds planted in the ground or of selfish sands of years, but history offers no sup-
gods warring among themselves and pro- port for such a theory. The World Book
ducing men simply because of a whim. Encyclopedia (1966), Volume 6, page 12,
And how logical and orderly the process explains: "The earliest records we have
revealed in the Bible! First plant life, then of human history go back only about
creatures of sea and sky, then land ani- 5,000 years." And Science magazine of
June 20, 1958, interestingly observes:
mals and finally man, each one endowed
"The earliest appearance of urban civili-
with the ability to produce only its own
zation [is] first in alluvial Mesopotamia,
kind and no other kind. (Genesis, chap- about 5,500 years ago."
ter 1) Is not this in harmony with the
• For de ta ils see Ute Everlasting--in Freedom ot the
facts as we find them today? Can a dog So11S 0/ God (1966), pp. 26-35.
APRIL 22, 196'1 7
Evolution's Explanation E volution and the Bible (1960): "A type
Perhaps the greatest problem of the of spontaneous generation may have taken
evolution theory is to account for the ol'i- place in the remote past ... The possibility
gin of life. In his 01·-ig·i n of the Spec·ies or the appropriate elements, energy and
Darwin attributed it to a Creator, saying: suitable environment coming together by
"There is a grandeur in this view of life, chance seems remote, indeed, but in tre-
with its several powers, having been origi- mendcusly long periods of time the 'im-
nally breathed by the Creator into a few possible' becomes inevitable."
forms or into one." Modern evolutionists, Think about that! Although man with
however, generally disagree. According to all his advanced scientific knowledge has
the New York T·imes of November 29, been unsuccessful in creating life under
1959, at the Darwin centennial celebration controlled laboratory conditions, yet an
in 1959 Sir Julian Huxley said that "evolu- evolutionist says that the "impossible," if
tion had no room for the supernatural. The given s.w'ficient time, is "inevitable"! And
earth and its inhabitants were not created, that by sheer chance, without any intelli-
they evolved." gent direction! This is typical evolutionary
The routine explanation for the origin reasoning, but is it scientific?
of life is that presented in the widely read
book The World W e Live In) by t he edi- Did Life Spontaneously Generate?
torial staff of L ife magazine, which claims, Loren Eiseley, one of the most distin-
on page 88: "At some indeterminate point guished evolutionists in America today,
- some say two billion years ago, some admitted in his book The I rnrnense Jou.?·-
a billion and a half-the entity called ney, page 199:
life miraculously appeared on the sui:iace "With the failure of these many efforts
of the deep. . . . From such shadowy be· [to create life] science was left in the some-
ginnings there emerged the wondrous pro- what embarrassing position of having to
postulate theories of living origins which
cession of living things." it could n ot demonstrate. After having
Some details are supplied five pages lat- chided the theologian for his reliance on
er as to how it supposedly happened: "It myth and miracle, science found itself in
is theoretically possible that on some dis- the unenviable position of having to create
a mythology of its own: namely, the as·
tant day at the very dawn of time, when sumption that what, after long effort, could
the eat1:h's rocks were still hot and oceans not be proved to take place today had, in
and a ir seethed with chemical turbulence, truth, taken place in the primeval past."
certain organic compounds were synthe- The distinguished British biologist, J O·
sized in the sea by solar radiation and by seph Henry Woodger, called t he assump-
unknown catalytic agents into a complex tion that life sprang from a nonliving
molecule capable of generating units like source "simple dogmatism-asserting that
itself. . . . Then somehow more complex what you want to believe did in fact
entities evolved . . . They vvere probably happen." A biologist at Princeton Univer-
sity, Professor Edwin Conklin, also put i·
the first authentic members of the plant
very bluntly when he said: "The probabili-
world."
ty of life originating from accident is com·
Regarding the possibility of this occur- parable to the probability of the un·
ring, Eldon J. Gardner, Professor of Zoolo- abridged dictionary resulting from ar:
gy at Utah State University, observes on explosion in a printing shop."-Reade;_.
pages 11 and 12 of his booklet Organic Digest) January 1963.
8 AWAKE
Clea.dy, then, the evidence points to the complex animals a.11d plants than it does to
:-:cation of life by an Intelligent Force, imagine a group of chemical substances
: ~, by the eternal God Jehovah, who is evolving into a cell. It is very likely that
j)e source of life." One prominent re· the first step was more difficult, . . . The
~arch chemist, Edmund Carl Kornfeld, study of early evolution really amounts to
: bserved: "The more one studies the educated guesswork."
>eience of molecular structure and inter- The book The ·world We Live I n also
:-eaction, the more one is convinced of the admits what a tremendous unaccounted-
:-2 eessity of a p!an- for gap this is in the
-:r and designer of
- all. . . . The sim- • - · -J r .
-
Why Fear the "Evil Eye •·?
ISSUE
evolutionary chain,
saying on page 93:
;tl est man - m.ade "The abyss between
Hungry India. primordial organic
~echanism requires
Your Personal Appearance molecule and [one-
a planner and a mak- Makes a Difference.
=r. How a mechanism celled] protozoan
;,en thousand times was at least as great
=aore involved and intricate can be con- as that between protozoan and man, and
:-eived of as self-constructed and self- took perhaps as long to span."
~veloped is completely beyond me." Yet, without any evidence, yes, in direct
opposition to the evidence, the evolution
A Huge Gap theory maintains that this gap was some-
Since there is no sound scientific expla- how bridged and life spontaneously came
::ation whatsoever as to how inorganic into existence. And what about the rest
d.latter could possibly evolve upward to of the evolutionary chain? Do the facts in-
:orm the first one-celled organism, to say dicate that lower, one-celled forms of life
nothing of the origin of the inorganic mat- evolved upward until they became human?
:er itself, what does this mean? It means That is a question worthy of our honest
-nat the entire first part of the evolution- consideration.
ary chain is missing! Evolutionist John Meantime, the Bible's account of the
~yler Bonner, a university biology profes- origin of life commands respectful atten-
s.or, acknowledged what a great gap this tion. It is clear, delivered with a confident
·.s in his book The Ideas of Biology) 1962, ring of truth, and lacking any fatal gap
;age 18: in the process of events. It requires no
"The cell is really such an astoundingly scramble after possible links. It commends
::iever unit that when we think of it from itself to reasonable men who recognize
--~e point of view of evolution it seems that only a grand Creator could unfold the
:asier to imagine a single cell evolving into mystery of human beginnings.
The Web
TESTI F Y In his book The L ife of the Spider;
evolutionist John Crompton writes
to the about the remarkable talent of spiders
in preparing t heir webs. Not only can
EXIST ENCE t hey produce silk that has a tensile
strength far greater than steel, and
of a CR EATO R which can be stretched to a fifth of its
length before it breaks, but they can
RULY, there is tremendous complexity
T even in what appears to be the sim-
plest of living things! "The nervous sys-
also make glue. Crompton explains what
the spider does with it:
"She arranges her glue in a number of
tem of a single starfish, with all its vari- minute droplets. Observers had known this
ous nerve ganglia and fibers, is more for a long time and had studied the threads
complex than London's telephone ex- under the microscope and had found that
the drops were arranged close together and
change," observed the Natuml History all exactly equidistant. The spider's ability
magazine of November 1961. to arrange them so excited both admiration
And Sc·ience Year; The World Book and puzzlement. Then the secret came out.
Science Annual, in its 1965 edition, noted If you put fluid on a violin or similar type
beneath a picture of a complicated elec- of string and twang this string with your
finger, the fluid, for some reason probably
tronic device: "A spider appears to be one better known to you than to me, separates
of nature's simpler creatures and a spider out into drops equally spaced. This is what
web seems to be a simple structure . . . Aranea does. Having laid her line between
The fact is, that the spider and its web two spokes and smeared it with glue she
pulls it down with a claw of one of her hind
are far more complex than the machine feet and lets it snap back.
above, with its tangle of wires and elec- "How did the spider learn to do this?
tronic 'brain.' " How did she hit upon a method which
It is understandable, then, that, when would have defeated me? When I ask people
comparing man's inventions with the re- they smile tolerantly and say, 'Oh, instinct.'
markable endowments of [animals), the . .. I know we have to use it but I hate the
prominent computer-scientist Dr . Warren word instL-1ct. We say it with such smug.
ness. To my mind, far from explaining
S. McCulloch was moved to remark: "Ac- anything it makes the problem infinitely
tually, computers are clumsy, stupid beasts more complicated than it was before."
in a hazardous world. They haven't the
brains of a retarded ant. And they can't Evolutionists are invariably confounded
do the jobs t.~at must be done." by the wisdom inherent in living crea·
Of what is the complexity of living tures. They have to acknowledge that i-
things an evidence? That they simply is inborn, as does Crompton: "We kno"
evolved from inanimate matter ? Is it rea- that the ability to make a web is inbor=.
sonable to believe that t.~e most complex in the spider, chiefly because the babies
things of all, living organisms, arose by mal<:e webs also-and adorable little web:
24 AWA KE
iliey are; perfect miniatures no larger The evolution theory cannot account for
than a postage stamp." One scientist re- the marvelous instinctive behavior of ani-
cently noted that for a spider to create mals. But there is a satisfying answer,
!ts intricate web, it employs the compli- and nuclear scientist Cecil Boyce Hamann
cated principles of logarithms. pointed to it when he asked: "Is it not
How do evolutionists account for this more logical to see God working in these
amazing capability? Note Crompton's ex- creations of His according to principles
:;>lana tion: "I have protested against over- concerning which we have as yet only the
:Ee of the word 'instinct.' The making of slightest of clues?" Most assuredly! The
:he web, however, is now (apart possibly wisdom inherent in animals was placed
:rom the selection of a site) entirely in- there by God.
stinctive. Remote and clever ancestors
:ound out how to do it, not at once but Wisdom Built in the DNA
:JY a series of improvements, and possibly As noted in the previous article, all the
:aught the art to theh· children." necessary information is coded within the
In other words, Crompton claims, the fertilized egg cell to produce a new human
~ility originally was not instinctive. Sup- body, without any apparent outside direc-
;:.osedly, very clever spiders of a long time tion. Similarly, the information needed in-
:.go, who of necessity had to w1derstand stinctively to carry out extremely com-
X~mplicated logarithms, figured out how plicated, and often baffling, feats is built
:o make these marvelous webs and taught into the genetic DNA of lower animal
:...';eir children how to make them. But fi. creatures. Science Digest of November
s ly, in the course of time, the ability 1964 explains:
~ me to be inborn, and so it is now "en- "Not all the information in t he
-i!'E!ly instinctive"; baby spiders now know brain need be put in from the outside.
::.:•w to make webs without being taught. Some is built in during normal develop-
But can an ability, such as learning to ment according to DNA instructions.
..lild webs, be acquired by a This is the innate informa-
~~~.rent, and then can this ability tion that is the basis of in-
:::- characteristic be passed on stinctive behavior ....
;: that the offspring "A spider does not
· :-::ows how to do i t learn to build a deli-
:-.stinctively withcut cate and often beauti-
= .a· having to learn ful web of a kind
.: );o, it cannot! That characteristic of her
~ an unscientific species. She does it ac-
=.-ID popularized by cording to inherited
·.:.e French scientist DNA instructions that
-.:c:-.n de Lamarck, but· pas s through her
:::g since discarded! computer-like brain.
':"".:..: school textbook It is a largely auto-
.: jj;gy tm· Today ex- matic process. Th e
- . ~ : ns : "Lamarck's spider cannot learn to
:..:...:.-ory is conside1·ed make a different kind
~tisfactory and is of web. In a given sit-
::.:~ accepted." uation she responds
,L?::.__"L 22, 1961 25
in a stereotyped way. She cannot create terfully designed sea creatures? Any other
new and novel designs as can a human explanation is completely unsatisfactory.
architect."
No, spiders do not work out complicated Animal Navigation
logarithms or other problems of higher One of the greatest testimonies to God's
mathematics. They are architectural ge- creative genius is found in the amazing
niuses only because their instinctive be- navigation instinct that He has placed in
havior was built into their genetic mate- many varieties of animals. It is a mystery
rial. How so? By means of a blind, how birds can find their way unerringly
purposeless evolutionary process? By no to their exact destination over thousands
means! It had to be placed there by an In- of miles of featureless ocean. Certain
telligent Creator. birds, for instance, wander over wide
areas, from Japan to California and north-
Superior to Man's In ventions ward to the Aleutian Islands, yet on the
Because God endowed animals so mar- same day each year they all find their way
velously, their accomplishments often defy to their nesting grounds off the coast of
attempts of humans to duplicate them. But Australia. How do they do it?
man is now trying. In fact, an entire new The 1964 book Marvels and Mysteries
science known as "bionics" has been de- of Our Animal World comments: "For
veloped in which living things are studied years ornithologists thought that the birds
with the purpose of applying the prin-
were guided by prevailing winds, the
ciples learned to man's own needs. Recent
findings have only added to the astonish- Earth's magnetic field, or the Coriolis ef-
ment at the wisdom inherent in animals. fect resulting from the Earth's rotation.
For example, sea creatures such as whales It was once believed that young birds sim-
and dolphins move through the water ply followed the older birds. But Frank
many times faster than it was considered Bellrose, of the Illinois Natural History
possible. The recent book Bionics The Survey, has disproved that idea in sev-
Science of 'Living' Machines by science eral instances. . . . These birds were not
writer Daniel S. Halacy, Jr., observes: following older birds but a far more an-
"To swim at the speeds they were ob- ·cient guidance system, an instinct acquired
viously achieving, the dolphin and the in the egg."
whale were either super powerful or they Scientists acknowledge that animals do
had achieved what the aerodynamic and not learn or figure out the complex prob-
hydrodynamic engineers call 'laminar lems of navigation. No, but this knowledge
flow.' In other words, the water they swim
is incorporated in the genetic material of
in must follow the contours of the crea-
t ures so closely that there are no dis- the egg. That it could not possibly have
turbances created at all . . . . For decades developed there by chance can be seen by
aeronautical engineers have sought for considering the complexity of the birds'
laminar flow, but with only partial suc- guidance system. It has been found, fo:-
cess, despite complicated additional equip- example, that certain birds called black·
ment coupled to airplane wings.'' caps recognize individual constellations
Do you believe that a process that is as are able somehow to calculate their move·
complicated as that developed by chance? ments, and navigate by them. The Germa::
Is it not obvious that it was God who mas- scientist Vitus B. Droscher observes in 11.::
26 AW AKE
1965 book The Mysterious Sen~es of Ani- Matthews, of Cambridge University, sus-
- w ls: pects that pigeons take an astronomical
"When their internal calendar tells them reading of their longitude and latitude,
:3at it is mid-September, and the internal compare it with the longitude and latitude
:~ock says that it is 11.10 p.m., for in- of their home loft, and from that compute
>.ance, they are aware of the position of the angle of inclination at which they
:.:-:e stars at that time, and consequently must fly.
.:>:now where the south-east lies .... These "That sounds like
£"nall feathered astronomers can still navi- higher mathematics.
~ate if only one or two stars are visible
A trained ship's offi-
cer would need a sex-
:.2:!-ough the cloud cover. . . .
tant, a chronometer
··How do they acquire their extraordi- and from ten to fif.
::.ary astronomical capacity? .. . the black- teen minutes of cal-
:..a.p has inherited its knowledge culation before com-
:: celestial geography and the ing up with the
:::: urse of the answer. But the instinct of
~:a rs. Science the homing pigeon pro-
:.ill has no ex- duces it after it has had
; ~ a nation to only twenty seconds to ob-
::fer of how serve where the sun stands
....::is instinctive knowledge of a subject as in the sky"
. : ::-~plicated as that of the constellations
-·~.:ne to be embedded in an animal's germ Creation by God, Not Evolution
::.asm." Admittedly, the evolution theory has no
How utterly impossible that the com- explanation for the instinctive wisdom of
;.:.:cated mathematics necessary to calcu- animals. Evolutionary zoologist G. S. Car-
2 :e their course could have evolved by ter acknowledged in his book Animal Evo-
::::.ance! Evolutionist Drescher comments lution (1954) : "The incompleteness of the
. .: the higher mathematics involved in
theory is another point at which it is open
; -2h calculations in his discussion of the
:--==:larkable abilities of homing pigeons: to criticism. No one can look at the im-
mensely complicated organisation of an
With homing pigeons, the problem is
..::;:::pletely baffling. They can be taken in insect or a vertebrate without doubting
_ :_::ich-dark box on a complicated journey, that our relatively simple theories can
-::11 all sorts of detours, 100 miles from completely explain the origin of such com-
:c:r home, yet no sooner are they re- plexity."
~;:.ed in a totally unfamiliar place than The complexity, the orderliness and the
..:2;; take off and, after from ten to twenty wisdom everywhere manifested in living
. . :nds' sight of the sun, set off in the things testifies to the fact that God creat-
_-:--ction of their home loft. ed. Evolution is an incomplete, unsupport-
1t seems impossible that a carrier pi- ed and anti-Bible theory that is clearly
~ :: in a closed box on a long and cir- false. Yet, millions of people believe it, and
::-:>:: us car drive can be sw·e of its posi- it continues to be taught in most schools
-:.: at every moment. So Dr. G. V. T. as a fact. Why?
27
LTHOUGH the
A true scientific
facts do not support
"The lhing which repeatedly won them over to
the acceptance of the theory was sheer weight of
authority on the part of scientists through a not
always highly refined method of browbeating. All
evolution, there are too frequently if the young aspirant was to keep
various reasons face with the more seasoned scientists, he was
obliged to accept the evolution theory."
why the teaching
has carried away in A third reason why evolution is believed is
its grip the majori- because of the prevalence of
ty of mankind. wickedness. For centuries
Perhaps the main there has been so much crime,
reason why most warfare, sickness and death
people believe evo- on earth.
lution is that they Many persons
are taught it in cannot under-
school. They are ex- stand why all
posed to it in their these hard-
study of history, • sh ips hav e
science, philosophy ' come upon the
and even religion. In this exposure to human family. As even Charles Darwin noted:
evolution the student is rarely given "Nor can I overlook the difficulty from the im-
opposing arguments. School text- mense amount of suffering through the world."
books are usually written by evolu- Because of not knowing why God permits wick-
tionists and most of the teachers be- edness"' or what his purposes are for the fu·
lieve evolution. As evolutionist ture, many conclude that either there is no God
Rostand acknowledged: "We are per- or, if he exists, he does not take a direct hand
meated, saturated, with the trans- in earth's affairs. Thus, when evolution is pre-
formist idea ... We learned it in our sented, they accept it, often without investigat-
schoolrooms. We keep repeating me- ing both sides of the matter to see if it is
chanically that life evolves, that liv- founded on fact.
ing things are changed from one into A fourth reason for evolution's acceptanc-=
another." is the failure of orthodox religion in both prac-
A closely related reason why evo- tice and doctrine. The abuses, the intoleranc..:
lution is so widely accepted is because and cruelty of various religions down through
of the weight of authority brought the ages have alienated many from God anc
to bear on its behalf. When leading the Bible. When thinking persons observe clel'·
scientists, educators and clergymen gy support for dictators such as Hitler anc
assert that evolution is a fact, and Mussolini, they withdraw from God and the
imply that only the ignorant refuse Bible. Also, false religion's conflicting doctrin~
to believe it, how many laymen are further this alienation. And such pagan ideai
openly going to contradict them? as eternal torment, that God will roast persom
Particularly is this so if one's career in a literal hellfire forever, taught in the nam~
in the scientific field is involved. As of God, are repugnant to reasoning persom
a professor of biology wrote in Evo-
The vacuum thus created is often filled late:
lution, Creation and Science regard-
ing students: • See Awake!, October 8, 1966, on "Why Does God Per:::...
Wlckedness?"
28 AWAKE
~y evolution, agnosticism and atheism. However, it is not reasonable to think
Because of false religious teaching, some that so many sincere and intelligent per-
,:.elieve that the Bible, God's Word, teaches sons could believe such an unfounded the-
:hings contrary to scientific fact, and so ory as evolution unless there was even a
~bandon the God of Creation and accept stronger reason behind its spread. And
:~·olution. For example, some religions er- there is! The Bible clearly shows that a
:-oneously say the Bible teaches that the powerful, unseen influence is responsible
-=s.rth was created in six twenty-four-hour for its wide acceptance. At 2 Corinthians
::ays. But scientific facts have proved the 4: 4 we read: "The god of this system of
~arth is much older than that. Thus, per- things has blinded the minds of the un-
sons are inclined to discredit the Bible be- believers."
:ause of the misrepresentation of its teach- False teachings that belittle the Creator,
_.,gs. They accept evolution, not realizing his Word and his creation are principally
:.';at the Bible does not teach the earth authored by that great enemy of God and
- as created. in six twenty-four-hour days. man, Satan the Devil. Of him, Jesus Christ
There is yet another important reason said: "He is a liar and the father of the
by some believe evolution: Because they 1ie." (John 8: 44) This powerful, cort•upt
:-ant to. As the book The Biblical Flood spirit creature is desperately trying to
=ltd the Ice Epoch observes: "If man is turn all men away from God, particularly
2"eated, then this implies he was created now, as his "system of t hings" is in its
:'vr a purpose, which in turn is suggestive last days. The Devil knows "he has a short
;.,: man's responsibility to his Maker." The period of time."-Rev.l2:12.
:esire to be independent from God and his Soon the Creator will manifest his great
:--equirements is noted in Report of June power and bring to an end Satan and his
: 966 in the article "Confession of a Pro- wicked system. God will bring all false
=~ssed Atheist: Aldous Huxley." Huxley ideologies to an end, and will usher in a
;-.a ted: righteous new order. Then the knowledge
"I had motives for not wanting the world of God's purposes and will are everywhere
: 9 have meaning; consequently assumed
:h at it had none, and was able without any to be taught until "the earth will certain-
difficulty to find satisfying reasons .for this ly be filled with the knowledge of J ehovah
assumption . . . For myself, as, no doubt, as the waters are covering the very sea."
:nr most of my contemporaries, the philoso· -Isa.ll:9.
;:hy of meaninglessness was essentially an
.!!strument of liberation. The liberation we Yes, the God of Creation will bring in a
::esired was simultaneously liberation from new system of things, one that will bring
; certain political and economic system and mankind eternal blessings. Peace, happi-
_beration fr om a certain system of morality.
.•;e objected to the morality because it ness, health and everlasting life in a re-
..::terfered with our sexual freedom." stored paradise on earth will be the lot of
Thus, for these and other reasons many those who mold their minds to the truths
~::cept evolution. But accepting and teach- of God. Therefore, reject the demoraliz-
_:.g it does not make it true. The ancient ing myth of evolution. Recognize the ex-
;~gans believed that the earth was fiat, istence of a Creator. Learn of him, his
:...., that belief did not make it flat. Be· purposes and his will. Then you can have
--=·.ing that two plus two is five will never a sure hope for everlasting blessings in the
- "'ke it five. Error is still error no matter Creator's righteous new system.-2 Pet.
.;;.::w many people believe or teach it. 3:13.
.:..PRIL 22, 1961 29
percent In 1964 and 1965. The
associations said that gonor·
rhea presented a particularly
difficult public health problem
because women could have the
disease and not know It and
because antibiotic-resistant
strains o! gonorrhea bacteria
were growing in nwnber.
Americans Leave France
~ A year ago President
Charles de Gaulle ordered
American troops out of
France. He set April 1, 1967,
as the deadline. On March 14
American and French fiags
were lowered at the United
States' European Command
The "Plague" of Crime scholar called this "the new headquarters, formally mark·
~ Serious crimes in the Unit· freedom." It has its risks and ing the departure of Ameri-
ed States increased 11 percent discomforts, he said, but it is can troops from French soU.
in 1966 over the previous here to stay. A priest from There had been 26,000 military
year's totals. FBI Director Minnesota declared: "The era personnel, 70,000 dependents
J, Edgar Hoover reported, on of thorough clerical domina- and 820,000 tons of suppUes
March 15, that In 1966 crime tion and of time-table spiri· in France at nine bases and
was up in a ll city groups, with tuality is ended." "Msgr." Wil· forty depots. Said one ob·
the sharpest change occurring liam L. Doty suggested setting server: "In their hearts, most
in towns of less than 10,000 up grievance machinery in Frenchmen approve of what
population. There the rise was church institutions and dio· De Gaulle did."
14 percent last year. In add!· ceses, and said church author!·
tion, Hoover said, all catego- ties should help by developing State of West Bengal
ries of crime show big increas· "an atmosphere in which le· ~ West Bengal lies on India's
es, with crimes of violence gitimate differences of opinion eastern border. It boasts 40,·
up 11 percent. Robbery rose are not treated as though they 000,000 of India's most literate
14 percent, while assault and were professions of heresy." and articulate people, the na·
forcible rape were both up 10 The issue today, said former tion's largest industrial belt
percent and murder was up Episcopal Bishop James A. and its biggest metropolis,
9 percent. The way to solve Pike, Is "honesty in the Calcutta. Control of this stra-
the crime problem, Hoover church." Others say it is an tegic state by a coalition could
said, is by swift detection, "authority crisis," a struggle have far-reaching e.tl'ects. On
prompt prosecution and sure between "freedom and order." March 2 the first leftist gov-
punishment. "Coddling of ernment of West Bengal State
criminals and soft justice in· Disease Rise was installed. This obviously
crease crime," he said. ~ "At least one out of every was considered a major blow
250 teen-age boys and girls to Mrs. Gandhi's government.
"The New Freedom" [in the United States) was
~ Churchmen are speaking Infected with gonorrhea in Church in Grave Crisis
out as never before. When fiscal year 1966," stated a re- ~ "Obviously, the Catholic
American Catholic bishops port prepared by several medi· Church finds herself today in
made a statement, a promi· cal associations. The report the midst of the gravest crisis
nent Catholic priest publicly added: "Since actual incidence she has experienced since the
called the statement "mean· of infection among all age Protestant revolt," wrote "the
ingless, unjust and basically groups is considered to be four Right Rev. Msgr." John Tracy
wrong." A Methodist church times the reported incidence, Ellis in the pages of Commo11·
leader termed an action by the figures presented here weal M agazine. This conclu·
his church: "Dispiriting . . . considerably understate the sion Is certainly justified when
uninformed." Many of these seriousness of the problem." one glances at what has hap·
ministers are not embittered Last year reported cases of pened in and to American
souls with an ax to grind, but syphilis numbered 22,473, and Catholicism in the last fiye
men simply saying what they of gonorrhea, 334,949. Teen- years, also at the upheavals ir:
think right. A Catholic lay age cases of syphilis rose 12.4 Catholicism in Britain, the
30 AWAKE .'
Xetherlands and elsewhere. percent in 1961. There were ing start to become the
Says a report from New York : some 275,700 illicit births in world's third-largest motor
\"irtually every aspect of 1964. manufacturer. A British mo-
~tholic life, from Sunday tor industry executive made
~fass at the church down the Earthquak es D aUy this remark: "Give the Japa-
;:::eet to the printed ponder· ~ Ultrasensitive seismome- nese five years and they will
.:.gs of Catholic thinkers ters were put into operation be firmly established in Eu-
~:xJut the possibility of belief last summer at the University rope. Give them ten and they
..::: a secular age, reflects the of California's new San An· will be showing us how to
::isis to some degree." De- dreas Geophysical Observa- make cars."
~ite old appearances, the tory, located about five miles
~thollc church is no longer southwest of Hollister, Cali- Octuplets Die
:..;;e same. fornia. Up to ten small earth· ~ A twenty-one-year-old
quakes a day are now being Mexico City housewife, Mrs.
:r:!egittma.cy u p recorded in the San Andreas Theresa Sepulveda, gave birth
Despite more interest in Fault near Hollister. to octuplets on March 10. The
::...-th-control information in infants, whose total weight
:...: e last few years, the figures "Made in J apan" was about five pounds, were
: ~ illegitimacy keep going up. ~ British car makers become born prematurely. Four of the
2. constantly startling fact apprehensive every time they infants were boys and four
;d nting to the degeneracy of hear about J apan's motor were girls. According to The
:..;;ese "last days" is that girls plans for the future. They Encyclopredia Britannica, the
_-:-der 17 years of age account plan to repeat with cars what odds against an octuplet birth
:.:r about 50,000 annual out- they have done in ships, cam- are more than 20 trillion to
: .:-wedlock births in America.
=-egitimacy in the United eras, transistor radios and one. The last of the octuplets
3":..ates has been increasing motorcycles. In little more died on March 11, ending the
:--_eadily, from 3.8 percent of than a decade Japan has ac- first confirmed octuplet birth
.-=.! live births in 1940 to 6.9 celerated from almost a stand· in history.
WATCHTOWER 1 1 7 A 0 AM S ST. B R 0 0 K LY N, N. Y. 1 1 2 0 1
Please send me Jehovah's Witnes8e8 in the Divine Pu.rpose. I am enclosing $1.
Street and Number
:->arne ...................................................................................... or Route and Box ............................................................
City ....................................................................................... State .................................... Zcne or Cede ....................
...:.~JL 22, 1961 31
Do you really believe that our times are urgent?
The constant increase in crime, the uncontrolled
student riots, the increasing racial violence, the
unceasing revolutionary changes in national gov-
ernments, the persistent threat of world war-do
you believe that these are unprecedented dangers,
peculiar to our times? Do you believe that selfish-
ness is on the increase, that morality is on the
decrease, that lack of self-control is growing, that
love of goodness is gradually fading out? Just get
out your Bible and turn to 2 Timothy 3 :1-5. Read
it. That is how urgent the Bible says our times
are. Protect yourself and your family. Read
The Watchtower
and Awake!
Both for one year. Postpaid, $2.
Hungry India
PAGE 9
M AY 8 , 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recog nizes
facts, f aces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by pol itical ties; it is unham-
p ered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integ rity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own corresponden ts in scores of nations. Its a rticles ore rea d in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of person s.
In every issue " A wake!" presents vi tal topics o n which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems o.f everyday life. Current news from every continent posses in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and com merce about which
y;:,u shou ld kn ow. Straightforward discussions of rel i gious issues o ler~ y ou to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, th e marvels of crea ti on, practica l
sciences and points of human inl·erest are all embraced in its covera ge. " Awake!" pro-
vides wholesome, insrructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awa!t.e !" pledges i:self to righteous priilcip les, to exposing hidden foes a nd subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comfortin g mourners and streng thening thos e
disheartened by th e fai lures of a delinquent world, refl ecting sure hope for t he establish-
ment of God's righteous new o rder in this generation.
Get ocquoint·ed with "Awake!" Keep awa ke by reading "Awoke!"
CONTENTS
Being L-nparlial Is Wise as Well as Just 3 P uerto Rico- Promoting God's Praise
Why Fear the "Evil Eye"? 5 in the Islands 21
Hungry India 9
Your Personal Ap pearance Could You 'Follow Him'
as a :..\fissionary? ')~
Makes a Dll!'erence
Ma.n 's Amazing :\!uscles
12
15
-"
"Your Word Is Truth"
"Good News of Something Better" Wha t the E cumenical Movement
for Jamaica 16 Means to You 2i
Enjoying Freedom of Worship
in the Dominican R epublic 18 Watching the World ~
is already the hour for you to awa ke."
-Romons \ 3:11
•
REAT is the harm be- -.s m•s e
G ing done by those
··ho seek to destroy the
. 1f1D
as "1VIVe ..JI.JI_ a s J••s fL
• -1111-
•_,.:· 8, 1961 11
er people, but it makes you personally feel good
too. Being presentable is an act of personal kind-
ness. It sa\·es you and others from embarrass-
ment.
Still, t here are some people who are not
careful about their personal appearance.
Students at California's ne\•vest college have
been given advice on dress and general behavior.
It came in a memorandum from Provost Page
Smith to the 620 students of Cowell College, part
of the new University of California campus at
Santa Cruz. Here is an excerpt from the memo-
randum: "I am aware that for many students an
aggressively untidy appearance is a matter of
principle, a personal statement about the world,
a valued style. . . . But, like
everything else, it can be carried
too far. We have become rather
too unbuttoned at Cowell over
the past year. An open and in-
formal atmosphere is one thing.
a rude and slovenly attitude is
another.... It is not necessary
to be dirty in order to be color-
ful and individual." What re-
HE doorbell rings. The lady of sponsible person would not agree with that state-
T the house rushes to the door
and opens it. A very dear friend of
ment?
Still, there are many today who are sloppy ic
hers has called unexpectedly and t heir appearance. Their irresponsible attitude is
has found her at her very worst frequently descl'ibed as a form of rebellion against
--hair up in curlers, a sleeve part-
traditional standards. But the styles replacing the
ly torn on her dress, slip showing,
sagging hose and untidy shoes. old ones apparently are becoming more debased
How do you think she feels? Does by the year. A word of caution, therefore, ap-
she graciously invite he r unex- pears timely. No matter what the present style
pected guest in, and then sit down may be, it should be weighed judiciously. Clothe~
with ease to talk? Or does she do express one's personality. Who is there, ther.
flush with embarrassment, fuss
that can afford to toss the question aside indiffer-
with her hair, apologize for her
appearance, then suddenly realize ently with the remark, ''If people don't like n::
that she is still standing at the fo:r what I am they need not like me for m:
door? Your personal appearance clothes"? After all, the clothes you wear do re-
does make a difference as to how flect, to some degree at least, your mentalit:
you feel in the pr~sence of others. what you believe in, who your associates are
A clean, neat appearance is not To appreciate this fact is, in part, to understar..:
only refreshing to the eyes of oth- t.~e need for being well dressed.
12 AWAK.;:"
The Modern 1'rend ence to their appearance has produced a
Recently, one observer declared: 'More mental as well as a physical sloppiness, a
and more we seem to be running into peo- lack of pride in self, a disregard for prepa-
:;;:~e who insist on wearing their complexes ration, grooming and tidiness, Herold said.
on the outside, who need a spiritual hair- For thousands of years, people have
::ut or hairdo, and whose mental shirttails been trying to spruce up and look their
are out.' Restaurants that used to have best. Now all of a sudden they have let
£igns reading "Gentlemen will wear ties" themselves go. What is the reason for this
'and in some cases supplied both ties and letdO\vn? When Malcolm Muggeridge, a
:oats) have settled in recent years for noted British editor and author, was asked
g gns saying "Come as you are.'' And about the styles in contemporary Britain,
:::any people do just that. In many places about young men wearing long hair and
:n the Western world women go to res- women wearing short skirts and long
':aurants and shopping centers in short pants, whether this was not evidence of a
morts and with their hair in curlers. revolt against the old values, he replied:
~diniskirts and mod dresses appear more "Not in the least. I think it's sheer de-
:';-equently. Ttmisia's Habio Bourguiba has generacy. . . . It's just degeneracy-the
:.}:1g been one of the Arab world's loudest antics of an exhausted stock." Do you see
2ampions of women's rights. He looked any sensible reason, then, why you should
::-~ approvingly as the Moslem veil began want to copy styles and attitudes that be-
·w vanish, and he has shown no objection long to a degenerate or "exhausted stock"?
·.:: the new brief, airy frocks on girls who
:-z·ade through the narrow streets of Tu- Case for Cleanliness and Neatness
:.:.s. But in August he banned the thigh- What excuse is there for being dressed
.:.:gh miniskirt. "How many times," he sloppily? Often it is not a matter of dress,
~: d in a nationwide television address, but a matter of neatness and cleanliness.
::ave I had to seat women whom I re- Since people do regard appearances, we
-::ved at audiences next to me, rather cannot afford to disregard how we look.
:::an facing me, in order to avoid general People form their opinion of us and of
-- barrassment. Nothing should compel us what we believe to a large extent by out-
·: suffer such trials. It puts the nerves of ward signs. That is why you often hear
= "n and the modesty of women to a se- them say, "I like the way he looks," or,
-::-:e test.'' One should dress so as not to "She's always so neat and clean." And as
- ~ an embarrassment to anyone. you look around, you will notice that your
: Ien, too, in recent years, have become eyes see not only v1hat people are wearing
- ::-e casual in t.1-!eir appearance. It has but also the way they wear their clothes.
~:1 noted that some come to public In fact, your grooming is one of the most
~=es in T-shirts or in undershirts. Hu- important aspects of your personal ap-
.::.: :-:St Don Herold wrote: "I now see pearance.
~Y men in public places with ward- Employers like the people in their em-
-:J:- the total worth of which is not more ploy to dress well. This does not necessari-
- ~ -: S1.40. They come as they are to the ly me~n one needs expensive clothes. The
....::1romat, to the movie theater." Far most expensive garment in the world can
:.: many do not care how they look, look unimpressive if not worn correctly,
....c:her they bathe, shave or not. All they with the right accessories, or if it is not
=::.: to be is comfortable. Their indiffer- correctly fitted, shortened or lengthened
~:-· 8, 1961 13
and carefully selected for the person who A run in one's hose may seem like such
is to wear it. Properly selected clothes a little thing, yet people will notice it and
should not overshadow one's personality, consider you careless or thoughtless if you
however. In other words, people should persist in wearing them. An unshaven
never see what you are wearing firs t and face may cause a man to feel like some
you second. That is why it is wise not to rugged individualist, but others may sim-
be the first to adopt a new style or the ply thin.'k:: him lazy for not having shaved.
last to drop an old one. A minister at the door may speak God's
The Holy Scriptures give us the right message, but dirty shirt cuffs and collar
way to look at this matter of appearance do detract. A hoHseholder may well reason
and dress. The Christian apostle Paul that a shirt can be washed at night and
wrote: "I desire the women to adorn them- be worn the next day clean. Soiled gar-
selves in well-arranged dress, with mod- ments generally make one feel uncomfort-
esty and soundness of mind, not with able when in the presence of others, es-
styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls pecially so in the presence of persons who
or very expensive garb, but in the way are neat and clean. At such times one
that befits women professing to rever- wishes one had taken the time to sew on
ence God, namely, through good works." that button, change that dirty shirt and
(1 Tim. 2:9, 10) This is sound advice mal{e oneself more presentable.
for both male and female and is just
as applicable today as it was in the days Body Cm·e Shows Love
of Paul. A fine appearance still means Good grooming is a reflection of a
to appear in "well-arranged dress," wi·th healthy personality. It includes more than
true modesty and without any showiness. being well dressed. It embraces cleanliness,
Have you noticed how pleased you are care of skin, teeth, hands and hair. Such
to see people who are not only well dressed cleanliness shows that we regard others;
but neatly dressed? A neat appearance be- it is a mark of love.
speaks a certain grace and poise. It means The importance of a clean body to prop-
being attentive to oneself so that one's er personal appearance cannot be over-
appearance is free from what is unbecom- emphasized. A man may be dressed in a
ing, inappropriate or distasteful. For ex- tuxedo and a g irl in an evening gown, but
ample, a coat may be fashionable, a fine failing to bathe can ruin the whole eve-
fit, but it may have a button loose or miss- ning for them and others. People perspire.
ing, which can mar your whole appear- This is why it is so essential to keep the
ance. Your suit may be made out of the body clean, so that the unpleasant odor£
finest materials and tailored to a tee, but can be l<ept to a minimum. Regular bath-
t hat food spot on the lapel is all many ing is very important.
people will remember. Your shoes may be Your face is the part of your body that
in style, but are they polished? Your shirt people will not ice first. What will they
may be made of silk or Egyptian cotton, remember about your face? Of all things
but is the collar clean? your face should be clean, presentable
Neatness has to do with those things Your mouth is one of the most outstanding
t hat reflect on one's personality. :\!any features of your face. It can be attractin•
people do not have money to buy expen- by expressing warmth and pleasantneSE
sive clothing, but the clothes they do have by smiling often. Sparkling teeth, w£
can be neat and clean. This is what counts. brushed, make a bright smile.
AWAK.:
Well-kept hair complements the face. a sunny disposit ion can turn to one of
~ustro us hair, well kept and becomingly meanness. When President Lyndon B.
~yled, is one of woman '~ greatest aids to Johnson's daughter, Luci, appeared in
:;>~ysical beauty. The beauty of her hair public before her marriage, many on-
can be enhanced by b rushing, shampooing lookers remarked that Luci looked ill, but
2.Ild by a becoming arrangement. A wom- the press secretary Elizabeth Carpenter
an's hair is a glory to her. It should not, said she was not ill and quoted Mrs. John-
!:o\vever, supersede the spiritual qualities son a.s saying Luci "needs more sleep."
·.hat find great value in the eyes of God. Perhaps you do too.
-1 Cor. 11:15; 1 Pet. 3:3-5. The art of being well dressed comes
Look at your hands. Do you like what from early training. If your mother in-
·ou see? It takes so little to }{eep hands sisted that you come to t he table with
.::!ean and neat, yet the rewards are great. clean hands and face, well-brushed hair
Your feet also deserve careful attention. and fresh clothes for dinner, then you
-:be average person walks about 70,000 have reason to be thankful to your moth-
::1iles in a lifetime. Imagine walking that er, because she has been trying to make
tistance with painful feet! Feet that hurt later life easier for you. The habits you
:io horrible things to the body. They de- are forming, the home life you have, the
s:roy graceful motions, play havoc with friends you are making, the clothes you
:·our posture, not to mention what they are wearing and the activities you are en-
~o to your disposition. Modern footwear gaging in all are gradually molding your
.:ten exposes much of the foot. Can one's personality for better or for worse.
:eet, especially the toenails, take examin- Remember, too, all the fine clothes in
.!lg, or will their appearance be an em- the world will have little meaning if you
"arrassment? do not have fine conduct to go with them.
The way you wear your hair, the way you
A.dequat e Sleep, Early Training fix your face, the beauty of your body and
Perhaps nothing contributes to a pleas- all your other assets can be destroyed, if
: m appearance like a proper amount of your actions do not add up to those befit-
5!eep. The lack of sleep may show up on ting a Christian lady or gentleman. Let
:·our face, in the \Vay you walk and talk your conduct, then, tell all onlookers that
-"!d in your very disposition. Cosmetics your appearance, too, is motivated by
.::1.rdly cover up lack-of-sleep signs. Lines a sincere appreciation stemming from
_:;pear around the eyes, the glow disap- lmowledge that you are the product of the
::~ars from one's complexion, thinking is highest wisdom, the handiwork of Jeho-
=:paired, body movements slow down, and vah our Creator-God.
~wbn_OfUJ~
1503; the oldest university. Santo Tv-
mas de Aquina, founded in 1538; a::..
the oldest cathedral, Santa Marla l\h."-
REPUBliC I
as governor of the colony.
History shows that the clergy wer~
prominently involved in Columbus' Se<'·
ond voyage in the persons of the Bishc:;:
l._..__,_._ _,._..,_,.._.,.~--·--·--~,-,,~,~,., of Fonseca and ':'riar Boil, the latte.
of which heade« a group of tweh·~
LYING over the blue waters of the Mona. missionaries. Far from bringing peace w i t':
O Passage, which separates the western end them, those churchmen disliked and envie.:
of P uerto Rico and the eastern tip o! Columbus and did all thC'y could to underminr
the isla nd of Hispaniola, we were soon cruis- his authority.
ing over the broad, eas tern plain of the Santo Domingo soon became the majol' ou:·
Dominica11 Republic, a plain that from our post of Spain in the Caribbean and served a::
altitude seemed to stretch out like a flat springboard for such notorious treasure hu nte~
green pavement of rough cement. The shore-
line along the southeast coast looked jagged, as Balboa, P izarro, Cortes and Ponce de Le6r
like the teeth of a saw, and we could make In later times, as oth~r islands were occupieo
out sharply descending cliffs, against which and colonized, this city became not only a:
the ocean's waves were dashing. Nearer to the administrative center but also the principa.
capital, Santo Domingo, we spied the moun- seat of the Catholic church. Here the churc·
tains that fill most of the western oart of the had opportunity to demonstrate what it cou:...
country, reaching a peak in Pico Duarte, some do to develop the country along peacefU:
10,249 feet above sea level. Christian lines. With what result?
We were a small group of delegates to the
"God's Sons of Liberty" Assembly of Jehovah's Undeniable historical records tell that, whi~
witnesses to be held in Santo Domingo, Janu- this young country early suffered from the i,..
ary 25 through 29, 1967. With special interest vasions of the English, the Dutch and tl:t:
we had anticipated this assembly in a land Catholic French, and later of the Haitians fror::
where the Witnesses were new enjoying free- the western half of the island, over the cer:
dom of worship after having spent many turies its greatest problems were internal. Di~
years under an unjust ban because of their re- content, avarice, envy, calumny, intrigue, insul:
fusal to compromise their Christian neutrality.
Santo Domingo lies about the center of the
south coast and athwart the country's prin-
cipal r iver, the Rio Ozama. Traveling from
the airport by car, we were soon crossing that
river on a modern suspension bridge and
approaching the downtown section. Bullet-
pocked walls and gaping holes in some build·
ings offered evidence of the violence of the
r ecent revolution. But everything now appears
to be peaceful and quiet as we drive through
narrow streets with their typical, balconied
buildings. Then into narrow business streets
where activities have slowed down in the heat
of the early a fternoon.
Early History
This city was founded by Columbus' brother, R~stored sixteenth-century residence of Govem M
Bartholomew, in 1496, and so ranks as the Diego Columbus in Santo Domingo
~ AWAK E
c:dlnation, revolt a nd assassination regularly en by Trujillo's mob. F1·om their joyful ex-
.i:s!'upted the peace atld stability of the land pressions it was evident they harbored no
z.::d impeded its progress. The church, with its rancor against anyone, but were supremely
~ng-time, undisputed monopoly as to religious happy to be alive and free to worship Jehovah
~truction, can hardly di\""orce itself from the God in the way that he has indicated to be his
;::::ajor responsibility for these peace-destroying pleasure, namely, by preaching and teaching
:actors in the Dominican Republic. the Bible's message. People to whom they
preach now often make the remark: ''You are
T hirt y Y ears of Tyranny the only ones who had the courage to refuse
)lore recently the regime of dictator Rafael to give in to Trujillo."
:-rujillo lasted over thirty years until his vio- One Witness told of having to move with
..ent end in 1961. As so often boasted by him- his family from San Cristobal, Trujillo's birth-
~~i. his iron rule did bring a measure of sta- place, because of persecution and threats on
bility and order to the country. However, in his life. After removal of the ban on Jehovah's
: 950 his government issued a decree forbid- witnesses he returned to San Cristobal and is
.l!lg Jehovah's witnesses to assemble for Bible now a full-t ime pioneer minister. And there is
=:udy or carry on their Bible education work. a. thriving congregation of eighty-four Witness-
3!."utal beatings and other indignities were met- es in that town today. In 1964 local authorities
d out to respectable Christians. The people provided the Witnesses with a large plot of
..:: general were reduced to abject fear by rea- ground on which to build a Kingdom Hall, as a
:,;,n of the cruel way tha. t Trujillo's strong- sort of compensation for all the indignities
.=...-m squad dealt with any kind of dissent.. they had suffered during the era of Trujillo .
Yet Trujillo's regime enjoyed excellent rela- The section so donated was sufficiently large
~ons with the Catholic church. A priest was
that the congregation was able to sell a num-
.:~r many years a member of his "rubber
ber of lots and with the proceeds construct a
-:amp" legislature. In 1954 Trujillo journeyed fine hall with a seating capacity of 150.
· o Rome where, though twice-divorced, he was During the 1965 troubles the neutrality of
:.:spitably received and there signed a con- J ehovah's witnesses was again outstanding.
"):-dat between his government and the Vatl- United States forces had cut a. corridor several
.k'l. Only during the last year or so of his blocks wide through the city to serve as a
_:e did a breach begin to develop between the neutr al zone. Everyone passing through the
....:.w·ch and his government. All of this, well checkpoints was to be subjected to thorough
_.-.own to the Dominican people, has been a questioning and search. The Witnesses, how-
:-:rrce of considerable embarrassment for the ever, upon identification were usually waved
on through because of their genuine and widely
.. urch in these post-Trujillo yea rs, causing it known neutrality. In fact, they were probably
_ be discredited in the eyes of many. the only people who could at that time move
As might be expected, the church is now freely in the embattled sections under control
....... ed with a growing crop of atheistic Com- of either of the opposing groups without fear
~2\ists, particularly among the youth of the of being accused as possible enemies of the
..;:;<1. The university in Santo Domingo, in fact, cause. They having had no part in any of the
zs been a hotbed of Communist ideas, burst- bloodshed in the preceding conflict, no one
,;: g forth from time to time in violent demon- could have basis for seeking revenge on them.
--:arions and political extremism. The church Even now, when the government finds it
: ,_.ed discontent and insubordination and later necessary to maintain checkpoints on the high-
=.3.de common cause with self-enriching poli- way approaches to the capital on account of
-~ns, and now must reap the effects of her rebel threats, it is usually enough for Wit-
..;:,godly policies. nesses properly to identify themselves as such
to ensure courteous treatment and a prompt
·~u tral Witnesses R espect ed contin uation of their journey.
:l:1 the other hand, thinking people in this
?E?:~blic have only the highest respect for Je- A Peaceful Asssembly
- ·ah's witnesses, who refused to compromise In the days preceding the assembly police
--::.:: Trujillo, even under pressure of a total raids had uncovered various caches of arms
....::. and inhuman treatment by the police. They and ammunition, sparking rumors of more
~ageously pursued their upbuilding ministry revolutionary trouble. Yet those of us who at-
e..:: underground during those many years. tended the Central American assemblies found
...:'.:ors to San to Domingo on this occasion had things here calmer and less tense than in sev-
:;:;:.rtunity to speak with some of the Wit- eral other countries. I nter estingly, two men in
-~!ES who had been jailed and viciously beat- Santo Domingo were overheard conversing in
...:..:..Y 8, 1967 19
the street a h0ut current conditions, and o:1e cipline in the godly qualities of heavenly ....-:~
made the remark that "this city was in a r~al dom. spiritual discernment, appreciation of i::·
turmoil . .. and then this convention (of Jeho· tegrity, devotion to Bible principles, ar:.:
vah's witne" "S) started, and it was m,e sooth· respect for law as they aided ne\vly interestc.;.
ing balm." persons through home Bible studies and co::·
Durin g the past seven years, since the lifting gregation meetings.
of th~ ban on thd r Christian work, the Wit· T he attendance at the stadium had grow:-.
nesses have m '1de great strides and enjoyed stead ily .from the opening session until Satu ·
!:plendid increases, growing from 600 in 1980 day ev:ming when 4,400 persons were presenr
to a peak o! 2,390 active Witnesses in 1967. There were great expectations regarding rh
They have put forth real effort to advance to attendance at the public lecture the iollowlm::
maturity and improve their teaching ability in day. M. G. Henschel, another ot the Society·,-
order to cope with t he responsibility of bring· ctirectors, delivered the public lecture in Spa'!·
ing the good news to every part of the Re- ish. It was surc>ly thrilling to see the sincer~
publ.ic. In 1963 a modern, two-story building intent looks on the rows and rows of .face•
was constructed on the Aven!da Francia to as they listened to the subject "Mankind ,
serve as the Watch Tower Society's branch Millennium Under God's Kingdom." And ho\•
office, and !rom here the activities of the forty- the crowd applauded on hearing that there
four congregations and other groups through· were 5,154 present!
out the country are directed. Considering that there was but a handful oi
Witnesses in the Republic were happy to visitors from abroad and that the total Wi:·
nesses in the Republic amount to 2,390, on~
learn that a n ational assembly had been ar- can well imagine why thls great crowd wa~
ranged and th at the president and vice· recognized as a special blessing of Jehovat.
president of the Watch Tower Society wOl1ld God on all the hard worl< of his faithful \\it·
be able to fly in !rom Puerto Rico and appear nesses in this land. This really means tha:
on the program. 2,750 interested non-Witness Dominicans a i·
The San Pablo Duarte Stadium was the site tended this session and showed keen intere5·
chosen for thL assembly. Here, instead of the in what the Bible has to say about the day~
number of cars owned by the Witnesses ere· that lie ahead.
ating a parking problem, there were seldom It was difficult to take leave of the warm·
more than twer~ ty cars to be seen, and often hearted Dominican brothers as the assembl:·
the cars were ou tnumbe: ed by the more eco· concluded and they beg an departing norili·
nomical motorcycles. With license plates ccst· ward, eastward and westward for their r e-
ing as much a s $30 for a six-month period, it spective homes. Many of them are our younger
is easy to understand why most of the ca1·s brothers in the faith, for we learned that, ou=
seen on the streets are the publicos, the blue- of the 2,390 Witnesses, about 1,700 became a ·
and·tangerine-<:olored cars t hat iorm the city's sociated only in the last six years. Certain ir
main transporta tion system. is that they are now better equipped for un·
On Friday morning it was cause for rejoic· dertaklng the ministry among their fellow cit:·
ing to all present at the stadium to see 172 zens, t o whom we know they will continue to
persons rise f r om their seats and give voice offer the comforting, freedom-giving message
to their dedica tion of their lives to Jehovah of the Bible.
God. They wt>re then elig ible for immersion in Much still remains to be done in the Domini·
water in token of that dedication. can Republic. There is but one Witness to every
In view of the pressures often exerted here, 1,800 of the population. So, there is room fo::-
<'ven in grade schools, to achieve religious uni- more missionaries there, Christians who arc
formity a nd promote nationalistic idolatry, it prepar ed lil<e Abraham to leave everythin!;
was fitting that the program included the dra· and serve in another land. Many people in this
matlc presentation "Daniel's Words for Our Republic are disposed to give a friend ly ear
Day." The fine example of the three young to what Jehovah's witnesses have to say, but
Hebrews in rejecting the demands of Nebu- they are not contacted often enough. T hey
chadnezzar was stimulating and faith-building. !mow that the Witnesses practice what they
The discour se by President N. H. Knerr , preach and can be depended upon to use their
Thursday afternoon, was most apo>ropriate .freedom of worship jn a way that brings onl~
also. Using as his theme "Building on a Right biessings to those who hear. Surely now is tht:
Foundation wit h Fire-Resista nt Materials," he time for a great expansion of the Kingdom-
urged his audience to educate, trai:: and dis· preaching service in thi5 land!
AWAKE.'
OR a goodly number of touring Witnesses sons 'Nas still only 15 percent of the whole
F the mountainous and verdant Caribbean is-
land of Puerto Rico was the final point of
population.
Though the decades of American rule have
witnessed definite improvements, including a
_ grand tour of Latin-American assemblies.
:-or the purpose of promoting God's praise network of paved roads and development of
...-nong the islands the "God's Sons of Liberty" the most e~..:tensive public school system in
:.."!ternational Assembly was scheduled for J a n- Latin America, Puerto Rico was still plagued
.ary 25 through 29, 1967, in San Juan. As some by poverty, slums, unemployment and discon-
r_x hundred of us were preparing for the flight tent. Following World War II an ambitious
;:'Orth across the Caribbean from Venezuela, program knovm as "Operation Bootstrap" was
=..n estimated two thousand delegates were advanced by Puerto Rican officials. Invest-
-,aking the three-and-a-half-hour flight from ments and industry from abroad were lured
~.;ew York to San Juan. Among those in special by promise of a t•m-year tax exemption. And
:.:ghts out of New York were fourteen of the as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic
~nior members of the Watch Tower Society's
became embroiled in political unrest, more and
-~ adquarters staff, those who had been in ser-
more of the ftow of tourists shifted to Puerto
.ce there for over forty years, and who were Rico and tile neighboring Virgin I slands.
-rovided a free trip to the Puerto Rico as- Ceasing to be a. "sugarcane country," the is-
!t.-nbly. land has burgeoned forth with a wide range
Only about a hundred miles long by thlrty- of industries. The capital, San Juan, has be-
:.~.-e miles wide, this island would almost fit in-
come a boomtown of modern buildings, stores,
. J Lake Nicaragua . Yet its popula.tion far ex-
banks and luxury hotels. Thousands upon thou-
•.:eds Nicaragua's and, for that matter, the sands of modern homes are in process of con-
;: ~pulation of practically any Central American struction in attractive urbanizac iones .
·\l!ltry. There are 750 persons for every
,.;;·.1are mile of the island. A ssernbly of the Islands
Parque Sixto Escobar, a baseball park lo·
•
3
u.erto Rico's Past cated on the ocean fron t, was the site of the
?our centur ies ago another group of trav- assembly. S ituated on a cove lined with palms
"'!"S lighted upon this island, led by one and tall, wispy southern pines, the location
:-- :istopher Columbus. When they touched on lent itself well to the activities of this inter-
- · north coast back in 1493, the Indian in- national gathering, and especially to the bap-
-nltants were calling their island home "Bo· tism. Here in this cove, where the green and
--·:lUen." Columbus named it San Juan Bau- blue of the Atlantic is fringed with cresting,
-il (St. John the Baptist) . Fifteen years white surf, 225 persons were immersed in to-
_·.er Juan Ponce de Le6n landed at the bay ken of their dedication to God.
· - ~ : he called Ptterto Rico (Rich Port) and Since this assembly had ln view the pro-
• ...::1ded a set tlement nearby, later to be named moting of Jehovah's praise in the islands, its
: -i'!to Rico. In course of time the names of sessions were bilingual. :Yiany E nglish-speaking
island a.nd its capital came to be reversed. delegates came from the outside: from St.
3y the close of the fir st century of Spanish Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Tortola in the
J pation the colonists had accomplished the American and British Vir gin Islands; from
..,.....r.ction of the Indian population, for these Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda,
.;.:.;;or succumbed to forced labor and the rav- Grenada, Bar bados, Trinidad and Tobago in
: es of European disease, or fled the island. In the British West In dies group. Delegations also
-~ almost four centuries of Spanish rule and arrived from t he French islands of Ma rtinioue
~-ch domination ended when Puer to Rico and Guadeloupe ; from the Netherlands An-
- e under United States control following the tilles islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Cura~ao;
~sh-America.n war. Yet in a ll t ha t time lit- from the Bahamaz off the coast of Florida ;
::ad been done to advance t he education of and from Guyana and Surina m in South
• jX!pulation, public primary schools on!y be- Amer ica.
e==ong available in 1845. At the clcse of the However, the assembly was primarily Span-
-~eenth century the number of literate per- ish, and the enthusiastic support given it by
_,._y 8, 1967 21
Puerto Rican Witnesses and their Spanish· I wQnt to lean~ how to become like you
speaking brothers from New York left no people."
doubt that the attendance at this assembly \\'arm, P uerto Rican hospita lity was shown
would far surpass those of any previous as- by one landlady, not a Witness, who phoned
semblies here. A large contour map of the is· the assembly rooming desk to find out the
land, illuminated at night, set up just outside fiight number and time o! arr ival of those
of the ball park, informed delegates of the assigned to stay at her home. She wanted to
locations of Puerto Rico's seventy-three con- meet them at the airport, take them home for
gregations, while below it a chart traced the a warm meal, and then take them on a tour
steady growth of Jehovah's witnesses from of the island-all this even though the visi·
306 in 1950 to a peak of 3,594 in 1966. tors were complete strangers to her.
At the very same time that President N. H.
Knorr of the Watch Tower Society was deliv- Island S cenery
ering the public address to a crowd of 1,975 in The assembly organization had already ar-
the English section that Sunday afternoon, ranged tours for the delegates, however. One
Vice-President F. W. Franz was presenting the of these took them to the Rain Forest, a
same speech in Spanish to an audience of 28,000-acre national forest just about an hour's
6,629. Thus the combined attendance for the drive east from San Juan. On this trip there
lecture "Mankind's Millennium Under God's was opportunity to note that the island is not
Kingdom" amounted to 8,604. so "Americanized" or prosperous as m ight be
The public in general could not but know judged from seeing only San Juan. Some of
about the assembly, for San Juan's three the smaller towns have seen little change over
main newspapers, El Mundo, El lm.pa·r cial the years and the many little homes, often
and the English San Juan Star, published quite drab and poorly constructed, give evi-
a total of over 380 column inches of pictures, dence that the occupants are still far from
in terviews and reports. Thirty-five r adio sta- affl uence.
tions carried spot announcements, six carr ied Leaving the main highway, we began wind-
the whole of the public lecture, and the Wit- ing up a narrow road into the mountains and
ness program "Things People Are Thinking soon observed a remarkable change in the
About," carried weekly by sixteen radio sta- landscape. The forest became dense and dark.
tions throughout the island, provided another There were thick clusters of feathery-plumed
means for directing attention to the assembly. bamboo plants, thousands of lacy ferns that
Two television stations made provision for ex- seemed to cascade down the sides of hills,
cellent interviews relating to the assembly while other ferns, looking more like trees,
and its purpose. reached upward as high as thirty feet. At the
In a San Juan store a salesman told Witness picnic area, 2,000 feet above sea level, we
shoppers that he had ftown down from New learned that this is the only United States Na-
York In the same plane with many Witnesses tional Forest without signs warning of fires.
and was favorably impressed by their con- The average rainfall is 180 inches per year,
versation. When his name and address were and the trees are usually robed with delicate
requested so that a local Witness could visit green moss that glistens with droplets of wa-
him in his home, he eagerly furnished the in- ter, sparkling like gems.
formation, saying: "I don't just want to join. A walk down one of the winding trails gives
one the feeling of having been trans-
ported to a primeval forest. Crystal-
clear streams of cold water murmur in
their rocl~y beds. Perched up on some
trees were pineapple-like plants with
reddish-orange spikes, apparently de-
riving sustenance from the trees. Here
and there beautiful little orchids could
be spied. Tiny frogs, the Puerto Rican
coqui, pipe their simple but melodious
calL How far away a ll this seems from
the tension and rush of the busy city!
Downward, then, to the coast below,
and our tour continued a short distance
east to L uquillo Beach, Puerto Rico's
finest. This mile-long crescent is claimed
by some to rival Hawaii's famed Waiki-
Vle\v of San J uan, showing modern hotels (center) ki Beach. The broad, smooth stretch of
a nd S lxto Escobar Stadium (r ight for eground) sand curves around a reef-protected
22 AWAKE.'
a:. against a splendid tions the island's t wo
=-~ ~ d ro p
of maj estic bishops and their clergy
- ~":1S. fought openly to unseat
.~_·!Other tour led us to the incumbent governor,
C:d San Juan." T his on the ground of hJs re.
. .;ina! section of the fusal to accede to church
.:;.· lies at the wcs•ern
e.-:d of a narrow island demands regarding reli-
·~:.'led to the main island gious instruction in the
~ Y br idges at its eastern schools and his position
-:1d. It was for long a relating to birth control.
~-ailed city protected by Victory for the governor
· ·\·o l arge fortresses. meant embarrassing de·
:-::ese f orts remain to feat for the church and
:.:.:s day as well as some Pa.lrn-<,haded crescent of Luquillo Beach louder and stronger
· ortions of the ancient near San Juan crit icism of her policies.
- alls. We walked up the narrow streets, some Noting the overt attempts of the church to
· .;st wide enough to allow passage of a car, dominate t he political scene, and contrasting
: :her s still paved with the unusual blue.gray that with the conduct of Jehovah's witnesses,
: : leks called acloqttines, cast in Spain from many Catholics have begun to revise their
:on factory residues and then brought to San thinking on religious matters. The clergy can
; Jan in the form of ship ballast. On every no longer do as they wish. It Is not at all un·
-.and we could see examples of Spanish colo· usual for Jehovah's witnesses to give Bible lee·
~al period homes, complete with Ir on-laced tures in the public plazas of various towns,
:alconies overhanging na rrow sldewall<s. often with a large Catholic church looming up
We wall<ed down the street called Caleta de behind them. Some years ago when a priest
~m Juan, which Jc>ads to an Impressive arch· turned on a loudspeaker to drown out the Bi·
ay In the ancient city wall. The wall here ble talk, the police quickly put a stop to his
..= twenty feet thick and huge four·inch·thick interference. In the town where this tool< place
-:::thogany doors open in a section of wall that there is now an active congregation of forty
· "\'ers up, without break, as high as a four- Witnesses.
= five·Story buildmg. Then over to the for· The "God's Sons of Liberty" Assembly was
-=ess known as El Morro (The Headland ; truly successful. It aided all those Witnesses
;_ ...fi), a huge fortification whose gray ram- on the island to see where their ministry can
=-~'"ts menacingly guard the entrance to San be improved. It gave them a clearer vision of
· _:m Bay. El Morro enabled the Spanish to leave their grand privilege. And as delegates took
.=..ii.'1tain control of the island for almost four did soofwith one another and of the island, they
a magnificent mental picture of
::::ruries, with only brief Interruptions. Its the work going on in all of the Central and
g;- at moated wall with sloping, wedge·shaped South American lands, for Brothers Knorr and
-~s for cannon, its rounded sentry boxes, Franz had given them a resume of the entire
_; e cisterns, tunnels, stairways, ramps and tour. Brother Knorr also aroused curiosity a nd
. ..:; emplacements stood of! British, French expectation by mentioning his thoughts about
_- d Dutch invaders as well as the roving buc- the possibility of a large international assem-
..::t!ers. bly of Jehovah's witnesses sometime in the
future. What an event to contemplate!
2 eligious Need B eing Met The announcement that more than 175,000
:-he majority of Puerto Ricans profess to be persons had attended the public lectures of the
:!.:holic. Yet, though fanatical about baseball entire series of assemblies commencing in
a.;._ cocl<ftghts, they are rarely so about reli- Mexico and winding up in Puerto Rico, cer·
:1. Spiritism is widely practiced and Prot· tainly speaks of much wor k done and much
-.:i!lt religions are toler a ted. The Ca tho lie still to be done. The prophctlc exhortation is
.:-ch has lost much ground here during the being obeyed: "Sing to Jehovah a new song,
~: two decades, largely because of priests' . . . you islands and you inhabiting them."
~bl1ng in politics. In the 1952 and 1960 elec- -Isa. 42:10.
·_y 8, 1961 23
Forty-third Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead
L <ft to l'iJ:ht : Front I ow: S!WJ>illl!;", T,. r-;, hncourt, V., Schnf•·l', J., 'l'hoohll'M!Il, J.1' ''"''lund, 0., So:hlhlt, .T .• O.:hsner, n .. B:.rr, 1>.,
(':\l1H'T011, ~}., B u tch~·. It., C'a rt er. M .. Tamayo, n .. lAUIJ:'Wt>rlh , ::;, , \Vois~. J. Sec o nd row: \\'hih;OHi h, L . f.o(•h, r .. Nlchul!'lt>ll, P ..
S"!'riil, ":• po,hl'rts, ) f. . . Yona.m in<, ;'11., Sur!"· llf. , ('ulJb, J.;., ,!Joychu~. H., Anu,•rs ,.ni ;11.. l.o~e. l\1., <"nrl';" · Y ., He.nuin .. ,.,., J\1.
T hord row. SruJ th, L., \V!lhllTuF, [1.. J O\H•r, ::; , '\ashburn, J., L:t•·pnz, h .. HYrd. J., Co llcr, A., flutt•" ' · l.J .. J.utr.hart . S., Y da, .1.,
J:o<•~. J\1., Stoin, ,\1., 'l'ilu>l, L. Fourth row: Brt•w<:r , V., NorbOln, U. , Wnnl. E., Lydcrs, E ., Larl<~vn , 0., J . Vtnu~. ll., L:tr'C•I<Hal:l, :,; ,
L'\r Hton•la, J. , K•·P P, C .. Jhu·man, F .. N or hum. R ., NuJ{(·nt, 1<., l'OW(Ir, :0. F ifth r ow: "lpller, .T. , :<mith, Fl., :.l:t~zola, .r. Kro,·mL r, B.,
Thunb<;r;{, J .1• Sterblin ~, V .. Hog,•rs, 0 .. Mnlll'~t lC, Lewellyn, S., Hor a n, J., Darrn.; h,.., C., ~ovko, s., "'uL:;on, ll. Sixt h row: Jo'll·l!·hc·r, .1.,
::;awyeJ·, I ., :3n Jtdow, ~1. . W hile. Jt., Tl or au , u., Hnyes U. , Cool<, s .. Bu,.,.l,., v .• JJ.r('wvr, J., Sli·:H ror<l , s., Gnli"h' IY. K., Pro~"r, \Y.
Seven th row: Collier, R .. l3:tld ls, M ., J~on~worth, A., J)tly, Ji/.. 'l' homp,.o n T., Ly tl e, M., .rohn'\.S~r>ll, $., .l 'r·osser, J. , 'l'HlUi l!iio C'n, n.,
S t ,.•·blin.s::-. F. , B~.:atly, C., \V>;zo lel:, .L. E •g hth row: Callshe , .r., l!•·~ch 1 <<'. t~ .. Franc••s(:lwlti, H., I furman, H .. Baker , IC., 'T'ylkh, J.,
1•11 IU )\ 1., Hc\) tifl~on, n . ~C.Jvlf , D .. F'ostrr•. .r .• T.. :! r~~n u , n.. ~,·.7•J':l'l. H. (1\n tl l'rslf'\n. c -no' in "'''ll1Tf'l, 1)11(' tn ilhtt·!:':o:)
Could You 'Follow Him' as a Missionary?
F OLLOW whom? \' ,/, follow J esus
Christ, the Son of orl who when on
:th ~aid to two of J j<.. :isc'plcs ., :1o we ~
apply to you if yen arc tr1.inr"l as n mis-
sior- ry by the \'.'atchto\. "'!' r,l)Jc School
a" C .~ad . Ther~ \'Cu lca.-n to n,p!') ·~ciate
.....:>h ·ng at the tW"". "Con1e at cr me:· t''a~ your prim~ ~o will be 1o c~rry out
-=-::ey a t once lcf, their fi-;1-tin~ nPts at d the cor· ,;~~ion :"sL-> r,ave t1is followers
- erally folJO\, ed Jesus, bl:coming " fishers just b"f(\ ';) he h. 4't 'hem: "Go therefore
;: men," Chl'isc:an rrti~sionaries.-'Matt. 4. : and m,~·c dt (';:~!e:; of peopl~ oZ :.. 1 i:he na -
- . 40. tions, l:la!)Uzing H ·"11 .n the n 1·~c of the
Jesus Christ himself was the chief mis- Fathe:· and of the Son T1rl of the holy
_..,nary, for he truly was "one ;:;c.nt forth sp~rit, teaching tl'....m to ob~·"t'\'e all the
propagate the faiLh, doctrine ot· prin- ..hi.,,..., ~ 11:l'>'e commam~ed ~·ou." (!\ 1t t. 28:
;'!:s of a religion," the wor ;hip of Jc'1D- 19, :..:0) A:~r' '10'\ .....Jc~ •·' apostle's obey
~. He left the glorious aml congenial that commn1cl? By pncliclng medicine?
.;.rroundings he enjoyed in heaven, the By concern i n~~ t 1,t.tn5eh·es '' ith p olitical,
:npanionship of his heavenly Fathet· and social and ec01wmic pt·oblems of the peo-
. his many spiri Lual brothers. His lcav- ple? Far IroLl it! 1h y nadc known G0d's
- - h is heavenly ! ~orne and coming down purpose:; and rcquirdncms for men.-Acts
the earth w ru; a far greatct· change 10 :34-43 ; 17:2!:.!-31.
..:::.n for any missiona y today to lea\ e the Yes, at Gilead School students arc
.. :;. pro;;pcrous c.nd prOJl C si·;c country r.?..-..~h:tn bJ th0 ldnd of mis~icnm ..:s ti r
he wol'ld at1J go to the most bac.n~·ard, JC!sus and his apostles were..\.s tr.e stu-
_§ lSc-ridden and poverty-stnc' n land dents of tl1c 431 d grnduatit !g class ex-
. "arth. p.-essed it (amor-g other ihin-:::s) :n heir
:. you wuuld b" .... Christian missior,u·•• t·esoh.:.t!on v ... ., ··ciation to t·le '1 ~::d"rti:
... will need hirh, 1aith that God '''II l'"' of the sci10o . .. • 0\\' c.ould anyone ask fo~
!'!'Ue to his promise to supply all your a g ·pqt.-•r lJlt !..7 , '• .. n to haYc fi ,.e mon11l~
_:Is if you am;wer t11e missionan.: call. to 1~ completch a _,.;orbed · 1 studymp;
:art. G:33) L. \ \ill abo tak... cour<:tgc to Gflrl s \\ ord? Th' · · ·en .Jr' ovah's g~il
_ .;;:ik loose fJ. 0m you!' na ive soil t~.ncl \'Cn· to u.s here ut '- col. Solomo 1 \vrOte : ·rr
::Le forth into stran.,c tcr1 itm·y, there to . . . you call out fo1· undc1stl ncing il~elf
..a:..n a st 1·ange tongue. And, above all. it and . . . a<, rvc hid treaslil'c<; you keep
__! mke a great de'll 0.1. loY~, unselfish, searci1ing for ii, in '1a· Cl .~ you \\'ill
-1ciplcd, agaJ,Je love. understamt l 1c :!'ca1· o ' JC10'.< h .' . . . In
:'oday there a re some 25.000 Un1ted our hou.·::; ot ·.,cc~il:r; :1.1d ~earcJung' we
- ..-es m issional'ies active in Afnca, .1s1a have truly hc>cn rr.war It d wi 1 inct•castYl
-:!Latin America. But wbo.t k:nd of m:s- Ul1l!C"stamlin:; or God's \11J/U, f long with
'l3.I'ies? EvCl so maoy of them pu4 ~uc ~md1 deepcJ.· L!ppr.;ciu.t:on of the chvin~
:...::r than cvangdistic gwnls; they are wisdom mo.n!fest in I he !=>· l'!!)tu· -..; and th,'
L:...:.sionories of hc~clth and m1 iicir.0; they value of • ' yinjj its p.:tnct)les in ou ·
.:-h people political pr inc~plcs and how lives."- Pr::n . 2:3-6 .
~akc a living, or ho\v to inprove H:.cir At their g1 aduation, which tool; place
=- .1ods of ag:iculturP. Mru:ch 12 HA)7, at the Jehovah'_ \'1 •• ne::s-
B.1. such non-evan~, h;tic goals will not es Assembly Hall in NP.w York city. they
_! s, 1961
received what might be termed farewell man had come from about as far from
counsel and the final impetus to measure New York, where t.'1e school is located, as
up as Christian missionaries. One speaker, it is possible on this earth, from Perth
U. Glass, reminded them of the importance in Western Australia, at least some 12,000
of keeping the right viewpoint of things, miles away.
never to permit themselves to be side- Why had these young folk, whose aver-
tracked by 'looking at worthless things.' age age was twenty-six years, answered
(Ps. 119:37) Another, E. Dunlap, brought the call to become missionaries? When
to their attention the fact that while they asked this question, they replied: ''Be-
were going forth as peace messengers, cause I wanted t o advance spiritually."
even as noted on their diplomas, they "Because I wanted to serve more fully."
would meet strong opposition and so would ''Because I wanted to preach where the
have to be "suffering evil" as good sol- need was greater than in my home terri-
diers of Jesus Christ.-2 Tim. 2:3. tory." "As far back as I can remember,
Still another speaker, G. Couch, ob- ever since I was five years old, I have
served that, while at the Gilead missionary wanted to become a missionary." "When I
school they had favorable conditions for was fifteen years of age,'' said a loveiy
growing spiritually, from now on they Hawaiian miss, "missionaries brought me
would find things far less ideal, even as a the truth about Jehovah. My association
tomato plant transplanted in the spring with them since then made me want to
from greenhouse to open fi eld may find its be a missionary, too. After eight years I
new environment far from ideal. The vice- finally made it." In many instances it was
president of the Watch Tower Society, also the fine training by a dedicated par-
F. W. Franz, noted that they were being ent or parents that inspired the missionary
sent forth to carry on a fight against Bib- spirit in these young people.
lical illiteracy and ignorance to the four It will take faith, courage, love and hard
corners of the earth. And in particular work for you to become a Christ ian mis-
were they given fine counsel, and at some sionary, but the results are worth it. Such
length, by the president of this Society missionaries are a rich group, even as one
and of the school, N. H. Knorr. He began traveler, who had met many of them on
by noting to what extent chance enters a tour through South America expressed
into just what we physically happen to be, it in his talk to the students: "Among us
and then developed his theme of appreciat- travelers were some materially rich, but
ing life and the need to strive for spiritual I never heard one of the missionaries say,
maturity so that they might get a firm 'I wish I were in their place.' But I heard
hold on everlasting 1ife. many of these travelers say, 'My, how rich
The 103 students had come from many those missionaries are in joys of service!
walks of life, schoolteachers and manual I wish I could share some of that!' Thos2
laborers, printers and professional musi- missionaries were rich in joy, rich in con-
cians (one had played for years in Duke tentment, rich in ingathering pleasures."
Ellington's band), barbers and beauticians, Could you or would you like to be one
and so forth. They had come from many of those rich missionaries? If so, write
lands, three from Hawaii, five all the the publishers of this magazine for in-
way from Australia; in fact, one young formation.
26 AWAKE!
table of devils." (AV) Clearly, then, if
Christians are to be pleasing to God, they
cannot participa te in the religious services
of those whose form of worship conflicts
with what God approves.
Emphasizing that true Christians should
keep separate from worship that is not in
harmony with Bible truth, Second Corin-
thians 6:14-17 says: "Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers : for what
I;\
fellowship hath righteousness with unrigh-
RECENT years there have been in- teousness? and what communion hath
creased efforts to unite the many reli- light with darkness? And what concord
_t"Jus organizations of Christendom. These hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath
~ZJmenical efforts have even included at-
he that believeth with an infidel? And
::::npts toward obtaining unity with non- what agreement hath the temple of God
: nristian religions. This desire to unite with idols? . . . Wherefore come out from
_ppears, on the surface, to be a noble one. among them, and be ye separate, saith the
3 .H is it? How should you, as a person
Lord."-A V.
seeking God's favor, view ecumenical ef-
Obviously, then, it is unscriptural to
:.:-rts?
The important thing is to determine if seek fellowship with individuals or reli-
-~~ :n ighty God approves of his worshiper s
gious organizations that do not accept Je-
.:niting with persons who have conflicting sus Christ as God's provision for saving
~!iefs and practices. To find out, please
mankind from condemnation to sin and
;.~:·n in your Bible to Exodus chapter
death. (Acts 4: 12) Yet, it may be asked,
....-,·enty-three, verses thirty-two and thirty- what is wrong about the uniting of reli-
::.ree. If yours is the Authorized or King gions that profess faith in Christ? Are
•... mes Vers ion) you will observe that God's they not, in fact, under obligation to seek
::.:..-plicit command to his Israelite people unity with one another in view of Jesus'
- a;;: "Thou shalt make no covenant with prayer that his followers all "be one"?
:.=..:m, nor with their gods. They shaH not -John 17:11,21.
~~.--en in thy land, lest they make thee sin No; for while true Christians should be
- Eainst me: for if thou serve their gods, at unity among themselves, the religions
: \Vill surely be a snare unto thee."-See of Christendom reveal by their conflicting
~ ~ ~o_ Deuteronomy 7: 3, 4 and First Kings teachings and practices that they are not
__: o, 6, 9. following the narrow way leading to life.
But what are God's instructions to They have deviated from the pur e Bible
.=-nristians? Are they the same? Turn, truths, and have accepted many philoso-
;..:ase, to First Corinthians 10 :20, 21, and phies and traditions of men. Thus, they
~e rve that it says: "The things which are instrumental in dir ect ing the masses
:.-:~ Gentiles [nations ] sacrifice, they sacri- of mankind on down the broad road that
::.: :: to devils, and not to God: and I would Jesus said leads to destruction.-Col. 2:8;
- :: that ye should have fellowship with Matt. 7:13, 14.
-=·.ils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the The a postle Paul also warned that there
:....:. d, and the cup of devils : ye cannot be would be a contaminating of the pure
~~akers of the Lord's table, and of the teachings of Christianity, leading to dis-
_.."'" y 8, 1961 27
astrous consequences. He said that false Could you conscientiously do that? Ob\·i-
ministers would rise and draw followers ously, doct rinal compromise undermines
:ll\er themselves, a.'1d that false Christ ian real faith in God, for in combining truth
sects would develop and spread. (2 Cor. \\"ith error, the truth becomes corrupted.
11 :13-15; Acts 20:29, 30) This has oc- The great need, therefore, exists for a
cuned. And a true Christian cannot sub- person to determine what religious doc-
mit to merging with these religions ~hat trines and practices are approved by God.
have apostatized from the teachings of Are you sure that the teachings of your
God's Word. religion are in harmony with God's Word?
Jesus Christ himself made unmistakably Have you tested them by personally exam-
clear that many professed Christians ining whether they are supported by the
would practice a false form of worship, Bible ? It is vital that you do so, for an
when he said: "Many will say to me in apostle of Jesus encouraged: "Keep testing
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophe- whether you are in the faith, keep prov-
sied in thy name? and in t hy name have ing what you youl'Selves are." (2 Cor. 13:
cast out devils? and in thy name done 5) Only by investigating Bible teachings
many wonderful works? And then will I yourself can you be sure what is right doc-
profess unto them, I never knew you: de- trine and practice. When you have deter-
part from me, ye that work iniquity." mined this, hold fast to what is right, even
Would you desire to unite with a religion if this means separating from a religious
whose adherents are practicing a form of organization that shows itself willing to
worship that makes them enemies of compromise by joining an ecumenical
Cht ist?-Matt. 7 :21-23, AV. movement.-1 Thess. 5:21.
Thus, if your religion joins with another
that teaches differently, it means that you Con •o a er these auesfons? for on~wer~
read the article above
become a sharer in t.hat religion's teach-
( 1) What effor! s toward religious unity hove
ings and practices. It means uniting what
been mode in r:?cent years, and what ques-
is supposed to be true with what was re- t ions are t hus raised? ( 2) Did God approve
garded as error. For example, if you do of his people, t he Israelites, joining in wor·
not believe that an infant shottld be bap- ship with people of other re ligions? ( 3) In
tized, are you prepared to unite with a whose religious serv1ces are Christians for·
religion that practices infant baptism? bidden to sho re? ( 4) From what form of
And if you beHeve it is wrong to bow and worship are Chri stians commanded to keep
worship before images, could you in clear separate? ( 5) A lthough religious fellowship
conscience condone this practice and join with non-Christians is unscripturo l, wha t
in religious services with those that wor- further ques!ions are raised? ( 6) To what
do the conflicting teachings and practices
ship in this way? Participating in ecu-
o rnong Christendom's religions bear witness?
menical efforts involves a compromise in ( 7) What warnings relative to the develop·
one's beliefs. ment of fa lse Christianity did the apostle
What would such compromise, in ef- Paul give? ( 8) What fo rm of worship did
fect, mean? Why, the collapse of doctrines Jesus reveal that many of his professed fol·
you now held as truth, for many of these lowers would practice? ( 9) What ore the
are unacceptable to other religions and consequences of por:icipating in ecumenical
movements? (I 0 l What are l he effects of
will have to be modified or abandoned if
re ligi ous comproml se? ( 11) What respon·
unity is to be achieved. But this would be sibil!ty relative to determining true doctrine
admitting that they were no longer true! and practice must the individual bear?
28 A WAKE!
obviously has not brought
about a moral uplift, but a
moral breakdown.
Dust by t~c Cnrlon<l
~ The Indianapolis Air Pol-
lution Bureau said one snow-
fall brought down enough dust
on India na l1o 11s, Indiana, to
fill 49 railroad cars. From the
sample examined, the fallout
was "mostly silicon, a very
fine sand." It was believed
that 1,0 :1 tons of this dust
came rlown on the city alone.
That fs a lot of pollution in
what Is generally believed to
be a clean not<>.
Street a nd Number
::\ame ...................................................................................... or Route and Box ............................................................
Clty ............................. .................. ... ... ................................... State ........................................ Zone or Code ..................
- ~:· 8, 1967 31
What are the most important things to you,
above all else in life? Health? Wealth? A
good name?
No one can deny the value of these things,
but are they vital? Health can bring hap-
piness, but are all healthy people happy·?
''Money is for a protection," said wise King
Solomon. It can buy needed food, clothing,
shelter. Yet Jesus said: "Man must live, not
on bread alone." Even a good name in the
community is not in itself your most vital
need, because Jesus said: "Happy are you
when people reproach you . .. and lyingly
say every sort of wicked thing against you
for my sake." What is most vital? To com-
plete Jesus' statement quoted above: "Man
must live, not on bread alone, bu t on eveTy
utterance coming forth thrO'u.gh Jelwvah's
mouth." Do you have a successful program
working for you to satisfy this need? Are
you receiving spiritual healt."J., treasure to be
laid up in heaven and a good name with God?
You can. Read the Bible regularly with the
aid of this rewarding book
Llle Et·erlastino-in F,·eedom
nf the Son.-. ot' God
This 416-page, h ardbound book, with subject and
scdptur e indexes, wiU help to supply U; is vital need.
It was designed to st rengthen your faith and hope
in a truly "free world." Send at once for youl· copy.
It Is only SOc.
32 AWAKE !
MAY 22. 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
N ew s sources that are able to keep you aw a ke to the vital issues of o ur times must
be unfettered by censorship and sel fls h interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
f acts, f aces facts, is free to publ ish focts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unhom-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keep s itself -free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. l't maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue " A w ake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetra ting articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday lif e. Curre nt news from every continen~ passes in quick review.
Attent ion is focused on activities i n the tleld s of g overn ment and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward d iscussions of re l igious issues alerf you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creati on, practica l
science s and points of huma n interest are a l l embraced in its coverage. "Awoke!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive readi ng f or every member of t he family.
"Awake !" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden f oes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom fo ; all, to com-forting mo urn ers and strengthening those
disheartened by the fai lures of a delinq uent world, reflecting sure hope for t he establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted w ith "Awake!" Keep awoke by reading "Awa ke!"
•-~~~~ -:lli -r ..- a- ..•• -·••
CONT E NTS
Your Per son al Choice T hreatened 3 Not Appreciating the Dangers 2Z
Will. Par en tal Rights Be Lost ? 4
Doing Without Blood Tran sfusions
Conflict with Constitutional Guaran tees 9
Integrity to Superior Law 12 Does Coercive Medical Treatment
Mak e Sense?
Ma.i.nta.ining In tegrity Despite P r essure 16
Blood Transfu sions Are Hazardous 20 Watching the World
"It is already the hour for you to awake."
- Romon• 13 :11
IyouFbuild
YOU hired a contractor to
a house, how would
ting there was a serious risk
of death if the amputation was
feel if he insisted that you
accept his choice of design
and materials instead of your
Your performed.
Then, again, both the public
and the professional press
own? And when you kindly
refused, what if he became an- Personal have reported an increased
tendency on the part of
gry, telephoned a judge and
obtained a court order forcing
you to accept his choice, with-
Choi doctors to experiment
on human patients
without their consent.
out your even having a chance Similarly, children
to defend yourself in court? and even adults have
Would you not consider had blood transfusions
such high-handed treatment a forced upon them over their most strenu-
gross violation of your freedom of choice? ous objections. But why would anyone ob-
The one hired to perform a service is an ject to this form of treatment? One rea-
employee, not an employer. He can make son is that, on the average, one person
suggestions, but may not go beyond what dies every twenty-five minutes in the
you authorize. United States alone from blood trans-
Likewise, when you employ the see- fusion complications! A surgeon, Dr.
vices of a doctor, you may wish to take M. M. Simon, stated: "The computed an-
his advice, but you also reserve the right nual death rate from blood transfusions
to reject it. Yet, this right to reject un- now exceeds that reported fo.e many com-
wanted medical treatment is being seri- mon surgical illnesses." And a Canadian
ously threatened in the United States doctor, B. Chown, said: "At least half o.f
today. all transfusions are unnecessary; person-
In Florida, a mature woman was told ally I think the proportion is much high-
she should have her leg amputated be- er than that." An additional reason may
cause of gangrene. She rejected this ad- be religious, based upon one's understand-
vice. But then the doctors obtained a court ing of the Bible, the Word of God.
order and her leg was amputated, despite For such reasons, to force any medical
her strenuous objections. treatment on objecting persons is a threat,
In another case doctors appealed to the not only to thei'r freedom of choice, but to
court for authority to amputate the en- your freedom of choice also. For while it
larged arm of a tvvelve-year-old girl over may be someone else involved today, to-
her motl1er's objection, although admit- morrow it may be you.
MA Y 22, 1967 3
lf/Jittl~~~~V~l
lt!ll-=-
.
·· -
- :.. ~ ~
--l-----~~
i
=----=-- -
w~~mnr®
/;e l~~
~ .12_
N Pontiac, Michigan, last year, a nine-
Icident.
year-old boy was injured in an auto ac-
The parents refused to accept the hospital would obtain a court order requir-
doctor's view that the boy must have ing the transfusion and that they would
blood. Next morning when the parents re- be notified of the time of the hearing in
turned to the hospital the nurse informed Juvenile Court before Judge Lincoln. The
them that a court order had been ob- father called later the same evening, only
tained authorizLTJg the transfusion, and to be informed that the judge could not be
two pints of blood had been given. There contacted and tJ1e hearing would be held
was no hearing or any opportunity for the some other t ime. Next morning on arrival
parents to present their views. When they at the hospital the parents were confront-
asked to see the court order they were in- ed with a fait accompli. A court order,
formed that no records would be revealed evidently obtained over the phone, had
unless the doctor ordered it. been granted and tl1e baby transfused at
In another case in Pontiac, Michigan- 3:30a.m.
that of a baby girl born in 1965 with a There can be r.o doubt that in these and
liver ailment-the doctor said she had to other similar cases the right of tl1e par-
have blood. Both parents objected. The ents to select the type of treatment to be
hospital administrator informed them that given their children has been arrogantly
a court order had been obtained and that shoved aside. Though in fact occupying
blood would be given. Blood was given, only the relationship of employees of the
and the child died. As far as the parents parents, such doctors audaciously turn the
knew, no hearing had been conducted, and tables on the parents and act as though
when they asked at the hospital to see the they were the employers. Were the final
court order they were told that the doc- decision in such cases left to this kind of
tor's approval must first be obtained. doctor, the right of parents to choose med-
There is also the case of an Rh baby ical treatment for their children would
admitted by its parents to the Children's be lost.
Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. The parents
signed papers forbidding the giving of Not All Doctors Arbitrary
blood to the child and exonerating the hos- Fortunately, not all doctors adopt this
pital and doctors of any responsibility unreasonable stance with respect to pa-
stemming from such decision. Neverthe- rental rights. Indeed, many private physi-
less, pressure was brought to bear upon cians will go out of their way to accom-
the parents to pe1·mit the transfusion; but modate the conscientious scruples of their
they were firm. They were told that the patients, be the patient Catholic or Prot-
4 AWAKE!
estant, Jewish or one of Jehovah's wit- modity and the dicta of yesterday are be-
nesses. Such men are not imbued with the ing modified and superseded by the knowl-
idea that their superior knowledge must edge of today. Let us not, in our pride,
overbear and cancel out the wishes and become arrogant and demand this sub-
opinions of their clients. They are well jection of our patient's will. I consider it
aware of their own limit ations, of the fact preferable that certain individuals should
that -in diagnosis and prescription they are die before their time than that we [doc-
far from infallible. tors] should undermine their ultimate
Said Dr. Arthur Kelly, Secretary of the right and duty of being custodian of their
Canadian Medical Association: "I believe own health."
that parents of minors and the next of kin Medical men who hold this mature view
of unconscious patients possess the right of the relationship between doctor and
to interpret the will of the patient or patient's
patient and that we should guardian neither need
accept ar::d respect their nor ask for court orders
wishes. Holding these enabling them to ride
views, it should come as no roughshod over the
surprise that I do not ad- rights of parents and
mire the proceedings of a guardians. They do not
moot court assembled at take too seriously their
2:00a.m. to remove a child own position and their
from his parent's custody. own ability to determine
The rights of the individual what is best for patients.
in our society are being
impaired and eroded by Position ol the Courts
many laws, customs, rules But what of those
and regulations, and I judges who put the
think it is high time that stamp of legality upon
doctor's orders should ta medical usurpations of
recognized for what they the rights of the par-
a re-our best advice ac- ents? Merely because a
cording to our current doctor calls them on the
knowledge. Advice and counsel are ours to phone in the middle of the night and de-
give and for the patient to accept or dis- clares that an emergency has arisen,
regard. Enforcement, except by explana- should they dispense with proper legal
tion and persuasion, is not our function." procedures and allow themselves to be
-Windsor Star) March 11, 1967. pressured into granting a court order?
Dr. Kelly himself had been deeply im- Should they accept one-sided testimony,
pressed by the following statement made a."'l.d make a mockery of the law as it now
by a professor during a course in medical stands, a law that does give some measure
jurisprudence and et."lics: "We can't order of protection to parental rights?
people to do what they don't want to do The function of the law and the courts
and we can't predict the outcome of a is to protect the rights of all citizens, with
given case even if our superior knowledge favor to none. When a judge is approached
is disregarded." Admitted Dr. KeJly: by a doctor seeking a court order au tho-
"Medical omniscience is a very rare com- rizing transfusion, the judge is well aware
_'J!AY 22, 1967 5
that there is a second party to the ques- cember 18, 1966) Already persuaded that
tion at issue, and he bears a responsibility the doctor knows best, they decide the
toward that party, as indicated in Section question prejudicially to the interest of
17 of Article I of the Constitution of the the other party.
State of Michigan (1963) : "No person These judges may mean well, but good
shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty or intentions do not justify ignoring the re-
property, without due process of law." q'...:irements of the Jaw, nor are they a
Life, liberty and property embrace the in- sound basis for depriving citizens of theil'
alienable rights of the citizen, and it is rights.
therefore incumbent upon each judge to
hear all parties and reach his decision, not Proposed Michigan Law
upon the basis of one-sided testimony, but As the la.w stands today there is some
on the terms of the law as applying t o all degree of protection for parental rights.
the facts. But a broad attack is now being mo\.Ulted
In the state of Michigan probate judges against par ental rights in matters pertain-
have jurisdiction "in proceedlngs concern- ing to the health and welfare of their chH-
ing any child under 17 years of age found dren. The following report appeared in the
within the county whose parent or other Detroit News of December 18, 1966:
person legally responsible for the care and "State legislation which would allow doc-
maintenance of such child, when able to tors and h ospitals to give emergency care
do so, neglects or refuses to pr ovide prop- to minor children despite religious objec-
er or necessary support . . . medical, sur- tions of parents is sought by two Detroit-
gical or other care necessary for his area probate judges. The proposed law
health."-Michigan Statutes Annotated would apply to 'life-or-death' cases and
27.3178 (598.) (b) (1). would allow doctors to proceed without
Neglect or refusal on t he part of par- first obtaining a court order. The propo-
ent or guardian to provide "proper or nec- nents of the law-Juvenile Court Judge
essary" care must be proved. In order to James H. Lincoln, of Wayne County Pro-
comply with "due process" requirements, bate Court, and Oakland County Probate
a proper hearing must be held, at which Judge Norman R. Barnard."
both parties have equal opportunity to be Passage of such legislation would grant
represented. It is quite possible that an- to doctors almost unlimited discretion, for
other equally learned doctor, called in as who bu t the doctors would determine
witness by the patient, might entirely dis- when an "emergency" had arisen and just
agree upon the need for a transfusion. exactly what was a "life-or-death' case?
Some judges, however, ignore the law It would play into the hands of a type of
and permit a flood of emotion to upset medical man who little deserves such con-
good judgment. Thus we have the admis- fidence, men who are proud of their pro-
sion by such probate judges as James H. fessional standing, who have no tolerance
Lincoln of Wayne County Probate Court for the opinions of ordinary citizens, who
and Norman R. Barnard of Oakland consider it an affront for a patient to dis-
County Probate Court in Michigan that agree with them. Gone would be the right
"they frequently make technical violations of patient or guardian to disagree with the
of the present law by giving 'telephone doctor on any point, as well as his liberty
consents' to treatment before a court of to dismiss one doctor and engage another
hearing is scheduled." (Detroit News) De- who would have more respect for his
6 AWAKE.'
·:iews. The proposed law would open the Judges Who Uphold tfte Law
door wide to abuse of power by medical It is indeed refreshing to note that not
men. all judges are prepared to disallow the
The danger of putting through legisla- right of parents or guardians to select the
tion that requires people to submit to cer- treatment to be given their ailing children.
tain medical treatment has already been In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a mother decid-
pointed up by recent developments. The ed not to accept the advice of doctors who
legislators in thirty-seven states were told urged removal of her six-year-old's spleen
that a certain t reatment for babies with together with accompanying blood trans-
an inherited defect that may lead to men- fusions. The mother was charged with ne-
tal retardation is so unquestionably valu- glect of her child and the court was urged
able that laws should be passed to make by the doctors to make their medical
the treatment compulsory. Now they have treatment obligatory.
to admit that it is not that good, for Judge Howard G. Brown of the County
Medical WoTld News of December 8, 1966, Court, Children's Division, Milwaukee
reports : "Compulsory PKU Tests Come County, ruled:
Under Fire." ''Expert calls legislation "On numerous occasions in the past, the
premature." A university of Maryland pe- attendlng physicians recommended that
diatrkian and biochemist challenged the transfusions be g iven to Henry [the six·
year-old] when he was in crisis, stating
laws: "We don't even know enough about to the mother that without such transfusion
PKU to diagnose the disorder let alone he would not survive. She has consistently
treat it," said Dr. Samuel P. Bessman. In reiused consent to the transfusions, she has
fact, he believes the treatment is harmful released in writing the hospital and doctors
and that several deaths have resulted from from liability by reason of such refusal, and
the child has survived without them ...
it. "Why should we tell the public that the "Unquestionably, there is a serious risk
answer has been found when the fact is of possible adverse effects of any trans·
that we may be doing as much harm as fusion. Medical advice as to the dire need
good?" he asked. for such blood transfusions has been proved
wrong in this very case in the past, where
Dr. Bessman concluded that the PKU the doctors have told the mother that trans·
case "marl{s the first time that what is ac- fusions were needed to save his life and
tually an experimental treatment for a dis- it turned out n ot to be so. The court finds
ease has been crystallized into law. We the mother in this case has not abused the
should re-examine the basis on which parental discretion as to the care of her
child."-Crime and Delinquenc-y, issue of
we've made PKU testing compulsory."* October 1966.
Obviously, in a field characterized by
Judge Brown is to be commended for us-
change and development, it is unwise for
ing his judicial authority to protect the
legisiators to 'crystallize into law' any
rights of this mother.
form of medical treatment or give unlim-
Instead of accepting the say-so of the
ited authority to its practitioners. Where
plaintiff doctors, Judge Brown preferred
are they going to draw the line? What
the testimony of disinterested medical au-
guarantee have t hey that this or that type
thorities. In evidence before him were ex-
of treatment will not soon become out-
cerpts from the well-known surgical work,
dated? Blood transfusion therapy, the fad
Complications in Surge1·y and Thei1· Man-
today, may soon fade out as did that great
agement, edited by Doctors Curtis P. Artz
panacea of yesteryear-bloodletting.
and James D. Hardy (1960), which points
~ See also Newsweek oc January 2, 1967, pase ~o.
under hea ding "The Cure That Falls~" out that "the annual mortality from only
MAY 22, 1967 7
three complications of blood transfusion, the courts prepared to take all their chil-
hemolytic reactions, overload and serum dren away from them in order to ad-
hepatitis, is computed to be 16,500 peo- minister treatment dictated by medical
ple." The same authority goes on to re- men? Commenting editorially, an official
veal that between three and five thousand Catholic newspaper, the Canadian Reg-
deaths each year have been estimated as ister of January 14, 1961, had this to say:
resulting from human errors in adminis- ''It is only one step from imposing blood
tering blood. Thus we have the appalling transfusion on patients by law to subject-
total of over 20,000 deaths annually. ing patients to sterilization and abortion
The same authoritative work makes the on therapeut ic grounds . . . because this
astonishing admission: "In terms of dis- obligation rests on the conscience of the
ability and loss of life the sequelae of patient, no medical or civil authority has
blood transfusions rival some of ou;.· ma- the right to force him to accept such
jor public health problems." And that is treatment against his conscience .... And
tantamount to saying that the promoters since the responsibility for the life of a
of the blood transfusion therapy have cre- child rests on the parents . . . the state
ated an additional serious public heaith cannot force them to subject the child to
hazard. How, in the face of this, can any treatment which they consider morally
doctor maintain that the risk from blood wrong."
transfusion is minimal, and that danger is The proposed Michigan legislation
just some foolish idea of the parents? How would, in effect, hand over minor patients
can he represent tllis treatment as any- to the doctors without so much as a court
thing other than a risky procedure? hearing, and would open the door to un-
ending abuses. The parents would have
Threat to Parental Rights jur isdiction over their children only as
If doctors are granted freedom to give long as t hey continued in good health.
blood to minors whenever they choose, is Doctors would no longer be employees like
it not equally reasonable that they can per- all other professional people, available to
form any other surgical procedures they be hired and dismissed. They would exer-
choose? Precedent would be provided cise police and judicial powers, arbitrarily
for compulsory an1putations, experiments, determining when a child should be taken
removal of the eyes and other drastic from its family and what type of surgical
procedures. The substitution of medical or other treatment should be given it.
opinion for parental discretion in the A grave responsibility, therefore, lies
treatment of children is also a dangerous upon each judge of t he courts today in his
break into the sanctity of the family. disposition of cases involving the right of
Once enacted into law, what other inroads parents to determine what treatment their
will be made? True, parents will at times children shall have. Will they afford pro-
make mistakes in judgment, but can any tection to parental rights, or extend un-
doctot·, legislator, judge or lawyer honest- warranted privilege to the medical profes-
ly claim he never makes mistakes? sion? And as to the proposed legislation,
The threat of the proposed legislation is will the legislators of Michigan protect the
not alone against Jehovah's witnesses. It rights of parents against further encroach-
is a threat, too, to people of many reli- ment? Yes, parents are keenly concerned
gious groups whose opinions differ in some about the matter. Will parental r ights be
respect from current medical thought. Are lost?
8 AWAKE!
EGAL pressure to de-
L ny one the right to
accept or reject medical
treatment comes into
conflict with provisions
of the United States Constitution. The pro- tution's Fourteenth Amendment declares:
posed Michigan law that would give doc- "No State shall make or enforce any Jaw
tors control over minor children is a radi- which shall abridge the privileges Ol' im-
cal departure from the basic principles of munities of citizens of the United States;
democratic law, which assures parents the nor shall any State deprive any person of
right to guide the care, education and po- life, liberty, or property, without due pro-
tential future of their families. If enacted, cess of law."
it would be a major step toward under- The Constitution of the State of Michi-
mining the Constitutional guarantees of gan, in full accord with these lofty senti-
clue process of law and free exercise of re- ments, allows: "Every person shall be at
ligion within the family circle. liberty to worship God according to the
But why is it that Constitutional guar- dictates of his own conscience.''
antees enter the matter? Because in the
case of Jehovah's witnesses the basic rea- An Infringement of R eligious Liberty?
son for their refusing blood transfusions On March 18, 1965, this very matter
is their worship. They have no objection was taken into consideration by the Su-
to other forms of treatment, such as use preme Court of Illinois in the case styled
of so-called blood substitutes or plasma B1·oolcs v. Aste. There the question was
volume expanders; but they believe that discussed: Is it an infringement of the
the Bible prohibits the use of the blood Constitutional guarantee of freedom of
of any other creature to sustain their own worship to deny one the right to reject
life.-Acts 15:28, 29. unwanted medical treatment? When one's
Hence freedom of religion is involved. action, or refusal to act, does no harm to
And in this regard it is vital to refer to the society of which he is a part, can
the First Amendment to the United States treatment that violates his religious be-
Constitution, which guarantees that "Con- liefs properly be forced on him?
gress shall make no law respecting the Mrs. Bernice Brooks had been forced
establishment of religion, or prohibiting by court order to submit to a blood trans-
the free exercise thereof." fusion against her will. Although the con-
Not only is the Congress of the United tention was made that, since the blood
States forbidden to make such unjust laws; transfusion had already been given, the
so are the individual States. The Consti- matter was no longer of practical signifi-
MAY 22, 1967 9
cance, the 111inois Supreme Court did not treatment that is religiously objectionable
agree. It considered the matter of "sub- to them is a deplorable invasion of the
stantial public interest," and so heard the fundamental rights of free people! Espe-
case. How did this high state court rule? cially when the treatment is, as admitted
In summing up, the Supreme Court in the book Complications i11 Sw·gery and
stated: 'Jhe i,· J1anagement 1 responsible for a "tre-
''Even though we may consider appellant's mendous loss of life," tens of thousands of
beUe!s unwise, foolish or ridiculous, in the deaths a year in the United States alone!
absence of an overriding danger to society
In all honesty it should be acknowledged
we may not permit interference therewith
... In the final analysis, what has happened that there are risl<s in either taking or not
here Involves a judicial attempt to decide taking blood transfusions. And when there
what course of action Is best for a particular are two risks, a decision must be made as
individual, nolwithstandlng that individual's to which one will be a ccepted. This deci-
contrary views based upon religious con· sion is not properly the right of the State
victions. Such action cannot be constitution-
ally countenanced." or the doctor to make, but of the parents
to whom the child belongs. No decision is
Interference in one's persona l choice of
neglect; but lf the parents elect one risk
m edical t1'eatment 'may not be permitted'!
instead of the other th ere is no neglect,
((Such action cannot be const itutionally
no basis for official interference.
countenancedn! Thus ruled t he TIJinois Su-
preme Cour t, and pr operly so. For sup-
port of its conclusion the Court r eferred
Good Intentions Not Enough
But it is argued that laws to enforce
in its opinion to a decision of a statutory
blood transfusions have good intentions
three-judge district court (affirmed by the
behind them. Still, what did the Supreme
United States Supreme Court), which
said: Court of lllinols say about a lower court
"For the courts to attempt to distinguish
ruling that upheld the rig ht to enforce
between religious beliefs or practices on transfusion? "While the action of the cir-
the ground that they are reasonable or un· cuit court herein was unquestionably well-
reasonable would be for them to embark meaning, -.ve have no recourse but to hold
upon a hopeless undertaking and one which that it has interfered with basic constitu-
would inevitably result in the end o! re-
ligious Uberty. . . . The religious freedom tional rights."
guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth The Fow'teenth Amendment to the Unit-
Amendments means that he shall have the ed States Constitution declares that no
right to [freely worship God]. whether his
belle! Is reasonable or not, without inter- State shall "deprive any person of life,
ference !rom anyone, so long as his action liberty or properly, without due process
or refusal to act is not directly harm!ul of law." Clearly, a court order that takes
to the society o/. which he .forms a part."* a child fro m the jurisdictio n of its parents
Cleru.'ly, it is an infringement of r eli- on the testimony of a doctor , without even
gious liberty and a violation of the Con- a hearing for the parents or opportunity
stitution of the Uni ted Stales to force a
for them to produce witnesses in their be-
particular medical treatment upon anyone
half, is not adhering to "due process of
against his religious convictions! To pass
a law that would permit a child to be tak- law." It is hig h-handed, unconstitutional
en from its parents' jurisdiction and given procedure! Similarly, the proposed Michi-
gan law that would give doctors the arbi-
• BaNI~Ie v. Wuc Vtrflon:a Sta:a Board of Ji:du«J-
tiolt, 47 F. Supp, Zl. 2:13 (att'd 319 US. 624l. trary right to administer treatment that
10 AWAKE!
the doctors deem advisable would also de- All Families Threatened
prive citizens of their "liberty . . . without The matter of the proposed legislation
due process of law." Medical treatment in Michigan that would turn children over
then could be forced upon persons without to doctors without due process of a trial
any recourse on the part of doctors to is not something limited to Jehovah's wit-
legal procedure. nesses. The issue affects the whole nation.
Often judges of the United States Su- Before anyone countenances such invasion
preme Court have pointed out the danger of religious liberty, it is well to consider
of undermining such procedural safe- the words of Mr. Justice Sutherland:
guards. Explained Mr. Justice Douglas: "Do the people of this land-in the provi-
"It is procedure that spells much of the dence of God, f avored, as they sometimes
difference between rule by law and rule boast, above all others in the plentitude of
their liberties-desire to preserve those so
by whim or capt'ice. Steadfast adherence carefully protected by the First Amend·
to strict procedural safeguards is our main ment: liberty of religious worship ... ? If
assurance that there will be equal justice so, let them withstand all beginnings of
under law." And, too, it is advisable to re- encroachment. For the saddest epitaph
call the wise words of t he late Mr. Justice which can be carved into memory of a
vanished liberty is that it was lost because
Brandeis, who stated: "The greatest dan- its possessors failed to stretch forth a sav-
gers to liberty lurk in insidious encroach- ing hand ·while yet there was t ime."*
ment by men of zeal, 'vvell-meaning, but
without understanding." Those who are seeking to t urn children
of Jehovah's witnesses over to doctors and
Moreover, though there may be good to deny them due process of law may be
intentions, there is no guarantee that good well-intentioned, but the proposed actions
will result from a blood transfusion. In in Michigan are contrary to the constitu-
view of the many risks in use of blood tional limitations. Such legislation would
transfusions, as shown later in this maga- violate the basic principles of the common
zine, one may well ask whether the time law, which protects family life and the
will soon come when blood transfusion is authority of parents to do what is right
sent along with bloodletting into the ceme- for their children. This is a God-given as
tery of treatment proved harmful. Then well as a constitutionally protected right.
how much damage will have been done not Any infringement of it is a danger to the
only to little children but also to public Sta tE> £md to all who live within it.
confidence in the administration of jus- All the evidence brings us to the sen-
tice? Courts, judges and lawmakers who sible conclusion of Dr. Arthur Kelly, Sec-
have abdicated their functions and rubber- retary of the Canadian Medical Associa-
stamped uncertain medical opinion will tion : "No doctor can be positive that a
have lost much in the way of public re- person will die if he doesn't get a trans-
spect. No one can make adequate restitu- fusion or live if he does." "It is perhaps
tion for the damage to the individuals and better that the odd person die rather than
to the families who have had the sanctity the ftmdamental right of refusing medi-
of their homes invaded. cal treatment become impaired."-Reli-
Doubly damaging is the abandonment of gion) Medicine and Law) Reprinted from
the judicial function, turning over to doc- The Canadian Bm· Journal) October 1960,
tors the authority to suspend the rights of pages 27 and 36.
their patients. • Associated Press v. N .L.J?. .B ., 301 U.S. 103, 141.
MAY 22, 1967 11
HE ancient Roman Empire prided it- God's laws. While breaking them might
T self in the fact that it excelled in law.
Yet, the empire also exc~lled in lawless-
have saved them from being killed in the
arenas, it would have resulted in their
ness, for slavery and social injustice losing God's favor. The Christians would
abounded. rather displease man th<m displease God.
Part of Roman law was the requirement True, by maintaining integrity they
of emperor worship. But the early Chris- may have forfeited a few years of life. Yet,
tians, while submissive to Roman law, they would die in a few years or a few
were also bound by a superior law, the law decades at the most anyhow. When they
of God, which forbade idolatry. Thus they would die was not as important as their
refused to worship the emperors, as that maintaining integrity until death to the
requirement of Roman law conflicted with supreme Lawgiver, Jehovah God. In this
God's superior law. As a result, many were way they could look forward to receiving
thrown into the arenas to wild beasts, the rewards for faithfulness.
where young and old were kiHed.
It must have seemed strange to the Int egrity R ewarded
populace for the Christians and their chil- That God rewards integrity to his laws
dren to suffer when it ,-,ould have been a the Bible makes plain. The Christian apos-
simple matter to escape such. How? By tle Paul said that God "becomes the re-
merely complying with the Roman law warder of those earnestly seeking him."
that required emperor worship. One his- (Heb. 11:6) He confidently urged: "Con-
torian states: "1t was difficult at any time sequently, my beloved brothers, ~come
for a Roman to understand and excuse steadfast, ... knowing that your labor is
their refusal to scatter the handful of in- not in vain in connection with the Lord."
cense on the altars, that \VOuld satisfy the Paul had this confidence because he knew
law and set them free:•• that "it is impossible for God to lie."
God's just laws were made for man's -1 Cor. 15: 58; He b. 6: 18.
benefit, and the early Christians refused Even if the Christian is killed for his
to violate them. Did this make them fanat- integrity, Jesus Christ assur~d: "He that
ics? On the contrary, those who insisted loses his soul for my sake will find it"
on idolatrous practices and who threw in- (Matt. 10:39) How? By a resurrection
nocent people to wild beasts were the from the dead to life in God's new system
fanatics. But did the Christians not want of things, even as Jesus Christ himself
to live? Of course, but not by breaking said: "This is the will of my Father, that
~e. Republic aad [;,,,PITt! (V<>I. 2. The Empire), everyone that beholds the Son and exer-
H. W. Household, pp. 148, H9
12 AWAKE!
cises faith in him should have everlasting guarantees obedient ones that life then
life, and I will resurrect him at the last will not be temporary, but endless; that
day."-John 6:40; 11:23--25. happiness will not be short-lived, but per-
The early Christians who maintained in- manent; and that poverty, sickness and
tegrity to superior law, although perhaps even death will be gone forever.-Matt.
forfeiting a few years of life, were thus 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:4.
assured of being in God's book of remem- Knowing that integrity to divine law is
brance and receiving his reward. But 1·equired, Jehovah's witnesses believe that
where would they be if, after having ex- when they are asked to take a blood trans-
ercised faith in God and in his Son, they fusion, they are in effect being asked to
now turned their back on Them and made make a decision to renounce their faith.
the decision to be willfully disobedient toIt is that serious, for a deliberate turning
divine law? As God's own Word so clearly of one's back upon God and his Son means
puts it: "If we practice sin willfully after
that "there js no longer any sacrifice for
having received the accurate knowledge of sins left," but only adverse judgment.
the truth, there is no longer any sacrificeHence, when Christians in the Roman
for sins left, but there is a certain fearful
Empire maintained integrity to God's
expectation of judgment ... It is a fearfullaws, even though it meant their death,
thing to fall into the hands of the living it also meant they would be judged favor-
God."-Heb. 10:26, 27, 31. ably by God and rewarded with a resur-
rection to everlasting life in a new system.
Why Required -Heb. 5:9.
Why does God require integrity to his Likewise, when Christians today main-
laws? Because his laws are always right. tain their integrity by obeying God's laws,
They are better than those that man de- even though they die prematurely, they
vises, and they always work to the bene- too can look forward to a grand future
fit of man. Without obedience to God's in God's new system of things. No, Jeho-
laws, there is chaos. It is this disregard vah's witnesses are not religious fanatics.
for superior law that has resulted in so They do not hate life. They love it, but are
much crime, delinquency, bloodshed and willing to give up a few years in this cor-
immorality in our time. All this disobedi- rupt system in order to gain God's ap-
ence has plunged the human family into proval and everlasting life in a far, far
great anguish. And now, in our day, dis- better arrangement.
respect for God and his laws has reached So when Jehovah's witnesses refuse
a peak. This is why mankind is in its most blood transfusions, it is not because of
severe time of trouble. fanaticism, nor because they decline all
However, God has allotted a specific medical treatment, because such is not
time for this corrupt system of things to the case. Indeed, they accept other forms
go its rebellious way. That allotted time of medical treatment, including "blood
has nearly run out. Soon, God will bring substitutes." But when they refuse to ac-
this system to its end. Then what? Then, cept a blood transfusion it is because they
by means of His heavenly kingdom for respect the law of God in this regard.
which Jesus taught Christians to pray, He
will rule the earth in righteousness. Mar- God's Law on Blood
velous benefits will go to those who re- Some object to the belief that the Bible
spect divine law, for the Great Lawgiver prohibits the taking of blood. They say
MAY 22, 1967 13
the Bible does not so teach. Others con- Christian Greek Scriptures state: "Keep
tend that, even if it does, the prohibition yourselves free from things sacrificed to
was only for the Jews. idols and from blood and from things
However, long before the Jewish nation strangled and from fornication." (Acts 15:
was ever formed, in fact, 856 years before, 29) Could Christians take this lightly,
about the year 2369 B.C.E., this prohibi- carelessly? The same scripture adds: "If
t ion was placed on the human family. Fol- you carefully keep yourselves from these
lowing the global flood of Noah's day, God things, you will prosper."
said: "Flesh with its soul-its blood- you If a Christian was carefully to keep
must not eat."-Gen. 9:4. from anytl1ing associated with idolatry, if
Centuries later, in the year 1513 B.C.E., he was carefully to keep from committing
God made a covenant with the nation of fornication, then surely he could not ig-
Israel. The Law that he thereafter gave nore the part of the command that tells
them included a restating of the prohibi- him carefully to keep from the use of
tion on the use of blood. Leviticus 17: 12, blood.-See also Acts 15:19, 20; 21:25.
14 says: "No soul of you should eat blood Hence, the reason why Jehovah's wit-
and no alien resident who is residing as nesses do not take blood transfusions is
an alien in your midst should eat blood. that they recognize it as a breaking of
For the soul of every sort of flesh is its God's law stated more than 4,300 years
blood by the soul in it. Consequently I ago, restated to ancient Israel almost
said to the sons of Israel: 'You must not 3,500 years ago, and again restated to
eat the blood of any sort of flesh, because Christians over 1,900 years ago.
the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood. Some maintam that these prohibitions
Anyone eating it will be cut off.' " were on eating (or drinking) blood, and
When animals were killed to be eaten, that a transfusion is different. Actually,
what was to be done with the blood? "The transfusion is only a faster method, going
blood you must not eat. On the earth you directly into the bloodstream instead of
should pour it out as water." (Deut. 12: through the mouth and digestive system
16) Hence, blood was not to be used nor first. Either way it does not do what Acts
was it to be stored. It did not matter what says, to "keep yourselves ... from blood."
kind of blood it was, for Leviticus 17:10 If a doctor told you to keep away from
shows the prohibition was on "any sort of alcohol for health reasons, would you in-
blood.'' ject it directly into your bloodstream in-
In the days of King Saul of Israel the stead of drinking it? If he told you to
people on one occasion began "taking keep away from smoking, would you in-
sheep and cattle and calves and slaughter- ject the tars and nicotine into your veins?
ing them on the earth, and the people fell Similarly, when the command is given to
to eating along with the blood. So they "keep yourselves ... from blood" it means
told Saul, saying: 'Look! The people are just that.
si..tming against Jehovah by eating along However, does this refusal of Jehovah's
with the blood.''' (1 Sam. 14 :31-34) Eat- witnesses to use blood mean they clamor
ing blood, even under emergency condi- for legislation to outlaw blood transfu-
tions, was "sinning against Jehovah." sions ? Do they try to proh ibit others from
Was the law regarding blood, given af- taking blood? No, that is not their re-
ter the Flood and restated to Israel, car- sponsibility. The Christian makes his own
ried over into Christianity? Yes, for the choice as dictated by his conscience, but
14 AWAKE.'
he docs not try to force others to do as ciples might be foisted on whose children.
he docs. Each bears his O\\'n re~ponsibi!ity Organized religion would be no more than
before God. a meaningless farce and a mockery; u~
state supreme."
The Right to Obey However, this doctor next notes a most
There are lawmakers and medical men important part of the issue, the part tha1
who recognize that the Christian should explains why the early Christians could
have the right to obey God's law even allow themselves and their children to die
when it confl icts with man's law. Indeed, in the arena. I t explains why Christian~
one doctor, writing in Clinical Pediatrics today would rather die than break God's
of December 1966 stated the following: laws.
"Most people in the Western World pro· "Perhaps the most fundar.1ental question
tess to be Christians. They respect other is what is the \·alue of terrestrial life, any-
Ch1·!sUans and almost delly the early mar- way? Is it to be valued above all else? U
tyrs who WE're !L'<i to the lions jn ancient so, then society's present outlook is correct.
Rome rather than renounce their f~uth. S<tvc the life of the child at all rosts! Spend
Almost deify them! Yet those early martyrs all the money; usc all the material; smash
joyously allowed their own children to die all doctrines! . ..
in lions' jaws.. . . Why for religious reasons "If not, i'l' ther·e Is some principle hlgl•er
can the involuntary, artificial (and much than life, . . . then t he 'good guys' arc
more grotesque) death of children then be '''rong. 'l'lle liff of the child becomes less
a lmost divine, and the involuntary but en- impo1·ta11t tha1~ the integrity oft'he ?'eligious
tirely natural death of the same kind of p1·inci.ples to which the 11arents adhere and
children for the same reasons now be al- according to wllich they wish to raise him."
most criminal? After all, in both instances Jehovah's witnesses have faith in the
minority beliefs were and are involved.
What's the dllTerence? God of the Bible. They believe his prom-
"Lack of reason and common sense, and ises of everlasting life on a paradise earth
emotionalism, and hypocrisy- these make u:1der God's righteous rule. As the early
the dit'rercncc." Christians, Lhcy know that nothing, not
This doctor notes the conflict at times even a few more years of life in this sys-
between man's law and God's law. Of this tem of things, is worth compromising
he says: their integrity to God. They know, as the
"Which is the highest ideal and the great.
psalmist wrote under inspiration, that
est Good, religion or secular Jaw? If one "evildoet·s themselves will ba cut off, but
answers law, then for him the problem those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that
doesn't even exist.... This Is ... basically will possess the earth. . . . and they will
irreligious or atheistic. I1 one answers that indeed find their exquisite delight in thE'
both arc equally Good, the conflict becomes
insoluble.... abundance of peace. The righteous them-
"Now, lf religion or nny sort o.f faith sdves \.viJl possess the earth, and they will
in the supel'llatural is higher than Jaw, thtm reside forever upon it."- Ps. 37:9-11, 29.
the problem is again easily •·csolvcd. Where Jehovah's witnesses love life, fo r them-
the two conflict, religious tenets will pre-
vail .... selves and for others. They love their
"The dilemma boils down to a vital philo· children aJ1d will do everything in their
sophical argument: In questions Involving power and ill the power of modem medi-
personal highest principles of parents ver- cine for their welfare, except break God's
sus law or society, which should hold sway?
If the latter, as is now the case, then pure
laws. But this wiUingness to help rather
socialism is the greatest Good, ... and one than hinder is not always manifested by
could never know Cor care) which prin- others. Note how this has been so.
MAY 22, 1961 15
N VIEW of the
plain language of
God's Word forbiddi ng
the taking of blood into
one's body, Jehovah's
witnesses have had no
alternative but to refuse
blood transfusions re-
gardless of consequences. It has not been Yorl\: city in December 1966. Alida Avila,
easy for them to do this, for much pres- 14 years of age, had been brought to New
sure has been brought upon them to ac- York from P uerto Rico by her mother
cept blood. earlier in the year. The purpose of the
Their course has brought them into con- t rip was for Alida to undergo an operation
flict with members of the medical profes- for the correction of heart and liver ail-
sion who have not appreciated the position ments. These ailments had caused her to
of Jehovah's witnesses. Not willing t o have a massive hemorrhage three years
grant these their right to freedom of r e- ago, losing about half of her blood. At that
ligion, they have used pressure in the form time she survived without the use of blood
of warnings and threats. At times these transfusions. However, the condit ion re-
have even resorted to questionable legal mained.
methods to force blood on the Witnesses Alida and her mother, both baptized
in utter violation of their religious scru- witnesses of J ehovah, had tried many
ples and convictions. times Lr1 P uerto Rico during the last three
How have the Witnesses responded to years to arrange for surgery that would
this pressure and what have been the re- relieve the condition. But because of the
sults of their adhering to their religious integrity of botl1 of them to God's law,
convictions? Have the doctors' dire warn- wh ich prohibits the taking of blood, the
ings that death would ensue if blood were doctors they contacted would not operate.
not accepted invar iably proved true? Not wanting to put themselves in the
Have blood t ransfusions always proved hands of those who would not respect their
lifesaving? And who has been shown in wishes, they came to New York, hoping
a better light- the doctors and judges who they would :find someone who would per-
have insisted on blood t ransfu sions or the form the operation without using blood.
witnesses of J ehovah and those memlnrs However, on Saturday night, December
of the medical profession who have re- 10, Alida had another hemorrhage while
spected their convictions? Let us see. at home. She was r ushed to St. Luke's
Integrity Severely Tested Hospital in New York in a pollee patrol
A notable case of severe legal, medical car. The doctors at the hospital were able
and religious pressure occurred in New to stop the bleeding, but said that Alida
16 AWAKE!
would have to have blood lram;fusions, as one of. the fom· full-tlme clergymen at the
she hed lost a great deal of b:ood. But her hospital, to ask Mrs. Avila's permission to
gh·e her now unconscious daughter blood
mother, Inocencia, refused to give her per- transfusions.
mission because both she and her daugh- "But she still refused. Mr. McCulloch
ter objected to blood tran~fusions on both then gave the legal go·ahead to give the
religious and medical grounds. chilcl blood."
A clergyman, the hospital chaplain, used At abcut 3 a.m. Alida received six pints
pressure and urged that the Bible passages of blood. The next night she received two
on blood should not be taken literally. more pints. Within two days of those blood
When it was pointed out to nim that the transfusions Alida was dead.
fornication and idolatry mentioned in Acts On the basis of a vet bal order from an
chapter 15 were literal, making the pro- official this child was taken away from
hibition on blood in the same text also her mother and given medical treatment
literal, he had no defense. Then he was to which both she and her mother objected
shown how Galatians chapter 1, verse 8, on religious and medical grounds. Not only
states that even if an angel out of heaven did this procedure violate Mrs. Avila's
declared something different than v;hat God-given right to obey superior law, but
was recorded in God's Word, he would be it violated her constitutional right to re-
accursed. The clergyman was visibly af- fuse medical treatment to which she ob-
fected, but his stand remained the same jected on religious grounds and her right
as that of the hospital staff. to due process of Jaw, because she was not
During the early hours of Sunday, while even given a proper hearing in court.
doctors were pressw·ing Mrs. Avii a to In addition, what can be said of any
change her mind and break her integ1:ity, clergyman who not only fails to assist a
the assistant director of the hospital called Christian to maintain integrity to God's
a lawyer, Robert M. McCulloch, Jr., who laws, but actually pressw'es her to break
in turn sought the advice of Robert A. them? Such person is indeed reprehen-
Derzon, First Deputy Commissioner of sible, disgusting to God. The Bible states:
Hospitals in New York. Mr. Derzon was "Whoever stumbl2s one of these little ones
sitting in as "night mayor" in City Hall. who put faith in me, it is more beneficial
Derzon said he would call for legal aid. for him to have hung around his neck a
Shortly afterwards State Supreme Court millstone such as is turned by an ass and
Just ice Arthur Markewich was contacted. to be sunk in the wide, open sea."-Matt.
He called the lawyer, Mr. McCulloch, by 18:6.
telephone. The New York Times of De- Overlooked by the press in its emotional
cember 13, 1966, comments on what hap- pres~ntation of the case is the strong pos-
pened: sibility that what killed Alida was, not
"The lawyer briefly repeated some of the her loss of blood, but the transfusion itself.
details to the justice, who then said he was She had survived the loss of half of he1·
'as o.f now' appointing Mr. McCulloch
special gl.tardian of the girl 'for the purpose blood several years ago, but once the mas-
of directing and carrying out life·saving sive transfusions entered her body, death
procedures, particularly the transfusion of quickly resulted.
blood.' . ..
"Armed with the verbal order from Pressurers Proved Mistaken
Justice Markewich, whom the lawyer has
never seen, he went with the Rev. James In December 1966 one of Jehovah's wit-
Walworth, an Episcopalian minister and nesses in Oregon developed severe com-
MAY gg, 1961 17
plicalions and blood loss after the birth that has a beneficial effect on their physi-
of her baby. Her doctor expla ined that the cal condition.
count of the hemoglobin carrying oxygen In the state of Ke ntucky an adult who
to her body tissues was Jess than three had been studying the Bible was admitted
(grams pc1· 100 milliliters of blood), about to the hospital with bleeding stomach ul-
one-fifth of normal. The specialist said to cers and a ruptured blood vessel. Although
her: "I've never seen anyone that needed not a baptized witness of Jehovah, he firm-
blood as bad as you do." He said that he ly stated that he would not take a blood
had seen people live with a count of six, transfusion. The doctor kept demanding it,
but only with a blood transfusion. But she stating that he had lost two-thirds of his
answered: "No blood." So she was given blood, and urged: "Take blood now or
iron to build up her blood. H~r hemoglo- you have one hour to live." The patient
bin count steadily increased. It went up to refused and recovered enough to have a
3.7, then to 5, then jumped to 7.3 and then completely successful operation without
to 9. In a month her hemoglobin count had blood. Doctors and nurses marveled and
gone from less than 3 up to 13.2. And this stated: " What a man of faith ... he came
without breaking her integrity to God. out of the operation with a higher blood
In another instance, one of J ehovah's coun1 than when he went into the opcl·a-
witnesses in the state of New York had tion."
an emergency operation for a ruptured ap- Yes, time and again those who have
pendix. But then poisoning and gangrene tried to pressure the witnesses or J ehovah
set in. The doctor said that blood must to take blood have proved to be mistaken,
be given to her. She refused. For the next for in spite of dire warnings the Witnesses
three weeks her condition became worse. repeatedly have recovered without the use
She raised a fever varying from 104 to of blood. As was true of the early Chris-
106.9 degrees. The doctor said a nother op- tians, although severe pressures have been
eration was necessary, but he would not brought to bear against them they have
pel'form it without blood. Her husband maintained their integrity to God and to
then took her by ambulance to another his righteous principles.
hospital, where a doctor agreed to perform
the operation without blood. After the op- Respectin g Integrity-keeping
eration the surgeon left for a vacation. However, it must be said that not by
When he returned two wc~ks later he any means do all doctors try to pressure
found that she was not only alive, but tbe witnesses of Jehovah needing surgery
much s tt·onger. Neither he nor the hos- to take blood. Many of them do respect the
pital staff had anticipated that she would r ight of the patient to decline a particula r
form of treatment because of religious
live. The doctor remarked: "The God that
scruples and are willing to proceed along
you believe in and have so much faith in lines that are in accord with the patient's
is a great doctor, so continue \.VOrshiping conscience. As one doctor put it: "Well,
this God for he perfo1·ms miracles." I haven 't become so stiiT-necked that I
While Jehovah's witnesses do not claim wouldn't treat someone unless they let me
such miracles, t hey do know that Al- use blood."
mighty God, with his energizing spirit, In fact, it might be said that the more
sustains his people in their time of need, skilled the surgeon is, the more willing-
giving them comfon and strength of mind ness he shows to limit himself by the re-
18 AWAKE!
ligious scruples of his patients. Thus it has Does it make sense not to do all within
been found that top-ranking cardiologists, one's technical skill just because one form
neurologists and urologists have evinced a of treatment iis rejected? Does it make
readiness to operate without blood. To sense for a doctor to declare that without
give but one example: an operation the patient will die, and then
Mr. C--, age 55, was rushed to a refuse to perform the necessary operation
Baltimore hospital in midwinter a year just because the patient objects to a blood
ago with a fever of 106.2. He was at once transfusion?
packed in ice and then operated upon, be- In regard to using pressure, particularly
ing found to have a paralyzed bladder. repugnant was the legal, medical and re-
Two surgeons, one of them a leading urolo- ligious pressure used in 1966 regarding the
gist in t he United States, took his case. three-month-old son of one of Jehovah's
First they cut out ten inches of his upper witnesses in Wisconsin. The infant had
bowel and sewed the bowel together again. been admitted to a hospital with bronchi-
This section was cleaned and then to it tis, but because of inadequate facilities he
were fastened the two urinals of the kid- was transferred to another hospital in
neys. An inch and a half opening was Madison, where he contracted "staph"
made in the side of the abdomen to which pneumonia. The child's condition wors-
the bowel section was fastened. Then a ened, so four doctors assigned to his case
plastic tube was cemented to this opening recommended a blood transfusion. When
and it led to a rubber bag fastened to the the father Tefused, he was taken to court.
side of one of the legs. The entire opera- The court ordered the baby taken away
tion lasted eight hours, and during this from the father, a new guardian appoint-
operation not one drop of blood was used. ed, and a blood transfusion given. But the
What was the outcome? Mr. C- -at- new guardian the court appointed had the
tended the assembly of Jehovah's witness- baby baptized a Catholic! What "dark age"
es this past winter in San Juan, a year mentality is it that not only takes the
later, looking fine. He stated that he was child from its father but, knowing full well
in top shape and able not only to get he is of another faith, has the child bap-
around and work but even to engage in tized a Catholic? Individuals who perform
sports such as swimming. such medieval practices must answer to
That more and more specialists are be- God for their actions. And the baby'? It
ing found that respect integrity-keeping was given a blood transfusion and then
on the part of Jehovah's witnesses and died within twenty-four hours.
the details of how these men proceed will The fact that critical operations can be
be found in the article "Doing Without successfully performed without the use of
Blood Transfusions," in this magazine. blood, and that far less critical operations
have resulted in the death of the patient
8 1'ushing A side R eligious Convictions
because of using blood, demands a closer
However, not all doctol'S are so minded.
It is to the shame of some that because a
look at the ent ire practice of blood trans-
patient rejects one form of treatment, fusion. Are there sound medical objections
they will not treat him at all, even when to its use? As used today, does it pos-
the patient willingly releases the doctor sibly constitute one of the greatest health
from responsibility for any supposedly ill hazards known to modern medicine? Let
effects from not using blood. us examine the matter.
MAY 22, 196'1 19
HE witnesses of Jehovah do not reject blood trans-
fusions or object to coercive blood transfusions
primarily on the grounds that they are hazardous.
However, the fact that transfusions are hazardous
should estop physicians and judges from forcing them
on patients that have conscientious scruples against
such use of blood. That these risks or hazards are real,
and are not a few in number, will appear from the
following.
The problem of transfusing blood is better under-
stood when, as expressed in IVlecli-
cal Science/ "it is regarded as a tis-
sue transplant." "Blood is composed
of living cells as wen as of fluid and
chemical components, and no small
part of the difficulties of its use is"
that the blood of the rcdpient tends
to reject the blood of the donor in
much the same way as a skin trans-
plant from another person is rejected
except in the case of identical twins.
Much depends upon the skill and care exercised
by those hC~.ndling the blood, but every discovery of
a new blood group emphasizes the fact that the dan- child-bearing age. Transfu-
gers are more munerous than even the skilled tech- sions can kill babies born as
nicians know. How great is the danger? In the United late as :fifteen years after the
States alone, 6,750 lives are lost annually- one every initial transfusion; Rh anti-
hour and twenty minutes-because of hemolytic re- bodies have even been found to
actions to incompatible whole blood transfusio::1s.~ continue in the blood as long as
thirty years. This sensitization
Then there is the risk that the transfused blood has primarily to do with the
will cause aggregates to form L11 the capillaries of Rh factor, but the hazard is
the lungs. These are tiny clumps caused by the join- even more complex because
ing of white corpuscles to the platelets in the blood, there are subtypes.•
so blocking the capillaries in the lungs and causing
bleeding. According to Medical Professor Max The Hepatitis Risk
Schneider of the University of Cologne, these prob- Another basic hazard asso-
ably account for many deaths that are not readily ciated with blood transfusions
explained: "We have yet to find the mechanism of is that they may infect the re-
aggregate formation, and to discover the substance cipient with malaria, syphilis,
that could harmlessly be introduced into conserved serum hepatitis, and so forth.
blood to prevent it."3 It is reported that in the Unit-
There is also the danger of sensitization, which, ed States 30,000 annually get
in turn, may lead to untoward reactions in subse- ser um hepatitis from blood
quent transfl.~sions . Particularly serious is this sen- transfusions and that 3,500 die
sitization in the case of girls and women of from it. Thus Dr. A. J. Zucker-
20 AWAKE!
man writes in th~ British Me~lical Jcnt?'nal, hemorrhaging in 33 percent of the pa-
May 11, 1965, that "it shou:d be a matter tients who r eceived len or more uniTs
of considerable a nxiety that there are in- (pints) of blood.
dications that the number of deaths from Anoth~r risk in massive transfusions is
hepatitis after cardiac surgery in some that such blood is usually stored blood,
centres exceeds tne mortality from sur- and storir.g decreases the bactericidal
gery." antibodies in t he blood. According to Dr.
Regarding post-transfusion hepatitis, R. M. Ollodart, giving patients who suffer
the Ne-t.V England Journal of Medicine from hemorrhagic shock "stored bank
states that it "has been found to be much blood as replacement therapy does seem
r.1ore common in our study than has gen- to make them worse, not better. They be-
erally been accepted in this country. Pa- come prone to infection." 10
tients so affected may represent a con- Added to all U;ese hazards must be the
tinuing source of further infection and factors of human error, as when, due to a
may themselves progress to chronic liver loose connection or letting a bottle run
disease."" In one study "12 percent of the out of blood, a bubble of air enters the
pat ients having post-lransfllsion hepatitis bloodstream, causing illness or death . This
died while ill with it ." 0 How many died is known as "air embolism." In fact, care-
later from it is anybody's guess. And while lessness-negligence such as mislabeHng
it has been found that giving large doses bottles, giving the blood to t he wrong pa-
of gamma globulin can greatly reduce the t ient, and so forth-is said to account for
hazard, this is clearly impractical because 60 percent of blood transfusion reactions.
of the limited supplies of it available. Well has it been s tated: "Physicians,
"More pi·actical methods are to reduce institutions and their e mployees assume
the risk by" drasticully ri!ducing the num- heavy responsibilities with t he adminis-
ber of "transfusions and using the greatest tration of each unit of blood . ... Let us
care in the selection of donors."r hope that every physician concerned with
Among s till othe r hazards of blood transfusion therapy will take seriously
transfusions is "circulatory overload," due his responsibility for minimizing all the
to the mistaken r.ot!on that all blood loss known risks. The sures t way to minimize
must be replaced. How mistaken this no- risks is to avoid unnecessary transfu-
tion is can be se~n from the fact that it sions."11
has been found that "some mild degree But do physicians a nd surgeons in gen-
of hypotension . . . ma y be beneficial." 8 eral studiously avoid the unnecessary
Yet, according to many clinicians, circu-
blood transfusion? Do they? Read t he
latory overloud causes more deaths than
any other hazard accompanying blood next a r ticle.
transfusion.o R EFERE NCES
In particular do massive blood t rans- 1 M'eaical Science, Decembe r 19M. pp. 78-89.
~ Com1J!iootiOt18 it1 SttrgerJI and Thoir Ma"agenlfmt
fusions represent hazards. Thus in open- -Artz and Hardy (19b0), p. 7l.
s Meclical World News, ScPtNnbcr 2, 1966. pp, 41·45.
heart surgery where whole blood had been 4 Caaadi<m Medtcal A.~~oc1atio>~ Jo-ur•~aZ, Fe bruary 1.
used in priming the heart-lung machine, 1958. p, 208.
s.a.r New li;ngland J01,rnal o/ il!ediclne, Octob~t' 8,
as high as 21 percent of the patients con- l 964, p. 753. Augu;;t 13, 1964, p. 341, July 8, 1965,
p. 61.
tracted hepalitis. Still a nother risk of mas- s Annals of Nf:w Yo1·k Aoodq;nv O/ Sciences, J uly
19~. pp, 199-210
sive transfusions is hemorrhaging. There 9 Artz and Hardy. pp. 76, 77.
10 Antl·Blotic New1, l"over.-o~r 10, 19£!5. p. 1
has been found a tendency to bleeding or 11 Amwlll of l?dernal /Jedilmte, July 1964. p 136.
22 AWAKE!
some time and effort to rid our medical a single-unit blood transfusion might rep-
culture of the unfounded hope that trans- resent an unjustifiable risk, and that these
fusion is a tonic, or that it may reduce will be watched in the future, what do
toxicity or hasten convalescence or im- they do? Stop giving blood in such cases?
prove wound healing." Apparently not, but, rather, give two or
Thus also the Med·ical Tribune, March three units where they used to give one,
19, 20, 1966, stated that "it is the opinion to avoid the censure, apparently, of giving
of a growing number of physicians that too many single-unit transfusions.
there are far too many unjustified single- That this may be the case is indicated
unit blood transfusions in this country by what Dr. J. Garrott Allen, one of the
each year." It then went on to report on pioneers in opposing single-unit blood
the findings of Dr. J. F. Crispen. He ex- transfusions, had to say in the Medicol
amined the records of a certain blood Tribune, April 13, 1966. He reported that,
bank and the hospital charts on 471 while there has been a lowering of single-
single-unit blood transfusions given in one unit transfusions, there has been an in-
year. Of these, he said that 47 percent crease in the number of patients getting
were definitely not advisable and another two and three units of blood. "This at-
18 percent were probably noL He also tempt to reduce the hazards of transfu-
noted that 338 units '"''ere given to pa- sion appears to compound them." Yes,
tients whose hemoglobin was 11 grams ot· making matters worse than before!
greater before transfusion. Among other Pertinent here is the statement made by
things, he stated: Dr. Frank Rigall, F.R.C.S., of Scotland:
"It was disheartening to note that in "Because I entered surgery before the
133 instances physicians prescribed blood flood of blood began, I am always amazed
with so little concern that no post trans- to see blood given for ordinary operations.
fusion hemoglobin or hematocrit studies It seems to be quite all right to take a
were obtained." In other words, the physi- pint of blood from a donor and let him
cians did not bothe1· to find out the con- walk home but wrong to lose a little b!ood
dition of the patient's blood after having during ordiMry surgery! My belief is put
received a blood transfusion. He also not- into practice. In nearly 17,500 admissions
ed: "The fact that so many unnecessary to this general hospital we have not found
blood transfusions are administered in the it necessary to transfuse blood more than
United States must be due to inadequate a dozen times. Our mortality rates com-
dissemination of information to physi- pare favorably with those of other insti-
cians using the procedure." That is a tutions. " 0
charitable view, but there may be other Doctors of that sort usually respect the
reasons, for, as he himself observed, "com- right of a patient to accept or reject treat-
mon sense dictates that a human com- ment that is offered. But the doctors who
modity that can be harmful as well as do not appreciate the dangers are the ones
helpful be not indiscriminately used." who, without hesitation, shove aside the
rights of patients and ask for a court or-
Not Willing to Learn? der permi tting them to transfuse blood.
But it seems that some physicians just
• Oo11orlin" .lJI'cliC<<l Association JOUl'liOJ, February l,
refuse to Jearn. After their being told that 1958.
"Things in Which It Is
Impossible for God to lie."
Send now for this hOl>e-in sptrlug Bible-study ald.
It is ha rd houod, 416 pages, illustrated. Only 50c.
J U N E 8 , 19 67
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that ore able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by po litical ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awakel" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles ore read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent posses in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. " Awake!" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent wo rld, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous ne w order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
·':'11 -t;lt -~t~ -~ -...~-·.11
CONTENTS
Do You Apply Preventive Maintenance Will Spain Soon Have
to Your Life? 3 Religious Liberty? 17
Relief from Frustrations Certain 5 American Chiefs of State Meet in
P ortugal's Supreme Court Agrees to Summit Conference 21
Conviction of Innocent Christians! 9 A Woman's Way of Life in Africa 24
Steps to Easier and Better L aundering 12 Greetings from Prison 26
High Cost of Business Letters 15 "Your Word Is Truth"
Government of the Bahamas What Is the Kingdom of God? 27
Changes Hands 16 Watching the World 29
"It is already the hour for you to awoke.''
- Ro mans 13:11
vember 5, 1966. ices but nuns who have spent from ten
Typical is the frustration in certain re- to twenty years in convents.
ligious circles, even as the press reports: Priests find it very difficult to leave their
"Nothing like it had ever happened before 'vocations,' and so their frustrations often
in Chicago Catholicism. Nothing like it, lead to bad fruits, as noted by Peter Ser-
for that matter, had ever happened in Chi- vetnyk, a Canadian Roman Catholic priest
cago or in Catholicism. Thirteen hundred for seventeen years who quit and married.
priests, all of them responsible and faith- Why? He found himself becoming a homo-
ful pastors, met October 24, to form an sexual because of frustration. In a radio
'Association of Chicago Priests.' And interview, among other things, he said:
11
why had they met ? Because of "frustra- "I can say that many priests have become
tion and restlessness, reports The Chris- drug addicts, alcoholics or have mistresses
II
Forty-nine Christians condemned by Portuguese Sufl"reme Court, here shown with their children.
Found " guilty" because they met together to study the Bible
J UNE 8, 1961 9
the Feij6 Congregation were meeting in made by him. Actually, he presented no
a privatP home in a Lisbon suburb to study argument of any kind! Not a single piece
the B:ble. But this weekly Bible meeting of ev·dcnce was submitted to prove that
was broken up by police action, and forty- Jehovah 's witnesses were guilty of any
nine men and women 1.vere arrested. crime!
Of what were they accused ? The State The only fact proved in the entire pro-
charged that they were guilty of a "crime ceeding was that the accused were gath-
against the security of the State, of in- ered together to study the Bible. It is no
stigation to collective disobedience . . . wonder that even Portuguese lawyers
they constitute a political movement, com- called the trial "a mockery," "a sham"
ing from various countries with aims of and a "miscarriage of justice."
disobedience, agitation and subversion of
the popular masses." Why Such Persecution?
Anyone famili&r with the behavior and Who is principally responsib1e for such
teachings of Jehovah's witnesses knows persecution? It is the Roman Catholic
that such charges are absolutely false and Church. They have instigated the auth.ori-
absurd. Jehovah's witnesses in ali coun- ties in Portugal to persecute Christians
tries show respect for the government un- who do not share their beliefs.
der which they live. They are peaceful, For years fue Roman Catholic Church
law abiding, and are not found in jails as in Portugal has spread vicious propaganda
a result of criminal activities. against Jehovah's wit.-·1esses. For exam-
Nevertheless, these false charges were ple, in the summer of 1963 a priest pre-
hurled against tl1cm in a lower Portuguese sented a series of TV programs in Lisbon
court. However, legal counsel for the ac- misrepresenting Jehovah's witnesses. Lat-
cused presented ample proof as to the ex- er he published a book that did the same.
emplary Christian conduct of Jehovah's Police raids on Jehovah's witnesses fol-
wit nesses in Portugal. It was also ex- lowed almost immediately.
plained that Jehovah's witnesses do not Other countries recognize the church's
advise or encourage anyone to break a responsibility. Last November 27 a com-
Jaw of any government. 'Their publications mentator on the Danish radio said: "In
explain that it would be wrong for a Chris- Portugal as well as in Spain Jehovah's wit-
tian to instruct another to refuse military nesses have for a long time been persecut-
service or to refuse to salute the flag. ed because the Catholic Church does not
Disregarding these facts, the entire trial approve of the activity of the sect."
proceeded in the atmosphere of a "dark Because of this instigation by the Ro-
ages" inquisition. The judges did not be- man Catholic Church, an inquisition-type
have like impartial arbiters, but per- persecution has taken place throughout
formed like prosecutors, inquisitors. Portugal. Homes and meeting places have
During the three~day trial, the public been invaded, possessions confiscated, and
prosecutor did not produce one witness to Jehovah's witnesses arrested. Some have
substantiate his charges! The State sub- been held for days, and even mont.11s, with-
mitted absolutely no evidence to prove the out being formally charged. Nor is this
Witnesses guilty of any crime! Further- persecution lessening. It is gaining force,
more, the prosecutor made no attempt to and in all parts of the country. Recently
cross-examine any of the defendants or police invaded a Bible study group of thir-
witnesses for the defense. No rebuttal ·;vas teen adults belonging to the Lisbon-Chelas
10 A W.AKB!
Congregation. Of this group, six men and
three women were taken to prison. After -
interrogation, which included questions
relative to doctrines of the Catholic
church, the men were beaten and the wom-
en subjected to filthy name-calling. Al-
though released on bail, they were told
that they would be prosecuted for attend-
ing an illegal meeting.
The Accused
Who are these "dangerous criminals"? Two sixty-eight-year-old Christians viewed
Of those from the Feij6 Congregation, by Portugal as a danger to the "security
of the Sta te." Why? Beca use they talk to
one is a thirty-t:\:vo-year-old mother. She other peopie a bout God
bas a daughter seven years old and a six-
month-old baby who is breast feeding! Her sight it is not a crime to study His Word,
lawyer is requesting permission for her the Bible. It is not a crime to meet with
to take the baby with her to prison. other persons to learn the high standards
Then there are two elderly women, aged of God so they can be better Christians,
sixty-eight! They also have been sentenced moral and law abiding. They know it is
to jail. But in their determination to stick no crime to "love Jehovah yow· God with
to what t hey know is right they are will- yom whole heart and with your whole
ing to serve the prison term. soul and with your whole mind" and to
Another mother, aged thirty-nine, has "love your neighbor as yourself," as God
two children, ages twelve and eight. But commands, and to gather together for
she is now pregnant and expects to give worship, as Jesus Christ and t he apostle
birth within the time she will be in prison! Paul taught.-Matt. 22:37-40; 18:20; Heb.
Yet, she is expected to serve her prison 10:24, 25.
term. Others will look after her children. Accoun table to God
Another couple, a man and wife, have However, those who so unjustly perse-
two children, one twelve years old and the cute innocent Christians actually oppose
other a small baby of fifteen months. Both God himself. As a prominent Law teacher
husband and wife have been convicted to of the first century, Gamaliel, said to those
serve the same prison term. Their children in authority : "Do not meddle with t hese
will have to be cared for by others. men, but let them alone . . . otherwise,
Another of the accused is forty-five you may perhaps be found fighters actual-
years old, married, and has four children. ly against God."- Acts 5:38, 39.
He is firmly set on serving his jail sen- Those who persecute innocent Chris-
tence because he feels strongly against the tians in Portugal will have to answer to
miscarriage of justice. Hls family will lose God Almighty himself for their debased
his financial support. However, his spiri- actions.
tual brothers have offered to help. Those who maintain integrity to God
Why do these Christians remain stead- despite such persecution gain His favor
fast in the face of such unjust persecu- now, and, continuing faithful to God, they
tion? Because they know they have com- will be rewarded with everlasting life in
mitted no crime. They know that in God's God's new system.-Matt. 5:11, 12.
JUNE 8, 196"1 11
TO EASIER AND
20 AWAKE.'
American Ch iefs of S ta te
Meet in Su mmit Conferenc e
8y "Awoke!" correspo nden t f1·om Carrasco Airport, in
in Uruguay
Mo n tevideo, to Punta de l
UNT A DEL ESTE, Uru- Este. Hundreds of well-
P guay, normally a quiet
summer vacation attraction
trained "shock troops" and
armed jeeps and other
for tourists, was suddenly vehicles were ready to
catapulted into the headlines quell any trouble that might
throughout the world. This arise. Navy ships and frog-
resort city of 5,000 local citi- men patrolled t h e sea
zens is on the Atlantic Coast about eighty and beach area.
miles east of the capital city of Montevi- It was said that over 7,000 police were
deo. It served as an ideal location for the also on hand to direct traffic, guard the
summit conference of heads of state repre- residences of visiting presidents and offi-
senting the American nations that are cials and to maintain a heavy guard
members of the Organization of American around the San Rafael Hotel. Some forty
States (OAS). sharpshooters, reports indicated, guarded
The OAS is an international organiza- the house where President Johnson stayed,
tion of American nations designed to help after having carefully examined every
develop and protect the mutual interests tree and object for several acres around
of its members. It is now working for the area.
closer unity. Twenty of the twenty-one Since the meetings were not open to the
member nations were rep1·esented at this public, only OAS employees, guards and
three-day conference, April 12-14, held in newsmen were allowed in the area, and
the Sa n Rafael Hotel, which converted its these were carefully screened.
gambling casino into a conference hall,
called "Hall of Americas." Informing the World
To inform the world of what was hap-
Security Measures pening at Punta del Este elaborate equip-
Elaborate preparations began long be- ment was installed that was said to be
fore the summit meeting was scheduled to capable of transmitting up to 3,500,000
begin. A housecleaning for Punta del Este words a day. Hundreds of newsmen were
brought improvements in the streets; ready to send a stream of news out of
weeds, bt·ush and some trees were cleared Punta del Este to all parts of the earth
away from all main highways and avenues by means of 1·adio, teletype, air express,
to eliminate possible hiding places. Dark co1or video tapes, and so forth.
areas were well illuminated. The pressroom, adjacent to the Hall of
Over 15,000 soldiers patrolled the entire P...mericas, had been set up in three weeks
area. Many were stationed within sight of and equipped to provide up-to-the-minute
one another along the entire highway news releases in English, Spanish and Por-
JUNE 8, 196'1 21
tuguese. From here one could watch and Paul VI, the influence of whose church is
hear the Entire summit meeting over six felt in both national and private affairs
closed-circuit television sets. Some loud- throughout South America. In the mes-
speakers carried the speaker's voice direct, sage he expressed keen interest in the
while others carried translations. Pw1ta del Este meeting and offered the aid
of the Roman Catholic Church, saying:
The Conferenc.e "Aware of the inexhaustible resources of
As each head of state arrived at the which it is the depository, the Church
Carrasco Airport the national anthem of wishes, as it has done up to the present,
his country was played, and he made brief to proffer its aid, in a spirit of service to
comments before proceeding to Punta dei individuals and to society." But he did not
Este by car, private plane or helicopter. mention that the church's "inexhaustible
Upon his arrival, for example, President resources" had been drained from the peo-
Ongania of Argentina drew attention to ple themselves or that the present needs
the pope's involvement in world affairs, of the people are, in many respects, a re-
commenting: "At the present moment, sult of exploitation carried on with the
when our course is marked by words of connivance of the church.
the Pope, every part of America has an After sending a message of acknowledg-
enormous responsibility." ment to the pope, the program continued,
On traveling to the Hall of Americas, with the chiefs of state speaking in alpha-
about three miles from Punta del Este, the betical order by coW1try. President Onga-
presidents were accompanied by assistants nia of Argentina was first, and, among
and security officers and siren-blowing other things, he referred to "the publica-
motorcycle patrolmen. A trumpet soW1ded tion of the encyclical of His Holiness Pope
to aru10W1ce each chief of state's arrival Paul VI, on the Progress of Peoples," and
at the hall; then he proceeded past the further elaborated on the points therein
honor guard and hurried to the meeting as being good guidance for the OAS re-
hall, where each took a seat at a desk garding economic and social progress.
marked with a nameplate for his respec- In their discourses, the heads of state
tive country. The heads of government sat reviewed the various problems and condi-
in a circle in alphabetical order by coun- tions in their respective countries and
try. made comments on their needs. They dealt
The meeting opened with a welcoming with the need for a common market, free
address by the host, President Oscar D. trade, exports of coffee, cotton and sugar,
Gestido, of Uruguay. He stated that we with overcoming poverty, the development
are now "facing one of the most convul- of isolated areas, the construction of high-
sive moments in man's history" and that ways, bridges and schools, and with in-
"the survival of this western civilization sect control, to mention a few of their
depends on not nourishing the seed which points. Also, they discussed the need for
has destroyed so many other civilizations." better living conditions, more education,
There are two alternatives, he declared: tax exemptions on exchange of products
"Survival together, or destruction to- between member nations, improving sea-
gether." ports and the production of more food.
Before the visiting chiefs of state were President Johnson of the United States
permitted to speak, attention was first preferred to be last on the program and
directed to a special message from Pope yielded his turn to speak to the other gov-
22 AWAK E!
ernment heads. In his discourse President One reason why some felt that a dark
Johnson stressed the need for unity and cloud hovered over the conference was the
then outlined goals to be accomplished refusal of the United States Senate For-
during the corning years. Finally, he eign Relations Committee to grant Presi-
urged building more schools, hospitals, dent Johnson a blanket authorization for
r oads, developing more trade, tax reforms, Latin-Ainerican aid. Hence the United
cleaning out red tape and act ing "with the States president was viewed as being eva-
~t'nse of urgency om· times require." sive, telling the Lat in chiefs of state that
The concluding session on t he third day he would "try" to support their new com-
lasted little more than half an hour and mon market with more financial aid. In
brought t he end of the summit conference. the views of some, President Johnson of-
It consisted of reading the "Declaration fered Latin America more sympathy than
of the Presidents of the Americas," the actual help. As one observer put it, Presi-
ceremony of signing the declaration and dent Johnson "dangled a carrot before a
the closing remarks by the Uruguayan meat-eating continent."
president. All signed the declaration ex- Thus for many it was obvious after the
cept the president of Ecuador, who felt :first session that development of Latin
that it was inadequate. This declaration America and its common market wm de-
sun1med up the goals for the OAS, which pend mainly on the leadership and exer-
htghlighted plans for inaugurating a Latin- tion of the Latin countries. This was point-
American common market by 1970. The ed out by the president of Chile who, after
main features of the new market would noting that "legitimate expectations" ol'
be a lowering of protective tariffs among United States aid have not yet been
its members and other unifying steps such fully met, added: "No external aid can
as establishing a common currency. replace our own effort." And President
The meeting ended and the heads of Diaz Ordaz of Mexico later declared: "The
state beg<m to return to their respective integration of Lat in America must be an
lands. exclusively Latin-American process. . . .
We must pool our own efforts and imagi-
Impressions nations and resources.''
Not everyone rejoiced over the summit Differences of resources and political
conference. 'rhe walls of some buildings systems among the Latin countries were
here were crudely painted wit h signs, viewed by some as formidable problems
"Go home Johnson ." University students for economic integration. Success will re-
marched in prolest, some gave anti- quire the overcoming of separatist habits
American lectures and others locked of a century. As President da Costae Silva
themselves in the university.
of Brazil put it: "The hopes for progress,
To some obs;ervers the conference was freedom and peace cannot depend on a
a "presidential show," hardly worth the
simple call to reason or on material in-
tremendous e:x-pense involved in holding
the meeting. They saw little, if anything, centives. It is essential to overcome selfish-
actually accompli~ h ecl . The newspapers ness.''
throughout much of Latin America were It is significant to Bible students that
skeptical about the results of the confer- not one of the heads of states or the pope
ence, a Brazilian newspaper calling it gave consideration to God's kingdom as
"nothing but words, timid words.'' the hope for a better order, the kingdom
JUNE 8, 1967
for which Jesus Christ taught his follow- contrast, this convention will call atten-
ers to pray. (Matt. 6:9, 10) Interestingly, tion to God's purpose to use his kingdom
Punta del Este has also been chosen as a to end all wickedness, wars and hatred and
convention city for one of Jehovah's wit- to establish a new order of love, peace and
nesses' "Disciple-making" District Assem- perfect health and enduring righteousness.
blies, November 23-26, 1967. By way of -2 Pet. 3:13; Dan. 2:44.
o -.o -o.-.n~-n.- o - p -~ n - D -..o_o _.o..., n - D...a __o_ o_ n....~ n - o -.o_ o.,.....l -..1 - ~ ~.-.n~_.o _.., -.~- o -
T
Why should I? you might ask. For one reason, E
because the Bible says: "Test the inspired expres-
sions to see whether they originate with God." s
One way to do this is to read the Bible yourself
- see what God's Word has to say. Firsthand
knowledge of the Bible is certain to equip you
T
better to know good from bad. Read the modern-
English New World Translation of the Holy
Scriptu'res for the most comprehensive under-
standing. This complete Bible is only $1. Send
today.
AMER ICA Aug ust 10-13: Btnl'ic, Ont.; Columbus, Ga. ; Oshawa ,
June 22-25: Kalispell, Mont.; Shreveport, La. ; Stock· Ont.: Peoria, m.: Rouyn, Que. ( b'rench only); Saulte
lon, Calif. Ste. Marie, j\Ilch.; South Bend, lnd.
June 29-Ju ly 2: Aberdeen, S.D. ; Amarillo, Tex. (En - August 17-20: Alea, Oahu, Hawaii; Brockvllle, Ont.;
glish and Spanish); Galveston, Tex. ; Grande Prairie, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Moncton, N.B.; Orlando, Fla.;
A lta.; Montgomery , Ala.; Pen ticton, B.C.; Sedali a, Worcester, ~1h.sa.
Mo.; Utica, N.Y. August 24-27: Cot·ner Brook, Newroundland; Evans-
Ju ly 6·9: Allentown, Pa. ; Asheville. N.C.; Lansing, ville, Ind . ; J a ckson. Mich.; Laurel, Md.; Rochester,
Mich.; P rince Rupert, B.C.; SaUna, Kans. ; Sas - Min n .; Trois Rlvleres, Que. (French only) .
katoon, Sask; Taunton, Mass.; Tucson, A riz.; Waco,
'rex.; West Palm Beach, Fla. (English s.ncl. Spanish). BRITISH ISL ES
July 13-16 : Chicago. Ill. (Spani sh on ly); Laredo, Tex. June 2S- Ju ly 2: Charlton, London ; Romford, Essex;
(Spanish only); Nanaimo, B.C. : . 'ew ·westminster, Torquay, Devon.
B.C.; San Jose, Callt.; Savannah, Ga.; Weyburn, July 6-S: Reading, Berlts.
Sasl~. July 13·16: Coventry, Warwlc!<shlre ; Oxrord, Oxon.
July 20 -23: Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii; I:Cetchll;an, J uly 20-23: Peterborough, Northants.; Sw!ndon, Wilt ·
A laska; Manchester, N.H.; Ogden, Utah; Spri ng- shire.
field, Mo.; '!'renton, N.J. Ju ly 27-30: Barnstey, Yorltshtre.
July 27-30: Fort W illiam , Ont.; Fresno, Ca li f .; iVIadl- Augu st S-6: B lackburn, Lancashire.
son, Wis.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Sarnla, Ont.; Yakima, August 10-13: Brighton. Sussex: Newcastle-Upon-
Wash . Tync, N orthumberland.
Aug ust 3-6: Eugene, Or e.; Grand Islanc1, l\'eb.; Jersey Au gust t7 -20: Dundee, Angus, Scotla.nd; Hamilton,
City, N.J. (Engl!sh and S panish); Ke..au, Hawaii; Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Medicine Hat, Alta. ; Pembroke, Bermuda; Pomona, A ugust 31-September 3: Wood Green, London.
C:allr. (Engllsh and Spanish); Raleigh, N.C.; Truro, September 7-1 0: Swansea, Glamorgansh!re, Wales.
N.S.; Welland, OnL September 14-17: Liverpool, Lancashire.
JUNE 22 , 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that a re able to keep you a wake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake l" has no fetters . It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts . It is not bound by political ties; it is unha m-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its a rticl~s are re ad in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue " Awake!" presenh vital to pics on which you should be informed. It
featu res penetrating articles on socia l conditions a nd offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent pa sses in quick review.
Attention is focused on activitie s in the fields of g overnment and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of rel igious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the mcrvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. " Awa ke!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the fam ily.
"Awake!" pledges itse lf to righteo us principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing fre.e dom for all, to comforti ng mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the fa ilures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this gene ration.
Get acquainted with ''Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
CONTENTS
How Much In!.tiative Do You Have? 3 'Deadlier than Bullets' 23
Serve the God Wilo Remembers 5
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Confessed Crimina ls on the Streets 9 Rows the Boat 24
Oil-by the Square Mile! 14 ''Your Word Is Truth"
"Which Cut, Please?" 17 The Bible-Pure bu t Fralll> 27
4 .AWAKE!
(\
w HEN those whom
you know forget
you in your time of need,
it brings sadness. It is not pleasant to be One is the great Creator of all life, Jeho-
ignored or forgotten by those whom you vah God.
considered to be friends. How great is God's capacity for remem·
Yet, even if these do remember you, bering? A servant of God, Isaiah, was in-
their ability to help is limited. There spired to write concerning the multitude
comes a time when even the best of friends of stars and planets in the heavens: "Raise
is powerless to assist. When a person is your eyes high up and see. Who has
stricken with an incurable illness and faces created these things? It is the One who is
certain death, the best that man can do bringing forth the army of them even by
will not save his life. number, all of whom he calls even by
Even if one is healthy during his life- name. Due to the abundance of dynamic
time, the aging process can bring him energy, he also being vigorous in power.
down to the grave, where no human can not one of them is missing." (!sa. 40:26)
help. The grief displayed by survivors is So the Almighty Creator has the power,
evidence that the dead one is beyond the not only to bring into being the entire
help of human hands. How such grieving marvelous visible universe, but also to re-
ones should appreciate a friend who would member by name each of the thousands of
remember them, not only while they are millions of heavenly bodies that he has
alive, but even after they are dead, and be created.
able to aid them! The capacity that God has for remem·
bering can also be seen in some measure in
One Who Can Remembe,. the living things that he has created on
There is One who can assist both the earth. Scientists are now learning what it
living and the dead and who has the in- is that enables one tiny cell to grow into
finite memory and power to do so. That an adult human with a precision and or-
JUNE 2.~,' 1967 5
ganization that stagger the imagination. DNA molecules to do all of this, would it
They are discovering what it is that "re- be so difficult for God to file away in his
members" all the directions for building memory any individual?
an adult human from just one minute ~o, the Creator who can remember each
fertilized egg cell. heavenly body by name and who created
The gem:!tic machinery that controls or- the amazing DNA molecule certainly has
derly growth scientists call DNA, short the capacity to remember the life pattern,
for deoxyribonucleic acid. 'fr.Js is found ti1e characteristics, of each jndividual he
in the genes of living cens. It looks lii\e a chooses to remember.
spiral rope ladder, with its steps made up
of four different types of chemical sub- Does He Choose to R emember?
stances. In effect, the coded message of Does God choose to remember in-
heredity is like a tape recording that, dividuals? Has he ever done things on
when played back, brings forth music ac- t heir behalf since he created them in ·the
cording to th e magnetic variations im- beginning?
printed on it. Many centuries ago lived the man Noah.
The coils of DNA mo.lecules are so Of him the Bible says : "God remembered
small and so tight tllat there are mlllions Noah and every wild beast and domestic
of them in the nucleus of a single cell, animal that was with him." (Gen. 8 :1)
enabling them to store an enormous Why did God remember Noah? Because
amount of information. .Science Di(lest Noah sincerely obeyed God. So God re-
of September 1964 stated: "One t en- membered him and took steps for his
trillionth of an ounce of DNA from a benefit and th at of his family and the
father, in combination with one ten- animals h e had with him. Should we be
trillionth of an otmce of DNA through grateful that God remembered Noah? Yes,
the mother, contains all the specifications because if HP. had not, we would not be
to produce a new human being." That tiny alive today! All persons llving today are
particle cannot be seen wHh the naked direct descendants of Noah, who survived.
eye, yet, as IYieclical 1--''orlcl News of Janu- the global deluge that wiped out all other
ary 5, 1962, said: "DNA functions . . . like humans aside from himself and h is family!
an original blueprint kept in the foreman's When God promised his servant Abra·
office. From its headquarters, the DNA ham, and his wife, a son, even in their old
transfers its genetic information to ribo- age, did He forget? The Bible tells us:
nucleic acid (RNA), which constitutes the "And Jehovah turned his attention to
'working drawings' used in the cytoplas- Sarah just as he had said . . . And Sarah
mic factory." became pregnant and then bore a son to
From that fantastically small beg-inning Abra.~am in his old age at the appointed
the DNA, acting lil(e a master blueprint, time of which God had spoken to him."
remembers and guides the building of t he
(Gen. 21:1, 2) God remembered his prom-
thousands of billions of cells that even-
tually make up an adult human. Since God ise to Abraham and f ulfilled it.
created these DNA molecules that can Such examples can be multiplied many
"remember" all the tremendously compli- times. Throughout history God has re-
cated instructions for the production and membered men on earth and h as worked
growth of a person, and since it takes only in their behalf. Psalm 94 :14 states: "Jeho-
::t single microscopic ceJl containing these vah will not forsa1;;:e his people."
I'
\} AWAKE!
From this we arrive at a fw1damental wait, until my relief comes."-Job 14: 13,
conclusion. God does remember living per- 14.
sons for good and works on their behalf. Of what was Job speaking? He was
But particularly whom? Those who re- speaking of the resurrection from the
member God. Deuteronomy 7:9, 10 de- dead. He knew that even if he died God
clares: "Jehovah your God is the true God, could, and would, remember him in due
the faithful God, keeping covenant and time and bring him back to life here on
loving-kindness in t he case of those who the earth. But such power was beyond
love him and those who keep his com- any human. That is why God-fearing per-
mandments to a thousand generations, but sons, such as Job, throughout the ages
repaying to his face the one who hates him have put their confidence in God, and not
by destroying him." And Proverbs 10 :7 in men.-Ps. 146 :3·5.
adds : "The remembrance of the righteous When God's set time for the resurrec-
one is due for a blessing, but the very tion comes, he will call to mind that per-
name of the wicked ones will rot." God son who died and will resurrect the indi-
remembers those who sincerely try to vidual with his same personality. For the
serve him, but he is not obligated to re- God who created the universe and the
member persons who deliberately practice DNA molecule, this will be no problem.
\vickedness. Why, even today man can record a per-
son's voice on a tape and also film him,
Does He Remember Dead Persons? so that after his death we can know what
But what of the countless millions of that person looked like and sounded like.
persons already dead ? Of them the Bible Surely, the God who created all things,
book of Ecclesiastes says: "The living are including man, has a greater capacity for
conscious that they will die; but as for the making people live again than that~
dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, -Acts 24:15.
neither do they any more have wages, be- Once, a man who was about to die said
cause the remembrance of them has been to J esus Christ: "Jesus, remember me
forgotten."-Eccl. 9: 5. when you get into your kingdom." (LtLl{e
Hence, the unconscious dead can do no 23:42) This man knew that Jesus was said
more. They have no feeling, nor can they to be the Messiah, or Christ, and he ap-
do anything at all and earn wages. Neither parently realized tl1at this meant that he
can tl1ey be helped by humans who are would receive ldngly power from God.
alive and whose remembrance of them Perhaps he had heard of the resurrections
gives ·way to forgetting them. performed by Jesus. (John 12:17) That
man wanted to be remembered by Jesus.
However, God does not forget the dead, Jesus promised he would be, for he an-
particularly those who have feared and swered: "You will be with me in Para-
served him. When the God-fearing man of dise."-Luke 23 :43.
ancient times, Job, was in the midst of
great suffering, he said to God: "0 that Misplaced Tr·ust
in Sheol [the grave] you would conceaJ Throughout the ages, however, men
me, ... that you would set a time limit have worshiped idols and false gods. But
for me and remember me! If an able- how many of them can help humans in
bodied man dies can he live again? All the resurrection? Why, they cannot even
the days of my compulsory service I shall help themselves! Indeed, who even remem-
JU NE 22, 19G7 7
bers most of them today? Where are Mo- course of life in harmony with what he re-
lech, Baal, Astarte, Zeus and all the quires. It means that belief in God must
others? They are out of existence because be coupled with proper works. The Bible
they were false, mythical, not real, and says of this: "Of what benefit is it, my
of no help to man. ReaUy, they never brothers, if a certain one says he has faith
existed at aU, except in man's imagination. but he does not have works? That faith
Perhaps you feel that at least in our cannot save him, can it? Indeed, as the
"enlightened'' age most people do not wor- body without breath is dead, so also faith
ship such false gods. True, in many coun- without worl<s is dead."--Jas. 2:14, 26.
tries people do not worship an idol or
mythical god, bu t acknowledge the exis- Learning About lite God Who Remembers
tence of one God in heaven. But does such Is simply joining a religion of one's
acknowledgment by itself bring a person choice the way to learn about God and his
any more merit in the eyes of the true requirements? That such is not the solu-
God than the ancients who worshiped Mo- tion can be seen from this item in the
lech, Baal, Astarte or the others ? Toronto, Canada, Star Weekly of March
When Jesus Christ was on earth he 28, 1964. In au article titled "Canadian
spoke about persons that acknowledge the Christianity Broad but Shallow" the
existence of a supreme God but do not following was noted: "During a recent
obey His commandments. Note- what he series of Holy Week services in an On-
said about them: "Many will say to me in tario city, five clergymen, old friends, sat
that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not proph- until the early hours of the morning dis-
esy in your name, and expel demons in cussing the problems of the ministry, sip-
your name, and perform many powerful ping coffee, and generally talking shop.
works in your name?' And yet then I will Suddenly one of the men interjected the
confess to them: I never knew you! Get remark, 'I'll have to confess that if some-
away from me, you workers of lawless- one came and asked me point-blank how
ness."-Matt. 7:22, 23. be could find God, I simply wouldn't know
What was wrong? Those of whom Jesus what to say.' Then, looking around at the
spoke believe that God exists and that others, he said, 'And am I wrong in saying
Christ is Lord. They even perform a type that the same would be true of the rest of
of worship. But Jesus said that they are you?' There was an extended silence but
workers of lawlessness in God's sight no rebuttal."
Why? Because what they do in Jesus' Such is typical of loday's religious
name is not what he instructed them to leaders. Why? Because they have aban-
do! They claim to worsh ip God but are
doned the plain counsel of God. They have
actually violating His commandments un-
der cover of J esus' name. Of such persons substituted their own conflicting ideas for
the Bible declares: "They publicly declare God's truths. As a result, they cannot even
they know God, but they disown him by tell sincere persons where to go for God's
their works, because they are detestable truths.
and disobedient and not approved for good Jesus Christ did not have that trouble.
work of any sort." (Titus 1:16) That is He said to his Father in prayer: "Yow·
why Jesus exposes their hypocrisy. word is tt·uth." (John 17 :17) Yes, Jesus
What counts with God is not just ac- knew the truth was to be found in God's
knowledging his existence, but leading a Word, the Holy Scriptures. One of his
8 AWAKE!
apostles later wrote: "All Scripture is in- of clergymen, who substitute their think~
spired of God . . . that the man of God ing for God's wisdom. Do what God re-
may be fully competent, completely quires of you, having the assurance that
equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. "his commandments are not burdensome."
3 :16, 17) Jesus pointed persons to that - 1 J ohn 5:3.
Word of God. He knew that it would en-
able us to remember God and serve him Remember God. Learn of him. Do what
properly. he asks. Then he will remember you and
Do you want to be remembered by God? will let you live in his righteous new sys-
Then learn his purposes and requirements tem of things, where you will have the
as set out in his own Word. Avoid the opportunity to enjoy peace and happiness
contradictory philosophies of men, even forever.-Ps. 37:11, 29.
"A IviAN
wife
who admitted slaying his
and five small children
walked out of a Brooklyn courtroom yes- States Supreme Court handed down the
terday, free, because the only available decision in the Miranda case. T'nis case
evidence against him was his own con- was representative of several cases before
fession." (New York Times, February 21, the Court at the time. In each instance
1967) "Two years to the day after the the Court claimed there had been failure
rape of a 71-year-old Bronx widow, a to inform prisoners adequately of their
crime which he allegedly confessed, a 21- rights at the time of pretrial interrogation.
year-old youth walked out of court a free On this basis the decisions of the lower
man yesterday." (New York Daily News, courts were reversed and defendants who
February 28, 1967) "Hundreds of con- had been convicted of rape, murder and
fessed criminals in the metropolitan area robbery were released. The Court also
will be freed \vithout trial in coming ruled that all cases not brought to trial
months as a result of the Miranda deci- before this decision must be adjudged on
sion." (New York World Journal Tr·ibune, the basis of the Miranda decision.
March 1, 1967) How can such things be? But self-confessed criminals are being
VVhat are the police doing, and the courts? loosed upon society, you may object. How
None of these cases had been brought to are we to view such action in t.he light of
trial by J une 13, 1966, when the United well-founded fears about crime in U1e
JUNE 22, 1961 9
streets? IE> it not more important to pro- Accused persons clid not ahvays have the
tect thC' C'ommunity than to show such con- financial means to engage counsel. The
cern over th(' rights of self-incriminated result was that only the well-to-do defen-
lawb1·eakers? HO\v can the justices of the dant could take advantage of this right.
Supreme Court justify a ruling that evi- Such obvious inequity must have resulted
dently ~pawns glaring injustice? in many innocent ones' being convicted.
A look at the trend of American cl'L-ni- There still remained a wide gap between
nal jurisprudence may help us to under- the pro\·ision of the law and the citizen's
stand this strange situation. Perhaps it ability to avail himself of it.
wilJ aid us to comprehend the trend of
court decisions and see that the Mimnda Right of the Poor Establi$ hed
decision was the logical e>.1:ension of a In 1963 the Supreme Court handed
process that has bc<-n in progress for many down a h istoric decision when it passed
years. upon the case of Gideon v. Wai,nvright.
Originating in the State of Florida, this
Trend of Criminal Jul"isprudence case involved the denial of the right of an
The early colonists who came to Amer- indigent to be represented by counsel, on
ica were seek ing freedom from religious the ground that the State was required
and political oppression. Some of them to fumish counsel only in capital case3.
had suffered under the cruelties of "in- Said Mr. Justice Black, delivering the
quisitional" justice, and many carried opinion reversing the Florida decision:
with them vivid memories of the injus- "From the very beginning, our state and
tices, the handicaps and the frustrating in- national constitutions and Jaws have laid
vasions of their rights experienced in Eu- great emphasis on procedural and sub-
rope. They could remember how cotrrts stantive safeguards designed to assure fair
and commissions had used coercive meth- trials before impartial tt·ibunals in which
ods, even bt·utalities, in order to wring evet'Y defendant stands equal before the
testimony from witnt'sses, confession of law. This noble ideal cannot be realized if
guilt from suspects. the poor man charged with crime bas to
The dignity or the individual citizen, face his accusers without a lawyer to
they reasoned, shouJd be protected by an assist him.''
enlightened constitution. By the terms of So now the responsibility belonged to
the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the the courts to see t hat legal counsel was
Constitution of the United States the ac- made available to defendants requesting it
cused was not to be "compelled in any even if unable to afford the cost. This was.
crim inal case to be a witness against him- indeed, a laudable stride fot'ward. But how
self"; he must enjoy the right "to have would it work out? Would the pool' man
t he assistance of counsel for his defence''; be aware of his right? Would he know
men were to be viewed and treated as in- enough to ask for counsel, or should the
nocent un lll proved [tuilty; and even in court inform llim of hls privilege ?
court, conviction was to be based upon Other pitfalls there were for the citizen
guilt proved beyond reasonable doubt. charged with crime. There was, for
Howevet·, after those Amendments were example, that hazardous pel'iod extending
adopted in 1791 many years were to pass from the time of arrest until the arraign·
befo1·e Americans would begin to gajn ment in court. Hou1-s, days, yes, even
appreciable benefit from their provisions. weeks might elapse, during which the sus-
10 AWAKE!
pect is in urgent need or the guidance of pens to become a "prime suspect" in the
a lawyer. It is a sort of "twilight zone" view of the police. What now would the
in wbkb he is bereft of the legal safe- high court do about the issue?
guards that the Constitution declares be Like a bombshell to the law-enforcement
should have. And remembet·, he is still world came the Court's 5-to-4 decision re-
teChnically innocent. He may be subjected versing Escobedo's conviction after he had
to lengthy questioning, cut off from the been in prison for four and a half years.
world and from counsel. Law-enforcement The right to refuse to answer police in-
officers may browbeat, shout, threaten and terrogation without prejudice and the
provoke in an effort to have him confess. right to be represented by counsel even at
Persons slow of wit or Jacking in educa- the police station were stressed. It was as
tion are particular]~' susceptible to psycho- though the justices of the majority con-
logical probing of their minds and other sidered questioning under any custodial
tactics employ~d by U1e police. Bright situation without benefit of counsel as, in
lights, bare, windowlc:-;s walls and the fact, trial by police. Any subsequent
general prisonlike atmosphel·e of the police court1·oom appearance would then be no
station's back room can all have a pro- more than an appeal f t·om the decision of
Cound effect on them. Innocent persons the police trial.
have been lmown, under such conditions, The decision produced a variety or re-
to confess imaginary crimes. actions. Pollee officers and pl'osecutors
protested that efforts to battle the mount·
Surprise Development ing crime wave were being handicapped.
In the case Escobedo v. Ilz.ino-i.s tl1e Complaint was made that an intolerable
Supreme Court in 1964 took a hard look burden was being placed on the police
at this feature, the 1·ight of the accused -that of finding evidence for prosecution
prior to appearance in court. Up till now other than by confession. Others warned
there had been little question about the that a host of vicious criminals would be
accused's rights in cow·t. However, every loosed upon society.
effort was put forth to obtain a confession On the other hand, U1erc was distinct
prior to arraignment. Then, armed with elation in some quarters over the Court's
a signed confession, t he prosecution could ruling. One spokesman declar·ed that police
present its case and obtain conviction. If, would now be forced to learn new and im-
on the basis of the confession, the accused proved techniques of crime detection.
could be persuaded to plead guilty, all the Others declared that, while it is true a few
better. There would then be nothing that criminals might be able to slip through
could really be called a trial, but just a the law-enforcement net on accow1t of
.;;ttmmary conviction. the ruling, this would be more than offse1
Escobedo, serving a twenty-yeat' sen- by t he benefits accru.ing to all cit izens In
tence for murder, allegedly confessed com- the realm of individual rights.
plicity in the murder of his brother-in-law. Many questions still needed clari.ftcation,
But he had been denied the privilege of however. The Court had not spelled out
seeing his lawyer while under questioning the rules, so to speak, governing proper
in a Chicago police station, and at the procedure by the police in dealing with
,·ery time when his lawyer was being re- suspects. Police office!'S were still in doubt.
fused access to him. Here wss a case that Was interrogation of suspects in the police
pointed up the plight or anyone who hap- station ruled out? If not, undC'r what cit·-
.TUNE "?2. 1!l6i T1
cumstances and according to what ground mation on which to make a case would
1·ules migh-t it still be conducted? be through interrogation of suspects."
Said another police official: "It practically
Spelling Out the Rules wipes out one of the most valuable tools
The answers were not long in coming, of law enforcement-the confession."
not long, that is, as time in legal circles is In his dissent from the majority opinion
measured. On June 13, 1966, came the Mr. Justice White claimed: "In some un-
Supreme Court's 5-to-4 decision in the known number of cases the Court's rule
Miranda v. A?·izona case. Several cases will return a killer, a rapist or other crimi-
were grouped together in this decision, nal to the streets and to the environment
cases having features in common. The ac- which produced him, to repeat his crime
cused had not been adequately warned whenever it pleases him." Another dissent-
that their own statements could be used ing opinion, this time that of Mr. Justice
ln court against them; they had not been Harlan, offered this comment: "The new
informed of their right to representation rules are not designed to guard against
by counsel before or during police-station police brutality or other unmistakably
questioning. And in one case the accused banned forms of coercion. Those who use
had been held incommunicado and denied 'third degree' tactics and deny them in
the opportunity to consult counsel. court are equally able and destined to lie
The Court took this occasion to spell out as skillfully about warnings and waivers.
rules t hat must henceforth determine t..~e Rather, the thrust of the new rules is to
admissibility of confessions. The suspect negate all pressures, to reinforce the ner-
in custody must be told plainly of his vous or ignorant suspect, and ultimately to
rights: that he can refuse to answer ques- discourage any confession at all."
tions, with or without counsel; that he
has a right to counsel even if unable to D efending the Rules
meet the cost of same; that police may That the Court's majority decision is
not continue questioning if he has in any aimed at something other than discourage-
manner declined to be questioned. At the ment of confessions may be noted by thjs
same time t he suspect may waive any or excerpt from the majority opinion as ex-
all of these rights. However, the onus is pressed by Mr. Justice Warren: "The use
then upon the prosecution to satisfy t he of physical brutality and violence [in t he
court that any confession produced in interrogation of suspects and potential
evidence was freely given by an accused witnesses] is not, unforttmately, relegated
who clearly understood his rights. to the past or to any part of the country.
Now the rules had been spelled out, but Only recently in Kings County, N.Y., the
many did not like them. Said Police Com- police brutally beat, kicked and placed
missioner Bell of Philadelphia: "I respect- lighted cigarette butts on the back of a
fully submit the police are now limited. potential witness ux1der interrogation for
The thorough, complete and comprehen- t he purpose of securing a statement in-
sive investigation and interrogation of sus- criminating a third party."
pects is next to impossible." A professor On this same point, lawyer Robert M.
of criminal law declared : "Police will be Cipes approves of the move to introduce
inhibited by the ruling. There'll be a lot lawyers at police-station questioning, and
of cases they won't try to prosecute, be- claims that it will have the effect of
cause the only way they could get infor- challenging "the hypocritical framework
12 AWAKE!
of the adversary process-a fram2work No P erfection ft·om lmpel'fection
which pel'mits bar associations and judges As Assistant Attorney William I. Siegel
to boast of our 'accusatorial' system, of Kings Cotmty, New York, rightly de-
while permitting the inquisition to flourish clared: "No human institution is perfect,
invisibly in the back rooms."-The Atlan- and we cannot require from a prosecuto-
tic JJ1agazine, September 1966, page 55. dal apparatus a level of perfection not
A number of responsible law-enforcement found anywhere else in human affairs."
officials remain unruffled by the Court's Not alone to prosecutorial apparatus but
decisions. California's Attorney General to courts also, high and low, his words
Thomas Lynch comments: "The U.S. Su- apply. They can be no nearer perfection
preme Court's ruling will not have any than the individuals who man them. Per-
significant effect on California law en- fect justice and law enforcement cannot
forcement. In fact, the decision is helpful be expected in a system that is permeated
because it lays down definite guidelines." by selfish, materialistic endeavors.
Formet· United States Attorney General At best, law enforcement in all nations
Nicholas Katzenbach, while admitting the restrains and punishes but a few of the
ruling will make the work of the police multitude of lawbreakers. The bigger
more difficult, says: "But that in itself criminals, wealthy and shrewd, operate
does not mean that it is a bad decision or freely for the most part. Ordinary citizens
poorly conceived." have even come to view the condition as
As to the claim that the Escobedo and normal and are satisfied to let things con-
Miranda rulings will produce a great in- tinue as they are, at least until there is
crease in unsolved crimes, due to depriving threat to them personally. For this reason
the police of freedom to interrogate, it is the police receive a minimum of coopera-
of interest to note these words of Deputy tion from the citizenry and are often even
Attorney General Ramsey Clark (recently obstructed. Surely a dismal but accurate
appointed United States Attorney Gener- reflection upon humankind today!
al) : "Court rules do not cause crime. The only hope for equal Jaw enforce-
People do not commit crimes because they ment world wide lies in the fulfillment of
know they cannot be questioned by the God's grand promise of a New Order.
police before presentment, or even because Looking to that happy event, the inspired
they feel they will not be convicted. We as prophet declared with feeling: "With my
a people commit crimes because we are spirit within me I keep looking for you;
capable of committing crimes. We choose because, when there are judgments from
to commit crimes." you for the earth, righteousness is what
To allay the fears that many criminals, the inhabitants of the productive land will
long since consigned to prisons, would now certainly learn." (Isa. 26: 9) The mountain-
seek to appeal sentence on the basis of like authority of God's kingdom by Christ
these rulings, the Court promptly ruled will forever halt every hurtful and de-
that the Escobedo and Miranda decisions structive activity among men, for the
could not be invoked as applying to cases prophet assures us: "They will not do any
tried prior to the date of those decisions. harm or cause any ruin in all my holy
And it is of interest to note that Ernesto mountain; because the earth will certain-
Miranda was tried again on the kidnap- ly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah
rape charge, this time without benefit of as the waters are covering the very sea."
confession, and was convicted. - Isa. 11:9.
JUNE 22, 1967 13
of Scotch whiskey-the :first com-
mercial transaction in connection
with the tar sands on record! How
his frugal heart must have suf-
fered when, a day or so later as
he paddled downstream, he saw
gallons of this "tar" exuding
from the banks of the Atha-
hasca River, all for free! This
~o impressed him that hr
called this spectacle "foW1-
tains of bitumen" in the
journ<1l of hi~ trip.
!ly "Awak~! '' torrr:spo"c\'"-"' in C11nndo
Veritable Ocean of Oil
TRETClilNG across 30,000 square
S miles of northern Alberta is a vast
deposit of sand. No, not the kind of sand
In the early 1930's it was believed that
the oil sands covered an area of only 1,000
sq·u are miles and were only 150 feet deep.
you find on the Stu"'lny beaches. This sand is Now it is realized that the area is th irty
black, sticky and tarry. If one walks over times that large and that the deposit
it, the sand sticks to one's boots in big reaches a depth of 200 feet in places. All
clumps; if one kneels on it, one's clothes this adds up to an oceal'l of oil, estimated
are ruined by the adhesive substance; if conservatively to contain 626 billion
one lives in the area, there is a constant, barrels of "black gold"!
penetrating odor of oil throughout the 'fhe consumption of oil by Canada and
smn mer season. Yes, these are oil sands the United States amotmts to about twelve
-miles and miles of them. For years they million barrels daily. If this rate were
have been known as the Athabasca tar
m«intained and they had to rely on the
sands.
•·;_:; r sands" alone, this sotu'ce would keep
The greatest concentration of known de-
posits are in the vicinity of McMurre~y, them supplied for the next 143 years. It
Alberta. A long time before the white would tal\e tl1e Mackenzie River in the
man ever explored this area, the Indians Canadian north, flowing into the Arctic
had discovered these beds and their sticky, Ocean at the mte of 3,750,000 gallons per
gooey properties. They used it for caulking second, two and one-half years to dis-
their canoes, even before the famous fur charge this same volume of liquid! Indeed,
trader, Peter Pond, and his party paddled the Athabasca oil sands deposit is the
their canoes down the Athabasca River world's largest source of hydrocarbons.
in 1778.
When Alexander Mackenzie was on hls Wh ere Did It Come From?
history-making exploratory trip to the How the sand came to be located here
mouth of the Mackenzie River in 1793, he is much easier to fathom than how the
arrived with a badly damaged canoe at the oil came to be in the sand. Up till now
place where MclVIurray now stands. How geologists are still unable to agree on any
would he repair it? The Indians sold him one solution to t he question. Most authori-
some of the gummy substance for a bottle ties do agree that the sands were depos-
14 AWAKE!
jted by a river or by a flood. Tne position the bitumen-coated sands would be
of the numerous fossil tree h·unks in the "cracked," releasing the oil, which could
bed, some of which are up to forty feet in then be pumped to the surface. However,
length, also is in keeping with this view. the oil sands proved to be a poor heat con-
Since they are always in a horizontal duct or and, tmless kerosene continued to
position, it indicates thut they floated to be fed to the fire, the fire went out. A test
their present location. was made at the bottom of one hole to
Some of these tree trunks have been so see how hot the sw·rounding material had
well "pickled" by the oil that the most become. One foot away from the fire it
delicate cell structures are preserved. One registered only 212' F.!
of the trees was found to be entirely unlike Again, someone had the idea that micro-
any species of tree presently growing organisms could be used. These would be
in North America. In fact, it most closely
put down boreholes and allowed to feed
resembled a type of shade tree that grows
in Japan! Freshly mined pieces of these
on the bitumen, and so extract the oil.
ancient trees are quite soft and can be This, too, met with failure.
sliced like cheese. An inventor in Calgary, Alberta, tried
After close examination of the indi- the use of centrifugal force by extracting
vidual grains of bitumen-coated sand, one some oil from the sands with a spin-dry
investigator discovered th&t "each grain washing machine. This seemed to be fairly
has a film of moisture around it inside the successful, and the idea was taken up by a
oil, or in other words, the sand was wet large oil company. Annotmcement was
when the bitumen [first] coated it." How- made of a $50 million plan to start pro-
ever, none of this e:x-plains where all the ducing 20,000 barrels of synthetic crude
oil came from. Some geologists are hoping oil daily by 1960. However, there was
that as the sands are mined the answer some hitch and the oil firm dropped the
to the puzzle will show up in oil springs plan.
coming out of the underlying rocks. But Next, the idea of an underground atom-
until that time it will likely remain what ic blast \Vas put forward. Its promoters
one ·writer described as "one of the most t hought the intense heat generated would
fruitful fields for mental gymnastics cook the bitumen out of the sands, and
known to geologists." allow it to be recovered
through ordinary oil wells. A
Efforts to Recover the Oil plan was worked out to set off
Many methods h ave been a nuclear explosion of nine
tried to recover the oil. In 1929 kilotons 1,250 feet below
an ex'Periment was made to dis- ground level at a location some
t ill oil from the sands without sixty miles south of the town
1'emoving the sand from its of McMurray. Plans were
present position. A vertical checked and endorsed by the
hole was drilled, kerosene United States Atomic Energy
poured into it and ignited at Commission and by technical
the bottom. Air was passed in committees set up by the Al-
to keep the fire alive. It was berta and Canadian govern-
hoped that once the under- ments. This idea, too, faded in-
ground fire began to burn well, to history when, due to the
JUNE 22, 19C7 1:>
international pact to curtail nuclear test- barrels of crude oil, besides sulphur and
ing, final approval was withheld. coke.
'f\."\ro giant bucket-wheel excavators
Oil Production at Last Possible from Germany will gnaw out 100,000 tons
The process that has proved most suc- of the sands each day and feed it to large
cessful is called the "hot water flotation conveyor belts. These will move the sands
method." Simply stated, this is a way of to the p!'ocessing plant. After initial pro-
making the oil film cessing, 65,000 tons
around each sand of thick, molasses-
grain rupture so the like bitumen will re-
sand can be discard- Before You Dou bt. sult. Fu..rther refining
ed and the oil recov- Medicaid to the Rescue. will produce 3,000
ered. It is done by How to Make Your Vacation More
Satisfying.
tons of coke each
mixing the oil sand day. This will be used
with hot water and to fire a large, high-
steam until the temperature of the sand is pressure steam plant for providing neces-
raised to 176 • F. Then this "pulp" is fed in- sary hot water for the plant as well as
to a turbulent .flow of 185" F. water. In electricity-sufficient to care for a town of
ttu·n, it is all passed into what is known as 10,000 population. Finally, 45,000 barrels
a separation cell, where the oil rises in a of crude oil will flow daily into eight huge
storage tanks capable of holding one mil-
froth to the surface and is skimmed off
lion barrels. Out of these the oil will be
by rotating blades. Meanwhile, the sand pumped through a 16-inch, 270-mile-long
sinks to the bottom and is flushed off into pipeline to Edmonton for distribution
the disposal arrangement. through other existing pipelines to the
Great Canadian Oil Sands, Ltd., will markets of the world.
use this method in its $230 million project As this plant goes into operation this
to produce 45,000 barrels daily from this coming autumn, an immense storehouse
gargantuan treasure trove of "black gold." of energy and lubrication will at last be-
In a ten-square-mile area some twenty come available for man's use. Now that
miles north of McMurray there are al- success is in sight, other large oil interests
ready proven reserves of over two billion are making their moves to share the rich
tons of bituminous sands. One of the prize, to draw upon this fabulous oil de-
largest open-pit mine operations in the posit justifiably described as a "wonder
world is scheduled to begin by September of the world."
1967 in the vicinity of the Mildred-Ruth As far back as 1940 it was recognized
Lakes on the west side of the Athabasca by an eminent geologist that the Atha-
River. Construction of the plant is already basca deposits "contained more oil than
well under way, since the go-ahead signal the combined reserves of all the oil fields
was given by the Alberta goverrunent in of the world discovered up to that time."
1962. When mining begins it will be con- Truly, mankind should be grateful to the
fined initially to a four- or :five-square-mile all-wise Creator who placed such inex-
area. Estimates are that, during a fifty- haustible material resources on the earth
five-year period, this tiny section of the -anot.her evidence of his unstinting
vast deposits can produce over 900 million generosity.
16 AWAKE !
HEN you stand in a meat market
W with its array of meat cuts or with
just several carcasses hanging there, do
you know which cut will best suit your terial, according to the United States
needs? Do you know the difference be- Department of Agriculture, is harmless
tween the cuts and do you know which vegetable coloring.
ones give you the most for your money? From the top gl'ade, which is stamped
Before you can unde1·stand the small "USDA PRIME" (the letters stand for
retail cuts you need to know something United States Department of Agriculture),
about the larger wholesale cuts from the grades descend through "USDA
which they come. Of course, the manner CHOICE," "USDA GOOD," "USDA
of cutting meat varies from one coWltry to STANDARD," "USDA COMMERCIAL"
another; but since the United States is the and on to the grades of Utility, Cutter and
largest meat producer in the world, turn- Canner. The last three grades consist of
ing out more than 27,000 million pounds meat from worn-out dairy cows or poorly
a year, we will consider the style of fed animals, which are used in processed
butchering used there. It is called the meat products.
"Chicago Style." The Prime grade of beef is produced
This consists of cutting a carcass length- from young, well-fed cattle. Cuts from it
wise into halves and possibly into quarters. have good marbling, that is, liberal quan-
Then the halves are divided into eight tities of fat interspersed within the lean
wholesale cuts, which, in turn, are sliced meat. It is juicy, tender and flavorful. The
into the numerous smaller retail cuts that Choice grade has less fat and is only
you see in the meat market. These eight slightly lower in quality than Prime. This
cuts and major subdivisions are identified grade makes up about 70 percent of the
in the illustration on the next page. beef produced in the United States. The
As a ·protection to the consumer, the Good grade makes up 20 percent of
United States Government grades about 80 the market. Having less marbling, it lacks
percent of the beef in the country, all that
the juiciness and tenderness of the better
crosses state lines, according to its quality.
It is almost impossible to do this after the grades. Because this grade has a high
meat has been cut up into small retail proportion of lean meat, it is desired by
cuts, but the highly trained Federal meat many cost-conscious shoppers. The Stan-
grader stamps the carcasses or the whole- dard grade has a very thin covering of
sale cuts with a special stamp that identi- fat and is less juicy and tender than the
fies the grade. The stamp's coloring rna- better grades. Only about 3 percent of the
JUNE ~2, 1961 17
meat produced in the United from a wholesale cut in
States consist~ of this grade. his refrigerator. But
when you ask for an ex-
Agi ng o . Hind Shonk
tra-tender cut for a spe-
b. Round
Most of the Prime and some c. Rump cial occasion, expect to
of the Choic? is hung in refrig- @ LOIN !SIRLOIN I pay substantially more
erators for two or three and in ~ SHORT LOIN for it than you would
some instances six weeks at a o. Porterhouse sle~~ for a less tender one.
temperature that is slightly b. T·bone 5leok The most tender cuts
c. Club st~cok
::tbove freezing so as to age the come from the muscles
meat. This makes it more ten- @RIB 1hat are used the least,
der and enhances the flavor. @SHOULDER a nd the l ess ten d er
!OR CHUCKI
Usually a carcass is held fo r ones from t hose t hat
only about eight days. @SHANK receive more use. That
o . Foreshcnk
When an animal is slaugh- b. Brisk~! which is the tenderest
tered, the sugar in the muscles (f) PLATE by far is what comes
gradually changes to lactic ac- from t he loin of the
@ FLANK
id because of the action of en- animal, along the lower
zymes. This acid acts on the half of its backbone.
connective tissue in the meat, causing it to Look at the illustration of a side of
become more tender. Even if a carcass is beef and the wholesale cuts. Notice that
hung for only forty-eight how·s, there will the loin section takes in the short loin
be some tenderizing of the meat. That and the sirloin. Running through these is
which has been held for two or three weeks the tenderloin muscle, from which are cut
is considerably more expensive than less the tender, but very expensive, steaks
aged meat because of shrinkage and re- known as filet mignon, chateaubriand and
frigeration expense. Only meat that has a tournedos. A 300-pound side of beef will
good covering of fat can be aged, because have only about five or six pounds of
the fat keeps the meat from becoming tenderloin. This muscle is stripped out of
tainted. the lo\ver-grade carcasses and sold by it-
Good beef has a silky feeling and is self as steaks. In the bett~r-grade carcass-
smooth and soft to the touch. It is fiem, es it is left in place and becomes part of
moist and has a coating of creamy white the porterhouse, T-hone and sirloin steaks.
fat on the outside. Yellow fat does not Porterhouse steaks come from the end
necessarily indicate poor beef. It can be of the short loin that is ne.'Xt to the sirloin.
due to breed and diet as well as age. The Of all the steaks that contain the tender-
texture of t he meat should be fine-gTaded loin, this is the best and most expensive.
and the color bright. There should be no If you are trying to stretch your money
odor to it. for meat, this is not the cut to buy. Similar
to the porterhouse are the T-hone steaks,
Identifyi ng t he Cut s which also come from the short loin. They
It is best to know specifically what you have a smaller portion of the tenderloin
want when you go to your butcher for muscle. Both steaks have a distinguishing
meat. If he does not have the cut you de- T-shaped bone. Allow nearly a pound per
sire in his meat case, he can get it for you person when you buy it.
l~ AWA. ICEJ!
Club steaks are the smollest ste.~.ks in in ilie round is the one on the inside of the
thr· short loin, and they contain no tender- leg called the top round. Of course, none
loin. Usually the bone has b~n removed of the cuts from the leg are as tendet· R$
when they are displayed in a meat case. Al- those from the loin and rib section, be-
though they might be priced higher than cause the muscles there work harder. The
'l'-bone steaks, they may be less expensive bottom round is a muscle on the outside
because you are not paying for inedible part of the leg and is less tender than the
bone. Like the T-bone and porterhouse top round.
steaks, sirloin steaks also have a dis- Like sirloin stf.'aks, round steaks arc
tinguishing T-shaped bone, but, since they large pieces of meat. Because there is little
are less tender than the steaks from the waste, one pound "ill serve about three
short loin, they are a little less expensive. persons. These steaks are, therefore, an
You can figure on one to two servings economical buy. Thc:y are especially good
for each pound of sirloin, depending upon when braised. The bottom round makes
how much bone is in the steak. This varies excellent Swiss steak. Because a bottom-
in sirloin cuts. round roast has no bone and little connec-
Of all the beef roasts that can be cut tive tissue and fat in relation to lean meat,
from a carcass, those that come from the it is attractive to the economy-minded per-
rib section are the best and the most ex- son.
pensive because of their flavor and tender- Like the steaks that come from tJ1e
ness. Especially fine are the rib cuts near round and t he chuck, flank steaks tend to
the short loin, which would be the eighth be tough and must necessarily be cooked
to the twelfth ribs. When buying a rib in moist heat. Sometimes they are called
roast make sure that it contains at least "London Broil." The cuts from the plate
two ribs to make it sufficiently thick. Plan and brisket sections are also tough and
on one pound for two servings. Fine steaks therefore lower in pric<>.
are also obtained from this section.
A tasty, economical, but less tender, cul Watchful Buy ing
is the chuck-blade steak, which is the .first When shopping fot' meat it is necessary
steak tnken from the rib end of the chuck. to be watchful for deceptive practices.
It is called "blade" steak because of the H::t.:nburger may not be a good buy be-
shape of the bone in it, which is a long, caw e it may contain a high propot·tion of
narrow piece of rib bone. You can .figure fat, resulting in g reater shr inl;age when it
that a pound of chuck-blad~ $teak will is cooked than when there is the desirable
serve two persons. The chuck is the 10- to 15-percent fat content. Because
shoulder oC the animal. g row1d beef turns dark with age, $OmC'
In the rear o( th~ carcass there is a markets add blood to it when this happens
triangular section between the loin and the so as to mal<e it lock fresher. You may do
round called the "rump." ..'\.!though it is better to buy the meat you want and then
tough, it has many meaty pot·tions that have it grOtmd, eveu though it costs a
make tasty roasts. A potmd will serve little more.
about two persons. If you wam ground round steak, for
The round is the rear upper leg of the example, buy the steak and have it ground
animal, and it contains only one round where the grinder is in full view. The
hone. The most tendet· of the four muscles butcher tha t takes the steak into a re-
.JUNE ~~. 1967 19
frigerator or cutting room to grind it crease osmotic pressure at the sUL·face,
might not bring you ground round steak causing a greater loss of juices. Punctw·-
but boneless chuck. In some stores, there ing the meat with a fork also causes a
is also reason to question whether the juice loss.
pans of ground meat in the meat case The way a piece of meat is cooked has
that are marked "ground round" are ac- a definite effect on its tenderness. General-
tually that. They could ve1·y well contain ly a cut of beef will become tougher under
lean chuck or beef trimmings. You might high temperatures or if overcooked, where-
save 20 to 30 cents a pound by buying the as low temperatures tend to improve ten-
chuck and having it ground. There also are derness. They cause less loss of juices, less
savings in the special sales put on by com- shrinkage and a more uniform cooking
peting markets. of the meat. Frozen steaks arc better if
Some markets tend to attach unfamiliar put directly into the broiler unthawed and
names to meat cuts so as to hide the true cooked a little longe1·.
identity of the cuts and thereby make Whether you should cook the meat with
price comparison difficult. I n some in- dry heat or with moist heat depends upon
stances steaks are cut from portions of a which cut of meat you buy. Dry heat is
carcass that are unsuitable for broiling be- used for the tender cuts but moist heat for
cause of being tough, but they are given those that tend to be a little tough. Roast-
a tenderizing treatment and sold w1dcr an ing, broiling, pan-broiling, pan-frying and
unfamiliar name. For example, cube rotisserie cooking are the dry-heat meth-
steaks, minute steaks, sandwich steaks ods. With the moist-heat method the
and chicken steaks are thin cuts that are meat is cooked in some kind of liquid, such
taken from almost any part of the carcass as when stewing, or it might be pressure-
and mechanicaUy tenderized. It pays to be cooked or braised. Braising is the cooking
familiar with the wholesale cuts so the of meat in fat. Such cuts as those from
butcher can be asked to identify from the round, rump, chuck, brisket, plate and
which wholesale cuts the small cuts with flank are suitable for braising. Brisket is
unfamiliar names come. By being able to usually used for corn beef.
l'ecognize the various cuts, such as by Meat that is to be kept for a long time
their identifying bones, you will be better should be frozen. When it is kept for only
able to ascertain in many instances a truly a short time it should be stored in the cold-
money-saving sale. est place in the refrigerator. Because tight
wrappings tend to keep the surface moist,
Cooking M ethods encouraging the gl'owth of microorga-
Almost every cook has favorite ways for nisms, it is best to remove such wrappings
cooking meat, but what. ls mentioned here and rewrap the meat loosely Ot' cover it
is what some cooks have :found to be a lightly so alr can get at it.
satisfactol'y procedure. '!'hey recommend Knowing which cut to buy and how to
that meat be wiped off with a clean, damp cook it is important, especially when you
cloth and not washed before It is cooked. must make your money go as far as pos-
They believe that washing will leach out sible and still provide a ftavorful meal. By
some of the extractives that contain nu- knowing a little about the different cuts
trients and ftavor. They also recommend of meat and how they differ you will be
that thin steaks and chops not be salted able to answer the butcher lmowledgeably
before cooking them, as that tends to in- when he asks, "Which cut, please?"
20 AWAKE/
r HOUSANDS of motorists
on the Autopista del Este
but gentle creature that
spends most of its time in the
(Eastern Freeway), Caracas, waters of the riv2rs and that
Venezuela, daily pass a huge takes to the water when in
monument depicting a nude danger, we fw·ther learn that
woman riding a tapir and this "saint-goddess" is said to
carrying triumphantly over- have an enchanted palace un-
head a man's pelvic bone. The derwater in the grottoes of the
tapir is seen stamping on a Sorte Mountains in the state
snake, thus supposedly repre- of Yaracuy. There, seated on
senting the victory of the a throne of coiled snakes, she
forces of good over those of reigns, according to her dev-
evil. The casual beholder might otees, over her remote forest
well pass the whole tableau off kingdom. Her stone temple of
as some mythical representa- worship is located deep in the
tion, somewhat in a class with wilds near Cbivacoa. It consti-
Cupid and his arrows or the tutes the mecca of a multitude
fabled Atlas bearing the earth of pilgrims who come pre-
on his shoulders. To the motor- pared to spend the night in
ist who stops and inquires, this all but inaccessible region.
however, comes a strange rev- They will string their ham-
elation. mocks between ancient trees
The first surprise as one decorated with orchids, and
approaches the monument is cook in earthen pots over
to see all around its base offer- Indian-style fires.
ings of flower wreaths, potted
plants and several bottles of What Is the A t t rac"lion?
rum and other liquors. The How does it come about,
thought might suggest itself you ask, that Catholics are at-
that this must be a cenotaph tracted in such great num-
honoring the war dead, but bers to this cult of the sylvan
why the libations? goddess? Do they not already
Well, a few more inquiries have a considerable number of
elicit the information that the "saints" from whom to choose,
sculptured woman is Maria intermediaries through whom,
Li011Za. Still puzzled? ·w ny, it is claimed, they can obtain
she is the Venezuelan goddess success in love, in business, in
of love, the majority of whose worshipers healing, and so on? True, but Maria
are baptized Catholics. They believe that Lionza goes farther. She offers success in
she has the power to assume various forms attaining the gratification of illicit desires,
and that she shares with her strange pleasures of the flesh, untold wealth .
mount the disposition to avoid open, popu- She is the goddess of love and fortune.
lated places and to withdraw to the depths Her devotees believe that she has trea-
of the woods, nighttime being her favored sures piled up in her submarine grottoes,
period of activity. riches that she will share with huma..r1s in
Having in mind that the tapir is a large exchange for their souls. They believe that
JUNE 22, 1961 21
it is a simple transaction to sell the soul, for l'egaining lost love, to get inspiration
a transaction that appeals to them as be- in the choice of a winning lottery ticket,
ing quite profitable. After an. they reason, to obtain clues regarding unfaithfulness of
the soul cost them nothing, and here they a marriage mate or to get ideas on avoid-
can begin at once to enjoy what Maria ing bankruptcy.
Lionza has to offer, taking advantage of Pilgrims are reported to have indulged
her deferred-payment arrangement As in strange ceremonies in remote clearings
long as she eventually gains their souls, in the forest. Some have walked through
it is believed, she will grant her favors hot embers and broken glass. Ot hers have
now. evidently practiced forms of self-tortme.
But how can she be so sure that she Wild dancing to the beat of drums and
will get her price? Those who gain acce::.s evoking tl1e supposed spirits of the dead
to her favor must conclude a pact \Vith are but two other features of the weird
her, an agreement with specific terms and ritual that combines practices of Christen-
duly rat ified with blood from their own dom's religions with tho.:;e of heathendom.
veins. Are you aghast at how anyone can In these forest wilds some pilgrims in-
be so credulous ? But even the rites and du1ge in shameful and obscene org ies in
practices of some long-established reli- worship of Maria Lionza.
gions demand almost as much credulity.
Strange, indeed, how this cult parallels The Aim. of the Cult
the ortlwdox ritual religions in so many According to an article appearing in the
features. It also has its priests and priest- magazine Ve Venezuela (See Venezuela) ,
esses. It has its series of offertory altars No. 8, page 20, the National Guard re-
along the route leading to her remote cently dismantled over forty of the syl-
shrine. It has its holy pictures and its van shrines because of the evidence of
merit -imparting charms, its prayen; and orgiastic activities. And the ·writer of the
.its vigils. article adds the comment: "It is rather
It is reported tl1at some deluded women disconcerting to see a solemn Good Friday
even offer their virgin daughters to the procession having aU the appearance of
priests of ·Maria Lionza, and t hey, in hil'il, any Catholic religious procession, minu."
engage them in filthy rites that are sup- priest, going up to the mountain to wor-
posed to bring great pleasw·e to the nym- ship both Maria Lionza and Jesus Christ."
phomaniac goddess. Its spiritistic service::; Juan Liscano, Venezuelan poet and ex-
are at times conducted by priestesses pert in local traditions and folklore, says:
wearing crosses, employing toads, and act- "Perhaps the cult of Maria Lionza would
ing as intercessors between the goddess be one of the most audacious attempts to
and t hose seeking her favors.
conciliate the Negro-African, Spanish and
Pilgrims to these rustic altars must indigenous (L11dian) contributions. The
never come empty-handed. A variety of
sacred trinity composed of Maria Lionza,
offerings have been observ~d. including
candles, cologne, crucifixes, half-smoked white with black hair and at the same
cigars, face powders, apples pierced with tin1e daughter of an Indian chief, a uniting
matchsticks, bottles of rum and other ob- or fusion of the Virgin Mary de la Onza,
jects. Devotees seek in return some kind ti1e Virgin Mary de la Chiquinquira, and
of magic illumination so as to be able to of some African divinity such as Yeman-
triumph in business, to obtain formulas ya, goddess of the waters, if it is not t he
22 A WilKE.'
very same one; or lht:! Indian Guaicaipu- no doubt that there are mauy ~lm ilarities.
ro,• and of the Negro Philip."·j· difficult for uneducated people to distin-
Liscano adds: "The spirit of these de- guish, betv.. ecn the cult of Mary and that
ified representations takes possession of of Maria Lionza.
admirers through the use of tobacco, rum Significantly, the question of promoting
and prayer. This trinity includes the superstitions through the cult of Mary it-
three races, and, putting Maria Lionza at self came up for discussion by the bishops
the apex of the sacred triangle, you find of the Church at Vatican Council ll in
once more not just the spirit of the ma- 1963. On that occasion a group of Latin-
triarchal cultures ... but also the cult of American prelates expressed concern ovet•
Mary."- Conahot1' (Tourist magazine), the undue emphasis on Marianism, and
February 20, 1966. Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan of Atlanta,
Herman Germandia, author of the book Georgia, declared that exaggerated devo-
JJ!aria Lionza., states: "It is taken for tions to the Virgin Mary lead only to
granted that the Spanish, desirous of blasphemy, embarrassment and pathetic
spreading the Marian cult, exploited the deviations on the part of Catholic wor-
pre-existent cult of the Indians in favor shipers.-Winnipeg T?·ibuneJ October 5,
of the Christian Virgln." And Professor 1963.
Francisco Tamayo, collector of folklore, is Despite the ob:iections of numerous prel-
quoted as saying: "In regard to the name ates, conservative clements of the hier-
used today - Maria - it is because of archy at Rome succeedecl ln having Mary
a supplantation effected by the missionary proclaimed under the new title of "Moth-
priests with the intent of entangling her er of the Church." Even this, however,
with the Virgin Maria de Ia Onza, the did not fully satisfy the Marianists, for
patroness saint of the State of Yaracuy, they want their goddess to be proclaimed
to facilitate the instruction of the Indians." "co-redemptrix" with her Son, or ''Media-
trix."
Attitude of the Church Can there be any doubt, then, about the
Does the Chm·ch app ·ove or disapprove attitude of the Church with regard to such
of this cult? Certainly, the Catholic dev- superstition-spawning movements as that
otees of Maria Lionza are not excommu- of Maria Lionza? It is but one of a great
nicated, even if local clergymen affect host of superstitions promoted in South
disapproval of the movement as a sort of America and throughout the world, coun-
corruption of their religion. And there is tenanced by the Church and finding
~tamed lndla n resister or lhc Spanish cong11est. strong support in the parallel cult of
t A legE-nda ry ftgurc. be~t l<nown tor having muJ·-
c:\Prcd his mother. Mary.
26 AWAKE!
First of alJ, let it be noted that no-
where does the Bible tell of immorality
for its own sake, for the purpose of titil-
lating its readers, to give them sexual
pleasure, to "entertain" them OJ' to ap-
peal to their erotic or prurient interest.
When it tells of immoral conduct, such as
Lot's daughters incestuously having r ela-
tions with theit· father, it is simply to give
us the background information that the
two nations of Moab and Ammon sprang
MONG the many charges that have from the sons that these two women had
A been hurled against the Word of God,
the Bible, perhaps the most preposterous
by their fath er. As for Tamar's violation
by her half-brother Amnon, t he record
is that it is an immoral hook ; and yet that gives her touching plea for him not to do
charge is repeatedly made. Freethinkers this disgraceful folly and so humiliate her,
have even published a book that is entirely and it shows that in the end he paid for
devoted to the subject. It has (·hapters on his crime with his life.- Gcn. 19 :30-38;
Lot and his daughters, Tamar, who was 2 Sam. 13: 10-30.
violated by her half brother, and so forth, Bible penmen were not prudes. Such
and the book is filled with lurid pen draw- things as incest and rape did exist, and
ings. they minced no words in dealing with such
Undet· the title "Is t11e Bible a Safe things as occasion required. Then, too,
Moral Guide?" another Freethinker pub- God's laws to ancient Israel were explicit
lication purports to list the many immoral because of the extreme depravity of the
passages found in the Bible, which it de- people of Canaan into whose land they
scribes as "more entertaining than moral." were going. (Lev. 18:6-30; 19:29; Deut..
Of course, biased talk is to be expected 22:22-30) And because such sexual im-
from such emotional opponents of t he Bi- morality was viewed as shockingly base,
ble as Ft·eethinkers are, but, sad to say. Bible writers tmder inspiration used such
there arc professedly Christian clergy- terms to refer to religious uncleanness of
men who also find fault with the Bible on an apostate people.-Hos. 1 :1-3; Rev. 2:
similar grounds. Thus one of America's 22.
leading clergymen, the one-time Episcopal Typical is the book of Proverbs, in
bishop of California, Dr. James Pike, is which time and again counsel is given
quoted in The Churclwtan) November against sexual immorality. The young man
1966, as saying : "Not everything in the is warned against the prostitute and the
Bible can be read in Church." And Chm·ch tmfaithful wife; a man is warned against
of England clergyman Canon John Pearce- having relations with his neighbor's wife,
Higgins of London even went so far as and the manied man is counseled to be
to say that the Bible contains "blasphe- content with the charms of his wife.
mous nonsense."-The Auckland (New -Prov. 2:16-19; 5:3-23; 6:23-35; 7:4-27;
Zealand) Star) November 24, 1966. 23 :27, 28.
What about these charges and com- The counsel of tl1e Christian Greek
plaints? Do they have any basis in fact? Scriptures is just as explicit. Immoral per·
Let us see. sons were to be removed from the con-
.JUNE :1, 1~'1i'i '27
gregation; they were not to be treated as bauchery, they are puzzled and go on
brothers or friends but as strangers with speaking abusively of you."-1 Pet. 4:3, 4.
whom true Christians were to have noth- Nor is the proof of the Bible's power
ing to do. (1 Cor. 5:1-13) Strongly con- for righteousness limited to the early
demned as works of the flesh were such Christian times. Today, in ever so many
practices as fornication, sexual unclean- lands, couples who had lived together
ness, loose conduct, drunken bouts and without being legally wed have assumed
revelries.-Gal. 5: 19-21. the bonds of wedlock upon having Bible
The apostle Paul, in writing to the principles taught to them, something that
Christians at Corinth, which city was no- is especially true in Latin-American lands.
torious for its sexual immorality, said: And in Africa, where polygamy has held
"What! Do you not know that unrighteous sway for many, many centuries, there are
persons will not inherit God's kingdom? thousands of one-time polygamists who
Do not be misled. Neither fornicators, nor are now practicing monogamy as a result
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for of the preaching of Bible principles by
unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with true Christians. Professed believers who
men, . . . will inherit God's kingdom." practice immorality are excommw1icated,
And far from the Bible's causing persons even as was done in apostolic times. But
to become such, it was the message con- how many such people have Freethinkers
tained in the Bible that caused men who tw·ned from a life of immorality to one
practiced such things to clean up. The of high ethical standards?
apostle goes on to say: "Yet that is what In striking contrast to the prurient trend
some of you were. But you have been of modern literature and entertainment
washed clean, but you have been sancti- stand the pure principles of the Bible:
fied, but you have been declared righteous "Everyone that keeps on looking at a
... with the spirit of our God."-1 Cor. woman so as to have a passion for her
6:9-11. has already committed adultery with her
The fact is that the moral purity of the in his heart." "Let fornication and un-
early Bible-reading Christians stood out in cleanness of every kind . . . not even be
striking contrast to the gross immorality mentioned among you, just as it befits holy
of the then civilized world, especially as people; neither ... obscene jesting, things
represented by such cities as Corinth and which are not becoming."-Matt. 5:28;
Rome. Thus one of the letters of the very Eph. 5:3, 4.
learned Roman governor Pliny the Young- In view of the abundance of counsel to
er tells that these early Christians bou..'1d sexual morality and the warnings that
t hemselves by a solemn oath "never to "God will judge" immoral ones (Heb. 13:
4), it is indeed highly doubtful that the
commit any fraud, theft, or adultery," and
thousands of millions of persons that have
so forth. Yes, as the apostle Peter wrote obtained copies of the Bible have done so
those early Bible-instructed Christians: because some of its accounts 'were more
"For the time that has passed by is suffi- entertaining than moral'! Truly, to all
cient for you to have worked out the will such critics it must be said: "All things
of the nations when you proceeded in are clean to clean persons. But to persons
deeds of loose conduct, lusts . . . Because defiled and faithless nothing is clean, but
you do not continue running with them both their minds and their consciences are
in this course to the same low sink of de- defiled."-Titus 1:15.
28 AWAKE!
In Honduras, 47 percent of
the blood dispensed by hos·
pltals sampled In a govern·
mcnt survey was given to vic·
tims of bungled abortions. A
study o! 4,000 women in Chile
disclosed that one of every
four admitted having one or
more abortions.
1\"'a tlon w Cut Tarlt'l'
~ Alter more than four years
ot negotiations, nearly 50
cou ntries, accounting for
about SO percent of world
tr?.de, agreed to a n average
one-third cut In their tariffs.
liber alization of trade in agri·
culture and a program of food
World Unrest the last days critical times a id !or t he hungry na tions.
~ "Black Panthers" armed hard to deal with will be The agreement could mean
with rifles and shotguns inter- here."-2 Tim. 3:1. lower prices on some merchan·
rupted the proceedings of the dlse a nd greater trade. Trade
California Legis la ture. Stokely A Priest Quits in the products on which con-
Ca rmi c hae l, spc al<ln g In ~ There were about 1,000 cessions have been agreed
Tennessee, shouted : "To hell worshipers at the 9 a.m. mass amounts to some $40,000,000,·
with the Jaws of the United in the church at Newburyport, 000.
States." Screaming, rioting Massachusetts, when Walter
Chinese In Hong Kong show- Thomas Whalen, a Roman Moon's Sudnce
ered po11cemen with stones Catholic priest, said: "I have ~ Surveyor 3 has dug Into
and bottles !or four straight a special announcement to the moon and has tra nsmitted
days. Border terrorists infil· make. After a very long period some of her long-hidden se-
trated fi ve miles into Israel. ot consideration, I have de· crets to the earth. The soil
Arab na tions prepared for cided to cease the active priest- found on the moon's surface,
war. U Thant canceled a Euro· ly ministry." After finishing say scientists, resembles fine
pean trip and held emergency the mass, he walked out, join- sand, with each grain estl·
consultations on rising tension ing thousands of other priests mated to be about one·fiftieth
in the Middle East, terming who are doing the same thing. of an Inch in diameter. Some
the situation "potentially very objects that appeared to be
grave." A wa"e of terrorism A bortiOJlS and Blood pebb les turned out, when
swept the Dominican Republic. ~ Dr. Mardones of Chile's poked by Surveyor's mechani·
Venezuela reported a Cuban· National Health Service stat- cal claw, to be like clods in a
Jed raid on Its terrilory. United ed: "There are 60,000 women newly plowed field . During its
States and Soviet warships who go to the hospital with firs t two weeks on the moon,
collided in the sea of J apan. complications from abortions. the United States spacecraft
Fifteen hundred collegians ... In addition, 100,000 go who transmitted to earth more
battled Mississippi police In are deJlvering their fifth or than 6,000 television pictures
an all-night riot. Students In subsequent children and are of itself and the surrounding
Madrid ripped por·traits of prime candidates for fut ure terrain. It also reached out
Generalissimo Francisco Fran- abortions." The murderous wlth a mccha11lcal arm and
co artd cried for freedom. practice of abortion is a w ay steel-tipped claw to dig and
France was tied up by a gen· used by many to control f am· scratch four shallow trenches
era! strike. S ixteen U.S. Sena· lly size. And though abortion in the luna r soil. For this the
tors pleaded with Hanoi to ls Illegal in every South Amer· American taxpayers have paid
enter into peace talks before lean cow1try, complications hundreds o.f millions o.f dol·
World War III erupts. "They from Induced abortions con-
are only the latest In a grow· stitute the second leading Iars. Could not the money be
ing list of anguished and help· cause of hospital admissions used more ad v antageous ly
less onlookers," said the New in Colombia (after child de· toward building new homes in
York Times editorially. How livery), and are the third lead· slum areas on earth, hospitals
accur ate the Bible account for ing cause in Costa Rica (after for the poor, and free schools
our day, wherein It says: "In child delivery and diarrhea ). for those who want to Jearn?
JUNE 22, 1961 29
'World War m Warning· Sex Is Serious Vietnam in 1950, and nothing
~ United Nations Secretary· ~ Citing repor lt> Iro.nl uniVel'· has apparently ever interfered
General U Thant wa rned the sity and college psychiatrists, with the weekly drawings.
world on May 11 that, if the Dr. Braceland, editor of the One correspondent wrote:
present trend continued in A1nerican Jo1wnal of Psych~ "The average South Vietnam-
Vietnam, "I am afraid a direct try, said: Our young people ese may suspect that his
confrontation betwe~n Wash· are discovering i.n their new government is corrupt, his ar·
ington and Peking is inevi- sexual freedom that sexual my timid, his employer a prof·
table. I'm aft·a id we are enter· intercourse is not a trivial, iteer and his wife unfaithful,
ing today the first phase of fleeting, isolated experience. but he trusts the national lot·
World War III." 'l'hant noted They are learning-whatever tery. To show his trust, he
grimly that " the mutual de· they were taught by home and quickly buys some of the three
fense pact between Moscow religion-th~t this ht1man re- million tickets that go on sale
and P eking is stlll in force." lation has dlmensions-emo· each week and often pays
The only hope of ren~rsing the tionaUy deep and enduring double the 20·piaster price to
current trend toward a possi- -that cannot be tampered buy them from scalpers in
ble World Wa r III, Thant: said, with with impunity. The pSY· the black m arket." Instead of
Is to halt the bombing of chiatrist was reminding fa- working hard to improve their
North Vietnam. The United thers and mothers, boys and lot, people have come to tmst
States, however, is not new girls and clergymen that sex in the lottery.
in a compromising mood. js not a toy but an immense])r
America's present policy ap- creative and, if not h<>.ndled Juvenile Justice
pears to be achievement of a properly, destructive power. ~ Youths of 15 to 17 have the
military victory in Vietnam. highest arrest r ate of any age
Birth R a,te bracket in the United States.
Clturch Garub1ing· ~ Head of preventive rnedi· Last year some 600,000 youths
~ Roman Catholi c priest cine at the university of Chile, appeared be for e j uvenilc
Msgr. Nunzio Pirulli scolded Dr. Hernan Romero said that courts. And 100,000 of them
the police of Pennsylvania economic e'-."Pansion in Latin are now serving sentences in
Ame1ica requires a slowdown adult prisons. What troubled
for having broken up a gam- in the birth. rate. The conti- many Americans is that, while
bling party, which some mem· nent has a 3-percent annual it was not customary, up untll
bers of the church committee population increase, which is May 15 it was possible for an
promoted at the Troca<lero the highest in the world. More American youth to be tried
Motor Lodge. "Why did they than '7,000,000 new mouths and convicted of a crime with·
come and bother us?" the each year open up to be fed, out ever hearing the charges
priest asked. But whe.n a~!{ed eating up most of the small against him; with no chance
why at least one operator of gain in economic growth. Edu· to face his accusers or to have
the gambling devices wa s a cation budgets have doubled a lawyer represent him; and
and tripled in most countries with no right to a jury trial
known gambler, Msgr. Plrulli in 30 years, but there are more when the sentence might
replied: "When you need a illiterates than ever; 12,000,000 mean years behind bars. Oll
pair of shoes you don't go to children do not have access to May 15 the Supreme Court
a carpenter, you go to a shoe· schools. In Chile a lone, 75,000 ruled that juvenile courts
maker." A spokesman for the new dwellings are needed each must grant children many of
police said: "Churches have year to keep pace with the the procedural protections re-
no more right to violate laws population growth and build· quired in adult trials by the
than anyone else,'' and that ing deterioration. Fewer than Bill of Rights. ".Neither the
makes sense. 50,000 are being built. How 14th Amendment nor the Bill
these dilemmas stress the of Rights is for adults only_."
LSD Outlawed. need for God's kingdom! Justice Abe Fortas declared.
~ The hallucinatory drug Jy. "Under our Constitution, the
sergic acid diethylamide, per- "Instant Wealth" condition of being a boy does
haps better known as LSD, ~ The poor of the world not justify a kangaroo court."
has been outlawed in South dream of going from rags to
Africa. Not even a psychia· riches, and the people of South Church Feud
trist can obtain the drug for Vietnam are no exception. ~ Differences of opinion can
his practice. The increasing They hope the lottery will lead to some unusual happen-
evidence of the rrususe of the bring about the realization of ings, even within a professedly
drug has forced the blacl;;list· their dreams. The French es· Christian church. For exam-
ing of it. tablished t he lottery in South ple, some ~wo members of a
3(} ,IJ.WAKE.'
Serbian Orthodox Church in injuries result from a se· accidents occurred in clea1·
Parma, Ohio, locked them· quence of events that began weather on dry roads. And 40
selves in the church building. a long time before the acci- percent of the total deaths
Their lock-in was to prevent dent actually happened. The occurred on wee.k ends. To help
550 other members of the person has developed bad hab· prevent accidents, practice de-
same church from entering. its such as speeding, drinking
The ones locked in were mem· alcoholic beverages before fensive driving; limit driving
bers loyal to the mother driving, crossing in the center when tired; adjust speed to
chw·ch in Belgrade, Yugosla· of a block, being impatient the highway, weather, traffic
via. Those locked out say they and a host of others. Last year and other conditions; and do
are loyal to an American the traffic accident toll in the not drive while under the in·
bishop and charge the Bel· United States reached 52,500 fiuence of alcohol.
grade church is dominated by deaths, an 8-percent increase
the Communist regime. It took over 1965. There were 4,400,· Birth Oontrol Pill Risk
000 injuries, 300,000 over the ~ The British Medical Jow··
150 policemen to keep the two 1965 figure. Drivers under 25
feuding factions from doing ual said, on May 4, that the
years of age constitute about birth control pill has been
harm to each other. Little 19 percent of all licensed driv·
wonder religion has lost in· ers, but were involved in responsible f or certain types
lluence as a peacemaker in· almost 32 percent of t he fatal of blood clotting, which appar·
side and outside of Christen· accidents, as compared to 30.3 ently r esulted in death to a
dom when it cannot exist percent in 1965. Excessive number of women last year.
peacefully even among its speed is blamed for more than It was estimated that twenty
very own. 41 percent of the highway women in Britain last year
deaths in 1966. Alcohol has might have died as a result
Traffic Accidents Grow been found to be a contribut· of blood clots stemming from
~ Those who have been study· ing factor in more than half the pill. The Medical Research
ing the matter say that many of fatal traffic accidents. Four Council estimated the death
accidents and their consequent out of five personal-injury risk as 3 in 100,000.
JULY 8. 1967
THE REASON FOR TI-llS MAGAZINE
News sources t hat are a b le to keep you awake t o the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered b y censo rship and selfish in terests. " Awake!" has no fetters. It recog nizes
facts, f aces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itseff free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of " Awake!" is not narrow, bu t is internationa l. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue " Awake !" presents vital topics o n w hich you should be informed. It
features penel'roting articles on social conditioM and offers sound counsel for meeting
th e p rob lems of everyd ay life. Current news f rom every con tinen t passes in quick review.
Attention is f ocused on activities i n the fle lds of governmen t a nd commerce a bout which
you should know. Straightfo rw a rd discussions of r e l ig i ous issues a lert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs a nd people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practica l
sciences and poir:t s of human interest ore all embraced in its covera ge. " Awok e!" pro·
vi des wholesome, instructive read i ng for every member of the fa mily.
"Awoke!" pledges itself to ri g hteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for oil, to comforting mourners and strengt nening t hose
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent worl d, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
men t or God's righteous new order in t his generati on.
Get acquainte d with " Awok e!" Keep awoke by reading " Awoke!"
·- - ·-·-·-=-
? l' ~ISTJ&:> SE Mt i\101->'T){ LY p.y
W ATCR T OWER BIB LE AND TR ACT SOCIETY OF N EW YORK, li'<C.
117 Adams S treet Brookl yn, N.Y. 11201. U.S. A.
N. H . K :-:oP.R, Presictont GRANT SUITER. Secret ary
CONTENTS
J ailed for Being Christian in P ort ugal 3 H ow to Ma ke Your Vacation
Mor e Satisfying 17
Before You Doubt 5
The P ope- "Pilgrim of P ea ce"
Medicaid to the Rescue 9 at F a tima 20
"Your Word Is Truth"
Opening the Door Earthly Blessings E njoyed
t o an Endless Treasure 12 Under God's Kingdom 27
Mutations Not E volutiona ry 16 Watching the World 29
"It is already f he hour for you fo awoke."
-Romans 13:11
I mport ance
HIS is an age that is rapidly be- Doubt can be either a of Open-
coming one of doubt and skepti- valuable protection or mindedness
cism. And not without reason. For a destructive process. If a strang-
there is an increasing number of When should it be em- er should ap-
things that one reads and hears that ployed? When shouldit proach you on
prove untrustworthy. beavoided? the street or
Turn to the advertisements in a news- ca ll at your
paper, for example. How much that you home with in-
read there can you wholeheartedly be- formation that
lieve? From experience you may have h e cla im s is
discovered that certain kinds of informa- for your benefit, should you turn him away
t ion are dependable but that statements or slam the door on him? Not only would
dealing with quality of merchandise of- that be unkind, but it would be unwise. I t
ten are not. would be proper to listen to what the per-
You perhaps have found that the case son has to say, unless, of course, by so do-
is similar with other information. Some ing your personal safety is endangered. The
news columnists you have learned to inspired Bible proverb points to the unwis-
trust, and others you have discovered dom of forming opinions on matters before
are somewhat biased. Also, some sales- listening to them, saying: "When anyone
men you have found are honest, while is replying to a matter before he hears it,
others are not. It is little wonder, then, that is foolishness on his part and a hu-
that you may have learned to doubt, and miliation."-Prov. 18:13.
wisely so. For as the inspired Bible prov- True, when listening to a stranger, espe-
erb advises: "Anyone inexperienced puts cially when he is talking on signifi cant mat-
faith in every word, but the shrewd one ters that involve laying out money, or
considers h is steps.'' -Prov. 14:15. views that affect religious falth or morals,
L iving as we are in what the Bible you are wise to give careful consideration
describes as "critical times" when men before acting. "The shrewd one considers
a re ''fierce, wiU1out love of goodness, be- his steps," the Bible proverb says. He is
trayers," there is indeed value in not be- not immediately inclined to put "faith in
lieving everything one hears. (2 T im. 3 : every word." This does not mean, however,
1-5) But this poses the questions: When that he distrustfully closes his mind simply
should we doubt? How can we know because the information or ideas are new
JULY 8, 1961 5
or different from what he has heard Otherwise, others will come to consider
before. what you have to say as being of little
In the first century of our Common merit. They will view it with doubt. The
Era persons from the Macedonian city value of being honest, truthful and re-
of Beroea manifested an exemplary dis- liable is, therefore, inestimable.
position. The Bible record reports con- It is upon the basis of such qualities of
cerning their attitude upon hearing the integrity and faithfulness that true friend-
message preached by Jesus' disciples, who ships are founded. Since time is required
were at the time strangers to them: "Now to become acquainted with these quali-
the latter were more noble-minded than ties in persons, it takes time for real
those in Thessalonica, for they received friendships to grow and mature. However,
the word with the greatest eagerness of when one has proved to be a reliable and
mind, carefully examining the Scriptures trustworthy friend, should we doubt him
daily as to whether these things were so." everytime he tells us something new? Not
-Acts 17:11. at all! And if we do, our friendship likely
The Beroeans listened, not with a will suffer or may even terminate. Mu-
sl<:eptical, disposed-not-to-believe attitude, t ual trust and confidence are vital in or-
but with open-mindedness. They did not der to enjoy healthy, refreshing relations
allow doubt to cause the message to with others.
fall on unreceptive ears. Rather, they In the family, for instance, doubts can
took in the information, and then made severely damage relations between mem-
a careful investigation of the inspired bers. If a wife doubts her husband's faith-
Scriptures to ascertain whether the things fulness when she has no su bstantial basis
they had been taught were supported for doing so, this can raise a barrier be-
therein. tween the two. She only torments herself
We, too, should follow this pattern of by her doubts, and her decreased capacity
being willing to accept and examine ideas to love her husband that may result will
open-mindedly. "Make sure of all things," only cause him unhappiness too. How im-
the Bible encourages; "hold fast to what portant it is to have real evidence before
is fine."-1 Thess. 5:21. one doubts a loved one! It is much better
to give a friend the benefit of the doubt,
When t o Doubt continuing to place trust in him until
So, then, when dealing with strangers, there is clear proof of untrustworthjness.
a shrewd person may wisely recognize the
need to do some personal investigath1g. Need f or Balance in E.-te,·ci sing Doubt
He is not necessarily inclined to disbelieve. Some educators have observed a mod-
But if it is discovered, after closer inves- ern trend toward skepticism and doubt.
tigation, that there is no solid basis for The deterioration of honesty and integri-
what a person says or what is rea.d or ty is unquestionably a factor in causing
heard, from then on he may be disposed this. People have heard so many untruths
to doubt that source. and half-truths that they understandably
Thus, if you desire your word to be have become distrustful of what they
accepted, you should always be truthful read and hear.
and honest. You should be careful not to Perhaps another important factor in
repeat things unless you have a sound this trend is the popularizing of doubt as
basis for believing that they are true. a key to scientific progress, which it in-
6 AWAKE !
deed can be. Science writer Isaac Asimov in our isolation we are becoming so con-
explained in Science Di gest: ''If a scien- vinced of our individual infallibility that
tist has one piece of temperamental a constructive idea, were it to come along,
equipment that is essential to hls job, it would fall on deaf ears?'
is that of a built-in doubter. Before he "With conviction which I hope is based
does anything else, he must doubt." on fairly objective observation, I think we
There can be no question that doubt can cite one example after another of a
has been valuable in leading to many general assumption not to believe, not to
scientific discoveries. Unfortunately, how- listen, not to trust, and I say again that
ever, the unbridled exercise of doubt has if we begin with that assumption we are
resulted in a modern tendency to be skep- doomed."
tical of practically everything one hears
or reads. And just as putting "faith in In Matters of Religion
every word" can be dangerous, so, in the When it comes to matters of religion,
opposite extreme, a disposition not to be- how can doubt be exercised in a bal-
lieve can also be damaging and lead to anced way? It would obviously be foolish
grief. to "put faith in every word" of the many
Last summer the dean of a college in different religions, since they often teach
the United States drew this to the atten- conflicting doctrines. Does this mean, then,
tion of a class of college freshmen. Get- that we should be distrustful and disposed
ting to the crux of his address, which was to disbelieve any of them? Should we
published in Vital Speeches of the Day) conclude that the Bible, upon which most
November 1, 1966, he said : 1'To state as of them claim to base their teachings, is
exactly as possible what I have on my all mixed up and not worthy of considera-
mind, we must assume that what we read tion?
and hear is reliable and then test it with No, that would be unwise. While we
skepticism. My concern is that we are might hold reservations about a religion's
omitting the assumption, and are left with claim to represent God, until we see con-
skepticism. Skepticism by itself is can- vincing evidence of it, yet the wise thing
cerous." would be to examine the Scriptures to see
That unbridled skepticism or doubt has if what a particular religious organization
eroded away confidence and undermined claims is supported therein. Recall that
respect in modern society has been ob- that was the commendable course of those
served by many persons. It seriously dis- persons in Beroea. They listened to J e-
turbed this college head, as revealed in his sus' disciples "with the greatest eagerness
following comments: "More and more of of mind." What they heard sounded good
us are acting as if we were the only man to them, but they were not necessarily
alive. We are cynical of what we read and putting faith in every word those strang-
hear, critical of what we observe. ... ers were telling them. For they then per-
"Could it just be that our disposition sonally examined "the Scriptures daily
not to believe has duped us into becom- as to whether these things were so."
ing our own worst enemies? Could it be How vital it is that we follow that ex-
that we are becoming such egotists that ample! It is important that we become
unwittingly we are turning into bigots, in- familiar with the foundation of true wor-
tolerant of everything? Could it be that ship, the Holy Bible.
JULY 8, 1961 7
Confidence in God and His Word How wise you will be if you also seek
After becoming acquainted with the Bi- to take in knowledge of God and of His
ble one learns that it is faithful and true. Word the Bible! What He says there di-
He finds he can confidently put his trust rectly affects your life. Do not turn a deaf
in what it says. Its counsel and instruc- ear to his entreaty: "My son, to my
tion invariably prove beneficial when fol- words do pay attention. To my sayings
lowed. Yes, upon close study of it one incline your ear." (Prov. 4:20) Your per-
comes to appreciate that the Bible is in- sonal safety is in no way endangered by
deed the Word of the true God, Jehovah. taking time to listen to the words of God.
And Jehovah God is the best friend a per- So do not foolishly turn away from an
son could ever have! How should we view opportunity to investigate what God says
the word of such a friend? Should we in his Word.
doubt it? Consider those who refused to examine
Doubting a friend when there is no open-mindedly the message that God
sound basis for doing so leads only to spoke through his prophet Noah. (2 Pet.
grief. It causes disturbance of mind and 2:5) They were cynical of what they
confusion. Thus, the inspired disciple of heard and critical of what they saw.
Jesus Christ wrote: "If any one of you is Theirs was a sl<eptical, disposed-not-to-
lacking in wisdom, let him keep on ask- believe attitude. And what happened to
ing God, for he gives generously to all and them? Why, they suffered destruction
without reproaching; and it will be given when God brought the Flood just as he
him. But let him keep on asking in faith, had prophesied.
not doubting at all, for he who doubts is But what concern does that have for
like a wave of the sea driven by the wind us today? A great deal! For Jesus Christ
and blown about." (Jas. 1:5, 6) God has said that this system of things will end
always proved reliable. One who has be- in a similar destruction at God's hands,
come his close friend has proved this. So warning: "For just as the days of Noah
there is no reason ever to doubt what He were, so the presence of the Son of man
has to say. will be. For as they ... took no note until
The Israelite forefather Abraham is a the flood came and swept them all away,
man who came to know and trust Jeho- so the presence of the Son of man will be."
vah the true God. In fact, he is noted in (Matt. 24:37-39) The majority refused to
the Bible as "Jehovah's friend." (Jas. 2: examine the evidence, and perished. Only
23) Abraham learned that he could rely those carefully heeding God's instructions
on Jehovah, so that even when God told survived. It will be similar again. We have
him he was going to have a son when the words of Jesus Christ for it.
both he and his wife Sarah were long Do you believe him? Even if you do not,
past the normal age of having children, he wisely avoid a skeptical, disposed-not-to-
believed it. Abraham trusted God's Word; believe attitude and humbly examine
he did not doubt, as the Bible explains: what the Bible says. Its grand promises
"Because of the promise of God he did of life in a new system of things are
not waver in a lack of faith, but became trustworthy and true, as an investigation
powerful by his faith, giving God glory will reveal. Learn about them! Do not al-
and being fully convinced that what he low skepticism and doubt to cause you to
had promised he was also able to do." turn a deaf ear.- 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:
- Rom. 4:20, 21. 3, 4.
8 AWAKE!
expenses have become so
great in the United States
that many families cannot afford a serious
sickness. In 1961, a person who had a
semiprivate room for ten days in a New
York City hospital was usually charged
about $560. In 1966 the bilJ was $842, and What would you do if a member of yoW'
this year it will likely be close to $1,000. family had to be hospitalized and you were
On top of this is t he physician's f ee, which confronted with huge hospital a nd doctor
may amount to hundreds of dollars, de- bills ? You probably would rely upon some
pending upon what he is required to do. form of medical insurance, which many
Even for medical treatment that lasts for persons carry for their family. Otherwise
only a little more tha n a day a patient can such bills could be a financial catastrophe.
receive a big bill. Carrying medical insurance, however, can
There is the case of a man in New York be a difficult load, especially when insur-
ance payments are raised repeatedly so as
who was in a hospital for thirty-seven
to keep pace with rising medical costs.
hours, was given three series of X rays
and four minor laboratory tests. His bill Yet, such insurance is usually regarded as
was $252. A two-year-old boy who spent essential even when it will pay only part
of a hospital blll.
forty-three hours in a hospital undergoing
tests for a heart murmur ran up a bill But what if your income is insufficient
for his parents that amounted to $434. to carry the additional load of medical in-
Hospitalization is expensive, and it is ex- SW'ance o r it is not enough to carry the
pected to get even more expensive. amount of insurance needed? What if you
It has been estimated by some officials do not have the funds needed to cover
that the cost of being in a hospital may that part of a biU that insurance will not
increase nation wide by as much as 15 to pay? What will you then do if someone
30 percent during 1967. Regarding this, in the family is hospitalized for several
Dr. Madison Brown, the American Hospi- days? This is when Medicaid comes to
tal Association's director of planning and the rescue for persons living in the states
development, said, as reported ln the New that ha ve instituted it.
York Times of September 6, 1966 : "The
work of hospitals is complex and expen- How Medicaid Will Help
sive. But in the next two years there will Medicaid is a medical assistance pro-
be raises far beyond what we've seen in gram financed jointly by the Federal Gov-
the past. The national increase will range ernment, a state and the localities in the
from 15 to 30 per cent from now until state. In New York the program will help
July 1, 1967." This is not a pleasant pros- needy persons of any age who are resi-
pect fo r the average fam ily. dents of the state to pay their medical
JULY 8, 1961 9
bills. This includes persons in the low- ing the Congressional battle over Medi-
income and moderate-income groups as care, which is a provision for Federal pay-
well as others that are facing financial ment of a large part of the . medical
catastrophe because of huge hospital and expenses of persons that are sixty-five and
doctor pills. over. Medicaid is for persons of all ages
In a brochure published by the State and is no form of medical insurance. It
Department of Social Welfare in New was not until Medicare was made law that
York, the following is said regarding the the lawmakers began to realize that Medi-
purpose of the program: "Children de- caid would be far more costly than they
prived of medical care because their par- had planned. This happened when New
ents cannot afford it, often become vic- York State greatly expanded its medical
tims of conditions that impair their health assistance program under the provisions
and, later in life, limit their work capaci- of Medicaid.
t ies. Lack of needed health care, in time, New York gave such a liberal interpre-
builds a great burden of illness and dis- tation to the expression "medically indi-
ability in the community, much or all of gent" that 40 percent of the State's popu-
which becomes a welfare burden eventu- lation could qualify for medical assistance.
ally. . . . More and more individuals and This was such a shock to the House Ways
families cannot pay for the medical care and Means Committee that it expressed
they require, especially people in the low- determination to change the law, but op-
income and moderate-income groups, al- position from the states was so great that
though they are able to support them- it finally did no more than recommend a
selves otherwise. To help these citizens mild change.
avoid needless suffering and disability and Half of the cost of the program is car-
to prevent them from becoming welfare ried by the Federal Government, and the
recipients because of medical bills, New other half is shared by the state and local
York State, in cooperation with the Fed- governments. Due to the fact that the pro-
eral Government and t he localities, has gram has expanded far beyond what Con-
established a program of Medical Assis- gress intended, the initial estimate of $240
tance for Needy Persons." million for the program was far too small.
Federal officials now think that New
How Medicaid Came to B e York's program alone will cost in the
When the House Ways and Means Com- neighborhood of $1.4 billion by 1970,
mittee of the Federal Government han- when, it is said, it will be operating full
dled the Medicare law that was passed in scale. It was the opinion of New York's
1965, it appended to it a section called governor Rockefeller that Medicaid for
"Title XIX," which is t he so-called Medi- New York State would cost $532 million
caid law. This was regarded at the time as for the fiscal year running from July 1,
a modest provision for Federal, state and 1966, to June 30, 1967.
local aid to be given to persons who are Other states are setting up Medicaid
"medically indigent." It was estimated by programs, but the number of persons that
the Federal Department of Health, Educa- will benefit from them will vary accord-
tion and Welfare that the Medicaid pro- ing to eligibility requirements. The na-
gram would cost the Federal Government tion's most populous state, California, es-
only about $240 million a year. timates that its program will benefit
Title XIX received little attention dur- approximately 1.3 million persons.
10 AWAKE !
Who Qualifies? medical expens2s is ordinarily required of
Each state is free to use its own judg- a person who is not receiving welfare and
ment in defining the "medically indigent." who has an annual gross income over
Consequently, the requirements for elig'i- $4,500 before Medicaid will help him with
bility vary. In New York State, where medical expenses. This payment is called
the program is the most liberal, the fac- a "deductible." The amount of the de-
tors that determine whether a person ductible or annual payment is one percent
qualifies for medical assistance or not are of the gross annual income. For a family
the amount of annual income, financial re- of four with a gross income of $7,000 a
serve for burial costs, savings and medi- year, the annual payment would be $70.
cal expenses. The total income a person When a person finds that he needs help
has after deducting income taxes and the from Medicaid he can make application
cost of health insurance premiums is the for it at the local department of public
first determining factor. welfare. Application can be made in per-
If, for example, a single person has an son or by mail. This department then de-
annual income that does not exceed cides on his eligibi lity for assistance. If
$2,900, Medicaid will help him with his he is accepted he receives an identifica-
medical expenses without his having to tion card.
pay anything from his income. A family By considering these eligibility re-
of four persons can have an income of quirements of the state of New York we
$6,000 without having to pay anything on get an idea of how extensive the Medi-
a medical bill, and a family of eight per- caid program can be. Of course, other
sons with two wage earners can have an states have different requirements. Wash-
income of as much as $10,250. ington state, for example, limits Medi-
A person is also permitted to have sav- caid assistance to persons that have a
ings in the bank up to one-half of his an- monthly income of $140 or less for an in-
nual income before he is required to use dividual and $190 or less for a couple.
the savings to pay medical expenses. Any- Medicaid does not come near the scope of
thing in excess of that amount would have socialized medicine that exists in Great
to be used, except for what is needed to Britain and some other countries. Never-
establish a reserve to cover burial ex- theless, it can care for a real need among
penses for the family when it lacks mini- families with low incomes.
mum insurance protection. In these days of steadily rising medi-
Anyone that owns property and needs cal costs and insurance rates a family of
medical assistance is not required to give modest means needs help to shoulder the
a lien or a mortgage to the welfare depart- huge medical bills that can result from
ment, although this will probably be the hospitalization of a member of the
required of income-producing property.
family. As a form of health protection
Such things as an automobile and personal
property are not regarded as assets, and provided by tax money, Medicaid exists
so the person getting medical assistance to help such persons. It is ready to come
is not required to sell them. Personal to their rescue. Those who qualify for it
property includes furniture, appliances need not hesitate to use it, because it was
and equipment needed in a business or formed for their benefit. It is better to
trade. call for the help of Medicaid than to be
An annual payment toward out-patient banl<rupt as a result of medical expenses.
JULY 8, 1961 11
ENDLESS TREASURE
By "Awake!" correspondent in Zambia
OU who are reading this article pos-
sess a precious gift, a divine gift
t hat, if cultivated, can be a door to
an endless treasure of knowledge.
This gift is the ability to read, but
it is a gift that has not been culti -
vated by about haJf of earth's adult persons twenty-five years and over who
population. This ability can be termed a could not read or write. For hundreds
divine gift because man's Creator endowed of millions of persons this door to an end-
the fi rst man with the ability to read and less treasure is still shut tight.
write. (Gen. 5:1) However, for Adam's Because of being unable to read or
descendants the knowledge of how to read write, these millions of persons are sub-
is not a gift acquired by heredity. Learn- ject to poverty, exploitation and super-
Ing to read is hard work. The problem of stition. There are many jobs and trades
illiteracy is not something that can be that cannot be learned or fully accom-
easily overcome, and the problem is im- plished unless the worker can read and
mense. write, and t hus t he poorest group in a
According to a noted authority on liter- nation are the illiterate ones. If a person
acy, Dr. Frank C. Laubach, writing in is a farmer or a hunter but can only put
1947, three-fifths of the world's popula- his mark on an agreement that he can-
tion could not read or write. In 1957 the not read, he can the more easily be ex-
United Nations Educational, Scientiiic and ploited by selfish traders. A mother who
Cultural Organization estimated that is illiterate cannot read a letter from her
there were 700 million adult illiterates in son nor can she write to him.
the world, that is, 44 percent of t he then The illiterate, being unable to read the
total population fifteen years old and over. Book of revealed religion, develop their
The problem is greatest in Asia and Afri- own natural religion and become prey to
ca, with adult illiteracy rates of 65 per- false Ideas and victims of crippling super-
cent for Asia and between 80 and 85 per- stitious fears. Those who respond to oral
cent for Africa. For example, in Zambia preaching of true religion and break away
80 percent of the adult population cannot from false worship and superstition find
read or write. Adult illiteracy, however, it difficult to progress in knowledge and
is a world problem. Even in t he United spiritual understanding because they can-
States, the Census Bureau claimed a few not read and study. Literacy could become
years ago that there were 8.3 million for them a door opening to an endless
12 AWAKE!
treasure of knowledge, leading to spiritual 'to be able to engage in all those reading
maturity. activities normally expected of an adult
in his community.'
Combating Illiteracy One of the first groups in Zambia to
Developing countries find illiteracy one cooperate in this new literacy campaign
of the greatest barriers to helping their has been Jehovah's witnesses, who, for
peoples to progress economically and so- years, have been active in combating il-
cially. The illiterate are unable to read literacy. Thousands have been taught to
and apply simple government instructions read in the more than nine hundred lit-
on improving agricultw·e or diet and safe- eracy classes conducted in their 725 con-
guarding health. Thus, as more and more gregations.
countries achieve self-rule, more govern- A subject of much discussion and con-
ments are taking positive steps to combat tinuing research with regard to teaching
illiteracy. literacy is that of the best method of
For example, since independence the teaching. Methods of teaching reading
adult literacy program in Zambia has have been broadly classified into two
been given new impetus. As part of com- groups, "synthetic" and "analytic." In the
munity development a qualified literacy synthetic method the student first learns
officer with countrywide powers has been the sound of the smaller units, letters and
appointed and assigned necessary funds. syllables, and then he is taught to com-
Under his direction twelve trained full- bine these into larger units, words, phrases
time local literacy officers have been as- and sentences. In the analytic method the
signed to all the provinces and main cen- student is taught first to recognize larger
ters, and more are being trained. It is not units, words, phrases or sentences, and
the purpose of these literacy officers to then later helped to break these down into
teach illiterate persons how to read but the elements making them up, that is,
to train literate persons how to teach il- syllables and letters. Methods of teaching
literates. literacy usually included under the syn-
This program calls for self-help on the thetic group are the alphabetic, the phonic
part of the community and the individual and the syllabic.
students. It is up to a community or a
religious body to encourage and gather the Alphabetic and Plwnic Methods
students, find the teachers, provide the Probably the oldest method of teaching
classrooms and to buy the literacy prim- reading of alphabetic languages is the al-
ers or to get the students to buy these. phabetic method. The student starts off
The government provides the literacy of- by learning the names of the letters in
ficers to train the local teachers and has alphabetic order, then learns to spell and
devised and printed a series of six pro- pronounce two-letter combinations, such
gressive literacy primers in seven of the as m-a., ma, then three-letter combina-
principal languages. Generally a literacy tions, m-a-n, man, and so on. Syllables are
officer will train a group of teachers in ten combined into words and words into
two-hour periods spread over two weeks. phrases and short sentences. By constant
It is hoped that, under this scheme, by repetition, boring for most adults, the stu-
1970 all adults in Zambia who wish to dent eventually learns to pronounce cor-
become literate will have had opportunity rectly the names of all the letters. Another
to become 'functionally' literate, that is, system widely used is the phonic method.
J ULY 8, 1967 13
Phonk means 'of vocal sounds,' and so letters can quickly learn to pronounce
in the phonic method the student is new words. One main argument against
taught, not the names of the letters, but this is that it is claimed that it develops
how they s01.md in a word. The student is poor comprehension in the student. He
usually taught first the vowels and then is so busy with the mechanics of pro-
the consonants. These are joined into two-, nouncing what he sees that he does not
three- or four-letter combinations to form think of the meaning of what he reads.
short words or syllables. These syllables
are combined to form words, then phrases "See and Say" M ethod
and then sentences. Those who prefer an analytic method
claim that this type of teaching makes for
Syllabic M ethod much better comprehension in the student.
Similar to the phonic method is the The analytic method could be termed the
syllabic method. In this method, instead "see and say" method. Also known as the
of the sounds of single letters being "whole word" method, this method teach-
taught, the student first learns to pro- es the student to recognize whole words
nounce syllables. He then learns to read at the outset without being able to pro-
words and sentences made up from these nounce the individual syllables and letters
syllables. In some languages many words that make up the word. This, it is claimed,
consist of syllables of two letters, and thus makes it very suitable for teaching the
from the beginning the student is taught reading of languages that are not purely
to read simple words. A variation of this phonetic, such as English. This method
method is to use pictures to introduce a can be termed analytic in that pronuncia-
few common words. These words are then t ion of syllables and letters is eventually
broken down into their syllables. The stu- introduced by the analyzing and breaking
dent learns to pronounce the syllables and up of the words into the syllables and let-
then to combine these into different words ters making them up.
that are made up of the same syllables. Extensions of the word method are the
For example, in Spanish he may learn the sentence and the story method, where
words papa (daddy) , mama (mommy), whole sentences or simple stories are first
dama (lady), vaca (cow), and from these learned and then broken down into words
words he learns to read the syllables pa, and syllables. It is argued that, because
ma, da, va, which, in turn, can be com-
the student learns to recognize the word
bined into other words and sentences.
or sentence as a whole, he can concen-
The phonic and syllabic methods are
trate on what the words mean rather than
most effective for languages that are en-
tirely or almost phonetic, that is, for lan- working out their pronunciation. This
guages that use one letter for one sound method has few supporters among those
and are pronounced the way they are foremost in teaching reading to adults in
spelled. Most of the African languages that phonetic vernacular languages.
were given a phonetic Roman alphabet by The main criticism of the "see and say"
missionaries fall into this category, in- method is that it produces readers who
cluding Cibemba, Cinyanja, Citonga and guess at words, who are poor in being able
Silozi, the most prominent languages in to pronounce new words and who read
Zambia. Where a language is phonetic, a inaccurately because of confusing similar-
student who is taught the sounds of the looking words.
14 A WAJ(E.J
Of all these methods, then, which is the reading skill, they become discouraged,
best for teaching adult illiterates ? make no progress and eventually forget
what they learned. For this reason much
Eclectic M ethod of the effort of those organizing literacy
Today an eclectic method is often pre- programs is now directed to the prepara-
ferred; that is, one that chooses what is tion of literature for new literates.
best from each method, according to the To assist in this in Zambia, the Depart-
type of language, the quality of the teach- ment of Community Development has pro-
ers available, and other related factors. duced a list of six hundred basic words to
Thus the Cibemba primer recently intro- be used by those writing for new literates.
duced in Z amb ia In addition to using
starts with a picture a simple, limited vo-
ARTICLES iN THE NEXT ISSUE c abul ary , books,
of a man and under
the picture appears • Why So Ma ny Parental Heartbreaks? pamphlets and arti-
• T he Catholic Church in Crisis.
his name, MaZama. cles f or those who
• Flu o ridation- l c It Good or Bad?
The student learns to have just learned to
• Heard at the B ethel Dinne r T able.
read his name, and read should be writ-
t hen he le arns to ten in short simple
read and write on t he following pages the sentences. A local literacy officer has stat-
syllables ma and Za. Shortly thereafter an- ed that the book F'ro·m Paradise Lost to
other picture introduces another word, Paradise Rega·ined) written in simple lan-
and the student learns to proncunce and guage and published by the Watch Tower
write the syllables making up this word. Bible & Tract Society, is s uitable for help..
Soon, by combining these with the first ing new literates to progress further. Once
syllables that he learned, he can read and the student has completed the six primers
write simple words. he should be able to work his way through
While this method is basically syllabic, this book.
it can be seen that it draws on elements of While the use of an effective teaching
the phonic and whole-word methods. It is method and the provision of simple read-
hoped that the average adult will work ing matter are important, there is another
through the six primers in four to six
aspect of teaching literacy at least equally
months and then will progress by reading
important.
and enjoying simple books written for new
literates. The Teaching A ttitude
It has been claimed that 60 percent of
Need of Literature for New Liter ates
For students in many areas and lan- the success in teaching literacy to adults
guages their new-found ability does not depends on the attiittde and manner of the
open the door to an endless treasure. This teacher. The teacher must take into con-
is because there is nothing further in sideration differences between teaching
their language that they can read. The adults and teaching children. The adult il-
only literature available in their language literate is more sensitive, very conscious
may be the Bible, and, for most, the gap of making mistakes, easily embarrassed
between their primer and the Bible, or and can be quickly discomaged. Thus an
other literature available, is too great for essential quality that a teacher must ex-
them to jump. Unable to use their basic ercise is fellow-feeling. He should put him-
JULY 8, 1967 15
self in the place of his student and try to student do the speaking. The classes should
appreciate his difficulties. be small, at best four to six, but not more
The student cannot read a book, but he than ten. Avoiding any spirit of compe-
can read his instructor. If the instructor tition among the students, the teacher en-
is bored, superior or impatient in his atti- courages each one to progress at his own
tude, the student will sense this and be pace by giving each one individual atten-
discouraged. If he loves his student and tion. From the beginning he encourages a
is genuinely interested in his progress, the thoughtful reading attitude. That is, he
student will respond. The teacher should makes it his aim not merely to produce
work on the same level as his student, not mechanical pronouncers of symbols but to
standing or sitting above him, but sitting produce thinkers who can understand and
alongside him. His voice should not be apply the thoughts represented by the
loud, but just loud enough to be clearly symbols. He keeps alive in his students a
heard. He should appear as a partner with strong motive for persevering at their
him in the joint venture of opening the studies, discussing with them the benefits
door to an endless treasure, not a superior that being able to read will bring t o them.
schoolmaster. It is with joy that the patient instruc-
The successful teacher avoids embar- tor will hear his student read his first
rassing the student. If he says ba instead sentence. His joy will be greater as he ob-
of da, the teacher does not pounce on his serves the mind of his student opening to
error. He goes back to ba, agrees that that
new thoughts, new ideas, replacing igno-
is ba, reminds the student that da begins
with a different letter and lets him try da rance and superstition with knowledge and
again. By commending at each opportu- true belief, becoming equipped to pro-
nity, he encourages his student and builds gress socially, economically and spiritual-
up his confidence in his ability to read. ly. Working together, the teacher and stu-
When the student reads the word correct- dent will have opened a door still shut to
ly, the teacher does not waste valuable millions of persons-the door to an end-
time by repeating it after him. He lets the less treasure.
26 AWAKE !
tions between man and the lower animals
will be affected. Even wild beasts will
never again be a danger to man, as God's
Word declares: "In that day will I make
a covenant for them with the beasts of
the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and
with the creeping things of the ground:
and I will break the bow and the sword
and the battle out of the earth, and will
make them to lie down safely.''- Hos. 2:
18, AVj Ezek. 34:25.
HE kingdom of God, for which Chris-
T tians pray, is a righteous heavenly rule
or government. (Matt. 6:10; Isa. 9:6) Un-
Under God's kingdom even creatures
that were once fierce will be at peace, not
harming others. "The wolf also shall dwell
der its administration the entire earth \vith the lamb, and the leopard sh all lie
will be transformed Into a paradise of down with the kid; and the calf and the
pleasure, and the desires of all righteously young lion and the fatling together; and
disposed humans will be perfectly satis- a little child shall lead them. And the cow
fied. Please locate your own copy of the and the bear shall feed; their young ones
Bible and turn in it to the one hundred shall lie down together: and the lion shall
and forty-fifth Psalm, verses thirteen and eat straw like the ox.... They shall not
sixteen, and nole the sound basis for this hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain:
hope. If yours is the Aut horized or King for the earth shall be full of the knowledge
James Version it will read: "Thy kingdom of the LoRD, as the waters cover the sea."
is an everlasting kingdom, and thy domin- - Isa. 11:6-9, AV.
ion endureth throughout all generations.
Without devastating war to disturb the
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest land or any danger from wild animals, the
the desire of every living thing." earthly subjects of God's kingdom will be
What blessings do you desire to see en- able to care for their crops unmolested,
joyed upon the earth? The doing away and the land will produce abundantly.
with war and its accompanying miseries? "There will come to be plenty of grain on
By means of his Kingdom rule Almighty the earth," the Bible promises. (Ps. 72:
God will bring this about, as the Bible 16; see also Psalm 67: 6) Under U1e rule
prophecy assures: "He shall judge among of God's kingdom never again will food
many people, and rebuke strong nations sh ortage or painful hunger be experi-
afar off· and they shall beat U1eir swords enced! God's blessing will be present, and
into pl~wshares, and their spears into the earth will respond to the loving atten-
pruninghooks : nation shall not lift up a tion of its caretakers, as indicated by the
sword against nation, neither sha11 they Bible prophecy: "Instead of the thorn
learn war any more." (Mic. 4:3, AV) The shall come up the fir t ree, and instead of
inspired Bible psalmist recorded the fur- the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.''
ther comforting assurance: "The LoRD The earth will become a global paradise,
will bless his people with peace.''-Ps. 29: or park.- Isa. 55:13, AV; Ezek. 34:26, 27.
11I A V I · see also Psalm 46:8-11. Perhaps one of the keenest desires of
The peace brought by God's kingdom people is to enjoy perfect health, free from
will be so far-reaching that even the rela- disease and the deteriorating effects of old
JULY 8, 1961 27
age. Happily, Almighty God will open his in a restored paradise with cherished
hand and also satisfy this desire of the loved ones! No more will there be the
subjects of his kingdom. "No resident will fear of crime or calamity. Slums and over-
say: 'I am sick.'" (Isa. 33:24) Do not crowded living conditions, too, will be
conclude that this prospect is an impossi- things of the past. Interesting work a-nd
bility, for when he was on earth the Son a close relationship with God will cause
of God, Jesus Christ, demonstrated what life to be satisfying and enjoyable. "They
could be expected regarding the curing of shall build houses, and inhabit them; and
ills. (Matt. 15:30, 31) Yes, under God's they shall plant vineyards, and eat the
kingdom even the old and lame are cer- fruit of them . . .. They shall not labour
tain to enjoy restored youth and full in vain, nor bring forth for trouble . . .
physical powers!-Compare Isaiah 35: And it shall come to pass, that before they
5, 6. call, I will answer; and while they are yet
Is it possible to enjoy such perfect speaking, I will hear."-Isa. 65:21-24, AV;
health forever? Can death be eliminated? Ps. 37: 9-11, 29; Mic. 4: 4.
Although men of science and medicine Do you desire to live to enjoy these
have proved unsuccessful in their attempts blessings of God's Kingdom rule even in a
to conquer death, we have this assurance physical sense here on earth? If so, pre-
of God's Word: "And [God] will wipe out pare now to live then. Learn more about
every tear from their eyes, and death will the kingdom of God and the requirements
be no mm·e, neither will mourning nor for enjoying its blessings. Then, after tak-
outcry nor pain be any more. The former ing in the necessary knowledge, coura-
things have passed away." (Rev. 21: 4) geously serve God. Obediently submit to
Jehovah God will see to it that all causes his wise direction, for "he that does the
for distress and sorrowing are removed will of God remains forever."-1 John
and that the obedient subjects of his king- 2:17; John 17:3.
dom are blessed with everlasting life in an
earthly paradise!-Isa. 25:8; Rom. 6:23.
Can you answer these q uestions? For a nswers
But what about dead loved ones? How read th e article above.
millions of earth's inhabitants long to ( 1 ) What satisfaction will be realized by
see, talk to and associate with persons now earthly subjects of God's kingdom? ( 2) Will
deceased! Even this cherished desire will conflicts and wars continue to exist, and what
be realized! Jesus Christ demonstrated assurance do we have regarding this? ( 3) What
will then be the relationship between man and
what would be experienced on a large the anima ls? ( 4) What change will occur in
scale when he resurrected the son of the t he habits or disposition of certain animals
widow of Nain and Jairus' daughter. under God's kingdom? ( 5) How will the earth
then respond to the core given it, and what
(Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-42, 49-56) With con- will it become earth wide? ( 6) How will the
fidence, therefore, we can look forward physica l hea lth of the Kingdom's subjects
to the fulfillment of Jesus' own promise: be affected? ( 7) How long may perfect health
be enjoyed under the Kingdom rule? ( 8) Is
"The hour is coming in which all those there any hope of life as a subject of God 's
in the memorial tombs will hear [the Son kingdom for those who are now dead and in
of God's] voice and come out."-John 5: their tombs? ( 9) What condition s that ore
28, 29; Acts 24:15. common now will no longer exist under the
Kingdom ru le? ( 10) What must we do now
Think of it! To enjoy everlasting life if we desire to live then?
28 AWAKE!
tiUs hospital treats one case of
abortion for every four births.
The figures given apply only
to the city of Santo Domingo,
which represents one-fourth
of the total population of the
Republic.
Fire Disaster
~ About 1,000 persons- cus-
tomers and employees-were
believed to be in the huge
L'Innovation department store
In Brussels, Belgium, on May
22, when fire broke out. Be-
fore the fire was brought
under control, some 300 shop-
pers and store workers had
perished, making it one of
history's most disast r ous
War In the 1\llddle East electrical power failure on building fires. Some suspect
~ On May 15 Egypt was June 5. The shut-off of power that the fire was the work
placed on a "war footing" as came at mid-morning. It was of arsonists with anti-Ameri-
combat units and artillery ve- not until 8 :15 p.m. that the can motives. The store was
hicles rumbled through Cairo. entire area was back to nor- showing special displays of
The United Arab Republic mal. Some sections, however, American goods and flying
asked the United Nations to began to regain power within the United States flag at the
remove its emergency force a half hour. The precise cause time. A store official put the
from the armistice line on the for the blackout, which hit loss at about $20,000,000.
Egyptian border with Israel. New Jersey, much of eastern
Secretary-General U Thant of Pennsylvania, eastern Mary- W ild Weather
the United Nations ordered land and the northern half ~ People . can do nothing
the withdrawal of U.N. troops. of Delaware, was still being much about the weather but
Israel issued a call to arms. sought. For the most part talk about it, and April and
She ordered a partial call-up people took the power failure May provided ample material
of her reserves. America urged very much in their stride. for conversation. Drought in
her citizens to get out of the However, those following the southern Florida threatened
danger areas. On May 23 Pres- Middle East crisis felt some- to dry up the Everglades, but
ident Nasser of Egypt an- what annoyed when their tele- heavy rains in May helped re-
nounced an Egyptian blockade visions went off. lieve the condition. In north-
of the Gulf of Aqaba, cutting ern California some 400,000
off Israel's access to the Ara· High Abortion Ra te construction workers grum-
bian Sea. The matter was re- ~ Dr. Vinicio Calventi, gyne· bled about heavy rains, which
ferred to the United Nations. cologist at La Maternidad kept them idle for two con·
The Security Council of the Nuestra Senora de Ia Altagra- secutive weeks. Massachusetts
United Nations was called on cia hospital in Santo Domingo, had a snowstorm on May 25,
to meet. On June 4 fighting Dominican Republic, reported hurricane winds struck New
broke out between Israel and that 20,000 abortion cases had England, killer tornadoes and
the Arab nations. Battles been treated in this center in hailstones blasted cen tral and
raged from Syria, on the north, the past seven years at an southern United States. Why
to the Sinai Desert. on the expenditure of two and a half all the unusual weather?
south, and on the Jordanian- million pesos. In 1966, 3,643 Weather officials say that it
Israeli border. Cease-fire ef- abortions were registered. The is due to the activity of jet
forts were staLled in the Unit· majority of these were self· streams-high altitude "riv-
ed Nations. U Thant said induced or performed by per- ers" of f ast-moving air un-
failure in world morality is sons without medical knowl- dulating in paths from west
what has brought on the crisis edge and thus resulted in to east across the nation.
and may bring on another infection, hemorrhage, and When these move in exagger-
world war. complications, often incurable. ated sweeps, they say, ex-
Dr. Calventi estimated that, treme peculiarities in the
Hit by Blackout for every case treated, there weather pattern result. And
~ Four states in the United were two that did not seek this year has had its share of
States were hit by a massive hospital ald. He added that extremes.
JULY 8, 1961 29
' 'Cou ldn't Think Straight'' describe the rock upon which better living condit ions. Most
~ The Observer) a magazine Floridians live as "soft lime- parochial school systems have
published by the United stone." The stone contains what many view as painfully
Church of Canad~, gave the enormous quantities of water. inadequate tenure, pension
following answer to the ques- During the recent drought and medical-insurance pro-
tion : "U a man came to you much of the water drained, grams. The inevitable result
with a large gift of money for leaving gigantic underground is not only d iscontent among
the church, and then explained caves. When the rains finally laymen but a disturbingly
that he had won it gambling, fell, adding tremendous weight high turnover. In the past f ew
would you accept it? What to the surface, cave-ins were months, teacher walkouts
would you say and do?" An- inevitable. have h it perhaps a dozen or
swer: "We'd accept it and say more Catholic schools f r om
'Gulp!' If later we thought Com puls ory Inoculation New York to L os Angeles.
we shouldn't have, we'd for- ~ "The Constitution of the Parochial school administra-
give ourselves with the excuse Republic sh ould make provi- tors say they lack the means
we were so surprised we sion for medical freedom as to satisfy the teachers. Faced
couldn't think straight." Per- well as religious freedom. To with rising costs, many .dio-
haps that is part of Christen- restrict the art of healing to ceses have shut down or com-
dom's problem- it cannot one class of men and deny bined marginal and inefficient
think straight because of its equal privilege to others will schools. And Tirne magazine
love of money and double constitute the bastile of medi- for June 2 stated that some
morality. cal science," so wrote Dr. Ben- Catholic educators are begin-
jamin Rush, signer of the Dec- ning to wonder w hether it
150 MPH Trains laration of Independence . might ultimately be necessary
~ In Japan, the famed To- Newsday for May 3 reported to abandon parochial school
kaido Line has trains with t hat a number of students education entirely. St. Louis'
top speeds of 160 miles per were barred from classes in Joseph Cardinal Ritter recent-
hour (mph). However, the top Levittown, New York, after ly is reported as having said:
speed in daily operation is failing to produce proof of " If we were confronted with
about 125 mph. In the United immunization against polio. the question of whether we
States, the New York Central Robert Neidich, assistant su- should start parochial schools
recently ra n a test train, pro- perintendent of the Levittown today, I am sure they
pelled by a jet engine, at 185 School District, said the school wouldn't be sta.rted ."
mph. The Pennsylvania Rail- administration will not accept
road has demonstrated a a statement by a parent who Presbyterians' N ew Creed
short-haul ride on a train that claims that individual con- ~ After nine years of debate,
traveled up to 150 mph. The science prohibits his child study and revision, the United
run between New York and from being inoculated. The Presbyterian Church, the lat-
Washington, D.C., reportedly only exceptions allowed by the ter part of May, approved the
will take 2 hours and 55 min- new state law requiring im- "Confession of 1967." It is the
utes. The railroad companies munization to polio are for first new Presbyterian creed
hope, by means of the newly children whose physicians say in 320 years. What does it say?
designed trains, to compete they should not be inoculated The Confession, a 4,500-word
with the airlines for traffic in or for childr en whose famil ies document , commits Presbyte-
these heavily traveled areas. belong to "a bonafide religious rians, in the name of Christ,
group" whose teaching for- to labor for such causes as
Wh ere Houses Disappear bids inoculation. world peace and the elimina-
~ Florida, known for its cool- tion of poverty and injustice.
ing breezes and warm winter Parochial Sch ool Problem s Nothing is said about the
sunshine, is faced with a prob- ~ Due to the decline in the Christian responsibility of
lem of sii1king houses. Mrs. number of clerical teachers making disciples of men and
Benny Watson of Bartow, a nd the growth in Roman
Florida, glanced out of the preaching the good news of
Catholic parochial schools,
window one Sunday morning, laymen now constitute one· God's k ingdom as a witness to
to see two of her neighbors' third of the teaching force all nations. O'viatt. 24:14) The
houses disappear into the within the Catholic school document describes the Bible
gr ound. It appears that the system in the United States. as simply the "witness with-
r ock structure of Florida Until recently, it was unusual out parallel" to God's word
er odes underground. Then, for lay teachers to teach in rather than the Word inspired
often without warning, huge Catholic schools. But now that by God, as the apostle Paul
areas f all in, engulfing houses, lay teachers are in these j obs so appropria tely referred to it.
roads, even people. Geologists they want better wages and -2 Tim. 3:16.
30 AWAKE !
Human Guinea. Pigs one eye. The charges are made about abortions. Clergyman
~ A United Press Internation· in a book by the doctor called Howard R. Moody, spokesman
al report out of London stated "Human Guinea Pigs-Exper· for the g roup, said that the
that Dr. Maurice Pappworth, imentation on Man." new group would offer advice
a London consultant physician, in obtaining legal therapeutic
charged that British and Amer· LSD's Heavy Price abortions and advice on alter·
ican teaching hospitals used ~ Four users of LSD impaired natives, such as keeping the
patients as "human guinea their eyesight for life. While child or having him put up for
pigs" for medical experiments under the drug's influence, they adoption. "In some instances,"
that were sometimes unnec- stared at the sun, which re- the clergyman said, "it is pos-
essary and resulted in death. sulted in the burning of the sible we would attempt to fa-
Dr. Pappworth was reported macula, a small part of the cilitate her getting an abortion
to have said that hours-old cornea, and caused total loss of in a country where it is legal."
babies, expectant mothers, con- reading vision. It was reported Even though abortion has re-
victs, the chronically and men- on May 18 that the patients, peatedly been denounced as
tally sick, the aged and the all males between 18 and 24 murder, these clergymen stat-
dying had been submitted to years of age, had no aware- ed that they disagreed with
experiments in the past twen- ness of pain or discomfort such a view. I n fact, they held
ty years. Pappworth, who gives while the sun was burning that "when a doctor performs
200 examples of alleged exper- through the eye's tissue be· such an abortion motivated by
iments, said that in 1954 New cause they were under the in· compassion and concern for
York doctors gave high oxy· .fluence of the hallucinatory the patient, and not simply for
gen concentrations to 36 pre• drug. monetary gain," they "do not
mature babies for two weeks, Abortion Advice regard him as a criminal but
despite reports indicating dan- ~ In a 600-word statement as living by the highest stan-
ger from this treatment. Out twenty-one Protestant minis- dards of religion and of the
of the 36 infants, eight devel· ters and rabbis in New York Hippocratic oath." Of course,
oped "irreversible" blindness city declared that they had set the opinion is that of these re-
of both eyes and two others up a consultation service to ligious leaders and not that
had possible involvement of assist women seeking advice expressed in the Bible.
~PDRPO~I
have none usually come to a tragic end. But as
indicated by the lack of true happiness in the
world, there is something lacking in the goals
many pursue as their main purpose for living.
The Bible says that "the whole obligation of man"
k71teMnt~
is to "fear the true God and keep his command-
ments." What loftier purpose could we have? But
what are God's commandments? What does God's
ltm!~J
Word say on all these vital matters that affect
our daily lives? Be sure! Make sure! Read :
"Make Sure of All Things,·
Hold Fast to What I s F ine"
IN
FREEDOM OF
THE SONS OF GOD
JULY 22 , 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts , faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by .political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!'' is not narrow, but is international. "Awake(" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features p enetrating articles on social conditions a nd offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the flelds of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awake!" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden fo.:s and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awoke!"
CONTENTS
Why So Many Parental Heartbceaks? 3 The N ew Wm'ld Translation in India 23
Pla nts T ha t Like Meat 7 Where t he Wind Holds Sway 24
T he Cath olic Church in Crisis s Capitalizing on a Quechua P rincess 26
Transpla nting Difficulties
"Your Word Is Truth"
A Delicious Treat from the Tropics 15 By Whose Authority 'First Called
Fluoridation- Is It Good or Bad ? 16 Christians'? 27
Heard at the Bethel Dinner Table 20 Watching the World 29
"It is Qlreody the hour for you to awake."
-Romans 13:11
.VIiry S c. lfllllii,.Y
~a~re. ...-. .1 Heflllr#brec.ltcs-r
TRANSPLANTING DIFFICULTIES
,;' In the November 11, 1966, issue of Medical Wm·ld News an article appeared
lUlder the title "Transplant Reaction Still Blocks Major Surgical Advances." It re·
ported that at a San Francisco meeting of surgeons "the unofficial key note ... was
that surgery had gone about as far as it can go-until transplant rejection is
licked." Experiments have continued along this line with animals and humans,
using a new serum called ALS (antilymphocyte serum). The serum is prepared
from horse and dog blood cells. The experiments performed make it evident that
efforts to transplant organs run into conflict with the laws that govern the normal
growth and repair of the human body.
14 AWAKE!
A Delicious Treat from the Tropics
By " Awake !" corresp ondent In Brazil You may wish to take some of the ordinary
bananas that can be bought in a local store
F YOU were to visit Brazil, you would see and fry them, as is often done with plantains.
l loll ...
ford in Ontario, Canada. Studies
made in these cities after they had
used fluoridated water for ten years
revealed that the children had 60
percent less tooth decay than those
16 AWAKE!
dreds of times the fluoride level recom- treatment of drinking water with a com-
mended for drinking water can produce pound that is known to be completely
toxicity, but then it concluded by saying: harmless would be perfectly all right but
"There is almost no natural substance, or- that sodium fluoride is not a harmless
ganic or inorganic, that does not contain compound but a poisonous one.
some fluoride. Excessive quantities can In twelve experiments made by Dr.
have a deleterious effect but in the trace Taylor that involved 645 mice, he found
amounts added to water to prevent tooth that mice that· drank fluoridated water
decay, fluoride is harmless." tended to develop cancer sooner than mice
But when trace amounts are added to on fluoride-free water. He also found that
a water supply there is no control on how mice that drank as little as one part of
much a person ingests, because some per- fluoride in one million parts of water had
sons drink more water than others. Nei- a life-span shortened, on an average, 9 per-
ther is there control over the amount of cent. Still another observation from this
additional fluoride a person gets from the experiment was that small amounts of
food he eats and the polluted city air he sodium fluoride accelerated the growth of
breathes. That the fluoride content of food cancer tissue as grown in mice. Propo-
is a factor to consider is evident from a nents for fluoridated water dispute these
report that appeared in the New York findings.
Times of November 27, 1966. It revealed Another doctor who has expressed con-
that the United States Food and Drug cern over fluoridation is Dr. Simon A.
Administration was delaying approval of Beisler, chief of urology at Roosevelt Hos-
the use of nutritious fish protein concen- pital in New York city. He observed, as
trate because of the possibility that the reported in the New York Times of Janu-
fluoride content in the concentrate may ary 2, 1967: "I just don't feel that this
give people drinking fluoridated water too thing has been researched the way it
much fluoride. should have been. Fluoride in the water
Upon the basis of the studies that show can reach every organ in the body and
that fluorides in small trace amounts are there are indications that it can be harm-
safe in drinking water and the statistics ful over a long period of time." This mat-
that show a marked decrease in tooth de- ter of accumulating fluoride in the body
cay among children drinking such water, is a cause of worry among many who ob-
dental and medical organizations have ject to fluoridation.
been urging cities to fluoridate their wa- It is pointed out in the British Royal
ter supplies. These organizations are firm- Society of Health Jou'r nal of March/April
ly convinced that this practice is for the 1966 that part of the fluoride that is in-
good of the public. gested goes to the bones, with the remain-
der being excreted through the kidneys
Why Opposition to Fluoridation and sweat glands. One-third of the dose
The conviction that sodium fluoride is will be eliminated by the kidneys in a mat-
a poisonous substance causes many per- ter of four hours, and it will be almost
sons to oppose fluoridation. Despite as- completely removed from the soft tissues
surances that trace amounts have proved in that space of time.
to be harmless, they argue that it can pro- This report points out that about the
duce bad effects. Doctor Alfred Taylor of only place where fluoride accumulates is
the University of Texas argues that the in the bones and teeth. This fact causes
JULY 22, 1961 17
opponents of fluoridation to fear skele- is mass medication. They claim that it is
tal malformations and a disruption of the merely an adjustment of drinking water
ablli ty of the bones to act as store- that is deficient in fluoride. Regarding
houses of calcium phosphate and magne- this, Dr. Fredrick J. Stare, Professor of
sium from which the body can draw when Nutrition at Harvard, stated: "Fluoride as
necessary. They claim that fluoride locks used in fluoridation is not a medicine nor
these minerals in the bones so they can- a drug, and is not being used to treat any
not be drawn out. Another objection is the disease. . . . Fluoride as used in fluorida-
fact that fluorides are powerful enzymatic tion is a mineral nutrient, just as are cop-
inhibitors and might have some effect on per, manganese, zinc, molybdenum and
the action of enzymes in the body. some twelve other minerals."
Fluoride is called a cumulative poison
by Dr. F. B. Exner and Dr. G. L. Wald- Other Ways to Protect Teeth
hott. They call it this because the amount Rather than make everyone in a com-
of .fluoride put out by the kidneys is less munity drink fluoridated water when only
than what is ingested, which means that a few benefit from it, opponents contend
the amount of fluoride in the body in- that other methods that can be applied on
creases over the years. Opponents claim an individual basis should be used. They
that there is no evidence that this accu- point out that fluoride can be added to
mulation, if it does indeed take place, milk, salt or vitamins for those children
causes bodily harm. whose parents want them to have fluoride.
The fact that the only pet·sons benefit- A report in the New York Times of J anu-
ing from fluoridation are children, espe- ary 27, 1966, said that fluoridated vita-
cially those up to about the age of eight, mins can help to reduce tooth decay at
is a very strong reason why there are least as well as fluoridated water. This
objections to the practice. Ingested fluo- discovery was made by three scientists at
ride becomes fixed in the enamel of the the Indiana University School of Dentist-
teeth only when the enamel is being ry. Other experiments there have shown
formed. This means that adults gain no that phosphate-treated cereals can reduce
dental benefit from drinking fluoridated tooth decay among children by 20 to 40
water. Since the children who do benefit percent.
are a small fraction of the population of Fluoride tablets or drops in water or
a city, it can be said that fluoridation is fruit juice are still another method of in-
not for the welfare of the general public dividual treatment. An ai"gument used
but is for the welfare of relatively few against it is the fear that parents may
persons. not be regular in administering the daily
The practice of forcing everyone to recommended dose to their children. In
drink a chemical that benefits only a mi- one test only half the parents did so on
nority is regarded as grossly unwise by a daily basis.
fluoridation opponents. They look upon the What appears to be the most effective
practice as mass medication and as an method is for a dentist to apply stannous
opening wedge for using the public water fluoride directly to the teeth. It has been
supply for dispensing medicine for many found by the United States Navy that this
ailments suffered by numerous people in a method even benefits adults by making
community. their teeth more resistant to decay. The
Proponents of fluoridation deny that it New York Tin1es of December 6, 1966,
18 AWAKE!
reported that the Navy has developed a Right of Free Choice
three-step fluoride treatment that involves A serious objection to fluoridation is
no more than a visit to a dentist once a the loss of free choice on the part of the
year for a half hoW' and the regular use people. Instead of permitting each person
of a fluoridated toothpaste. In a two-year to decide for himself whether he wants
study Navy dentists found that this meth- to be treated with sodium fluoride, fluori-
od reduced tooth decay in adults by more dation forces him to ingest it.
lhan 70 percent, whereas the drinking of With regard to this matter of coercion
fluoridated water gave t hem no protection ArthW' Selwyn Miller, a professor of con-
at all. Since this method began to be used stitutional law, wrote in the magazine
at the United States Naval Academy, FJat1~rclay Review of April 3, 1965: "The
tooth decay there has been virtually contest is between the power of state
stopped. governments to legislate for the health,
The first step in the method is t o clea11 safety and morals of the populace-
the teeth thoroughly with an abrasive that summed up in the label of police power
contains stannous fluoride. After the teeth - and the right of the individual to be
a1·e dry a 10 percent solution of stannous free from invasions of his physical integ-
fluoride is applied to the teeth for fifteen rity. The .invasion here seems to be clear.
seconds. In the third step the patient is Persons are subjected to ingestion of fluo-
shown how to brush his teeth properly ride without their consent. .. . Fluorida-
with fluoridated toothpaste, which he t ion deprives the individual of his right to
must use regularly. Fluoride applied in care for himself as he sees fit."
this manner becomes physically attached The fact that cities chlorinate their wa-
to the enamel surface of the teeth. ter and add other chemicals to make it
A principal cause of tooth decay is sug- safe does not justify fluoridation, say its
ar. Regarding this, the American JO'ttrnal opponents. They contend that it is the
of Nursing stated in its issue of February duty of a city to provide safe and pure
1966: "When foods containing sugars are drinking water but that fluoridation has
eaten, bacteria in the mouth digest the nothing to do with water purity or safety.
sugars and reduce them to acids. These Therefore, forcing it upon everyone in or-
acids, formed within 15 minutes after eat- der that a small minority might have less
ing sugars, dissolve the enamel surface tooth decay is irritating to opponents of
of the tooth . . . A single attack on the the practice.
enamel surface by acids is not sufficient to It was this matter of coercion that con-
cause obvious decay; but numerous daily vinced the mayor of Honolulu to veto a
bill adopted by the City Council to fluo-
acid attacks can result in cavities occur-
r idate Honolulu's water supply. He ex-
ring within six months or one year." This pressed the opinion that adoption of the
publication then mentioned that decay bill would be a n abuse of the city's police
could be prevented by brushing the teeth powers by forcing fluoridation upon all in
within fifteen minutes after eating foods the city whether they liked it or not.
containing sugar. Since this was said to be When considering the controversial
too much to expect of children, much less question of fluoridation, the issue being
for them to stay away from sweets al- prominently pushed to the fore is how to
together, this publication advocated the preserve the individual right of free
fluoridation of public drinking water. choice.
JUL Y ~~. 1967 19
....:::,.·.H· :t~t'A ·:nn
-·
-~··; . ·: . ~bllll( .:. ,. ' · '
-·\,>'.·'_AT _THE -.• ;'
I
HE tradition goes back to the early days
D
and from many parts of Bolivia and Peru
of the Spanish conquest when the con· during July each year.
quistadores, arriving from Peru, brough t Wild and licentious dances performed by
among their captives the daughter of a chief masked dancers representing devils, bear:.;,
I
of the Quechua Indians. Goaded to desper· Gypsies, Redskins, Chinese, and so on, arouse
ation by the tyranny of he1' captors, she i the onlookers to a high pitch of excitement.
managed to flee with some of her tribe and
settled in the vicinity of wha t is now called
II A carefree carnival spirit takes hold of the
celebrators. Wine flows freely, but served iu
f:
the village of La Tirana. This name, which I teacups and coffee cups, because the region
means "She Tyrant," came to be applied to
her, and later also to the village, from her II is declared "dry" by the authorities for the
week of this notorious festival. A regular
cruel and merciless treatment of any whites 0 market is set up and does a roaring trade.
who fell into her power. She would per· ~ The importance of this fiesta in the eyes
sonally torture them and finally sacrifice I of north Chileans may be gauged by the
them before all her people. i fact that activities in the city of Iqulque,
One day, however, the intrepid Portuguese
adventurer, Vasco de Almeida, ventured
into her domain, was captured and, like his
.
I one and a half hours away by road, come to
a virtual standstill during the celebration .
For lack of hotels the rooms in private homes
predecessors, sentenced to a cruel death. As f
•I rent by the square yard, and many pilgrims
preparations for the sacrifice got under way, have to sleep on the floor, observing the
the intended victim sought to have the prin·
cess fall in love with him. He succeeded, al-
legedly converted her to his Catholic faith,
baptized her and persuaded her to flee with
li limit of space assigned to each individual by
chalk marks. At times the proceedings are
marred by noisy quarrels and pitched battles
fought by wine-crazed pilgrims.
him. The flight, however, was detected and I Of course, there is the procession through
the treason of the princess adjudged punish·
able by death. Her own subjects sacrificed
II the village preceded by the image of the Vir·
gin of La Tirana or of Carmen-it does not
her in compliance with the ritual she her· seem to matter which. Finally there is mass
self had established. rI in the church at eleven o'clock of July 16,
Later, so the story goes, a catholic mission· at which the Catholic pilgrims turn up in
ary found the burial place of the princess i
~
various stages of nervous exhaustion and
marked by a wooden cross-though some
claim it was a statue of the Virgin of Car·
1 drunkenness. Described by Chilean journal·
ists as "the most pagan festival celebrated
men, Chile's patron saint. In any event, on !
I in all the Americas,'' it has been adopted by
this very spot the Church of La Tirana was t the church as a most profitable sideline.
26 AWAKE!
Why do these two translations read this
way? Because the word in the Greek text
is the verb h:hrematfzo. This Greek verb
does not merely mean "to call," but al-
ways has the implication of something
supernatural, oracular or divine associated
with it. Thus Strong's Lexicon defines it
~s ."to utter an oracle, .. . i.e. to divinely
mtunate." And says Robinson's L exicon
of the New Testament: "Spoken of in re-
spect to a divine response, oracle, declara-
ANY religious groups have adopted tion, to give 1·esponse1 to speak as an 01'·
M the name that their opponents first
gave them as a nickname. Thus a religious
acle, to warn from God."
Regarding the expression at Acts 11:
cyclopedia tells us regarding the Meth- 26, Clarl<te1s Bible Commentar1J states:
odists that "they were called 'Methodists' "The word khrematisai in our common
first in a taunting spirit, because they text, which we translate 'were called '
were wmsually precise and 'methodic' in sig.nifies in the New Testament, to a~
the obset·vance of their religious duties." pomt, wan1 Ol' n.orninate, by Divine direc-
Among other religious groups that might tion. In this sense, the word is used ...
1Je mentioned who adopted their nick- therefore, the name Christian is from
names are the Lutherans, the Baptists and God."
the Quakers. Scott, in his Bible Commentary1 states:
Is this also true of the name Christian? "The word implies that this was done by
Was it first used in derision by their foes, divine revelation: for it has generally this
only afterward to be adopted by them- signification in U1e New Testament, and
selves? By no means! On the contrary the is rendered 'warned from God' or 'warned
Bible tells us: "It \vas first in Antioch that of God,' even where there is no word for
the disciples were by divine providence God in the Greek" text.
called Christians." And says the apostle Yes, this Greek verb, as well as its noun
Peter: "If he suffers as a Christian Jet form, does not merely mean "to call" or
him not feel shame, but Jet him l<eep on "warn,'' but always has the implication of
glorifying God in this name."-Acts 11: something supernatw·al or divine associat-
26; 1 Pet. 4:16.• ed with it. This can easily be determined
But perhaps someone wiU object, say-
by consulting other Scripture texts where
ing: 'My Bible does not read that way at this Greek verb appears. Thus the astrolo-
Acts 11:26; it simply says that the Chris· gers (Magi) who came to visit Jesus and
tians were called such first at Antioch.'
later his parents upon their return from
True, of some fifty translations in several Egypt were "given divine warning.''
modern languages, only one other indi- (Matt. 2:1, 12, 22; see also Moffatt.) Fol'
cates that God had anything to do with similar references see Luke 2:26; Acts 10 :
the name "Christian," Young 1s reading: 22; Hebrews 8:5; 11:7; 12:25. At Romans
"The disciples also were divinely called 11:4 occurs the noun form khrematisnws.
first in Antioch Christians." and there it is rendered, in the New Wo,.Zd
• The only other instance ot ' 'Ch ristian'' In the Translation~ "the divine pronouncement.''
Scriptures Is a t Acts 26:28, where Herod Aarlppa I
tells Paul: "In a short time you would p!'rsuartc me Is t his not in harmony with the facts?
to become a Christian."
JULY 22, 196"1 27
There must have been more than human means to love one's fellow Christians, even
factors involved. What name could have as Jesus commanded: "Love one another;
been more appropriate to the followers of just as I have loved you ... By this all
Jesus Christ than "Christian"? Do not the will know that you are my disciples."
Scriptures speak of Jesus as being the - John 13:34, 35.
bridegroom, the head and the husband of Perhaps someone will now ask, Since
his anointed footstep followers, and of the name "Christian" is divinely author-
them as his bride, body and wife? They ized and so appropriate, why have the
certainly do, even as we read: "He that Christian witnesses of Jehovah also taken
has the bride is the bridegroom"- the to themselves the name "Jehovah's wit-
words of John the Baptist. And ·said the nesses"? Because, for one thing, they truly
apostle Paul: "I personally promised you are witnesses for Jehovah as well as being
in marriage to one husband that I might Christians. They are true to ·the words
present you as a chaste virgin to the of Jehovah God, who said: "You are my
Christ." "A husband is head of his wife witnesses." (Isa. 43:10-12) And in this
as the Christ also is head of the congre- they follow Jesus Christ, for he said that
gation." And as the bride and wife takes he was "the Amen ... the faithful and true
the name of her bridegroom and husband, witness," and that he had been born and
so the true followers of Jesus Christ take had come into the world to "bear witness
a name related to him.-John 3:29; 2 Cor. to t he truth." Further, he said that he
11:2; Eph. 5 :23. made his Father's name manifest to his
More than that, did not Jesus command followers.-Rev. 3:14; John 18:37; 17:6.
his followers to be witnesses for him? In- But more than that, they also use the
deed, even as we read: "You will be wit- name "Jehovah's witnesses" because today
nesses of me both in Jerusalem and in ~.11 there are hundreds of sects in Christen-
Judea and Samaria and to the most dis- dom that have hundreds of millions of
tant part of the earth." As witnesses for adherents, all of whom claim to be Chris-
him they bear a name that testifies to tians and yet do not begin to measure up
him.-Acts 1:8. to the above-enumerated qualifications of
And how important it was that Christ's Christians. So as to distinguish between
first followers bear a distinctive name! No those who profess to be Christians but do
more was it sufficient to say that they not measure up to these requirements and
were Jews. They needed to be differen- those who do, these Christians have addi-
tiated from those believers in God who tionally tal<en the name "Jehovah's wit-
did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, nesses."
the Christ, and by what more logical, Thus we see that the name "Christian"
appropriate term than "Christian"? 'vas no nickname but was given by divine
Of course, to be a Christian requires providence even though so few Bible
many things. It means to recognize the translations make this apparent by their
Hebrew Scriptures as the Word of God, rendering of Acts 11 :26. And since Jesus
as the truth and as one's authority, even was a witness for Jehovah, the Christian
as Jesus did. (Matt. 4:4; John 17:17) It witnesses of Jehovah have also accepted
means to make disciples of people of all the name "Jehovah's witnesses." At the
nations, even as Jesus made disciples and same time this differentiates them from
then sent forth his followers to make still the many professing to be Christians but
other disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) It also not meeting the Scriptural requirements.
28 AWAI!'E!
right. In May some 7,000
Roman Catholic priests were
polled In the New York area
on ending celibacy for Catholic
clergy. Priest Robert T. Fran·
coeur, spokesman for a group
called the Metropolitan Co-or·
dinating Committee, said that
members hope to use results
or the poll to "convince the
American bishops that chang.
ing the celibacy requirements
for priests is a pressing prob-
lem.'' Why should men beg
from men what God has or·
daincd as their right?
l ave- Laboa· Camps
~ Slave labor is generally
War's Altermath effects. Dr. Seymour L. Hal· believed to be a thing of the
~ The MiddJe East war be· leek of the University of Wis· past. But It Is reported that in
gan the morning of June 5, consln medical school in Ma d· the Multan area of West Pak·
and fighting did not end un· !son sale! some college students, istan pollee In May swooped
til the guns went silent in Syria products of today's "too much" down on 18 s lave l abor
at 6:30 p.m. on June 11. In society, develop emotional Ul· camps, where 90 teen.age boys
the three-front war that Israel n ess marked by rebellion were forced to work for up to
fought against Arab coun 1rles, against authority. "It appears 20 hours a day and In some
they sun'ered 679 killed a nd that too much freed om, too cnses sufl'ercd torture a nd
2,563 wounded, 255 of them much atlluence and too much other bruta lity. West Pakistan
seriously. Figures for Egyptian psychological mindedness can police freed several hundred
a nd Syrian casualties were make some people sick," said men a nd boys from such slave
not available at the time of Dr. Halleck. An increasing camps.
writing. J ordan has announced number are seeking psychiat·
that she lost 15,000 dead In the ric help, complain about vague Religious Mob Action
war. Israel conquered territory feelings of apathy, boredom Mob rule is la wlessness and
four times its size, but the prob· and meaninglessness a nd savagery at Its worst a nd cer·
lems of the territory remain chronic unhappiness. ''They tainly not befitting those pro-
unconquered. More than 100,· talk about being washed up at fessing Christianity. The res-
000 Palestinian refugees had 25." And it is difficult to con· idents of the Cholula region
crossed the J ordan River from vince them that life is worth of Mexico, who are almost all
the west to the east bank. The living a nd that people over 30 Roman Catholics, have yet to
new arrivals have become a can be happy and enjoy life. learn this lesson. Last year
great burden on a n already The illness partially stems a group of Texans wf're driven
terribly weakened Jordanian from the "affluence, leisure, away by an armed mob be·
economy, which now has automation and decline in t:to· cause they otrered to help
275,000 refugees. Some ref· pian Ideals which have contrib· Protestants to build a church.
ugees began to trickle back ut ed to apathy and with· This year rumor circula ted
westward acr oss the Jordan drawal of youth," said Dr. Hal· that a partially completed
River to their former homes. leek. house Jn Cholula was to be a
Russia and her satellite na· Protestant c hurc h. Raiders,
tions broke off diplomatic re- Celibacy Problem " hooded lil<e the I<u l{Jux
lations with Israel. The United ~ According to the Roman Klan," mobbed the newly built
Nations Is now engulfed with Catholic Douay Version Bible, structure and completely de-
"forbidding to marry" is "giv· mollshed it. L ater it was
the dubious task of restoring lear ned that the structure was
peace in the embittered a reas. ing heed to spirits of error and
doctrines of devils." ( 1 Tim. not a Protestant church in
4: 1·3) Although Catholic clergy building but a man's home.
Emotional rus
In large numbers are battling
~ ~ioderation in all things ls for the right to marry, they When the Winner Lo C3
the Christian way. (1 Tim. 3:2; are finding it increasingly Eighty-one-year-old Maria
?hU. 4:5) Too much of any· difficult to convince the church van Tieghen of Ghent, Bel-
<hing has repercussions and ill hierarchy of this God-given gium, won $180,000 in the na·
JULY 22, 1967 29
tional lottery. The shock of Narcotics and Hepatitis Disappearing Giaciei·s
winning, plus the avalanche ~ Inesponsible living takes ~ If the melting of Norway's
of beggars asking for loans its toll. United States Public glaciers continues at the rate
and handouts was too much Health Service officials stated, of the past 30 years, all of
for her. She was buried a week on June 6, that the liver dis· Norway's glaciers will dis·
D.fter she won the lottery ease called hepatitis is spread· appear in a hundred years. So
prize. ing in America through groups says glaciologist Olav Liestol
of narcotic addicts sharing of the Norwegian Polar Insti·
Baby Burg·Iars the same needle. Dr. Ronald tute. The tips of most Nor·
~ Two girls, one eight years F. Johnson, chief of the Hep- wegian glaciers are receding
old and the other eleven, were atitis Section of the Commu· well over 65 feet a year.
arrested on May 1'7 after New nicable Disease Center at At·
Jersey police said they had lanta, said that hepatitis is a U.S. Concentration CatnllS
admitted breaking into five virus disease that can be spread ~ A published United Press
homes and taking $550 in cash through the bloodstream or International report stated: "If
and $350 in jewelry. The girls by contact with contaminated the United States declared
spent most of the money on food or a person who has th e war, it could set up concentra-
candy, clothes and having disease. tion camps 'for people who are
their hair done. By the way, delaying the way.'" This prop-
Where are your children? Commou-La.w 1\[a.rriages osition reportedly was made
Blessed by representative Joe Pool of
Pope as Pastoral Leader ~ If the clergy are not taken Texas. "Under a declared state
~ C. Kilmer Myers, Protes· seriously these days, one rea· of war,'' Pool said, "we could
tant Episcopal Bishop of Cali· son may be because of their get the attorney general to
fornia, called on all Christians, view toward the sanctity of prosecute certain people for
June 4, to recognize the pope marriage. In Canada there are sedition and treason." "Then,
of Rome as head of the "uni· an estimated 200,000 com· if they persisted in their action,
versa) church." "We need a mon-la-;v marriages. United the Justice Department coulcl
Holy Father," the bishop said. Churd 1 ministers in Hamilton, move to put them into concen·
On June 6 he said that hE> Ontario, have recommended tration camps, and leave them
hoped world church leaders that special church services be there for the duration of the
would r espond to his call. Such devised to bless common-law war." Was not this the way
recognition would be made marriages. Min ister H. N. Hill· concentration camps in Nazi
"without at this point commit· yer said the present stand by Germany got started before
ting themselves to any schemes religion drives many away Hitl er introdu ced the gas
for reunion," said Myers. A from the church. Others have chambers'?
prominent Episcopal spokes· feelings of guilt and rejection
man said that the pope could as a result of the position of Wild Storm Strikes
hold the principal place of the churches. "Our strong feel· ~ Burma's southwestern coast
honor in a unified Christian ing," he said, "is that the mor- was battered for 48 hours by a
church but that papal infal· al relationship between the violent storm that destroyed
libility was unacceptable to partners validates the mar- 800 villages and left more than
Anglicans. The suggestion of riage"- and that the union 100,000 persons homeless in
Bishop Myers is not entirely should be blessed publicly. Why May. Tidal waves swept over
new or original. Similar does Hillyer not recommend thousands of acres in the wake
proposals for "a spiritual rap· the legalizing of their partner- of the storm, inundating whole
prochement" wJth Rome have ship, according to God's law villages. Seawater has polluted
been made by others in the and the law of the land? wells aud lakes, creating a
Church of England. Recently critical shortage of drinking
Qual{es in l<1ve Countries water. Relief and rescue teams
Dr. Carl E. Braaten, a Luther- ~ Earthquakes persist in one have been rushed to the area.
an theologian at the Univer- place after another in fulfill·
sity of Chicago, also advocat· ment of Bible prophecy. (Matt. Sex and Go1·e on TV
ed a reunion of Christians 24:7) F ive countries, India, ~ The television networks jn
under the pope. Reaction to West Pakistan, Argentina, Bo- America have deliberately in·
Bishop Myers' plea was de· livia and Chile, were r ocked traduced sex and violence Into
scribed as mixed. However, by earthquakes in May. Quetta, American homes to build up
West P akistan, was shaken by ratings and attract advertisers.
an aide said some opposition earthquakes accompanied by The U.S. Senate Juvenile De-
"was very violent." The bishop an underground rumb ling linquency subcommittee was
himself said that he saw "or· noise. India recorded a "quite presented with evidence to this
ganlzational unity with Rome strong" t remor southeast of effect. The TV networks' obses-
as far off." New Delhi. sion with girls and gore is de·
30 AWAKE!
liberate and in total disregard spreadi;1g hepatitis but killing ritual," Jennings explained.
for the millions of children many patients who receive Few people care enough about
and adolescents who make up transfusions during surgery. what goes on in church these
the television viewing audience. "There is nothing more tragic days even to register a com-
Under cross-examination David than to cure a person of cancer plaint.
Levy, a former TV program and then have him die, be-
director, was asked: "So what cause of a blood transfusion," Not Serious About Religion
you are telling us is that hP. Dr. Allen said. He also declared ~ The world in general does
[a White House aide] wanted that it is impossible to test not take the church seriously
you to play up sex and vio· banked blood for hepatitis. If today and there is no use pre-
lence?" demanded Senator one out of every twelve Cali- tending that it does, says
Tom Dodd. "Yes," agreed Levy, fornians holds the hepatitis Howard H. Clark, primate of
"I guess that is true.'' While virus in his blood, as is assert- the An glican Church of
men in high places scheme to ed, what about the nation as a Canada. The church is kept for
beam more sex and violence whole? Sunday, he said. But since
into American homes, they weekends are now being used
hypocritically bewail the rise Roll Dice for Bibles for other purposes, it may be
in delinquency and violence ~ In front of the altar at the wiser to move worship services
among American youth. twelfth-century parish church to Wednesday, when everyone
in St. Ives, England, eighteen is in town. "The world is no
Deadly Transfusions children rolled dice. The vicar, longer a God's world," he said.
~ At least 5,000 cases of in- Ronald Jennings, who approv- "It's a man's world. For the
fectious hepatitis are being ingly watched the gambling, first time in history, man can
caused in California each year handed out leather-bound Bi- take the universe and fashion
by transfusions of blood from bles as prizes to the winners. it to his needs." In the light
paid "skid row" donors. Dr. J. "I see nothing disrespectful of mounting world woes and
Garrott Allen, a Stanford Uni- about gambling in church," he human dilemmas it is obvious
versity surgeon, said the con- said. "We regard the dice that man has failed to do so
taminated blood is not only games as quaint and historic successfully.
1. When eyes of blind ones see a. gain And ears of deaf ones l1ear a· gain,
2. When tongues of dumb ones speak a-gain, When old ones will be young n-·gain,
3. When wolves and lambs will ieed as one, When bears and calves bask in the sun,
When des • erts blos-som as the l'OSS And from paTched ground fresh wa • tcr fiows,
When earth will yield he1· rich in · crease And all good things will nev · er cease.
A mere young boy will lead them all, Aud they will heed his chlln·ish ca!J.
r.-.
AUGUST 8 , 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
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pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in ma ny lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent pa sses in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
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vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
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...~- ~o<: -~e-~ .- - ...-l!ll-r.;-!Gt-mt -.:~i.-»--lltl -l'•:- 1!t-l'" - '>1"
CONTENTS
The Problem of Conscience 3 Pedestrians, Beware ~
When Opposition Is Resisted 6 Out of the Fire--Alive! ~
Church Programs Get Updated s Ridiculous Reasoning
Wild Foods for Your Table 12 Prison Walls No Barrier to Bible Truths 2
Worldng Elephants 15 "Your Word Is Truth"
Meet Us in Bombay 16 What Can Be Done About Juvenile
The Body's Circulatory System 19 Delinquency? z-
Military Junta Rules Greece 20 Watching the World 2<
••tt is already the hour for yo11 to awake."
-Romon• 13 : 11
AUGUST 8, 1967 7
CHURCH PROGRAMS
GET
the organ, while oth-
ers p o ured their
hearts out in song. When it was all over
the parishioners filed out of the chw·ch
"CRAZY, man, crazy-and amen," is in their Sunday finery past their pastor.
the way an observer described a re- They shook his hand and usually told him
ligious program at the Trinity Cathedral what a fine sermon he gave. That routine
in Cleveland, Ohio. The service was off seemed to satisfy; if not satisfy, at least
and swinging when a jazz band ripped into pacify. But no longer.
"Muskrat Ramble." The congregation of L"lcreasingly, Catholic and Protestant
1,200 applauded for "Canal Street Blues'' churches have been reaching the conclu-
and "When the Saints Come Marching In." sion that their way of worship requires
Robert Guertin, who had introduced a updating. The reason for this conclusion
professional jazz group, the Dukes of has been the empty pews on Sunday
Dixieland, called the program "a Gig with morning. Twenty years ago, Gallup Poll
a capital G." Bishop Nelson M. Burroughs interviewers found that 67 percent of the
of the Ohio Episcopal diocese described population in America attended church
the service as "an hour of creative wor- sometime during the week. Today the
ship." number of adults answering church bells
A few years ago this program would has dropped below 45 percenl This down-
have shocked the pious parishioners right ward trend in church attendance, despite
out of their comfortable pews, and the boasts of growing membership rolls, has
ministers responsible for it would have created concern among the clergy. Dr.
been banished from the congregation. But Charles L . Taylor, executive director of
as things now stand, not only was the pro- the American Association of Theological
gram hailed by the parishioners, but the Schools, said: Unless the eternal gospel is
ones responsible for it were Pt'aised as declared in terms that "a new age can
vigorous, forward-looking men, men of vi- understand, soon nobody will listen and
sion. How t imes have changed! the seminaries themselves will be as ex-
Traditionally, the heart of Protestant
tinct as the dodo bird."
worship was the sermon. In Catholic wor-
ship it was the mass in Latin. People went So modernization has gone to church.
to church to hear a sermon preached or Architecturally speaking, the new reli-
merely to relax in the realm of awe- gious structures are streamlined in and out
inspiring music and religious wonder. to res~mble the space-age era. Worship
Some enjoyed the soul-searching tones of also has had a face-lifting. The Roman
8 AWAKE/
Catholic mass, once conducted strictly Board of Homeland Ministries. "But too
in Latin, is now heard in the vernacu- many Protestant churches don't seem to
lar. The Vatican Council decreed that the have noticed." One change is that young-
priest now may face the congregation in- er ministers are growing increasingly im-
stead of having his back to it. In the Unit- patient with older ministers and their
ed States meatless Fridays have been traditional ways. These young men are im-
abolished. Even the Catholic view of Prot- pat ient with the church's apparent inabili-
estantism has mellowed somewhat. No ty really to communicate with modern so-
longer are Protestants to be viewed as ciety. And for these reasons, many are
heretics, but as "separated brothers." In beginning to think it is the church that is
Protestantism there has been a liberalizing dead, not God.
of doctrine and worship too. Still none of A growing number of young ministers
this has forestalled the statistical atten- want to be where the action is. They main-
dance trend in its downward plunge. Es- tain that wearing the collar backward
pecially conspicuously missing are the does not take away a clergyman's civil
youth. liberties. They believe that he has a right
as an individual citizen to speak his mind
Commullications Problem on secular issues, such as disarmament,
Ministers have diagnosed the cause to federal aid to education, birth control, the
be one of communication. "The old ways United Nations, and so forth.
of communicating just don't communicate
anymore," said Canon C. Parke Street of The "New View"
Louisville's (Kentucky) Christ Church Modern churchmen have endeavored to
Cathedral. So changes are being made. An change the church's image by moving the
Auckland, New Zealand, Methodist minis- pulpit into the heart of show business.
ter felt that religious services needed Startling new techniques have been intro-
some life. He was convinced that an in- duced straight from Broadway and Madi-
jection of popular music would be just the son Avenue. Churchgoers were jarred to
thing to enliven "traditionally dull and attention by jazz liturgies, plays, modern
stereotyped" church services. Minister Ba- dance and folk-rock masses played by
sil Hilder, of Northcote, said: "I have long-haired guitarists. They saw puppets
fe lt for a long time that our services are, and mock warplanes all somehow woven
for the most part, pretty unimaginative into religious themes. Some churches of-
and unattractive." "A more modern ap- fered prizes to members who brought in
·proach will help to get rid of the 'old the most new members. Still others ad-
fuddy-duddy' image and show that church- vertised fashion shows, hat parties and an
going can be a joyful, rather than mourn- opportunity to get their picture taken with
ful approach to life." Hilder went on to an elephant. Others provided baby-sitters
say: "I feel Dean Chandler can be right for parents with children who desired to
when he said people were staying away go to the football games after church.
from church because of sheer boredom." Even characters from the comic strip
Today old ways bore. New ways are being "Peanuts" were pressed into service.
sought. But these are only a few of many inno-
"We're in a new age of radical change," vations cropping up in Protestant and
said Dr. Truman Douglass, executive vice- Catholic services. "If the church is going
president of the United Church of Christ to be vital, its music has to be part of
AUGUST 8, 1967 9
what's happening in music now," said re- as the main attraction of a musical eve'-
ligious composer Edgar Summerlin. "The ning at the Washington Cathedral.
church ought to use jazz and other mod- In South America, where there is much
ern musical forms." So in came jazz and religious apathy, chw·ches are trying many
rock 'n' roll. innovations to get the people back in their
In Britain, as in other places of the buildings. Three thousand youths were re-
world, the substitution of jazz for "sacred" ported to have attended mass, which was
music was the first breakthrough. In Chi- accompanied with ye-ye-ye {rock 'n' roll)
cago, illinois, jazz musicians performed in music, in Our Lady of Peace Catholic
the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James. Church in Rio de Janeiro. A long-haired
Nightclub entertainers gave a concert to musical group caused bedlam among the
support the work of the night pastor of youths present. One mini-skirted miss
Rush Street. A Methodist minister in New climbed up on top of the altar. A similar
Zealand injected popular music into his mass was conducted in Curitiba. One of
church services. Church attendance over- t he featured musical numbers was "I Want
flowed for the first time in thirty years. Everything to Go to Hell."
At St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in These new ways of confronting people
Houston, Texas, guitarist Rick Kelley ac- with what Christendom's religion is all
companied the choir in a spirited folk song about are understandably at first quite
mass. At a service for youth groups at shocking to parishioners. But when the
Boston's Old South Church, teen-agers shock wears off, many of them find they
frugged in aisles as a combo accompanied like the stimulation of them. While the
a litany that went, "Praise His Name with movement toward change is essentially
Rock 'n' Roll." In San Francisco a trum- Protestant, some synagogues and Catholic
peter, drummer fu"ld pianist played back- churches are experimenting as well.
ground music as a priest prayed at the
altar during a. "Jazz Mass" of the Trinity The Dance in Wo rship
Episcopal Church. Dancing is also one of the innovations
Even prayers are updated. Some o.f their now altering Sunday worship. If music,
titles reveal the nature of their message. singing, painting, sculpture and architec-
"They Are Called an Interracial Couple, ture make sense in church, so does the
Lord"; "This Is a Homosexual Bar, Jesus." dance, so reasons the new generation.
Malcolm Boyd, minister of the Episcopal Therefore, at regular Friday-night ser-
Chw·ch of the Atonement, said these vices at Temple Isaiah, a Reform congre-
prayers seem very real to him. A book of gation in Lexington, Massachusetts, a
prayers, written for the "hip" generation, traveling troupe performs a dance cantata
entitled "Are You Running with Me, Je- commissioned by the synagogue. The St.
sus?" deals with problems ranging from Mark's Chancel Dancers of McLean, Vir-
premarital sex to alcoholism and war. One ginia, are sponsored by St. Mark's Church.
prayer goes something like this: "It's A dance and drama festival are the high-
morning, Jesus. I've got to move fast ... light of its program. Canadian dancers
get into the bathroom, wash up, grab a performed a ritual ballet in Christ Church
bite to eat, and run some more ... Are you Cathedral, Montreal, Canada. Dean Wil-
running with me, Jesus ?" Charlie Byrd, liam Bothwell of the cathedral defended
guitarist, and preacher Boyd were billed dancing in church by saying: "Dance de-
10 AWAKE!
mands discipline, so does worship. Let us "man's" magazine in an attempt to relate
use all the arts to glorify God." it to what they have learned through the
At the First United Chur ch of Christ in church.
Troy, Ohio, five high-school girls skilled in Ministers are reading inspirational
modern dance reportedly have replaced poetry, showing film clips and even en-
the traditional vocal choir. Called the couraging members to come to church in
"Rhythmic Choir," the group sets tradi- sweaters and slacks. In a service at the
tional hymns to a pantomime that strongly Birkenhead Methodist Church in New
resembles modern choreography. And the Zealand members came in miniskirts and
Anglican Church of Canada in one of its beatle boots. In Brooklyn (New York) a
services featured a "go-go girl." The ser- Presbyterian minister stepped before his
vice was attempting-through its use of congregation wearing leotards one Sun-
swirling colored lights, electronic music, day and danced "The Hermit Song" to
poetry readings and a dancing go-go girl convey religious feeling. Most of these in-
-to duplicate, without the use of LSD, the novations would not have been tolerated
religious experience that some feel is pro- in the churches a few years ago. But 0
duced by the drug. The "go-go girl" was how times have changed!
to provide or portray a sense of joy dur- Churchmen say they are trying to make
ing the service, which turned out to be the church more effective in today's
one grand :fiasco. changing world. Attendance figures in
In a Roman Catholic chapel in Italy many "theatrical" churches have tripled.
three mop-haired youth combos banged But as for the effectiveness of the church,
out a "Beat Mass." A crowd of 500, in- seminary professor Dr. Kenneth L. Chafin
cluding scores of priests, jammed into the said: "There is a nominal relationship to
chapel of St. Philip Neri. They stomped the church, but people no longer look to
their feet and bobbed their heads to the the church for an interpretation of life."
rhythm of the electric guitars, drums and Then, why do they go to church at all?
singet-s. Another 1,000 outside beat on the Why do they want innovations? The apos-
door trying to get in. tle Paul answers those questions: "There
will be a period of time when they will
Enlivening the Ser-vice not put up with the healthful teaching
Clergymen are finding new ways of en- [of God's Word the Bible] , but, in accord
livening the church service. The offering with their own desires, they will accumu-
procedure, for example, is being pepped late teachers for themselves to have their
up. Forceful explanations are given by the ears tickled; a.nd they will turn their ears
minister of exactly for what the money away from the truth." (2 Tim. 4:3, 4)
will be used. Many churches are holding People, for the most part, simply do not
evening screenings of secular :films, such want Bible truth today. They want, in-
as "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "The stead, to be entertained, for they have be-
Hustler." Afterward, the congregation dis- come "lovers of pleasures rather than
cusses the film and whether its characters lovers of God, having a form of godly de-
did or did not apply Christian values to votion but proving false to its power." The
situations they faced. At one center, a admonition of the apostle is: "From these
group examines the philosophy of a turn away."-2 Tim. 3:4, 5.
AUGUST 8, 196'l' 11
wild foods, however,
it is vitally neces-
sary to become
thoroughly familiar
:For · with the edible
plants. Getting the
!OVI TAILI
wrong plant can be
dangerous, as there
are many poison-
ous plants. Seven
hundred out of the 300,000 species of
UPPLYING sufficient food to feed the plant life are definitely known to be poi-
S hungry mouths in your family can be sonous. But the existence of poisonous
a real problem if you happen to live in an plants should not frighten you from taking
area suffering from an economic slump advantage of the wild foods that grow in
or in a country where the general popu- abundance and that are free to whoever
lation is undernourished. It has been es- wants them. Books on wild plants are
timated that half of the people in the available in public libraries and they will
world today are ill-fed. Even in prosperous help in identifying them.
countries there are many people suffering Knowing how to cook wild plants is also
the hardship of unemployment and facing necessary to make them tasty, and this too
the grave problem of finding adequate can be learned from some of the books
food. It is so serious in the Appalachian re- that discuss the use of such plants for
gion of the United States that the Federal food. In some cases the water in which a
Government has launched a one-billion- plant is cooked needs to be changed a few
dollar program in an effort to bring about times during the cooking process so as to
some measure of relief to this impover- remove substances that might tend to
ished region. Yet the food problems faced make it too bitter or pungent. There are,
by such can be eased considerably, de-
pending upon where they live, by their however, many wild plants that are deli-
use of the free, wild foods growing around cious without this leaching process. Some
them. make very tasty and nourishing salads
In almost every country wild foods grow that are rich in needed vitamins and
in abundance. They can be found in marsh- minerals.
es, along streams, by lakes and ponds, in As with any kind of food that is differ-
open fields, on hillsides, in woods, in va- ent from what you customarily eat, it
cant lots, and so forth. Usually they are may take a while to get used to the un-
free to whoever wants them. There is of- familiar tastes of wild foods. A family in
ten no need for a family to suffer malnu- need, of course, has a real incentive to get
trition when it lives within easy reach of used to them since these plants are free
wild foods. All that the family needs to and nourishing. Even those families not in
do is to learn to recognize these foods. need will find the different tastes an in·
Before ever venturing out to gather teresting change. There is also the benefit
12 AWAKE!
they receive from the high vitamin con- that can be mixed with wheat flour for
tent in them. making pancakes and muffins.
Purslane (Po?·tulaca oleracea) is anoth-
Some Edible Wild Greens er common weed that is found throughout
An edible wild plant that is common all the world, and it too is good for food. The
over the world is known as chickweed; it stem, leaves and flower buds can be used
has the Latin name StelZaria media. This raw in a salad, either alone or with other
tender, low-growing plant could aid poorly salad plants, or it can be cooked. The seeds
nourished people that live in the vicinity of purslane can be ground into a meal that
where it grows to have good health if they makes delicious pancakes when mixed
would learn to recognize it as a food in- with an equal amount of wheat flour.
stead of looking on it as an tmdesirable The common butterfly violet (Viola
weed. papilionacea) that decorates the open
Because chickweed is almost tasteless fields in the spring with its pretty blooms
and very mild it is best when mixed with is a very fine food, being an excellent
stronger-flavored cooked greens. Due to source of vitamin A and exceedingly rich
its tenderness it requires very little cook- in vitamin C. One-half cup of violet leaves
ing. It also is good when eaten raw and contains enough vitamin C to equal four
can be added to almost any tossed salad. average oranges. In fact, these leaves have
As surprising as it may seem, the com- more vitamin C than any domestic green
mon stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) is one vegetable. The blossoms are also rich in it.
of the most nutritious of all plants. It has The leaves can be mixed with other raw
a high protein content and is rich in vita- greens for a salad or they can be cooked
mins A and C. Probably you are wonder- along with other greens. The taste of the
ing how a plant with stiff, stinging hairs leaves is a bit on the astringent side, but
all over it can be eaten, when these hairs this can be lessened by mixing the cooked
can cause painful smarting and a red rash greens with other foods such as mush-
on bare flesh. The answer is that cooking room soup.
renders the stinging hairs harmless. Another valuable wild food is curled
Only the tender tops of the young, first- dock (Rttmex c?·isp~ts). Although it is gen-
growth stinging nettle, when it is about erally regarded as a troublesome weed, it
a foot high, are suitable as cooked greens. is a food that is rich in vitamin C and
Older nettles are not palatable. After vitamin A, and is therefore a healthful
cooking them for about twenty minutes, vegetable. It has the fine feature of con-
they can be cut into small pieces and tinuing to grow when winter comes. In
served. The juice is worth saving for use any warm period during the winter months
it will send up fresh new leaves, giving a
as a nourishing soup. person vitamin-packed greens in winter-
The edible weed amaranth (Amaran- time. The leaves are best when young and
thus retroft,exus) is a good food with a while the nights are frosty. After the
high iron content. It should be picked weather warms up they are very bitter
when it is very young. Since it has a mild to eat. By creaming the cooked leaves the
flavor, it is best when mixed witl1 wild slight astringency they have disappears.
greens having a strong flavor. In t he fall These are only a few of the many wild
the seeds can be gathered from the dried plants that can be used as cooked greens
spikes of the plant and ground into a meal or as salad greens. A few others are
AUGUST 8, 1961 13
dandelion, plantain (Plantago), lamb's- ishing and tasty. 'The plant is known as
quarters (Chenopodium alllum), water- chufa or nutgrass (0ype1'US esculentus).
cress (Nasturtium o[ficinale ) and wild let- When roasted to a dark brown, the tubers
tuce (Lactuca canadense). can be pulverized to produce a fine tlom·,
For those who live near the ocean there which can be mixed with other flours for
are several kinds of sea algae that can be baked goods. The pulverized tubers also
used as food. One is known as Irish moss make a good drink that can be brewed like
( Ohondru.s crispu.s), and another is called coffee.
tangle (Laminaria digitata). There is also A common weed that is a good vege-
agar-agar (Gracilaria spinosa) , Ceylon table when gathered at the right time is
moss (GraciZa1ia lichenoides) and dulse known as great burdock or wild gobo
(Rhodymenia palmata). (A~·ctium lappa). The core of the roots
A fine food plant that grows in marshy may be sliced and cooked in water with
areas is the well-known cattail (Typha a little soda for thirty minutes and then
latifolia). During the months of May and cooked for another ten minutes, after the
June in the northern hemisphere the green water has been drained off and replaced;
spikes make a fine cooked vegetable. These it makes a fine food. The right time to
should be gathered before the yellow pol- gather the roots is in June and early July.
len appears on the outside. After cooking After that they are too woody.
them a few minutes in salted water, they At any time of the year, however, the
can be served. The sheath must first be tubers of the day lily (Hemerocanis fulva)
removed so the buds can be eaten from can be used for food. Only the firm tubers
the tough stalk. In a few days a bloom should be used. The blooms and buds are
spike will have yellow pollen that can be also good when boiled only a few minutes.
gathered and used as a nourishing addi- Even the closed and withered blossoms
tion to pancakes and muffins. A nutritious can be used.
white flour can be made from the starchy Seeds from the wild mustard (Brassica)
roots, and bulblike sprouts on the leading can be used to garnish salads or to make
ends of the roots are suitable when boiled. the mustard preparation commonly used
on meats. But that is not all that can be
Roots, Seeds and Nuts used. The lower leaves on the stalk, when
The roots of the mallow, the Latin name gathered early in the spring can be boiled
for one species of which is Althea and and served as a vegetable. The bloom buds
Malva for another, can serve not only as can also be eaten. In fact, the flowers can
a vegetable but also for obtaining a stiff, be boiled briefly and served like broccoli,
whipped froth like that from the white of but avoid the small upper leaves, as they
an egg. The water from the boiled root are extremely bitter. This nourishing plant
is rich in vitamins A, Bl, B2 and C. Some
will whip up after it becomes cold. So will
other wild seeds that are useful as food
the water from the boiled fruits. The in- are those from wild rice, sunflowers, wild
side of its .fiat-shaped fruit is good for carrots, curled dock and lamb's-quarters.
food whether raw or cooked. The boiled As far as nuts are concerned, there are
root is best after it has been fried. many that grow wild. There are, for ex-
Throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and ample, the black walnut, butternut, hazel-
America there is a wild plant that grows nut, hickory nut, beechnut, acorn and
small tubers underground that are nour- pifion nut. The pifion nut comes from cer·
14 AWAKE!
tain types of pine trees. Usually acorns Catnip (Nepeta cata?·ia) is another mem-
have to be leached in water before they ber of the mint family and also is rich
can be used. in vitamins A and C. It, too, makes a fine
tea.
Fruits There are many other wild plants that
A much-neglected fruit that is exceed- can be used for teas. Pine needles of the
ingly rich in vitamin C is produced by the white pine, for example, can be used to
common rose. It is the swelling at the end make a tea that has a vitamin C content
of the stems, called "rose hips." In some five times greater than lemons. The leaves
instances a cup of rose hips may be equal, of the small teaberry or wintergreen
in vitamin C content, to a dozen oranges. plant (Gaulthe1·ia p?·ocumbmt.S) make a re-
The hips can be boiled to make a nourish- freshing tea when boiling water is poured
ing soup, and the rose petals, minus the on the leaves and allowed to sit for a
white base, can be used as food in a num- couple of days to allow a little fermenta-
ber of ways if you can get roses that are tion to take place. Basswood flowers, clo-
free of poisonous sprays. ver blossoms, the leaves of blackberry,
The many wild berries are excellent raspberry, strawberry and black birch can
fruits that can provide a family with fine all be used to make healthful teas.
desserts. There are blackberries, elder- It is not possible to mention in one
berries, blueberries, cranberries, service- short article all the wild foods that are
berries (Amelanchier), strawberries, cur- available to knowledgeable persons who
rants, mulberries, and so forth. Gathering are willing to make the effort to gather
such wild fruits is well worth the effort. them. Since our generous Creator made
In desert regions there is the prickly a vast number of plants that are suitable
pear cactus (Opuntia) that produces for food, it is possible for a person to ex-
thorny knobs about the size of a lemon. pand his diet considerably if he so de-
This is edible fruit. In other places there sires. They can greatly help undernour-
are such fruits as wild apples, crab apples, ished people who live where they grow
wild grapes, papaw (Asimina triloba), and who are able to recognize them.
w_ild cherries and persimmon. As with In the years to come, cil·cumstances
other plants, wild fruits will differ accord- may arise in which you will find a knowl-
ing to the country in which you live. edge of wild foods to be exceedingly use-
ful. Such knowledge helped many fami-
Teas lies during the depression years in the
An excellent tea can be made from wild 1930's. By learning to recognize just the
spearmint and peppermint. When freshly few plants mentioned in this article a fam-
picked, mint is rich in vitamin C and is ily could do much to meet its food needs
richer in vitamin A than carrots. Finely now, as well as future needs when circum-
chopped mint can be added to almost any stances may be different. Once a family
salad. Other usable mints are horsemint, becomes acquainted with wild foods, it will
water mint and Native mint. The Latin seem very natural for them to be part of
name for the mint species is Mentha and their daily diet and to have a place on the
that for Native mint is Mentha m·vensis. dinner table.
WORKING ELEPHANTS
It takes upward of si.x months to train an elephant to move logs in
one of India's lumber camps.
AUGUST 8, 1961 11"'·}
~eLLo, ~olk6,
We were thrilled to get your
letter saying you hoped to visit
us in India. How soon will you
come? If you come during your
northern winter, the weather
will be nice here-not the hot
summer temperatures of 110 to
120 degrees F . Do you want to
visit one or two specific places?
Or would you like to go on a
tour with us for a month or
so?
If you were to come with us on
one of our typical tours in India it would successful in getting . only his luggage
give you a good idea of travel here, and you aboard pleads to be allowed also to fol-
would see some of the country. Of course, low up and consolidate the "beachhead"
we do not travel by car here as you do. already established.
Distances are too great and the roads are
not good. On the other hand, cost of rail Preparing for Train Travel
travel is very reasonable. We will have Besides your suitcase you will need to
to decide whether we will travel first class carry everything you want to be com-
or third class. The wonderful thing about fortable on the trip. You will need a bed-
third class is that its cost is so low, about ding roll; that is, a thin mattress, pillows
a half cent a mile-excuse me, you are and blankets. This is necessary not only
English; that is, about half a penny a in the train but wherever we may ·stop.
mile. It does have some disadvantages Do not forget your umbrella. You will need
without a booking: You may havre to try it, not for the rain, but for the sun. Oh,
to climb in the window against a crowd yes, and then there is your water jug.
who are trying to keep you out. Most of us travel with boiled water, be-
Yes, windows are a common means of cause stomach complaints are common.
ingress, with the traveler pushing his lug- Maybe you think you are piling up a lot
gage ahead of him and then trying to of luggage, but never mind; everyone here
match the right entrance with his own travels with a great deal, and there are
person. As the train comes to a halt the coolies to help carry it. But here a word
cars really begin to fill to overflowing; the of warning: At every stop and every time
ones already inside resist further encroach- the luggage is moved, we count the pieces.
ments. There then follows a lot of jos- It seems best to keep track of every-
tling-for the most part, of a good- thing. We usually have ten or eleven
natured kind. The one who has been pieces: two suitcases, two bedding rolls
16 AWAKE.'
1W1ch box, typewriter, briefcases, and then the time a traveling companion of ours
we carry the projector to show the Watch was standing at the door on the station
Tower Society's films and sometimes a platform. His food was taken right out of
portable amplifier. his hand by a vulture that swept by like
Arriving at the station, you do not look a dive bomber. And do not leave any food
for a W1iformed porter or a "redcap." on the windowsill while the train is stand-
Look for a man with a loose red shirt and ing or you may find a monkey climbing
red turban. The turban is handy because down from the roof and grabbing it. The
it can be his sheet at night, a good rope last time we were out we lost two oranges
to tie your luggage together if necessary, in this way. At mealtimes there are always
and an excellent pad for his head to pile beggars standing at the window, looking
your luggage on. Do not worry about the in hopefully for any scraps you have left.
load he carries. He may be small but he Because of the food shortage here in In-
is strong and will carry anything you can dia, Monday evening is "dinnerless." No
get up on his head. Two suitcases and a need to worry about carrying hot drinks;
bedding roll are the usual. every stop is a tea stop. A pot of tea is
Once in the train you will soon make available from the dining car, but you
friends, for people in India are friendly. will find it more interesting going native
You should not feel upset when people ask and drinking your tea from the Indian
you questions, for they are only curious. "dixie cup," a little baked mud bowl, made
They will want to know, "Where did you by a potter on his wheel, as it was two
come from?" "Where do you work?" thousand years ago. In time you learn to
"How much money do you make?" "Are ignore the mud taste that goes with the
you married?" "How many children do tea.
you have?" "If none, why not?" And, of
course, if you are interested in talking Travel and Facilities in Villages
about the Bible, as we are, then it will When we arrive in town do not expect
give you an easy opening, so have your to find a taxi. You will notice in even
Bible handy. many of the larger places that they are
few and seldom used. A cycle rickshaw is
Bring some old clothes for traveling;
the thing; we load our luggage on one
most of the year it is a dry, dusty country,
and climb in another. Or if you prefer, in
and perspiration just makes the dust stick.
most places some sort of horse cart is
All the windows will be open, so there is
available. The horse carriages in Bombay
much dust and dirt. For this reason you are called Victorias, because they date
should not be surprised if many of the back to Queen Victoria's day. In other
passengers travel in their pajamas, keep- parts there are the same Indian styles of
ing their clothes clean W1til they get off hundreds of years ago. You will notice
the train. that each area has its own style; some
We can carry food with us if you like; have seats, whereas in others one just
one more box will make no difference. But sits cross-legged on the floor.
food on the train is low in price; hot In- If we go to some of the villages, you
dian curry costs about a shilling a meal, will find it even more interesting. You
or a three-course Western meal will cost may be met by an oxcart. The most diffi-
about five shillings. cult part of the ride is when you take a
Talking about food, we are reminded of shortcut across the rice fields. Rice fields
AUGUST 8, 1967 17
are always banked in by mud a foot or Travel by Bus
so high. A bullock cart is built like a There is no telling exactly what will
weigh scale, 'honest weight-no springs'! happen on a trip. Every place we go there
So it is a bruising drop when you come are different things to see and experience.
down the other side of the embankment. In south India we travel a lot by bus. The
And, of course, they are not noted for roads twist and wind over the hills. In-
speed. But I think there is one thing slow- variably someone in the front gets sick in
er, and that is a buffalo cart; at least the the stomach, and with no windows you
one we traveled in covered only a mile can imagine the effect on the passengers
an hour. Even that beats walking across in the back! Traveling in the south, you
open fields in the blazing sw1. will see some of the most beautiful coun-
To anyone used to some degree of pri- try in India. The rice fields seem to be
vacy there is something to be desired in constantly green, surrounded most of the
the toilet facilities. We usually find that time by coconut palms waving like gor-
when we go to the village pond to bathe geous plumes in the air. In the hills you
and shave we have all the children with will go through tea and rubber plantations
us. Usually we just wear bathing suits and that are well cared for. ·
sit in the pond and finish the morning We can still remember the first time we
ablutions. Once we asked why all the chil- came to a river without a bridge. We were
dren follow us. We were told: "They like lool{ing for the ferry to take us across, but
to look at your white skin." Sometimes there was none to be seen. Then, finally,
special arrangements are made for for- we noticed they very skillfully put t\vo
eigners. In one place they had constructed wheels in one canoe and two in another
a toilet in advance so we would not have and poled the bus across. In other places
to use the open fields as they do. The toi- people are allowed to carry just about
let was a scaffold over a rice field; they everything in the bus. Villagers traveling
had thoughtfully closed it in on three into town will bring in bags of potatoes.
sides with sacking. The only difficulty was We can still remember what a surprise we
that the side left open faced the home had when the man in front of us had a
where we were staying. dead pig strapped on his back.
The real joy in the villages is the friend- Rather than spending a lot of time
ly people. If you talk to them about the traveling, would you rather come when
Bible, as we do, almost everyone will we are on holiday and we could make a
gather around; at virtually every home visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and
perhaps up to Simla, north of Delhi, from
you will be invited in. You will notice in
where you would get a beautiful view of
many of the villages that, instead of the the Himalayas?
usual cup of tea, they will bring you a
Traveling in India, you will find one
green coconut, which will give you a clean, thing quite noticeable compared to travel
refreshing drink. The homes are not con- in Western countries, and that is that one
venient by Western standards. The dining does not see farmhouses and farms. Peo-
area is usually a mat on the front "porch." ple live in little settlements or villages,
We sit down cross-legged and eat food and that is why one hears so much about
with our hand, and the hospitality makes the villages of India. The people go out
up for everything we are short of in con- from the village to the fields to cultivate
veniences. their land. On the way to Agra and Delhi
18 AWAKE!
you will enjoy seeing the camels in their to the conductor that we had already
natural surroundings or carrying loads carried our luggage to the back; then he
along the roads. And you will see many explained: "I saw the lady sitting there
beautiful peacocks in their natural habitat. by herself, so I had the compartment
While you are here you should make a changed; .never mind, you just get in."
visit to the Himalayas. India is bordered The train crew were very friendly, so
on the north by this gigantic range that some of us had the opportunity to ride in
dses like a wall twenty thousand feet the little engine. That was indeed a thrill.
high out of the flat, dusty, burning plains. Riding over tJ1e canyons, we could see the
There are snowcapped mountains as far trestle ahead, and with such narrow-gauge
as tJ1e eye can see, over twenty of them tra.ck and with the engine swinging back
above 25,000 feet high. Our visit to Simla and forth one felt as though one were on
was made most enjoyable by the friendly a tightrope high above the ground. But
people. At the foot of the hills we got in just to assure us that it was quite safe,
the "toy train" to start our fascinating the fireman swung himself outside of the
trip up the hill. As the crow flies it is engine cab. We all held our breath, but he
about fifteen miles, but as the train "flies" did not upset the little engine.
it is about forty-five miles. It took us over At the dinner stop everyone got out
four hours. But every moment was en- and went up the side of the hill to the
joyable. restaurant. After our dinner we were slow-
Getting into the train, we had all our ly making our way back to the train, ad-
luggage taken to the general compartment miring the beautiful flowers. One in our
at the rear of the train, as we were mixed party asked the trainman, "What time
company, and the front compartment was does the train leave?"
marked for ladies. We loaded the luggage "Oh," he replied, "we are ready to leave
now; we are just waiting for you to come
and left our lady companion to watch it
back." What more could you ask for?
while we went to examine the little engine.
So meet us in Bombay and then "experi-
We were quite surprised on returning to
ence" India with us.
find a. sign indicating that the back com-
Come soon,
partment of the train had been now made
a ladies' compartment. So we mentioned ~our· ~riena6
PfldrJjt'tiaiU, 11flwa'tfl
J;ll In 1966 more than 286,800 pedestrians in the United States became
casualties. Forty percent of the total deaths occurred on weekends,
and four out of five personal-injury accidents occurred in clear weather
on dry roads. Almost 32 percent of the drivers involved in fatal acci·
dents were nnder twenty-five years of age.
22 AWAKE!
OUT OF THE FIRE- ALIVE!
By "Awake!" correspondent In Belgiwn Efforts to Escape
Having worked at the store for seven-
T WAS 1:25 p.m., Monday, May 22,
I 1967. I was in the basement of L'In-
novation, Brussels' second-largest depart-
teen years, I knew of the emergency doors
opening to the stairs situated at the two
extremities of the central building. We de-
ment store, and did not have the slightest
scended on the north side toward the third
inkling of the disaster that was brewing floor. A black, blinding, suffocating, swirl-
on the first floor. Ready to go to work, ing smoke engulfed our stairway. It was
I ascended one of the two imposing esca- on this floor, at the cafeteria, that a great
lators of the "Big Hall," or central well,
number collapsed over their plates, as-
surrounded by balconies. This large "emp- phyxiated by fumes, although the fire it-
ty hall," as we called it, rose up w1der the self was not as yet visible.
glass roof from which, in all directions and Sw·rounded by cries, foreboding creaks
throughout the year, cables stretched out, and cracks, we rushed ahead into the
carrying a variety of signs. It was "U.S. cloud. We saw nothing but a terrifying
Parade" at L'Innovation, and the store tidal wave of flames and toxic smoke.
was adorned with red, white and blue On the second floor of L'Innovation, the
decorations. On display were a million dol- camping department, stocked with bottles
lars' worth of American-made goods. In of butane gas, was burning like a torch.
all departments, signs reminded everyone We went back to the third floor and ran
of this special event. through an arl'ay of lighting appliances.
It was time for the bell to ring. It rang, At that moment, while we were under the
Jike a telephone bell but longer than usual, hanging chandeliers, the lights went out'.
for 40 to 50 seconds, as if jammed. About The flames followed and encircled us, get-
1:30 p.m. I arrived at my post in the fur- ting closer and closer. Then the glass roof
niture department on the fourth and last shattered with a mighty crash. The cav-
sales floor, only the administrative ser- ernous central hall, open to the sky, be-
vices being on the fifth floor. came the giant chimney of a volcanic fire.
When I entered my office, bright flames The rumbling of the fiexy furnace was
spurted out umbrellalike from the joints punctuated by explosions, probably from
of the ceiling lights. Immediately I broke gas containers in the camping department.
We next burst through a locked door
the glass of a signaling system, to alert
and went up to the fourth floor, on the side
the store's fire services and to telephone of rue Neuve. We endeavored to reach the
for help-but in vain. Nobody replied. Al- windows. We broke one and then found
ready flames were coming out of my office. ourselves up against the modern frontage
In view of the rapid spread of the fire and of aluminum sheets applied to the ancient
being one of the sales managers for the frontage, obstructing the view. Exhausted,
fourth floor, I gave the evacuation order, but helped by my companion, we hoisted
being myself the last to leave, together ourselves onto the ledge, slid along the
with a twenty-three-year-old salesman. roof, jumped from one terrace to another
A UGUBT 8, 1967 23
and finally to safety. It was 1:50 p.m. I was The intense heat prevented the rescuers
the only Christian witness of Jehovah from getting close. Even the fire-escape
working in this large store. Two other ladders buckled because of the heat, pre-
members of my family also worked there, venting the sections from sliding up to
and my sister, a salesgirl in the linen de- give the ladders their maximum length of
partment, also escaped. 42 meters (about 138 feet); they were too
short.
Rescue Efforts Hampered The fire had now taken on the form of
From all parts, people arrived in com- a cataclysm against which the means of
pact masses, restricting the movements of fighting it seemed powerless. The hoses
the rescuers in the narrow streets. Cars spewed out tons of liquid, but because of
had to be taken away to enable the fire- the extent of the fire, their jets seemed
fighting hoses to be fitted to the fireplug to be like thin trickles of water, and some
hydrants by which they were parked. The of these were turned aside by the wind.
spectacle had become terrifying. During The steel girders twisted. The security
those few minutes of our harrowing es- windows, which melt only when the tem-
cape the whole building, covering about perature reaches 1,500 degrees Celsus
two and a half acres, was transformed into (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit) liquefied, as
an immense and monstrous furnace. did also the aluminum frontages, which
People inside the store, trapped by the only a short while before had obstructed
fire and threatened with asphyxia, threw our view.
themselves from the windows. I saw some
leap, falling like disjointed mannequins, to Swift Spread of Fumes and Fire
crash finally on the street and on the roofs The ambulance sirens faded away in the
of parked cars. There were no nets distance as they left with the injured.
stretched out as yet to receive them. Oth- About a half hour had passed and already
ers, suffocating, were seen in the frame- it had become evident that the chance of
work of the open windows, only to fall rescue now for those who had not been
back into the flames. Some had broken the able to escape that frightening fire was
windows, crept along the roof to span the nonexistent, as was the case for my sister-
ledges, waiting to be rescued. Despairing in-law, who did not escape. Although she
cries were heard from all sides. was on leave that day, she had come to
have her lunch at the store's third-floor
Ropes had been thrown up and by these
cafeteria. The cafeteria and the fourth-
some were able to slide do\vn; though floor restaurant both became dense with
burning their hands in the descent, they smoke and fumes minutes after the blaze
were glad to be alive. The fire engines started. It is thought that many of the
tried to maneuver through the mass of victims who perished were in the cafe-
cars that was causing congestion in the teria, which had seats for 350 persons. A
streets. One fire trucl< got to the scene young man in the fourth-floor restaurant
four minutes after the alarm sounded, but related that it was "suddenly transformed
it was about a half hour later before other into a gas chamber," many succumbing.
trucks and police cars could penetrate the "I saw them fall around me," he said.
tiny street near the store, where parked Within a few minutes, the store was trans-
cars left only the narrowest of passage- formed into a fiery tomb for more than
ways. 300 persons, buried under a mass of burnt
24 .AWAKE!
bricks and twisted girders. It was the explosive grenades. In addition, with the
worst store fire in history. glass roof falling in, the building took on
The brutality with which the fire mani- the aspect of a giant forge, transforming
fested itself right from the start remains the central shaft or "empty hall" into a
an enigma that the experts are trying to blast-furnace chimney, activated even
solve. Its lightninglike spread has caused more by the drafts caused by broken
some to believe that different fires began windowpanes.
simultaneously. However, apparently the As with many disasters, there were
fire started in a small closet in the chil- those who showed selfishness and those
dren's wear department on the first floor. who showed unselfishness. Some shoppers
The saleslady who discovered it said she near exits rushed out of the store carrying
saw "a red flame but scarcely any smoke." as much expensive merchandise as they
She called members of the store's fire could hold. On the other hand, one young
brigade, but they were unable to put the woman who apparently could have made
blaze out and the city fi re alarm was it out safely remained with her aged moth-
sounded. What was inexplicable was that er who could not move rapidly; both dis-
within ten to fi fteen minutes the whole appeared in the holocaust.
five-story building, with a frontage of 110 Store officials, who estimated the prop-
meters (about 360 feet), was completely erty loss at $23,000,000, organized a
ablaze. center for information and shelter that
There were no doubt a number of con- worked day and night, giving help and
ditions favorable for the feeding and consolation. Different movements were
spread of the fire. The building, dating launched to help the survivors and their
from the beginning of this century, con- families, as well as the families that lost
tained a profusion of inflammable mate- dear ones. However, is it possible to oblit-
rial, such as clothing, decorative boards erate the distress and sufferings of the
and a multiplicity of plastic material. The survivors? Who other than the Creator
containers of butane gas that exploded can bring real consolation to the afflicted,
produced a brutal liberation of energy, and that by means of the promised resur-
projecting waves of fire violently in all rection? That will be possible in the ap-
directions. And what about the pressurized proaching new system of things, where
cans of all kinds that should not be ex- disasters will be unknown.-Rev. 21:3, 4;
posed to heat or flames? They were like John 5:28, 29.
Ridiculous Reasoning
People who lack an understanding of Bible principles more often than not will
seek to excuse their wrong course of conduct. In regard to stealing, they will usually
resort to specious reasoning in order to justify what they have done or to soothe
their consciences. Although they may know it is wrong to steal and that it is a
violation of God's commandment regarding it, the excuses given are sometimes
ridiculous. An example of this can be seen in an interview with a TV star in which
she made the following confession: "What a thief I was," she said blithely. "I knew
it was a crime to steal, but I figured God would rather I slept in sheets than no
sheets, so I discussed it with God and took the sheets." But who did all the talking
in that 'discussion' ? Did she listen to what God said in his Word? "You must not
steal."- Ex. 20:15.
AUGUST 8, 1967 25
PRISON WALLS NO BARRIER TO BIBLE TRUTHS
EGARDLESS of where a pet·son may be, ~ cretely from the outside. Also, bits of infor·
A U G U ST 22. 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes i n quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of re i igious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are a ll embraced i n its coverage. "Awake!" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
" Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righ teous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by read ing "Awake!"
PuaLISH£D S&MlMON'l'HLY BY
\VATCHTOvVER. BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
117 Adams Street Brooklyn, N .Y. 11201, U.S.A.
N. H. KNORR, Pre~'idettt GRANT SUITER, Secretary
CONTENTS
What Are Your Children Doing? 3 Will the List of Extinct Wildlife
In What Kind of Order Would You Keep Growing? 17
Like to Live? 5 How Does Water Work for You? 21
Assembly Time in Malawi 9 The Antarctic Was Warm 25
Traveling While at Home 12 Let's Have a Mezza Togeth er 26
Price Variance 26
"P roof That There Is Liberty" 13
"Your Word Is Truth"
Will Such Liberty Ever Come to Spain? 15 "I Do Not Permit a Woman ... to Ex·
Patient Endura nce Yields ercise Authority over a Man"- Why? 27
Righteous Fruitage 16 Watching the World 29
" It is already the hour for you to awake."
-Romoo< 13:11
i r~: .
who tied when park officials responded to
the little fellow's screams. What about the
doing? parents of the five-year-old? Do t hey cus-
~~
tomarily allow him to roam around un-
attended? To what extent do you keep
track of your young ones?
Even when such a case is reported in
the news, how many parents questioned
HEREVER you go in the larger cit-
W ies and towns you are almost sure
to encounter evidences of vandalism, dam-
their own ch ildren as to their whereabouts
at the time of this vicious attack? Is it
possible that most fathers and mothers
age and defacement of public and private just concluded that theil' children would
property. Who are the major offenders? never be involved in anything like that?
Youths and children. But whose children? Even under ordinary conditions, how
If you are a parent, how sure are you that many parents care enough to require of
your children are not among the vandals? their children an account of time spent
Right now, do you know what your chil- beyond the supervision of the home? Ac-
dren are doing? countability is something that has a
Faced as we are with steadily worsening healthy effect on adults as well as children.
conditions in all lands, this is surely no Then there was the heart-rending case
time for parents to Jose track of the reported in the San Antonio (Texas) Ex-
whereabouts and the doings of their p?·ess;'News of February 4, 1967, of a
youngsters. Unsupervised juveniles are fifteen-year-old girl who became pregnant,
responsible for a great deal of lawlessness. kept it secret, brought the ch ild to birth
Nor are their actions limited to vandalism. unaided in the bathroom of her own home,
Tragic fires have been star ted by little and then left the infant to die of exposure
children. And sadistic cruelties have been in a vacant lot. How could it happen?
practiced by them. A considerable per- Parents would have to be blind and deaf
centage of fatal accidents on the high- or just completely indifferent in order to
ways are traceable to teen-age folly. be deceived in such a manner. What about
Pointing up the vital responsibility of your children? Are you closer to them
AUGUST 2~, 196": 3
than that? Do you know what they are in the ability of young people to stay out
doing with their time? of trouble.
Parents who live tn a good neighbor- Many are the parents who are conscious
hood may treat the matter of child super- of the need to protect their children from
vision lightly because they feel that chil- others, and this is commendable. But it is
dren who are well fed and clothed and only part of their responsibility. As au-
supplied with spending money have no thor Henry G. Felsen rightly says in his
reason for delinquent behavior. However, booklet UndeTstanding Our Teen-Agers:
a well-known sociol- "As parents, we have
ogist is reported in a dual responsibility
IN THE NEXT ISSUE with regard to our
the U.S. News &
World Report, April T HE P O PULAT ION CRIS IS children. We are re-
26, 1965, as saying: Fa mine: " The Dre a ded Tomorrow sponsible for protect-
"Delinquency seems Already Has Dawned." ing them from harm,
to be rising in the The Future: Disa ster or Prosperity? and we are also
suburban areas, and responsible for pro-
the causes for it, we tecting the com-
think, are basically the same that you munity from them ."
find in the slum areas." And what are Only when their children are caught in
those causes? Lack of parental supervision some delinquent act do some parents real-
is the outstanding one. ize that they have a child who is a bully,
It is often too late when some parents or a vandal or a speedster on the highway.
awaken to the full sense of their respon- In fact, their own children are measurably
sibility. Consider, for example, this head- strangers to them, persons they see briefly
line that appeared in the New York T imes at mealtimes or other special occasions.
of April 7, 1967: ''Parents Win $130,000 The rude awakening comes because they
in Car Crash Fatal to Son." The circum- did not constantly inquire, "What are my
stances of this case are worthy of special children doing?"
notice. The dead youth had been a pas- How beneficial, then, for parents to ex-
senger in a car driven by his school chum, amine their actual relationship with their
the car belonging to his chum's father. children. Is fond indulgence substituted
The driver of the other car having been for firm leadership? Is permissiveness the
absolved of responsibility, the bereaved rule, rather than accountability? Godly
parents sued the churn and his father. parents will heed the Bible's counsel at
In one family they were mourning a Proverbs 13:24: "The one holding back
son, while the other family faced finan- his rod is hating his son, but the one lov-
cial ruin. Did the parents act in the best ing him is he that does look for him with
interest of their family by letting their discipline." The 'rod of discipline' may not
boy have the l<eys of the car? Did they always be the literal rod, but surely it
really know their own boy, or just think should involve that proper degree of su-
they did? Did the parents know where pervision that demonstrates genuine love
the boys were going with the car? Did for the child, that guards the child from
they bother to check on the associations bad associations and bad conduct. "What
of their children? Too often the decisions is my child doing?" is a matter of con-
are left to the immature judgment of stant concern on the part of the loving
youth, and too much confidence is placed parent.
4 A. WAKE!
rder
t¥ ~ a. 4:1 -~~ 1"/d f4Jid pdlrt..
NDOUBTEDLY you have wished that U.~ 4Mt ~. ~~ deu ubAIU
conditions on the earth were better. ~'~In lm'a eHdl~?
There are many changes that you
no doubt would like to see in this order, tors in comparison with the promises of
that is, this framework of surroundings God's Word the Bible.
and conditions that has been built up on
this earth and of which the world of man- "World Without War"
kind is an inseparable part. If you had This was the first one they listed. Cer-
the power, what would you do to make tainly we can all agree with that essen-
this a more desirable order in which to tial! 0 how the world of mankind longs
live? What improvements would you ef- to lbe free from bloodshed, brutality and
fect ? In what kind of order would you violence! Yet today over 130 thousand
like to live? million dollars a year are spent on stock-
In the introduction of their book, A Sane piling weapons of war. What horrible suf-
and Happy Life: A Family Guide, Doctors fering and distress these are now bringing
Abraham and Rose Franzblau made the to millions of men, women and children
interesting observation : "If we were to in Vietnam and elsewhere! The threat of
take a poll of the world population and nuclear war causes others to live in dread-
consult humanity on the kind of world we ful fear, and not without reason.
would all like to live in, it is very likely Yet, the promise of man's Creator, Je-
that we could all agree on certain mini- hovah God, is that he will soon intervene,
mum requirements." and. "bring to ruin those ruining the
earth." (Rev. 11 :18) The assurance of His
These doctors listed a total of eight es-
Word is: "Evildoers themselves will be cut
sential requirements for an order in which off ... But the meek ones themselves will
all normal humans would agree that they possess the earth, and they will indeed
would like to live. Politicians, doctors and find their exquisite delight in the abun-
scientists of this system of things have dance of peace."-Ps. 37:9-11.
been unsuccessful in achieving these essen- God knows of man's desire for peace,
tials for the blessing of humankind. In- and we can confidently look forward to
terestingly, however, the basic wholesome his taking action by means of his kingdom
desires of mankind are the very things to end all wars, as promised: "He is mak-
that God purposes to provide under the ing wars to cease to the extremity of the
rule of his kingdom. Consider, for exam- earth. The bow he breaks apart and does
ple, the requirements listed by these doc- cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he
AUGUST 22, 1967 5
burns in the fire." (Ps. 46 :9) In that enjoy a swnptuous feast of both spiritual
peaceful, warless order of God's making, and physical things, as the Bible proph-
the prophecy of Micah 4:3, 4 will also ecy assures : "Jehovah of armies will cer-
work out in a literal way: "They will not tainly make for all the peoples, in this
lift up sword, nation against nation, nei- moillltain, a banquet of well-oiled dishes,
ther will they learn war any more. And a banquet of wine kept on the dregs, of
they will actually sit, each one lUlder his well-oiled dishes filled with marrow."-Isa.
vine and under his fig tree, and there will 25:6.
be no one making them tremble." Would you enjoy living when Jehovah
Is that not the kind of order in which God supplies plenty of food for all man-
you would like to live? If it really is, then kind? If so, it is now vital to appreciate
it is urgent that you learn more about your spiritual need, :for, as Jesus Christ
the One who will bring it to pass, Jehovah explained: "Man must live, not on bread
God. Only the powerful Creator, and not alone, but on every utterance coming forth
mere hwnans, can usher in such blessings. through Jehovah's mouth." (Matt. 4:4)
But there are other essentials necessary These sayings of God constitute spiritual
in order to make life truly enjoyable. food. We must first take in this food if
we are to enjoy the fulfillment of God's
A World with Plenty promises of physical plenty.
"SECOND, IT WOULD BE A WORLD WITH- But besides peace and plenty, what oth-
OUT HUNGER, FROM WHICH FAMINE AND er basic requirement could we all agree
WANT WOULD BE BANISHED FOREVER." upon as an essential for the kind of order
Anyone familiar with the gnawing in which we would like to live? Note what
pangs of hunger will readily agree that is listed next.
this is a vital requirement for happiness.
Lack of nutritious food is what makes A World Without Illness and Dise(!Se
Jife so miserable for hundreds of millions "THIRD, IT WOULD BE A WORLD WITHOUT
of persons today. The Director General of DISEASE, A WORLD IN WHICH ALL WOULD
the United Nations Food and Agriculture HAVE THE CHANCE TO GROW UP IN HEALTH
Organization reported a fevv years back AND LIVE OUT THEIR DAYS FREE OF PRE·
that "up to ha1f of the world's population, VENTABLE A!\TD CURABLE ILLNESSES."
1,500 millions, suffer from htmger or mal- 0 how humankind yearns for freedom
nub·ition or both." Even richer countries from illness and disease! But has medical
are affected. The late President John F . science been able to stem the tide of dis-
Kennedy reportedly said: "The facts are ease and make substantial steps toward
that seventeen million Americans go to
bringing about conditions in which all
bed hungry every night."
would enjoy good health? The stark fact
Although fulfilling this essential pre-
is that there are more sick and suffering
sents an insurmountable problem for men
today, Jehovah God will satisfy man's de- humans on earth today than ever before
sire for good things to eat under his king- in history. Many millions of persons die
dom in the hands of Christ. His promise each year from heart disease and cancer,
is: "The earth itself will certainly give its often experiencing an agonizing death.
produce . .. . There will come to be plenty Crippling arthritis, multiple sclerosis and
of grain on the earth." (Ps. 67 :6; 72:16) other debilitating diseases make life mis-
No one will be lacking fine food. All will erable for additional untold millions. Real-
6 AWAK E!
ly, then, is not an order without illness and organization will be extended soon to in-
disease only a wishful dream? clude a literal building progran1. The pro-
Viewing the matter from a purely hu- phetic promise is: "They will certainly
man standpoint, the answer must be Yes. build houses and have occupancy; and they
However, Jehovah God knows man's de- will certainly plant vineyards and eat their
sire for physical health, and he purposes fruitage .... the work of their own hands
to satisfy this desire for all those taking my chosen ones will use to the full. They
exquisite delight in him. When God's Son, will not toil for nothing."-Isa. 65:21-23.
Jesus Christ, was on earth he demonstrat- Yet there are still other vital essentials
ed what could be expected on a grand scale that need fulfilling in order for everyone
in the way of physical healing during his to be truly happy. For even if all the above
thousand-year reign. Jesus restored sight blessings were enjoyed, would it be an al-
to the blind, opened the ears of the deaf, together desirable system in which to live
loosened the tongues of the dumb, enabled if personal freedoms were squelched by a
the lame to walk and even resurrected the totalitarian ruler? Note, therefore, the
dead to life.- Matt. 15:30, 31; Luke 7: next essential.
21, 22. "FIFTH, IT WOULD BE A WORLD IN WHICH
Without doubt you would like to live in EVERY MAN WOULD ENJOY FREEDOM UNDER
an order in which the world of mankind LAW, WITH JUSTICE FOR ALL."
would enjoy such a restoration to physi- No matter how earnestly they have
cal health. Do not consider the prospect tried, human rulers have failed to bring
too good to be true, for it is the purpose about freedom and justice for all. They
of the same All-Powerful Creator who de- have seldom shown equal consideration for
signed the earth and its many marvelous all people. Injustice and oppression reign
creations. He is able to accomplish what world wide. 0 how humankind longs for
he promises.-Rev. 21:3-5; Isa. 46:11. a righteous administration of affairs! But
what man cannot supply, God will. His ap-
Satisfying Work and Justice fo1· All pointed Ruler is the resurrected Jesus
But even with the blessings of peace, Christ, and of him Jehovah says: "My
plenty and health, life could prove to be chosen one, whom my soul has approved!
boring and lacking satisfaction. Other re- ... Justice to the nations is what he will
quirements need to be met in order to bring forth." (!sa. 42:1; Matt. 12 :18) Yes,
have an ideal system of things. So con- under his administration, "the creation it-
sider the next essential. self also will be set free from enslavement
''FOURTH, IT WOULD BE A WORLD WITH to corruption and have the glorious free-
WORK FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO EARN A dom of the children of God." In these
LIVELIHOOD TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES words we can confidently trust.- Rom.
AND THEIR FAMILIES." 8:21.
Today much unhappiness and frustra-
tion exist because of unemployment. Hu- Opportunities and Leisure
mans require satisfying work to be truly Often today race, nationality or social
happy. Jehovah God realizes this, and, position is a determining factor as to the
therefore, he has always provided reward- rights and opportunities one enjoys. Preju-
ing work for his people. The joy-yielding dice and even persecution against unpopu-
work of making disciples of people of all lar groups are common. Although in many
nations and of building up the Christian countries there are efforts to secure equal
AUGUST 22, 1967 7
rights and opportunities for all and to An Order Founded on Love and Integrity
break down prejudice, little real success What other requirement, you might
has been achieved. Understandably, then, wonder, could there be for a desirable or-
the following is an essential for a desir- der? The eighth and last essential listed
able system of things: by the doctors involves qualities possessed
"SIXTH, IT WOULD BE A WORLD IN WHICH by those who would inhabit that order.
EVERY HUMAN BEING WOULD HAVE THE OP- Consider how important these are.
PORTUNITY TO DEVELOP HIS CAPACITIES AND "EIGHTH, IT WOULD BE A WORLD IN
TALENTS TO THE FULL, AND BE REWARDED WHICH THE HIGHEST PREMIUM WOULD BE
FOR HIS ENDEAVORS, WITHOUT PREJUDICE." PLACED UPON THOSE QUALITIES WHICH DIS-
Such an arrangement there will be un- TINGUISH MAN FROM THE LOWER ORDERS
der the rule of God's chosen king, Jesus OF LIFE, SUCH AS INTELLIGENCE AND CRE-
Christ. Christ will copy the example of his ATIVITY, HONOR AND INTEGRITY, LOVE AND
Father, who "treats none with partiality LOYALTY, SELF-RESPECT AND UNSELFISH-
nor accepts a bribe." (Deut. 10:17; Rom. NESS, AND CONCERN FOR HIS FELLOW MEN."
2:11) Therefore, all will have opportunity Love. Integrity. Unselfishness. Concern
to develop their talents to the full. God for one's fellowmen. Are not these the
through Christ will answer the request qualities that truly make life pleasurable?
made to Him concerning the king: "May Would you not delight to live with a so-
he plead the cause of your people with ciety of people who have genuine love and
righteousness and of your afflicted ones concern for one another? But how can
with judicial decision. Let him judge the such an order be established? Through the
afflicted ones of the people, let him save efforts of men? Have their attempts thus
the sons of the poor one."-Ps. 72:2, 4. far given reasons for optimism? It is ob-
Man was created to be happy and enjoy vious that they have not. If we are going
life. And while satisfying work is neces- to enjoy these ideal conditions, it is clear
sary, so also is rest from one's daily work.that mankind needs an entire new system
Certainly, then, we can all agree that the of things to administer his affairs.
following is also an important essential. Man's mistake has been in failing to
"SEVENTH, IT WOULD BE A WORLD IN look to his Grand Creator for the creating
WHICH ALL MEN WOULD HAVE AMPLE LEI- of such a righteous new system. Yet, this
SURE TO ENJOY THOSE THINGS THEY RE- very thing God has promised, in harmony
GARD AS THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE." with his purpose and for man's eternal
God created man and, therefore, appre- blessing! (2 Pet. 3:13) So if we want life,
ciates his need for an opportunity to de- yes, if we want to live in a righteous new
sist from his regular work. Jehovah took order amid people who manifest love and
this need into consideration and provided integrity, then we must turn to Jehovah
his people the Israelites a sabbath day God, who is the only One who can bring
each week in which special attention was it about. We must learn God's will, and do
to be given to spiritual matters. So we can it. For it is a fact: This "world [of unbe-
be assured that tmder the rule of His king- lieving mankind] is passing away and so
dom God will satisfy t he human desire is its desire, but he that does the will of
for periods of time in which to desist from God remains forever," to enjoy eternally
one's work, relax and give special atten- the blessings to be showered upon them by
tion to spiritual matters.-Ex. 20:8-11. their loving Creator.-1 John 2:17.
8 A W'AKE!
ASSEMBLY TIME
•
1n
.; We seldom think, perhaps, about the great amount of traveling we do, even
while we are at home; for the earth, our home, is in orbit, revolving rapidly around
the sun. As it so orbits, the earth is about 93,000,000 mlles away from the sun.
This may seem like a great distance; but the earth travels that far around the sun
in about 60 days! Revolving around the sun at an average of 18 1/ 2 miles a second,
66,600 miles an hour, or about 1,600,000 miles a day, the earth completes its orbit
around the sun after traveling about 595,000,000 miles a year. A person a hundred
years old would have traveled with the earth nearly 60,000,000,000 miles !
12 AWAKE!
"Proof That There Is Liberty"
T HE above headline appeared in a news-
paper in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June
14, 1966. The proof given that there is
the revolution of March 1964, the revolu-
tionary government decreed the cancel-
lation of th e political rights of a number
liberty was that a number of Jehovah's of persons prominent in Brazilian politics
witnesses had claimed and been granted to remove from power men that were con-
exemption from performing military ser- sidered corrupt or dangerous to national
vice because of religious convictions. security, but this was not the case with
The then minister of the army, and Jehovah's witnesses, who are recognized
now president, Marshal Arthur da Costa as being peaceful, upright and in favor
e Silva, was talking with a group of uni- of order, being obedient to the laws and
versity students concerning some individ- the constituted authorities. Some misin-
uals opposing military service for what formed newsmen wrote sensational reports
were consider ed political reasons, but ofwhen they read the presidential decree
Jehovah's witnesses he declared: "We canceling t he political rights of Jehovah's
have some exemptions from military ser- witnesses who were granted exemption
vice of the 'sons of Jehovah.' These men from performing military service. Never-
theless, in high military circles the posi-
prefer to lose their political rights rather
than abdicate their pacifist convictions, tion of Jehovah's witnesses was well un-
derstood and no animosity was shown
but they are really pacifists, because they
toward them for requesting such exemp-
suffer the sanctions, they lose their politi-
cal rights, and I am tired from signing tion because of religious convictions.
claims of the 'sons of Jehovah' that do There were needed, however, better estab-
not want to perform military service for lished instructions and procedures on the
they abhor war. So these men exerci.se a handling of the requests. The military au-
1"ight that is always observed." (Dia1·io thorities studied ways of doing this.
Popular of June 14, 1966) (Italics ow·s) On his ascension to the presidency, Mar-
The right referred to is set forth in Ar- shal Arthur da Costa e Silva well knew
ticle 150 of the Constitution of the Re- the position of Jehovah's witnesses, for
public of Brazil, 1·ecognizing religious he had served as minister of the army
liberty. in the previous government. Now the au-
thorities showed a desire to formulate a
Exempt Because of Religious Convict ions procedure for the processing and solution
Before Marshal Costa e Silva assumed of the cases of Brazilian citizens seeking
power on March 15, 1967, Marshal Cas- exemption from military service because
of their religious convictions. Thus the
telo Branco governed Brazil, and his ad-
constitutional right to religious liberty
ministration had already recognized the would be strengthened and clarified. So,
right of Jehovah's witnesses to exemption in Decree No. 56, on June 8, 1967, the
from performing military service because present minister of the army, General
of religious convictions, and even before Aurelio de Lyra Tavares, set out instruc-
that this exemption was given, but the t ions to the Directory of Military Ser-
procedure was not well clarified. After vice for granting claims for exempt ion
AUGUST 22, 1961 13
from performing military service because would interview the superintendent of the
of religious convictions. congregation of the petitioner and then
In accord with this decree, the minister make his recommendation as to whether
of the army, in harmony with the proposal the request should be granted or not. The
of the Directory of Military Service and head of the religious community would
the opinion of the chief of staff of the accept responsibility for the information
army, decided to approve detailed and given, seeing that it was truthful and
complete instructions for the processing exact.
and solut ion of these cases. These "In- Since this is a personal matter of con-
structions" were published in the govern- science, the military authorities expect
ment newspaper, the Diario Oficial, on that the petitioner have true religious mo-
June 14, 1967, pages 6381 and 6382. Thus tives in order to enjoy such constitutional
all military authorities throughout the rights, and that he understand that the
country were advised of such instructions concession implies the loss of political
and will now be better able to attend to rights if the exemption be granted. This
the claims of persons requesting such would mean that he would be unable to
exemption. The Dia1'io Oficial also pub- vote, hold elective office, or act as a func-
lished the terms of the request of the tionary of the government. Jehovah's wit-
claimant and models of the declarations nesses recognize that each individual must
that should accompany it, making it a make a personal decision in t his and other
matter of regular routine. matters of conscience, and t he overseers
To facilitate the handling of these re- of the congregations would limit them-
quests by J ehovah's witnesses the Direc- selves to transmitting the instructions
tory of Military Service sent an official published in the official government organ.
communication to Sociedade Torre de Vi-
gia de Biblias e Tratados, the legal agency A People Who Are Respect ed
of Jehovah's witnesses in Brazil, asking After being observed for many years,
that all "Congregations of Jehovah's Wit- Jehovah's witnesses in Brazil have gained
nesses" in the country be informed of this the respect of the people and of t he gov-
and that they read the "Instructions" pub- ernmental authorities by their good record
lished in the Dia?'io Oficial, and this was of conduct and obedience to the laws.
immediately done. This was strikingly noticeable in January
Although simplifying the process by of this year when more than 46,000 gath-
which a Bt·azilian citizen may be exempt ered in an international assembly in Sao
n·orn performing military service because Paulo. For five days Pacaembu Municipal
of religiol..ts convictions, this would not Stadium was transformed into a gigantic
be a right automatically granted without Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses as
investigation. The "Instructions" of the Bible dramas and discourses showed the
minister of the army published in the practical application of Christian princi-
DiaTio OficiaZ indicate the investigation ples in modern living.
to be made "in order to verify the truth- A number of years ago there was a
fulness of the religious condition of (the move to have the legal agency of J eho-
petitioner), as claimed in the process in vah's witnesses dissolved, one of the
which he requested the right to exemption charges being that they were against mili-
from performing military service because tary service and civic worship of the flag.
of religious convictions." The investigator But after eight years of investigation, the
14 AWAKE !
counselor general of the republic gave a political conviction, unless he requests
favorable opinion for Jehovah's witnesses, exemption from legal obligations imposed
and this was supported by the president on all, in which case the law will deter·
of the country. mine the loss of rights incompatible with
Tne Brazilian authorities have consis- the excuse of conscience."
tently recognized the constitutional r ight Jehovah's witnesses have shown their
to freedom of worship, and the text of the appreciation of the r ecognition of these
new Constitution, which became effective rights, and will continue to be obedient
on March 15, 1967, confirms this freedom. to the laws of the land, to pay their taxes
In Article 150, paragraphs 5 and 6, it honestly, and to respect that for which
states: "The Constitution assures Brazil- the flag of the nation stands by being
ians and foreign residents in the country orderly and progressive. Throughout the
the inviolability of their rights concerning country they conduct free adult reading
life, liberty, security and property, in the and writing classes, and this contributes
following terms: . . . §5 - There is com- to the progress of the people. Above all,
plete freedom of conscience and the exer- they teach the high moral values found
cise of religious worship is assured to in God's Word, the Bible, building up in
believers, as long as it is not contrary to men, women and children appreciation
public order and good customs. §6 - No of eternal spiritual values that contrib-
one will be deprived of his rights because ute to the well-being of all peoples.-BY
of religious beliefs, or philosophical or ''AWAKE!" CORRESPONDENT IN BRAZIL.
E
By "Awake!" correspondent in Canada the island of Mauritius by t he Dutch in
1598. Appearing doltish and clumsy in
ItureFmenYOU were asked to cite some speci-
of extinct animal life, which crea-
would you name? You might t hink
bearing, it fell victim to the sport and
cooking pots of sailors who called at the
first of the huge dinosaurs or perhaps the island. When the island was colonized, in-
hairy mammoth. But did you know that troduced rats, dogs, cats and pigs escaped
other famous names have been added to into the woods to destroy the eggs and
these? the young of the dodo. Its forest home
Indeed, modern times have produced was stripped for ebony. By 1681 this de-
some unexpected vacancies in the list of fenseless bird had disappeared, becoming
animals and birds, and man has had much one of t he most celebrated examples of
extinct creatures.
to do with these disappearances. In fact,
it has been said that man is responsible Among the names of vanished animals
for the disappearance, or near disappear- few are more intriguing than the quagga
ance, of more than 450 animal species. of South Africa. This zebra-like creature
~ow, with such a lengthy list as that, was chestnut brown with black-and-cream
which would you suspect to be the most stripes on its head, neck and shoulders
famous extinct animal or bird? only. Thickset and stocky, it resembled a
colorful pony.
Unhappy Fame From the time of their arrival, Euro-
You would, perhaps, guess the dodo, for pean colonists killed the quaggas to provide
this curious creature has become the very meat for their native servants, leather for
symbol of extinction. Although Mr. Dodo their shoes, and hides to make sacks fm·
always appeared in the most proper dress, storing grain. In 1800 these splendid ani-
attired in dark-gray plumage and whitish mals existed in droves of coun tless thou-
breast, he was a most improbable sands. Less than a century later, by 1878,
bird. A member of the pigeon relentless hunting had completely annihi-
family, he was larger than a tur- lated them in the wild. A few had been
key. His combination of heavy sent to Europe, one pair even
body, large hooked beak and learning to draw their delight-
short curly tail waddled about on ed owner's two-wheeled car-
stubby legs. And for wings-mere riage about London's Hyde
rudiments! Mr. Dodo was earlh· Park on Sunday outings. But,
bound! on September 12, 1883, a
The dodo's rise to unwanted lonely quagga in t he Amster-
fame followed its discovery on dam Zoo relinquished the
AUGUST 22, 196'1
17
melancholy dis- ten times the entire bird population of
tinction of being Great Britain!
the only quagga When such flocks settled to roost or
in the world. I ts nest, hundreds of birds filled every tree
beautiful race was until large branches gave way under the
thereby added to t he weight. Nuts, seeds and fruits were con-
·~· · list of extinct creatures.
sumed in tens of thousands of tons daily.
Many square miles of lush .forest were
Th e North American Scene
devastated by a single nesting. While such
Each continent has suffered the loss, in
invasions could hardly be allowed to con-
whole or in part, of animals and birds
tinue unchecked without ruinous damage
once plentiful. However, "of all the con-
to valuable cmps, man mishandled the sit-
tinents, North America has witnessed the
uation so badly that the unthinkable re-
most drastic changes in abundance of wild-
sulted-the passenger pigeon disappeared!
life and the greatest number of extinctions
in historic times," according to the United The habit of congregating in dense
States Fish and Wildlife Service. And once flocks made the passenger pigeon vulner-
able to mass slaughter. Hunters, amateur
again, humans take the blame!
and professional, greedy for sport or prof-
it, performed a full-scale massacre. Men
Jl1 assive Extem lination
and boys equipped with guns, nets, clubs,
The classic example is that of the pas- poles, axes and even small cannons, waded
senger pigeon. This bird once compr ised into the roosting grounds and reduced the
an estimated 35 percent of the entire bird pigeons by millions annually. Records
population of North America. Here, in- from the 1870's tell of eleven million birds'
deed, was a most unlikely candidate for being shipped to food markets from one
extermination. It is difficult to imagine the point near the Canadian-
spectacle it presented along migration American border in one three-
routes of 150 years ago. year period alone, and more
In the distance one could than fifteen million from an-
hear the roaring like a gale other point in only two years.
at sea. On the horizon ap- Hundreds of thousands of man-
peared a dense cloud of gled pigeons were left to rot or
dark furor, advancing at to be consumed by scavengers.
speeds approaching sixty "Sportsmen" captured others
miles per hour, until the alive for later use, such as the 1881
air was filled with the din Coney Island pigeon shoot that blew
of millions of beating wings. 20,000 birds out of the sky as they
The sun disappeared be- were released from their cages. Not
hind the wheeling, darting even the multitudinous passenger pi-
mass of feathers. For hours geon could withstand such an onslaught.
the uproar continued! Alexander Wilson, a One of the last nestings in considerable
leading ornithologist of 1810, described numbers was reported from the Canadian
one flock that stretched for 240 miles and prairie province of Manitoba in 1887.
was one mile wide. He estimated that it Thereafter the flocks dwindled and disap-
contained over two thousand million birds, peared until, finally, a solitary blue hen
lR AWAKE!
blinked with forlorn gaze from her perch moment of history required for man to
in the Cincinnati Zoologicc:l Gardens. Her deplete the "buffalo" appears just as
name was Martha. A rewm·d of $1,000 was fleeting.
offered to find her a mate. No one collect- An estimated sixty million bison once
ed. On September 1, 1914, Martha died a trampled the Great Plains from Canada
spinster at the age of twenty-nine years. to Texas. This humped, thick-shouldered
The passenger pigeon \.Vas added to the beast provided the Plains Indians with
list of t he ext inct! virtually everything needed for their ex-
Persecuted Wildlife istence. Indian hunts took a heavy toll, but
The great auk, a penguin-like, flightless it was the coming of the railroad and pro-
bird, once decorated the barren ocean fessional hunters that really staggered the
rocks of northern Europe, Iceland, Green- bison. An unprecedented slaughter ensued.
land and Newfoundland. However, One hunter recorded a kill of 4,280 bison
it was long slaughtered indiscrim- in just twelve months. His name was Wil-
inately for its flesh, feathers and liam Cody, the famed Buffalo Bill.
oil. In early June, 1844, a pair Railroads, in Canada and the Unit-
waddled across a ledge into the ed States, transported hides and
path of three waiting hunters, and tongues, t he latter considered a deli-
the last two great auks known to cacy, to eastern markets, leaving mil-
man joined their forebears in lions of carcasses to decompose on
oblivion. Another addition to the plains. When the herds were
the extinction list. GREAT AUK
gone, bleached bones were shipped
The heath hen, a form of prai- east to be ground for fertilizer. The
rie chicken, was industriously pursued for appalling sight of glistening bones scat-
early American cuisine. Once plentiful, it tered everywhere so impressed the settlers
too was reduced to a point of no return. It that these bleak remains were incorporated
was last seen on March 11, 1932. All of in the naming of settlements. Regina, pro-
these extinct birds were once considered vincial capital of Saskatchewan, had the
too plentiful ever to vanish. This miscon- inglorious title of "Pile-0 -Bones" until the
ception of inexhaustible wildlife also re- 1880's.
sulted in a change of scenery in the Cana- Public sympathy toward the bison final-
dian and American vVe.st. ly spurred attempts to save it from being
Bison to Bones added to the growing list of extinct ani-
It is early fall on the western Canadian mals. Although now gone from the wild
plains. Below our vantage point an unbe- state, the animals are faring well in parks
lievable panorama unfolds on the vast and zoos, where they continue to delight
windswept prairie of southern Saskatche- visitors. But as one returns the blank
wan. As far as the eye discerns, the entire stare of this shaggy, sullen beast, one can-
plain is a sea of bison in the not help imagining a note
most breathtaking seasonal migration of nostalgia for bygone
among land animals! Shading our days, the days before
eyes from the dazzling sun, we blink
Mr. Bison almost became
a moment; the vision vanishes, and
in its place are fields of golden grain, a stuffed curiosity in the
where a million bison once roamed museum of extinct ani-
the grasslands. In retrospect, the mals and birds.
AUGUST 22, 196'1 19
The Next l oGo? this may soon be impossible. It is esti-
Among other creatures said to be mated that ovet· 300,000 of these huge,
perched precariously on the verge of a n- graceful creatures have been slain during
nihilation are the grizzly bear, the Ameri- the past hundred years, 30,000 being the
can bald eagle and the marmot-like prai- known catch for a single year.
rie dog. E ven the pouch-billed pelican is Says The World Book Science Annual~
reported to be losing ground, not slowly, 1966~ on this subject: "Sad to say, these
but very quickly. The sentimental favorite icy waters [of the Antarctic] may also be
in this struggle for survival is a majestic its graveyard, for it has been driven head-
bird that could well be t he next to vanish. long toward extinction-a victim of the
The whooping crane is the most statu- harpoon and the desire for profit. ... no
esque of North American birds. Stand- one has been able to give t he blue whale
ing over five feet tall, with a wing span complete sanctuary. And now the struggle
of seven feet, it is satin white with for survival may be hopeless." One author-
black wing tips. This noble bird migrates ity estimates that fewer th an 600 of the
a nnually between Texas and breeding great creatures remain.
grounds 2,500 miles north. Agricultural "The demise of the dinosaurs," writes
drainage drove the c1·ane farther north to international conservationist Noel Simon,
find suitable terrain beyond human haunts. "remains veiled in mystery a nd surmise,
Following a nesting in Saskatchewan in but t here is no need to speculate on the
1922, location of its nursery remained a disappearance of the blue whale; the ra-
mystery of the wilderness for over thirty paciousness of man is wholly responsible."
years until a Ca nadian helicopter pilot Selfish man has been aptly described as
made a supply trip to a bush fire in Wood "the most dangerous predator," and his
Buffalo Na tional Par k. This ideal sanc- treatment of God's animal creation de-
tuary spans the lake-and-muskeg border scribed by expressions such as "unrestrict-
between Alberta and Canada's Northwest ed slaughter" and "continued plunder."
Territories. In spite of conservation sanc- According to a recent issue of The Cana-
tuaries and legal protection, natural- dian, almost 1,000 species of wildlife are
ists remain concerned that agricultural now on the danger list. How much longer
chemicals or a few careless hunters could will the list of the extinct creatures be-
destroy the fewer than fi fty survivors and come?
relegate this splendid creature to the Selfish challengers of God's beneficent
lengthening list of extinct ones. ruJe of all his creatures take delight, as
Earth's largest living creature may soon did Nimrod of old, in defacing man's
earthly home by senseless slaughter of
be added to the sorrowful list. The blue
living creatures. (Gen. 10:8, 9) The Su-
whale is known to attain a length of a preme Sovereign of all the universe will
hundred feet, and its organs alone are not permit this condition to continue in-
huge, the heart weighing almost half a definitely. In fact, he has declared his pur-
ton and the liver almost a ton. How thrill- pose shortly to "bring to ruin those ruin-
ing it would be to see this massive crea- ing the earth." (Rev. 11:17, 18) Thus the
ture gliding effortlessly through the wa- wanton slaughterers of wildlife themselves
ters of the sout hern hemisphere! But alas! will become extinct.
20 AW AKE!
ATER is an in-
W teresting and
w1ique part of our
earth. Its abun-
dance and availability
mark the earth as dif-
ferent from the other
planets in our solar sys-
tem. We all know from
personal experience ho\-v
important water is. With-
out it we could not have
a morning cup of tea or
coffee, nor make ice for
our cold drink during
yea.
the hot summer months.
Without it we would
have neither steam heat nor water- Water is one of the most interesting
cooled engines in our automobiles. of all the chemical compounds, being
Probably the most extensive use a mixture of two gases that combine
for water is for irrigation purposes to form, not another gas, but a liquid.
in farming. In the United States alone This, in turn, can be solidified and used
it is estimated that between 75 and as ice or heated into steam, acquiring
100 thousand million gallons a day even more interesting properties. The
are used in this way. This use ac- formula for water was proved when
counts for about half the fresh water the two gases hydrogen and oxygen
that is used annually in the United were exploded by an electrical current.
States. The next-largest customer for The result was water, and an amazing
water is, not the home, but the fac- property of water was thus discovered.
tory. Steam power plants and other When two of the most volatile gases
industries use an estimated 70 thou- known are exploded together, the re-
sand million gallons of fresh water sult is, not a tire, but water, the sub-
daily. How is so much water used? stance used to put fires out!
It takes 18 barrels of water to refine There is a definite chemical relation-
one barrel of oil, 300 gallons of wa- ship between the two gases when com-
ter to make a barrel of beer and 10 bining to for m water. From the view-
gallons of water to refine a gallon point of their relative weights, it takes
of gasoline. A large paper mill uses one part by weight of hydrogen to com-
more water each day than does a bine with exactly eight parts by weight
city of 50,000 people. But what is it of oxygen. Oxygen is a much heavier
about water that makes it so useful? element t han hydrogen, so, from the
What makes water work viewpoint of the volumes of
t he way it does? the gases instead of their
AUGUST 22, 196'1 21
weights, it takes two volumes of hydro· Waste products begin to accumulate in the
gen to combine with one volume of oxygen tissues. If water is not obtained soon
to get, not three, but two volumes of wa· enough, the functions of the body even-
ter vapor. This is because the 2H combine tually stop and death results. It is thought
with 0 to form a molecule of H 2 0. And that one cannot live if he loses about 20
how large is this molecule? It takes about percent of the water in his body.
a trillion trillion of them to make an ounce
of water. Water and Good Health
If we are to stay alive, we must have
The Universal Solvent water, and that almost daily. It bas been
One of the most important properties of observed that some animals can live as
water is its power to dissolve a great va- long as three months and sometimes more
eiety of different compounds. There is no without food, but they will die in five to
liquid on earth that can surpass water for ten days when they cannot get water.
it<> practical solvent qualities. With good How much water is necessary for good
reason it has been called the "universal health? That depends on physical condi-
solvent." tion, weight, age and other factors. Under
Especially is water a vital solvent for ordinary conditions the adult human body
living t hings. Since all the different sub- loses about fifty fluid ounces of water a
stances that comprise protoplasm (the es· day. Of this about twenty ow1ces is lost
sential substance of both the cell body and through the skin as perspiration, another
lhe cell nucleus) are either soluble in wa- thirteen ounces in the air exhaled through
ter or can be suspended in it, water is an the lungs, and the balance, about seven-
essential means of transporting nutrients teen ounces, in the urine. Naturally this
to the cells and of carrying away the varies with each individual. For good
waste products. Every organic process oc- health this lost water must be replaced
curs in a watery medium; for example, daily. Not all need be taken as fluids;
respiration and digestion. Blood really is some is obtained in the food we eat. Fruits
composed of about 90 percent water. A and vegetables contain from 80 percent to
large volume of blood is necessary at all 90 percent water, and milk about 87 per-
times to carry oxygen to the tissues and cent. In the normal diet we can expect to
to carry away waste products. Adequate take in from one and a half to two pints
water must be maintained in the body tis- of water a day, including the water that
sues as well. For example, adult muscle is is present in food and that which is
from 80 to 90 percent water. All tissues formed by the body in the oxidation of
food. How does the body make water by
contain water in their protoplasm. In oxidation?
tel"ms of total body weight, water makes
It has been observed that when one
up over two-thirds of the human body.
molecule of glucose is oxidized in diges-
What happens when one does not get tion, six molecules of water are produced.
enough water? The water content in the Where did the water come from? From
tissues lowers and the blood becomes more inside the glucose molecule, which has
concentrated. This means that the blood many hydrogen and oxygen atoms in its
cannot circulate as freely, and its oxygen- structure. When that molecule is broken
carrying capacity is reduced. The tissues up by the influence of gastric juices and
do not receive the oxygen they need. enzymes, other products are produced, and
22 AWAKE!
the leftover hydrogen and oxygen atoms cell wall necessary for the support of the
are combined by the body to form watet·. cell.
How truly wonderful is the chemical Plant cells utilize water in yet another
makeup of the body! We surely must agree way. This is in what is called "bound wa-
with the psalmist who wrote: "I shall laud ter." This differs from free water in that
you because in a fear-inspiring \Vay I am it is combined either physically or chemi-
wonderfully made."-Ps. 139:14. cally as a part of the molecule in the
In this manner, the body can manu- plant. This "bound water" is very difficult
facture some watet· for itself; indeed, to separate from the molecule since it ac-
some animals, such as certain desert- tually is a part of the molecule itself. At
dwelling rodents, can make so much water low temperatures this water does not
that they never need to take a drink! In freeze and cannot be rendered useless by
hwnans it has been estimated that a per- winter weather. At high temperatures it
son producing 2,400 calories of heat per is not lost through evaporation. Naturally
day can obtain about ten fiuid ounces of this has many advantages to the plant.
water as a result of this oxidation of food.Bound water is of special interest in con-
Such water is sometimes called "meta- nection with the ability of plants to re-
bolic water." sist low temperatures and drought. Winter
wheat is planted in the fall and produces
How Plants Use Watet· its crop t he following summer. A severe
Plant life is greatly affected by the winter will kill many varieties of winter
abundance or lack of available water. In wheat, but a hardy variety of winter
the study of trees we can learn much about wheat may contain three or four t imes as
how water is utilized in other plants. much bound water as a nonhardy variety.
About 75 percent of the weight of a tree Drought-resistant grasses may contain ten
either is water or is made from water. All times as much bound water as non-
the food for the tree, the nitrates and the drought-resistant varieties.
minerals, is absorbed from the ground.
To be carried into the tree the nitrates Chemical and Physical Properties
and minerals must be soluble in water. Water has other useful properties that
There may be present in the earth certain make it work in many ways for our bene-
chemical elements, but if they are bound fit. For instance, water has almost the
in compounds that are not water soluble greatest heat-absorbing capacity of known
substances (bromine and hydrogen being
they cannot be carried into the tree.
two exceptions). How is this property l.lse-
Carbon dioxide is another product that ful?
the tree must have in order to grow. It For one thing, water, in the form of
enters the tree through the leaves, but oceans and lakes, acts as a cushion against
cannot be used tmtil it is dissolved in the the rising and the falling of temperatures
water inside the tree. Once inside the tree and therefore makes a more comfortable
the elements can be used in the vital climate in the areas where there are large
processes of life because the water trans- bodies of water.
ports them to different parts of the tree. In the regulation of body heat, watet·
Another important role that the water has an important role to play. This is be-
plays in the tree is in maintaining "tur- cause it possesses what is termed "high
gor," which is the normal tension on the specific heat." This enables the body to
AUGUST 2$, 1967 23
store heat effectively without greatly In plants, too, water plays a chemical
raising the temperature. It also has "high role in the photosynthesis process. Sun-
heat conductivity." This property permits light on the green plant causes oxygen to
heat to be transferred readily from the in- be released from the water and causes the
terior of the body to the surface. Finally, hydrogen atoms left over to be utilized,
water possesses "high latent heat of evap- along with carbon dioxide, in such a way
oration," which causes a great deal of as to form sugar.
heat to be used in the evaporation of wa-
ter and thus cools the surface of the body Ice and S t eam
when we perspire. A discussion of water's properties would
We have already mentioned the trans- not be complete without a word about its
portation of water in plants, but one way many applications and its usefulness in the
in which this is accomplished is interest- solid state as ice and also as water vapor
ing. Water has a strong attraction for -steam.
itself; it "sticks to itself," which we call Water is unusual in that it reaches its
cohesion. It also sticks to other things, and most de.nse point before it becomes a solid.
we call that adhesion. This latter property How is this important to us? If water
of water is very important. Because wa- gradually became more dense with the
ter can stick to other substances it can lowering of the temperature, as do most
actually "climb" up in a small tube. This substances, it would solidify in such a way
is known as capillary action and is the as to be a real problem for mankind. Ac-
main means of transportation in plants. tually, water reaches its most dense point
The water enters the plant from the at 4 degrees abov e its freezing point or at
ground and must climb up the tree, car- 4 degrees Centigrade. This means that
rying with it the dissolved substances that when a large body of water, such as a
the plant needs for life. Actually, this pro- lake, cools from the cold air above it, the
cess depends upon both the cohesion in the surface water becomes cold first and
liquid itself and the adhesion to the walls grows heavier. It sinks to the bottom of
of the small veins inside the plant. How the lake, and the warmer water rises. In
powerful is this force? It is known that this way the entire body of water cools
in some trees a water column of 430 feet at the same rate. Finally, the surface wa-
in height can be supported by this power- ter falls below 4 degrees Centigrade and
ful "sticking" force of water. the water turns to ice, which is lighter
Water inside living things enters into than the dense water below it and so does
many of life's chemical processes. Many not sink, but, instead, floats on the sur-
compounds can be split by water to form face. Therefore, instead of having the bot-
others and thus carry on the chemical tom freeze first, and thereby eventually
work of the organism. Cane sugar, for ex- filling up the lake with ice and killing all
ample, is split into equal parts of glucose water life, a thin crust of ice forms on
and fruit sugar, one water molecule being the surface and prevents the rest of the
used up in the process. Of even greater water iin the lake from becoming cold
importance to life is the splitting by water enough to freeze.
of some of the phosphate compounds. This One of the principal uses of water in
process releases energy, which then can be industry is to generate power through
used by the body for the building up of steam, water in the vaporous form. Water
other vital compounds. has the ability, when changing from ice to
24 AWAKE!
liquid to steam, to "store up" heat and fifths of the heat which has been added to
hold it without itself rising in tempera- the water has disappeared, or become in-
tw·e. Hard to believe? Then read an ex- sensible in the steam to any of our instru-
planation given in the book ((Steam, Its ments . . . the heat which has been ab-
Genemtion and Use/' by the Babcock and sorbed by one pound of water to conver t
Wilcox Company: it into a pound of steam at atmospheric
"If we take a quantity of ice, say one pressure is sufficient to have melted 3
pound, at absolute zero and supply heat, pounds of steel or 13 pot.:nds of gold. This
the first effect is to raise its temperature has been transformed into something be-
until it reaches a point 492 degrees above sides heat; stored up to reappear as heat
the starting point. Here it stops growing when the process is reversed. That con-
'l.VaNner, though we keep on adding heat. dition is what we are pleased to call latent
It, however, changes from ice to water heat, and in it resides mainly the ability
and when we have added sufficient heat to of the steam to do work." (Underlining
have made it, had it remained ice, 238 ours)
degrees hotter or a temperature of 315 What an amazing substance water is!
degrees by the Fahrenheit thermometer, Every day of our lives we see water work-
it has all become water, at the same tem- ing for us, in the plants we must have for
perature at which it commenced to change, food, in our own body chemistry to keep
namely, 492 above absolute zero, or 32 us healthy and in the practical uses we
degrees by Fahrenheit's scale. Let us still find for it to help us do our work.
continue to add heat and it will now grow Systems have been devised that allow
warmer again though at a slower rate, space explorers to orbit the earth in outer
that is, it now takes about double the space, but scientists lmow that, unless
quantity of heat to raise the pound one they can solve the problem of providing
degree that it did before-until it reaches sufficient water, the human race is bound
a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit to this earth by its need for abundant wa-
-here we find another critical point. ter in order to maintain life. The fact that
"However much more heat we may ap- we have this water on our planet earth-
ply, the water, as water . . . cannot be a unique feature of the earth in the solar
heated any hotter but changes on the ad- system-shows us in what a wonderful
dition of heat to steam and it is not until way the Creator, Jehovah God, has pro-
we have added heat enough to have mised vided for the life that He created here.
the temperature of the water to 1,178 de- Understanding some of the interesting
[frees .. . that it has all become steam, ways in which water works for us helps
which steam neve1·theless is at the tem- us to appreciate the boundless wisdom
perature of 212 deg1·ees. Thus over four- that God possesses.
Pa"ke Variance
A recent survey report issued by the American Medical Association
sh ows that the price of a specific drug can vary between drugstores
as much as 1,200 percent. The price range for every drug studied varied
by more than 100 percent.
26 AWAKE!
gards the human skull there is no differ-
ence between the male and the female
until the time of puberty; but then as
adulthood is reached the difference be-
comes more and more apparent. The fe-
male skull is lighter and its cranial ca-
pacity is about 10 percent smaller than
that of the male, even as is the rest of
the anatomy. The contour of the female
skull is also more rounded and the facial
bones are smoother. Apparently, with the
HE apostle Paul, in givi~g instructio~1s
T on congregational meetmgs of Chris-
tians, stated, among other th ings: "I do
lines of beauty goes less rugged strength .
True. mere brain size in itself is not
as important as brain quality, but where
not permit a woman to teach, or to ex- the quality is t he same the larger brain
ercise authority over a man." (1 Tim. size has an advantage. Thus Science News,
2:12) Today many t•eligious organizations April 1, 1967, told of twenty African chil-
take exception to these words of Paul. In dren who were so extremely undernour-
fact, we find more and more women being ished in the first few years of their lives
ordained to Protestant pulpits. Just why that "head circumferences . . . averaged
did the apostle state this rule? an inch less than the others, indicating
This rule is based on a principle that smaller brain." And over the years all
governs the relations between the sexes, these were found to have verbal, mathe-
namely: "The head of every man is the matical and perceptual capabili ties far be-
Christ; in turn the head of a woman is low those of other children. Implicit in
the man; in tw·n the head of the Christ these findings is that man is advantaged
is God." (1 Cor. 11:3) The logic of head- by a greater brain size.
ship must be apparent to all. If two or That it is in the best interests of both
more intelligent persons are to cooperate, sexes for man to take the lead is also sup-
there must be organization, and for or- ported by psychological evidence. One of
ganization to be successful there must be New York city's leading psychiatrist<; and
a head. That Jehovah God, the Father, psychoanalysts, Dr. Marie N. Robinson, in
is the Head of his Son, Jesus Christ, is one of her books, which deals with cer-
obvious; also, that his Son should be the tain frustrations of married women, skill-
head of his congregation. But not so readi- fully demonstrates by case histories that
ly appreciated is the statement that man many of these particular frustrations can
exercises headship over the woman and be ended if women will but recognize the
that therefore woman should not exercise fact that the way their bodies are made
authority over the man. gives evidence that it is intended for man
However, the facts show that the head- to be the head. As she expresses it, women
ship of man is both somatically and psy- must learn the art of "eternal acquies-
chologically sound and in the best inter- cence" and "deep altruism" in dealing with
ests of all concerned, even as we shall see. their husbands if they want to find hap-
Thus a leading authority on the human piness.
body (soma), G-ray's Anatomy (1966 Edi- The children also stand lo benefit when
tion), tells the interesting fact that as r e- the Scl'iptural principles governing the
AUGUST !2, 1961 '1.7
sexes are followed. To woman falls the lot, that mothers are not to teach their own
not only of conceiving and bearing chil- children. The Bible speaks of "the law of
dren, but also, to a great extent, of nur- your mother" and tells of the good results
turing them in their earliest infancy and of mothers' teaching their offspring the
on to maturity. It stands to reason that Word of God, as in the case of the Chris-
for a mothe1· to do justice to her task she tian minister Timothy. (Prov. 6:20; 2 Tim.
must have an abundance of love and de- 1 :5; 3:14, 15) Nor does·it mean that wom-
votion, she must have much patience, en may not be schoolteachers, instructing
great gentleness and mildness and be ex- youths and adults in secular subjects. But
tremely sensitive to the needs of her off- women are not to exercise authority over
spring from infancy onward, if they are Christian men in the Christian congrega-
to thrive. tion nor are they to assume authority over
It follows that her entire personality their own husbands in their homes.
must be of such a sensitive and gentle na- That women are not precluded from
ture as to do justice to the delicate needs preaching to those outside the Christian
of the tiny developing minds and bodies. congregation can be seen from the proph-
However, an abundance of such qualities ecy quoted by the apostle Peter on the day
does not go hand in hand with those need- of Pentecost: "I shall pour out some of
ed for leadership and meeting stern chal- my spirit upon every sort of flesh, and
lenges. More than that, by the Scriptures' your sons and your daughters will proph-
limiting the woman's role in the congre- esy and your young men will see visions
gation it makes it more likely that she will and your old men will dream dreams; and
have the needed time and energy to look even upon my men slaves and upon my
after the needs of her family properly. So, women slaves I will pour out some of my
while she may have other interests, she spirit in those days, and they will proph-
should never forget that as a wife her esy." (Acts 2:17, 18) In keeping with this
career is caring for the physical, men- prophecy, today there are literally hun-
tal and emotional well-being of her family. dreds of thousands of women ministers
The Scriptural position might be said who "prophesy" by preaching the good
also to take into consideration woman's news of God's kingdom and who teach Bi-
biological nature. As every woman in the ble truths to both men and women in their
prime of life is well aware, she has certain homes and who receive many blessings
difficult days each month during which from doing so.
she cannot give of her best and during The headship that the Scriptures assign
which she very much appreciates her hus- to the man indicates that man and woman
band's showing her consideration. But if have different roles to play in life. The
she had responsibilities of oversight and fact that Christian husbands are com-
was required to hold forth regularly on manded to love their wives as Jesus Christ
the public platform regardless, either her loved the congregation, he even dying for
performance or her health would suffer. it, should certainly preclude any criticism
Recognizing this factor, God's Word coun- of the role that God's Word assigns to
sels husbands to dwell with their wives the man. His is a difficult assignment, but
"according to knowledge, assigning them for it he has also been equipped. Truly
honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine the Scriptural position is seen to be sound,
one."-1 Pet. 3:7. practical and wise. Happy are all t hose
Of course, the foregoing does not mean governed by it!-Eph. 5:25-33.
28 AWAKE!
priest, H. M. J . Stoelinga, said
that he was moved by his
conscie n ce to perform the
marriage cer emony. The Ro·
ma n Catholic Church was thus
put in the position of blessing
the homosexual relationship.
What could be more disgust·
ing?
In Britain the House of
Commons voted, on July 4, to
approve a bill to reform British
law on homosexual conduct.
The proposal for reform was
originally made in 1957 by a
committee headed by Sir John
Wolfenden. It was rejected
twice, but In recent years
opinion has shifted. The
The Age of Rebellion prison in the U.S.A.," r emarked Church o! England, the Roman
~ The criticalness of our day an old·time merchant. "Years Catholic Church a nd the Meth·
has never been more obvious ago, back say to 1945, this was odists all supported the Wolf·
than in the last few weeks- a class avenue." This is where enden proposal.
chaos in the streets of Newarlt, once movie actors used to buy In America, on July 4, a score
Plainfield and other cities in their suits. T here were 82 o! placard-carrying pickets In
America; strikes a nd the synagogues in the neighbor- front of Independence Hall ln
threats of strikes in the rail· hood. Now ther e are only two Philadelphia contended that
road, r ubber, copper and auto or three. homosexuals are denied rights.
industries; civil war in Nigeria, A detective told a caller: One sign read: "Fifteen million
violence in Hong Kong, riots in "Don't come out this way by U.S. homosexuals ask for re-
Korea, tribal war in the Congo, subway. You could be mugged dress of grievances."
raids on the Sudanese, war in getting off the train in broad
the Middle East and southeast daylight." In this neighborhood ObJidren on the Rampage
Asia. Hunger, disease and Igno- even the pollee are mugged in ~ In the Bronx Zoo, New
rance are said to be "not in· daylight. In an area of 67,000 York, there is a sign above a
evitable," but they exist and residents about fifty trips on window that says, 'See the
become Intolerable for many, emergency calls are made each most vicious animal alive.'
leading to violence. Wars a re day by police. On the days when People rush to the window ro
generally abhorred among the welfare recipients go out to have a look. The window is
common man, but governments cash their checks, thieves equipped with a mirror. Usua l·
continually become Involved In snatch about fifty pocketbooks. ly there is a burst of laughter.
them and seek ways to wage One police precinct reported The experience, however, is
these wars more vigorously. 1,883 arrests in 1956. In 1966 both r evealing and condemn·
These events are In keeping there were 3,901 arrests. That ing. If zoo keepers in Seattle,
with the fulfillment of Bible is almost eleven arrests every Washington, were reminded of
prophecy. World conditio n s day of the year, on an average, this sign ea rly In June, they
witness to its truth. for one precinct! had their reasons. More than
15,000 children and adults
1\.ise or Lawlessness Homose:\:uals "Married'' charged through the new chil·
~ Dl srespect for law a nd ~ Two mal e homosexuals dren's zoo on June 9, leaving
order was prophesied for our were secretly "married" by a behind tormented animals and
day, an d New Yorkers can Roman Catholic priest in Rot- a mutil ated l andscape. A
testify to the truthfulness of terdam. The "couple" had asked number of turtles and pigeons
the Bible account. Iron bars for a mass to be said to con- were stolen. A woman dug up
on house doors, protective firm their relationship. During a rhododend ron plant. Fantail
gates on storefronts and heav- the mass, held in private and pigeons had their feathers
ily screened windows have attended by the families of plucked and broken. Baby tur-
become standard equipment in both men, the "couple" ex- tles were dropped from
the Brownsville section of changed rings. The Catholic heights, splitting their shells.
Brooklyn. "Look up and down priest explained, on July 5. that A peacock had Its elegant tail
this avenue and you'll see more homosexuals "are among the feathers plucked. Tormented
gates than you will see In any faithful to be helped." The for hours, the bird tumcd and
AUGUST !!t, 1961 ~9
pecked a four-year-old child on scheduled to reach nearly 500,· rimony, they are not recognized
the face. Youngsters picked up 000 by the end of 1967. General as valid before the authority
stones from a stream and W. C. Westmoreland, in his reg- of the land.
heaved them at the ducks. One ular evaluations of the situa-
zoo employee complained: "I tion, is understood to have sug- F 1·ea.kish W eather
don't get it. We give them gested a possible American ~ A massive cold front swept
something free and they de· force of 750,000 men. People over Buenos Aires from Ant·
stroy it." It was a day that had in Washington foresee a possi· arctica, dropping temperatures
again proved the axiom that ble $5,000,000,000 increase in to 22 degrees above zero. Near-
animals are sometimes better military spending as a result ly all the flowers perished in
behaved than people. of the new military build-up. the cold wave. At least six
deaths were reported. The con·
Church in Decay A Not-So-Quiet Revolution sumption of natural gas leaped
~ The Church of Canada is ~ Quebec, Canada, with its by 50 percent and prices on
rife with 'bigotry, prejudice population of 6,000,000 French· heaters rose 25 to 50 percent.
and idolatry,' stated Kenneth speaking persons and over· A typhoon roared in from the
McMillan, minister and gen- whelmingly Roman Catholic, is Pacific on July 9, and before
eral secretary of the Canadian undergoing a not-so-quiet revo- the day was through, 347 per·
Bible Society. He said that the lution. Quebec is rapidly be· sons died or were missing in
average churchman in Canada coming a secular state. It is the southern areas of Japan.
has no idea what the church moving away from Roman The storm, called Billie, hit
is about "Many people cling Catholic authoritarianism. the western half of Kyushu.
fanatically to some institution, Among the clergy and youth Torrential rains fell, setting off
to some building-identifying traditional conservatism has landslides. The floodwaters
their faith with some partie· given way to unrest. The swirled through Hiroshima and
ular window or some organ or Montreal archdiocese, with a Its surroundings, smashing
pew; or something that hap· pop~dation of 1,348,000 Roman houses into rubble and drift·
pened long, long ago," he said. Catholics, has fewer than 1,000 wood.
Church adults, he commented, regular clergy to staff its 267
"are tempted to retreat into a parishes, 70 hospitals and hun- :Employment Discrimination
narrow nationalism, into de· dreds of schools. In the past ~ Citizens aged 65 and over
nominationalism, into confes- the church was the main voice now are nearly 10 percent of
sionalism into fundamen t al· in articulating the aspirations America's population. Official-
ism, or something else." He of French Canadians. Today ly the unemployment rate for
also said that in Canada minis- many voices are being heard. the elderly is below the over·
ters in droves are wondering People feel free to accept sec- a.ll rate. But such figures mis·
what the ministry is all about. ular values without seeking lea d. One reason is that the
"So many are really broken the approval of the Roman elderly simply stop looking for
men, trying to carry on, not Catholic Church. jobs, knowing there are no
having lost faith but desperate· j obs for them. They are often
Jy concerned and frustrated. .1\Iarria.ge P roblems referred to as "retired," which
They're just worried sick about ~ In Honduras a marriage is is a polite word for unem·
it." "They are confronted with not considered va.lid unless it ployed. Nine out of ten large
the sheer triviality of church is performed before the civil U.S. corporations have man-
life, with its heartbreaking authority. In the spring of datory retirement policies.
pettiness," he said. this year Monsignor Hector One-half of the job openings
Enrique Santos, archbishop of in the United States are closed
\ \far Cost to Rise Honduras, requested the gov- to anybody aged 55 or over,
~ The cost of the Vietnam ernment to authorize the and one in four job openings
war to Americans will no priests to perform civil mar· is closed to workers as young
doubt rise in men and money riages prior to the religious
ceremonies. But the clergy as 45. The U.S. Labor Depart·
as a result of renewed evalua-
tions from the battle zone. U.S. were reminded that Honduras ment classifies a worker aged
Secretary of Defense Robert is a state separate from the 45 or older as an "older
McNamara made his ninth trip church. The Civil Code of worker" and this age-group
to Vietnam early in July. The Honduras says that civil matri· makes up nearly one-half of
results of the previous trips mony may be celebrated only the long-term unemployed in
were not always reassuring. In by mayors or the chief of the the United States. The cost
1963 he predicted that most of district and by no other au- to the United States economy
the American forces would be thority. Though religious wed· of the situations, in unemploy·
out of Vietnam by the end o.t dings have been performed ment compensation and lost
1965. Now U.S. strength is without the required civil mat- production, is estimated a t
30 AWAKE.
more t han S4,000,000,000 a Answering, he s a id: B y the credibility she has lost in
year. "preaching the gospel without the eyes of the world through
compromise"; "by courageous- dishonesty over t he centuries,"
Higher Taxes on Alcohol ly r iddi ng ourselves of f eudal he declared.
~ Cir rhosis of the liver is titles, gestures and customs
t'eportedly the lOth-most-fre· t hat the world has long since \Vlten Phone Lines Cross
quent cause of death in Amer· found to be dishonest; by r id · ~ The telephone company rna·
ica, accounting for more than ding ourselves of pom p and chine that tens you, "You have
20,000 deaths a year. A recent luxury in liturgy and life, in dialed the wrong number . Will
study s h owed that deaths dress and ornament" ; by pro- you dial again, please?" broke.
from the disease were r ising viding "more freedom in the As a result people wer e getting
constantlY. Dr. Milton Terris, church in all areas, especially the wrong numbers a nd some
president-elect of the Ameri· in theology by getting rid of thirteen telephone exchan ges
can Public Health Association, the imprimatur in theological in New York city were all
called for higher ta xes on al· literature." "How m uch does interconnected. "Your wife just
cohol to pr ice it out of the it take," he asked, "bef ore a had a baby" . .. "I'm not mar·
reach of t he g eneral public. Cathol ic theologia n openly ad· ried" . . . ''Shirley?" . . . "No,
m its that any particula r f a l· George" . . . "Oh, well, con·
" l>ishonesty over the Ceuturies" lible p ronouncemen t, like an gr atulations anyway." "Is this
~ Hans K ung, dean of the encyclical, or a papal address, Mr. Fisher?" ... "No, this is
Catholic theological faculty at or a decree of the Holy Office , Dr. Smith. I've j ust checked
the University of TUbingen, was a mistake? On e tries to your X r ays" . . . "You what?
\Vest Germany, offer ed his find a way out by means of I 'm calling my wife." For an
opinions on the role of the clever distinctions. When t hte hour all the wr ong numbers
Catholic church to an a udience error is admitted it is often too were being tied into t he tru nl<
at Stanford Univer sity. How la.te for the world," Kw1g said. line. The 100-A machine, about
can the church fight for "The church could win back the size of a small ta pe re·
theologica l truth? he asked. through tr uthfuln ess some of corder , had a malfunction.
~~~~ ~:t.~lt4
FILL A VITAl NEED
They bring you closer to others and
help you work out many problems
32 AWAKE!
SEPTEMBER 8, 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awoke to the vital i5Sues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the flelds of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of ref igious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. " Awake!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" p ledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
·C"It -).l------~-:.A-)11
CONTENTS
Wm·ld Population "Exploding" 3 Durian- Offensive yet Delictous 2:3
Famine: "The Dreaded Tomorrow
Already Has Dawned" 7 Your Clothes and You 24·
The Future: Disaster or Pros perity? 11
"Your Word Is Truth"
An Age of Plenty Near! 16 Prayer That God Hears '27
\IVhy the Religious Apathy
in Latin America?' 19 Watching the World 29
"lt is already the hour fo r you to owokc."
-Romans 13:11
EF'ORE you finish reading this sen- growth of population, the human race is
B tence, at least ten babies will have
been born throughout tl1e world. And, at
in for a black and dismal future. . . .
Even if the distribution of food is per-
the end of your day, the world's popula- fected . . . it could not possibly keep up
tion will have increased by nearly 200,000 with such a rate."
persons! A New York Times report of January
For many, the birth of a child is a 20, 1966, stated: "Four Nobel laureates
welcomed event, bringing into the world urged today that government take an ac-
a life to love and cherish. For others, tive role in curbing population expansion.
bringing forth an additional life compli- One of them raised the possibility that
cates an already difficult situation. And uncontrolled population growth might
on a global scale, today's fast-increasing force man to resort to cannibalism, and
population frightens those who study it. another feared that the world would be
In this regard one authority said re- plunged in to a new Dark Age."
cently: "In 1950 many students of the Still another commentator called the
... situation concluded that a major world population growth "the gravest problem
catastrophe was in the making. Today of our time, certainly more serious in
when we view the growth of world popu- the long perspective than war or peace."
lation in relation to what mank!nd is do- Summarizing the opinions of analysts,
ing about the situation, that catastr(•phe U.S. Ne·ws ~ Wo?'ld Repm't declared:
appears a near-cer tainty." "How can the world feed all its people,
Similar opinions are voiced by the over- a.t t he rate the population is growing ?
whelming majority of those concerned That is becoming the world's No. 1 prob-
with population trends. New Zealand's lem. A look at what's happening shows
Southland Daily News reported : ''Unless why experts are worried. The human race
something is done to arrest the present is doubling in numbers every 35 years."
SEPTEMBER 8, 1.9G1 3
SkyJ'ocketing G1·owth million was added by 1960, in just thirty
F rom the evidence gathered by those years. And currently the world grows by
concerned with the situation, it is clear one thousand million people in only fifteen
that the g rowth in world population in years!
our day is very different from the slow In the years ahead, each thousand mil-
increase of many centuries ago. What is lion will be added ever faster. Population
taking place today has been termed a experts agree that, if the present rate of
"population explosion." Some are calling increase were to continue, there would
it a "population time bomb." be at least 6,000,000,000 people on earth
NeveT be{oTe in history have so many by the year 2000. Then it would take only
people been added to the human family eight years for the next thousand million
each year. At present there is an annual persons to be added. If that rate were
increase of about 70,000,000 births over maintained, two hundred years from now
deaths. That is much larger than the total there would be almost 200,000,000,000 peo-
population of France! ple on the face of t he earth!
A look at the long-term population Another factor to be considered is that
trend reveals just how staggering the in- the growth mte has not remained steady.
crease is. It took from the first century Commenting on the current 2-percent an-
to the seventeenth century before t he pop- nual growth of world population on the
ulation of the world doubled from 250 average, Newsweek stated: "In itself, that
million to 500 million. Then, in a little seems small, but it is more than double
over two hundred more years, in the the rate of fifteen years ago, and the
nineteenth century, the population dou- cumulative effect is staggering." So, not
bled again, reaching about one thousand only has the total number added to the
million (1,000,000,000). But in only a
population increased each year, but t he
hundred more years, in the twentieth cen-
tury, it once more doubled. And now? percentage of growth has likewise in-
At today's rate of growth the population creased, combining to make a highly ex-
would double in just thirty-five years! plosive mixture for future growth.
Another way to understand better the
magnitude of this explosion is to realize Why the Explosion Now?
that it took all human history up to the What is responsible for this sudden ex-
year 1830 for the world's populat ion to plosion of the world's population? The
reach 1,000,000,000. However, the second basic reason is that advances in disease
thousand million was added by 1930, in controJ have drastically lowered the death
only a hundred years. The th ird thousand rate in most cmmtries, while
1,000,000~000 Flood
t
C E.
4 AWAKE!
the fertility rate has not decreased. In- In most industrialized countries, almost
deed, because of better care during preg- all of which are well north of the equator,
nancy, the birthrate has increased in most in t he northern hemisphere, the popula-
lands. tion increase is well below the 2-percent
An example of this is the country of average for the world. Russia and the
Ceylon. In 1946 life expectancy at birth United States both have a rate of about
in that land was forty-three years. But 1.5 percent, while Europe has slightly less
in just one year that life expectancy in- than a one-percent annual increase. But
creased to fifty-two years, a gain of nine the picture in lands near the equator and
years! This was due primarily to the in- in most of the southern hemisphere is
troduction of insecticides that practically far different. In Africa the rate is 2.4
eliminated malaria, Ceylon's major disease percent annually. South America has an
that was responsible for its high death even higher rate of 2.8 percent. In some
rate previously. lands the rate has soared much h igher.
In other countries similar advances have Costa Rica's population increases at the
been made in the last half century, al- astounding rate of 4.3 percent each year;
though perhaps not as quickly as that the Domin ican Republic's, 3.6 percent.
made by Ceylon. Nor have the countries Also above 3 percent are El Salvador,
that reduced their death rates been among Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua,
only the highly developed, richer nations Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador. Many coun-
of t he world. In less developed lands gov- tries in Africa and Asia are also well
ernments have adopted disease prevention above the world average.
methods established elsewhere and have Thus, while the populations of North
been able to reduce or even eradicate America and Latin America were about
many diseases that hitherto had taken a the same a few years ago, population ex-
high toll of lives. perts estimate that within thirty-five
The mass control of infectious disease years Latin America would contain well
has produced a spectacular reduction in over 630,000,000 persons, almost 300,000,-
the death rate among infants and chil- 000 more than in North America. Africa
dren. It is one of the main reasons why would have over 400,000,000 more than
persons under twenty-five years of age North America, and Asia would have over
make up more than half the population 2,000,000,000 more! Yet, Latin America,
of most countries. This high percentage Africa and much of Asia are the very
of young persons feeds the population in- places where the problem is the most se-
crease. Children that previously were cut vere already.
down in death due to disease now live One of the countries critically affected
to marry and produce children of their is India. India has two and a half times
own. the population of the United States. But
India's 500,000,000 people occupy an area
Compounding the Problem
What compounds the problem is that less than one-third that of the United
the population is exploding t he most in States. India has, on the average, over
the very lands that can least afford it. four hundred inhabitants per square mile,
The increase is particularly centered in while the United States has only fifty-five.
countries near or in the southern hemi- Although India's population is over seven
sphere. t imes as dense as that of the United States,
SEPTEMBER 8, 1961
her annual increase is more than fom' Pessimistic Outlook of Experts
times as great, being about twelve to four- When experts view the future, tht:y
teen million a year in an already im- view it with pessimism. They realize that
poverished country. the problems already accompanying the
Communist China has the largest pop- current population explosion are not be-
ulation of any country on earth. It is ing solved. As the population continues
estimated to be over 700,000,000. That is to explode, so do the problems.
a density of about 187 persons per square This is true even in the more indus·
mile, well below India's. However, a large trially advanced nations, where cities are
part of China is made up of mountainous growing larger and becoming packed with
areas such as Tibet, or desert areas, nei- people. Urban renewal has not generally
ther of which is favorable at the present kept pace with the deterioration evident
time to large-scale habitation and culti- within most large cities. And in the ma-
vation. And China's population explodes jority of instances, it is the poorer people
by approximately 15,000,000 persons each who must live in the overcrowded, less
year, the largest increase of any nation desirable areas, because they cannot af-
on earth. So, as indicated on the cover of ford to live in the more comfortable sec-
this magazine, a large proportion of tions of the city, or in the relatively af-
earth's population is Asiatic. fluent suburbs. Discontentment over living
The problem of nations with a high conditions causes tempers and tensions to
density of population can be appreciated mount, providing a fertile field for all
when we examine the comparatively abun- kinds of social disorders.
dant land available to the United States Indeed, crime is exploding many times
population of about 200,000,000. They as fast as the population in most indus-
inhabit an area of about three and a half trialized nations. In the United States, the
million square miles. Excluding areas most technically advanced and materially
uninhabitable at present, there are roughly prosperous nation in the world, during the
four acres of countryside available for first three months of 1967 crime exploded
each person, on the average. But in a with a 20-percent increase compared to
little more than a century there would the same period last year! Nor is there
be just a haJf acre left at the present rate any assurance at all that this will be re·
of increase. Yet, in other countries where lieved. All signs point to an aggravation
the density of population is far greater, of the situation. And although the United
the available land would be much less. States rise in population is relatively low,
And world wide, it has been estimated yet Look of February 9, 1965, declared:
that .if the present rate of growth '<vere "The outlook as population grows is for
to continue, there would be only one crisis doubled and redoubled."
square yard of land available for each Also, rivers and air become more pol-
human in six hundred years! luted due to chemical wastes and toxic-
Also, as population explodes, the land gases from factories and millions of au-
area that can be used for cultivation will tomobiles. This pollution has already be-
actually diminish even faster, because come a health hazard in nearly every in·
cities, dwellings, highways, industries and dustrialized country. In addition, deaths
public works take land away from food due to automobile accidents mount, now
production. being about 50,000 annually in the United
6 AWAKE!
States alone. And automobiles are being tiftc advances, a panel of specialists said."
built faster than highways or parking One of these specialists pointed to the
areas can comfortably and safely accom- most menacing aspect of the entire prob-
modate them, further adding to the lem. As the Tirnes relat ed: "Dr. A. Richard
frightful congestion and frustration al- Kassander, of Arizona University's Insti-
ready existing. tute for Atmospher ic P hysics, said: 'We're
That scientists are not optimistic about really kind of losing the race to grow
the future was noted in a seminar spon- food and increase water faster than the
sored by the American Institute of P hys- population grows.' "
ics. After the meetir1g, the following r~ This focuses attention on the most se-
port was issued in the New Yor k Times rious and most immediate of the prob-
of March 15, 1966: "M:m appears to be lems : producing enough food to feed ade-
losing h is fight against drough t, famine quately the exploding human population
and air poJlution despite 'excitin g• ~cien- of rarth.
FUTURE:
the ground. As a result, the land deterio-
rated. It became a desert and could not
be brought back to full production with-
out a major effort.
In many productive
8..
•. ,l" \ parts of the United
HAT does the fu- States similar desert
W ture hold? Will
the world see disaster
· DISASTER · conditions would exist
were it not for the ef-
./I"a • ~ • • • • • -1-- ~ '
SEPTEMBER 8, 1961 13
willing to enjoy the fruits of their labor. reads : "Seve1·e Hunger Found in Mississip-
Years ago India should have been helped pi." Tbe report said:
where it would have been the most effec- "A team of doctors who recently returned
tive, in farming methods, modern imple- from Mississippi told Congress today that
ments, fertilizer factories and irrigation they had found hunger approaching starva·
projects. tion and serious untreated diseases among
h undreds of Negro children there.... They
Part of India's dilemma stems from her described the health of the poor children
colonial background. Under the colonial there as 'pitiful,' 'alarming,' 'unbelievable"
regime relatively little effort was made and 'appalling.' ..
to combat illiteracy among India's masses "The doctors' re port continued: 'We do
so they could eventually help themselves. not waul to quibble over words, but "mal-
Elsewhere, too, the colonial powers have nutrition" is not quite what we found; the
boys and girls we saw were hungry-weak.
had a poor record in the lands they pre- in pain, sick; their lives are being shortened
viously held in Asia, Africa and South . . They are su1'ferlng from hunger and
America. As Professor Keyfitz stated: rli!'e<Jse and directly or indirectly they are
"Western governments and electorates dying from t hem-wh!ch is exactly what
"starvation" means.' .. .
sense t he tragic state of affairs, and at
" 'It is fantastic,' [one doctor] said, 'that
least vaguely feel responsible for t his after- this should be so ln the wealthiest nation in
math of colonialism, and so we provide the world-the wealthiest nation that ever
food and other kinds of aid. " 'vas.'''
Yes, the basic cause for India's dilemma That the present system of things v<orld
and the world's dilemma is the controlling wide is not working for the good of all
system of things. It does not work for mankind, even a United States Senator
the benefit of all. It is simply not ar- acknowledged. Writing in Look of March
ranged to aid underdeveloped nations over-
7, 1967, he stated:
come their population and food problems.
"It is not that the earth lacks the capacity.
or modern farm ers the know-how, to 'pro·
Colossal Waste duce subsistence for men,' but rather thal
The time, energy, money and resources governments lack the will and the courage to
that are spent for constructive aid arc bend their efforts lo the task. Horrified his·
dwarfed by the colossal expenditures de- torians may record that as the world sped
voted to implements of destruction. on a collision course with starvalion, its
great powers fiddled with a war in Vietnam,
The nations of this system of things a crisis in Berlin, a contest in (ll"_!;E>na.l build·
are spending fantastic amounts on weap- ing and a race to the moon. . .
ons of war. The United States alone spent "In Vietnam, we are willing to pour a
about seventy thousand million dollars on million dollar s in ammunition into the jun-
armaments last year, more than half her gle if one VC [Viet Cong] sticks up his head.
annual budget! This colossal and tragic But hunger threatens to swallow civilization
and we are hesitant to mount a solid coun·
waste of resources each year makes the teroffensivc.
amounts spent on helping the hungry pale "Everybody is talking about it, and nobody
into insignificance. is in charge, ... Where is the General West·
And even within the boundaries of moreland to lead the war on hunger? Where
is the necessary incentive to farmers and
wealthy nations that are spending so much
technicians? Where is the Manila Confer-
on armaments, what do we find? A New ence to rally allies among other affl~tent
York Times headline of June 17, 1967, nations?
ltl AWAKE!
"We are spending seven-tenths of one per- lowing facts, published in t he New York
cent of our gross national product for food Times of June 18, 1967:
and development assjstance. This is only one·
sixth the cost of our military operations in ··since the main hope for increasing food
Vietnam [which is still only a part of total production in the poor countries was through
armament costs]." increased yield per unit of land, there could
be no substitute for this higher investment
The nations of this system of things m improved seed, fertilizers, pesticides, ma-
have spent astronomical amounts year chinery and water !or irrigation.
after year for armaments. Aside from "Even more difficult would be U1e vast
that, the curtent race to t he moon will educational and training programs requirecl
to create, distribute and properly use modern
cost the United States over forty thou- crop production input and the transporta·
sand million dollars, and no doubt Russia tion to distribute, process and marltet the
will spend a similar amount. This whi!e output of f arms ...
famine stalks the earth, and conditions "Even under the most favorable circum·
'vithin the wealthy nations themselves cry stances the interval between the inaugura·
tion of such programs and their realization
out for improvement Such resources, had in the form of Increased production of crops
they been spent on the population and will be at least 5 to 10 years.
food crisis, could have had remarkable "It is by no means certaln that this task
results. Why, just last year's United States can be accomplished to the extent or at the
rate needed to meet food requirements dur-
armament expenditure could have provid- ing the rtext two decades, even with a \\ar·
ed 14,000,000 homes costing $5,000 each like' mobilization of the developed countries."
in the poorer countries! Or it could have The tremendous crash program needed
provided a salary of $5,000 for that many is not even in the planning stage! Ancl
teachers to educate the illiterate masses there is no assurance at an that it will
throughout the world. ever be Wldertal{eo or impiemented in this
But the money devoted to armaments divided world.
is not being spent for the benefit of man- Along with any increase in food pro-
kind, nor is it likely to be spent. Why not? duction, experts agree that the skyrocket-
Because the present system of things on ing population must be curbed in the fu-
earth is simply too selfish, too full of po- ture. I n a few countries the birthrate has
litical and economic greed. Indeed, the been lowered, partly by new bil"th-control
kind of aid required has been in a de- methods. For example, in the United
States it is now acknowledged that the
clining trend. One population authority
"baby boom" of the last two decades haJ:\
said: "We are faced, however, by the sad come to an end, at least temporarily. The
fact that for the past five years ajd con- number of births in 1966 (3,629,000) was
tributions from these countries have re- the lowest since 1950. However, as more
mained static. Indeed, as a proportion of of the postwar baby crop reaches ma-
their incomes, aid contributions have de- turity, experts predict, total births will
creased from 0.8 percent to 0.6 percent." r ise again.
In ,Tapan an expioding population has
P rospect s f or F uture been brought largely under control, as
A crash program of capital investments the annual increase is barely one percent.
of titanic proportions is needed to increase But the decrease in the birthrate is not
food production in poorer countries. But altogether due to birth-control measures.
of this a panel of experts related the tal- In large part it is due to legalized abot'-
SEPTEMBER 8, 196't 15
tion. It is admitted that Japan has at Truly, the entire system of govern-
least as many abortions as live births. ments, societies and ideologies is proving
However, countries such as Japan and inadequate. And the religious and national
the United States are among the wealth- barriers are hampering progress. It all
ier nations. They do not have the severe simply means that the population and food
population and food problems that the crisis is not being solved.
l.lnderdeveloped two-thirds of the world
has. In those areas, the critical areas, the But does this mean there is no solution?
population explosion is not at an being Does it mean that the future is hopeless?
halted. Food production is not being Not at all! On the contrary, the popula-
raised. Nor is the aid given them enough tion and food crisis will be solved without
to halt their downward plunge. fail, and that in the immediate future!
HAT does mankind need to solve the "I well know, 0 Jehovah, that to earth-
W population and food crisis? What is ling man his way does not belong. It does
needed is a central authority that can not belong to man who is walking even
marshal all the resources of the earth and to direct his step. Correct me, 0 Jeho-
justly and fairly use them for the benefit vah, however with judgment."--Jer. 10:
of all mankind, without wasting them in 23, 24.
war, without individual and collective Almighty God is going to do just that.
greed making a shambles of such efforts. Not forever will He permit this system
Will t his ever be done? Without doubt to go its own destructive way. God has
the population and food crisis positively set a time limit for this system of things,
will be solved, and v1ithin this very gen- and that time limit is almost up. This
eration! But not by means of this p1·esent system has had its opportunity to admin-
t>ystem of things. ister ·man's affairs, and it has failed to
bring peace, blessings and prosperity. Soon
Thi.s System on the Way Out God will call it to account and bring it
For nearly 6,000 years of human his- into judgment. He will execute his per-
tory, mankind, for the most part, has car- fectly righteous decisions in accordance
ried on in its own ways, outside the direc- with what individuals and organizations
tion of the Creator, J ehovah God. Rather have done to the earth.
than submitting to direction by God, man What have men done to the soil, to
has rebelled and sought out his own paths one another and to the animal kingdom?
independently from his Maker. In all this Have they used earth's resow·ces for the
time God has wisely permitted man's ex- good of all? Or have they gone on in
periment in rebellion and independence. their own selfish, destructive way?
Today, we can clearly see the sad results The record of history is that mankind
of man's independent thinking and activ- has made a monumental mess of govern-
ity. Proved beyond a doubt is what the ing this earth. Men have abused earth's
prophet Jeremiah was inspired to write: natural resources, they have worked for
16 AWAKEi
selfish advantage at the expense of their things. The psalmist, Wi'iting under in-
fellowman, and they have spilled the blood spiration by God, foretold:
of millions of innocent persons in fiendish, "Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but
wasteful warfare. those hoping in Jehovah are the (\nes that
God's time for executing his judgments will possess the earth.
"And just a little while longer, and the
on this unrighteous system of things wiclted one will be no more ... he will not be.
nears. Of this time, Bible prophecy states: "But the meek ones themselves will pos·
"The nations became wrathful, and sess the earth, and they will indeed flnd
[God's] own wrath came, and the appointed their exquisite delight in the abundance of
time for the dead to be judged, and to give peace....
their reward to your slaves the prophets "The righteous themselves will possess the
and to the holy ones and to those fearing earth, and they will reside forever upon it."
your name, the small and the great, and - Ps. 37:9·11, 29.
to bring to 1·uin those 1-uining the earth."
- Rev. 11:18. By bringing this system of things to an
end, with one swift stroke God will solve
That is the true meaning of the world's the population crisis. There will then be
pitiful condition today. We are nearing no more exploding population. Only honest-
the end of this system of things, a system hearted persons will continue to live, but
that has brought such tragedy to all man- in a new system
kind, that is progressively breaking down of things, a new
before our very eyes. (2 Tim. 3:1-5} One arrangement of
of the many evidences that positively human society
identify our generation as being in the on earth gov -
"last days" was given by Jesus Christ in erned by Al-
his famous prophecy about the er.d of this mighty God
system of things. He foretold
that "thf're will be food short-
ages . . . in one place after an-
,o ther."-Matt. 24:7.
Jesus foretold that within
our very generation Jehovah
God, Creator of heaven and
earth, will directly intervene in
man's affairs and "bring to
ruin those ruining the earth"
by destroying the entire pres-
ent wicked system of things
along with its promoters.
-Matt. 24:3-14, 34-39.
Yet, those who have respect
for what is right, who are will-
ing to submit to God and his
righteous laws that benefit
everybody, will be permitted to
l ive through the coming exe-
cution of this old system of
SEPTEMBER 8, 196"1' 17
through a heavenly kingdom, a heavenly The Creator guarantees t hat death, hun-
government. This is the literal govern- ger and unhappiness will be eliminated in
ment for which Jesus Christ told his fol- that new system. No more will men have
lowers to pray. (Matt. 6:9, 10) It is the to struggle with the earth, only to be
government that ancient Hebrew prophets buried underneath it eventually. They will
knew would take control of all earth's be able to live forever and observe the
affairs and administer them the right way. earth produce bountifully as they work
Of this government, the prophet Daniel
it under God's direction. "There will come
!=aid : to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the
top of the mountains there will be an
"And in the da ys of those kings [in exis- overflow." (Ps. 72:16) Indeed, mankind's
1C'nce in our time] the God of heaven will
set up a kingdom that will never be brought
needs will be completely satisfied under
IO ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be that central government for all the earth.
passed on to any other people. It will crush The inspired psalmist said: "You [God]
and put an end to all these kingdoms, and are opening your hand and satisfying the
it itself will stand to times inde.thtite."-Dan. desire of every living thing."-Ps. 145 :16.
2:44.
Under God's righteous government and
Unequaled Prosperity under the loving care of unselfish men,
After God ushers in his new system the earth will be transformed gradually
of things in heaven and on earth and takes into a literal paradise, providing all its
complete control of all earth's affairs, then inhabitants with the best of material ben-
what? Then righteousness will exi:end efits for their eternal happiness. All the
throughout the earth. As the apostle Peter bad conditions of today will be eliminated.
stated: "There are new heavens and a new No more will there be overcrowding, poor
earth that we are awaiting according to housing and hunger. No more will mothers
his promise, anct in these righteousness bear children and raise them to maturity
is to dwell."-2 Pet. 3:13. only to have to send them off to be
Under a righteous administration abe- slaughtered by selfish rulers. No more
client mankind will work in loving cooper- will armaments races be permitted to
ation with one another as well as with waste earth's resources and drench the
their Creator. People will be organized soil with blood while millions sta.rve.-Ps.
rarth wide under God's one government 46:8, 9; Isa. 2:3, 4.
so that all persons can benefit equally Thus, within this very generation, an
from earth's rich resources. There will age of plenty will begin that has had no
not then be some rich and some poor, parallel throughout man's history! It will
some well fed and some starving. God will be a new system of things that will for-
make a banquet for all peoples, without ever bring to an end population and food
discrimination or prejudice : problems. Then earth's population will
"J ehovah of armies will certainly make
never go beyond comfortable limits or
for all the peoples, in this mountain, a ban- out race the available food supply. God
quet of ... well-oiled dishes filled with mar- will see to it that human procreation is
row, of wine kept on the dregs, fi ltered.... kept within the bounds he sets so that
He will actually swallow up death forever,
and the Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe every person will enjoy the productive
the tears from all faces."-Isa. 25:6, 8. earth and the fru its of his labor.
18 AWAKE.'
Do Not B e Misled and hope on false remedies, focus them on
God's new system is the only and sure the only One who has the power and the
answer to the population and food crisis. will to solve the population and food crisis,
Do not be misled by high-sounding Jehovah God. As His Word encourages:
words, even well-intentioned promises, by "Hope in Jehovall rtnd keep his way, and
men in this system of things. The Al- he will PXalt you to take possession of
mighty God, Jehovah, says tha.t this sys- the earth. When the wicked ones are cut
tem and its leaders will utterly fail to off, you will see it. "-Ps. 37:34.
solve mankind's grave problems. He tells God's time for cutting off this wicked
us that men alienated from God will be- system of things nears. His tin.1e for ush-
come ever more deeply mired in their ering in his righteous new system t hus
problems, until God intervenes and rips a.lso nears. Tal{e advantage or the remain-
control of earth's a.ffairs from them. ing time to learn about it so that you
- Luke 21: 26-28. can enjoy its benefits, so that you can
So, instearl of focusing your attention live in the coming age of plenty.
Why •
1 n
ly "Awak.. t" correspon dent in the Ph ilippines juicy. Can you imagine Maria's pleasant
surprise?
~~w HAT i:; that horrible smell?" And where does this fruit come from? It
thought Maria, as she checked comes from the durian tree, somewhat like
around expecting to discover some overlooked a pear tree, but having oblong, tapering
garbage. Soon her eyes f ell on a round pack· leaves with their bases rounded. The fruit
age on the kitchen table, and as she hurriedly grows in bunches, and when they ripen, like
investigated its contents the odor grew even coconuts, they are likely to drop. It would
more offensive. The contents-a large coconut· be dangerous to get hit by one. The odor
shaped green fruit, its prickly rind covered of the plant itself does not impress one as
with warts and tubercles. being so bacl, but shortly after the fru it is
Just then Juan came in and, sizing up the h arvested it becomes very offensive.
situation, said: "I see you came across the It is said t hat Elizabeth I of England, hav·
durl.an I brought you from Mindanao. What ing heard of this strange fru it, ordered some
do you thl.nk of it?" to be brough t back to her from its native
Well, Maria wanted to throw it out rlght region, parts of southeast Asia and the south·
away, but Juan assured her that this was ern Philippines. When the ship was halfway
a special delicacy, good enough to have earned home with the royal order, the sailors threat·
the title "king of fruits.'' In spite of the dis· ened mutiny because the ripened durian was
agreeable odor, she agreed to sample it. Upon filli ng the whole ship with its stench. "Either
cutting it open she found it contained five throw the stuff overboard or we mutiny! "
oval compartments, each filled with cream- was the ultimatum. The queen never did
colored pulp in which were embedded a num· get to satisfy her curiosity.
ber of seeds the size of chestnuts. Today airlines refuse to have it aboard,
And what was the taste of this unusual even when tightly packed. In hotels it is
fruit? Here is how one inquisitive sampler taboo. However , there are other forms in
described it: "It's like a rich butterlil<e cus· which it may yet become available, and the
tard highly flavored wi th almonds, but College of Agriculture in the University of
intermingled with it come wafts of flavor that the Philippines is now studying the possibili·
call to mind cream cheese, onion sauce, brown ties. Processing and canning the durian may
sherry." So perfectly balanced is the flavor confer upon this most delicious fruit a more
that it cannot be described as acid, sweet or di$tingui:;hPd fu tm·e.
SEPTEMBER S, t96'1
husband lets his opinions influence her selection of
clothes.
The fact that women's fashions are so varied and
change so often leads many to wonder why one wom-
an may appear chic and another plain. It is not always
the money spent on clothes, for some with limited
funds are well dressed while others with larger
amounts to spend may seem drab by comparison.
When a woman gives attention to the line and fit of
her clothes, the color scheme and the accessories worn
with them, her clothes will usually look good on her.
Colors and Styles
Colors of clothing have their effect. The color red,
for instance, has long been synonymous with gaiety
and cheerfulness; while pale blues and greens have a
soothing effect. Purples, dark grays and especially
black can be depressing, and so it is no wonder that
when these latter colors are worn on a dark, dismal
day, a woman may feel somewhat "down." Black, in
particular, is a paradox. Although it has long been the
symbol of death and mourning in many countries,
it can also be flattering to some persons. The one color
that is perhaps more flattering than any other, for
all skin tones, hair shades and ages, is sky blue.
For a woman to determine what colors are best suit-
ed to her physical makeup, she has to experiment, tak-
reveal some of one 's inner ing note of the ones that set her off to the best advan-
self. They speak eloquently tage. Blondes and redheads, for instance, have to use
for a woman before she more care with the colors that are closest to the color
ev er opens her mouth. of their hair, which tend to make them look pale and
Sometimes they tell more bland. The gray haired find that most blues and paler
than she realizes or wishes colors are more flattering than bright, harsh tones.
to convey. They can reveal Brunettes have a wider range and are able to wear
femininity or lack of it, quiet most colors to good advantage. Where one lives also
modesty or extreme egotism, is a matter for consideration, since women in some
as well as the value she puts countries are more inclined to wear brighter, gayer
on cleanliness and neat- colors. Especially is this so of the sunny, warm cli-
ness. mates, where the people's clothing and dispositions
Clothes can also reflect at- often seem to reflect the sunlight they receive.
titudes toward a mate. A wife There are many things a woman can do to present a
who is eager to please her more attractive picture of herself through her clothes.
24 AWAKE!
She can learn to tone down her weak fea- that befits women who reverence God.
tures and highlight her good ones, letting -1 Tim. 2:9, 10.
her clothes work for her instead of the
other way around. For example, if a wom- The Art of Shopping
an's arms are large, she would avoid most Once a woman has learned what styles
sleeveless garments, which emphasize and colors are best suited to her per-
them. If her neck is short, she might want sonality and pocketbook, the next step is
to wear necklines that lengthen her neck; knowing how to shop for them. The most
high collars if her neck is long. Straight logical one from whom to learn this art
skirts give a slenderizing appearance to is one's mother, and the earlier the better.
large hips, while gathers and pleats im- As a daughter is taken to market and
prove appearance if one is too slim. Par- taught how to shop for food, she can also
ticular attention must be given to lines: learn about clothes. She learns the value
vertical lines appear to slenderize, while of sales, how to judge materials, where
horizontal ones do not enhance the large and when to find bargains.
frame. Dark colors tend to have a slender- One learns that the core of a wardrobe
izing effect, while the lighter ones have should be composed of certain basic
the opposite effect. clothes that flatter. A good basic suit and
Good grooming usually centers around dress are musts for a well-balanced ward-
little things. A woman who wears too robe. Some women think they must re-
much jewelry or makeup or one who wears strict their buying to many inexpensive
curlers in her hair out of doors is not clothes rather than a few good-quality
well groomed. Also, a woman who wears ones because the styles change from year
her clothes too tight, no matter how good to year. However, one fine-quality dress
her figure, is never really well dressed. of simple design will often outlast three
Vital to good grooming is personal hy- or four low-priced ones and will probably
giene, and it mainly requires soap and always look good no matter what the cur-
water. The most priceless pearls will not rent style.
offset a dirty sweater; nor will clean The true value of a purchase, then,
clothes on a dirty body. Bitten or dirty might be calculated by the price paid for
nails can be just as distasteful as run- it, divided by the times it is actually worn
down or unshined shoes. So cleanliness is and the pleasure it gives the wearer. Some-
essential to good grooming. thing bought on sale for $9.95, marked
down from $30, and never worn is much
Styles, on the other hand, vary almost
more expensive in the long run than an
with each country. A prevalent custom
item costing two to three times that pur-
in one place might be taboo in another. chase price but worn often and valued
When one considers that clothes often re- highly because of the way it looks and
flect the moral climate of the times, some the pleasure it gives.
styles speak poorly for this present gen- One also learns to add variety and spice
eration. So local custom would not be the to basic clothes by the accessories worn
final criterion for all. Especially is this with them. A stunning pin can transform
true of Christian women throughout the a plain dress, as can beads, belts and
world who refrain from wearing styles scarves. Different designs and colors can
that mirror the moral decay of the time. add pleasure to the wardrobe without rob-
They dress in a modest and dignified way bing it of its basic elements, and pur-
SEPTBJMBER 8, 1967 25
chasing items in colors that can be inter- pends not only on the space one has but
changed and worn together is a boon to on the use to which it is put. Even though
those with a limited budget. This is why the space be limited, if one's closet is
one must think of the entire wardrobe neatly arranged and well organized, it
as one shops.
can fulfill one's needs. Having one's clothes
Honesty with oneself is another must within easy reach is certainly helpful:
in shopping. Something that looks good shoes all in one place, perhaps boxed and
on a mannequin may not necessarily look
labeled; suits, coats, dresses-all hung to-
good on the put'Chaser. That is why you
gether according to their kind; each sea-
should never leave a store with somethin""
.:0
son's clothes together, and so forth. Also,
that does not fit well. A shoe that hurts
giving attention to brushing and airing
you on a carpeted floor in the store wiJl
one's clothes and hanging them properly
play havoc with your feet on a hot pave-
will add to the life of the garment. Care-
ment. And a hat t!hat looks better on a
lessly hung articles will necessitate un-
saleslady than it does on you will prob-
necessary ironing.
ably end up, unused, in your closet. So,
unless you are satisfied with your pros- No matter how much care a garment
pective purchase in the store, leave it receives, the day will come when one musf
there! make the decision- to throw out or not
to throw out! An honest appraisal should
Some women spend much less on clothes
follow. Is it still usable? Am I really go-
than others because they buy almost
ing to wear it again? Can it be converted
everything on sale, knowing where and
to some other use?
when to shop for the best bargains. In
large cities, the same article can be $10 If aJl of one's clothes are to give plea-
to $15 more in one store than in another. sure, one must know when to discard the
It is usually best to shop around and old ones and make room for the new.
compare prices, avoiding spur-of-the-mo- Some have found that taking periodic in-
ment buying. ventories can help. Perhaps twice a year
Knowing when to shop is also benefi- -as spring begins and summer ends-one
cial. Price reductions can usually be found could take an objective inventory to de-
at the end of each season. Knowing when termine what clothes are to be discarded
to shop is one thing; having self-control and what kept; which ones need altering
is another. It might be defined as the and which are in good condition. A rule
ability to admire something in a window that many women follow is to discard
or on a rack without fulfilling the urge anything not worn for two years or more.
to buy. Can you do this? You will if you Truly a woman's clothes tell much about
shop fot· your needs instead of your wants. her. They reveal her wisdom in shopping
and in buying the styles and colors that
Care of Clothes are best suited to her. They also reveal
All the wise savings realized in pur- the care she gives them once they are
chasing wi11 soon be lost if the clothes hers. Whether you like it or not, yotn'
do not receive the proper care. This de- clothes tell much a!:>out you.
AlVAKE!
To this effect are Jesus' own wol'ds of
encouragement to his disciples: "If you
ask the FaLhet· for anything he will give
it to you in my name. Until this present
time you have not asked a single thing
in my name. Ask and you will receive,
that your joy may be full."-John 16:
23, 24.
• Does this mean that just anything can
be r equested, with certainty of being
granted? No, because asking in the name
ANY persons lack confidence in the
M effectiveness of prayer. They feel un-
easy about engaging in prayer. I s that
of J esus means asking by and under his
aut hority. So we should not pray for any-
thing that rtms coun ter to the purposes
w1derstandablc? Yes, for doubtless they of God. When we examine Jesus' prayer
have heard of so many unanswered to his heavenly Father during the su-
praye1·s, and, further, they have heard preme test of his integrity, we finu Jesus
many insincere prayers rhymed off like saying: "My Father, jf it is possible, let
memorized poetry. They are at a loss to this cup pass away from me. Yet, not
know just what to say and how to say as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:39)
it in prayel" to God. We, too, then, should qualify our prayer to
~ God is not like the haughty rulers God with "if it be your will."
among men who can be reached only ~ Far from limiting his prayers to just
through a multitude of influent ial agents. h is own needs, Jesus prayed on behalf of
In your Bible you can turn to Acts 17: other worshipers of God and for multi-
27 and read the exhortation to seek after tudes who were still seeking to Jearn God's
Gcd "though he be not far from every will. (John 17:9, 20) Not only did he
one of us." (Authorized Ve1·sion ) And is teach about God's kingdom, but he taught
it not heartening to know that "the eyes his disciples to pray for its coming. (Matt.
of J ehovah are toward the righteous ones, 6: 10) If, now, you pray for that kingdom
and his ears are towar d their cry for to come, just as he did, then you must
help"? (Ps. 34:J5) So God is truly ap- be in harmony with the objectives of that
proachable. kingdom, one of which is expressed in
a But do you notice that it is ''the righ- Daniel's prophecy, chapte1· two, verse 44:
teous ones" that get a hearing? That "It will crush and put an end to all these
means those who strive to conform their kingdoms (of this wicked world], and it
lives to the will of God as expressed in itself will stand to time::, indefinite."
his Book, the Bible. It is his will that 6 How inconsistent it would be to pray
all prayers be directed to him, the Sover- for that kingdom to come, and at thr
eign Ruler of the whole universe. Thus same time by wo1·d and act advocate th<.:
Jesus taught his followers to pray, say- perpetuat ion of t hE' klngdoms of t his
ing: "Our Father in t he heavens." (Matt. world! Likewise it would not be Christ-
6: 9) Then, too, it is necessary for all pe- like to join in with all the prayer weeks
titions to be presented before the heavenly and prayer movements of this world,
throne in the name of Jesus, the sole me- wherein the selfish interests of men are
diator between God and men. (1 Tim. 2:5) put to t he fore and God is asked to put
SEPTEMBER 8. 19G7 27
his blessing upon preconceived plans of whereby true worshipers come to Him
men. Rather, we should pray that God's in prayer.
will may be done on earth as well as in 10
Never to be overlooked in prayer are
heaven.-Matt. 6:10. our many trespasses against God's will,
7
As a respectful son speaks to his par- in thought or in word or in deed, and
ents, so the worshiper of Jehovah God for these we need to pray for forgivene-ss.
can speak in prayer to the heavenly Fa- The heavenly Father will forgive and for-
ther. No special religious formula is nec- get provided that we honestly strive to
essary, no special phraseology, no set correct our mistakes and also extend for-
words. Clearly condemning the formalistic giveness to those who offend us.-Mar!{
prayers taught by a professional clergy, 11:25; 1 John 1:9.
Jesus . counseled: "Do not say the same 11
Thus, prayer that God will hear must
things over and over again, just as the be offered to him in the name of his Son,
people of the nations do, for they imagine Christ Jesus, and must be in harmony
they will get a hearing for their use of with the principles set down in his ·Word,:
many words." (Matt. 6: 7) Acceptable the Bible; it must be offered from· the
prayer must be from the heart. As the heart, and in evidence of t his the peti-
inspired psalmist wrote: "! have called tioner's course of action must harmonize
with my whole heart."-Ps. 119:145. with the prayer. How encouraging to
8
To be earnest and wholehearted in our know that "God is not partial, but in
prayers we must believe that God exists, every nation the man that fears him and
that his power is unlimited, and that he works righteousness is acceptable to him"!
is just and wise to grant us those requests -Acts 10:34, 35.
that will be for our benefit. The apostle
Paul laid down the rule : "He that ap-
proaches God must believe that he is and Can you ans\'Jer those questions? For answers,
that he becomes the rewarder of those •eo-' the a. Hdn a 1ove.
earnestly seeking him." (Heb. 11:6) Any ( 1 ) Why do many hGsitate to approac~ G<?d
element of doubt as to such matters in- in prayer? ( 2) Is God easy or difficult to ap,
proach? ( 3) What kind of persons will gain
troduces the possibility that the prayers
a hearing? And how should prayers be ad-
of the doubter might not be heard.-J'as. dressed? ( 4) When making requests in prayer,
1:6-8. whose will must we consider? ( 5) If we pray
9
One who earnestly approaches God in for God's kingdom, what should be our attitude
prayer may at times even be at a loss towa rd its objectives? ( 6) Can o Christi.an
properly share with the world in popular prayer
to express all that is in his heart. What
movements and special prayer weeks and days?
then? Why, one can find strong assurance ( 7) What kind of words and expressions should
in the words of Jesus: "God your Fa- be used in prayer? ( 8) To be wholehearted
ther knows \Vhat things you are needing in our prayers, what must we believe?
before ever you ask him." (Matt. 6:8) ( 9) What if we are somewhat at a loss for
The fact that one goes to God reverently words for our prayers? ( 10) What must we do
in prayer, and does so regularly, is proof if we want God to answer our request for
forgiveness? ( 11 ) What, then, are some of
that he recognizes his need for God and the main things that will ensure that God will
submits himself to God's arrangement hear our prayers?
28 AWAKE!
lower atmospheric pressure. In
each chamber some of the
water vaporizes as steam
which is condensed and draw~
off as fresh water.
Sex in Britain
~ The changing attitude of
the British toward sex was
expressed by the Marquess of
Salisbury when she said re-
cently: "Pr actices that a few
years ago could hardly have
been mentioned at all in decent
society are now taken as a
matter of course." Indicating
this change in view was the
passing by the House of
Commons of a bill legalizing
"Famine--1975 !" caliber machine-gun fire with homosexuality in private be·
~ That is what the future the snipers. In four days of tween consenting adults. It is
holds for the world, according rioting, property damage e·x· a lso seen in the fact that
to a book recently written by ceeded $200 million, fires tO· Britain has between 100,000
William and Paul Paddock. In taled 2,665, injuries exceeded and 200,000 illegal abortions
commenting on Its forceful 1,000 and the death toll climbed and 60,000 illegitimate births
contents, the Washington Eve- to 39 at the time of this report, a year, a doubling of such
ning Stm· of May 24, 1967, re- making Detroit's riot the worst bir ths In ten years. As might
marks: "[They] are not talk· ever experienced by an Ameri- be expected with lowering
ing about a famine that can can city. Rioting also erupted moral standards, divorce pe·
happen if we a ll don't take in other Michigan cities such titions have risen 50 percent
certain measures. They're talk· as Saginaw, Grand Rapids, in five years. The moral tone
ing about a famine that will Pontiac and Flint. It has turned of the nation would be far
happen no matter what anyone more than eighty cities across better if there were more re·
does." It is not something that the country into battlegrounds spect for the high moral stan-
can be avoided by modern thus far this year. Not even the dards of God's Word.
ingenuity and the generosity nation's capital city of Wash-
o1 a wealthy nation; but, as Ington has escaped. As the Fh•e on Aircraft Carrier
the article points out, these Bible foretold, lawlessness has ~ An accidental fire on the
may well be factors that have lncreased.-Matt. 24:12. alrcra!t carrier Forrestal has
contributed to the failure of resulted in the worst calamity
leaders to find sound solutions. Desal ting Plant Opened to strike a United States Navy
So, according to their estimate ~ Key West, Florida, has be-
ship since World War II. The
of the situation, by 1975 the come the first city !n the fire set off bombs that badly
world will be In the grips of United States to get its fresh damaged th e stern of the
hopeless famine. water !rom the sea. The de· vessel. At the time of this re·
salting plant produces 2.62 port there were 129 persons
R iots Sweep U.S. million gallons of fresh water known to have been killed by
~ The worst riots in American every day from seawater, pro- the fire. 01 the 80 planes
history swept through the viding Key W&.t with its own carried by the ship, 42 were
country In July. City after city freshwater supply for the damaged and 21 were de·
experienced rampaging mobs first time in its history. Until stroyed.
that looted stores a nd threw now water was piped to it Closer Tics
fire bombs. The loss in cash through a 130-mile-long pipe-
~ Agreement to recognize
and property was close to one line that has been frequently
thousand million dollars. Snip- broken by hurricanes. Fresh each other's baptism is the
ing contributed to a rising water produced by the plant latest effort at church unity
death toll. The situation be· costs eighty-five cents for 1,000 in the Netherlands. The Roman
came so bad in Detroit that gallons, or ten cents more than Catholic Church and Dutch
Federal troops had to be called what the city has been paying. Reformed Church represent the
to help the police and the Heated seawater is passed major part of the population in
National Guard. Tanks roamed under pressure through fifty the Netherlands. Both have
the streets exchanging fi!ty- chambers with progressively accepted the procedure of
SEPTEMBER 8, 1961 29
causing wa1e:t to tall upon the be a practice that h not un- they do nol :;e-em to know
s ubject for baptism while an common among some women, when they have had enoug h.
official of thE' church recites particularly during preg-
t he formula: "in the name of nancy. The doctors attributed Oanal-openJng 1\lan.atees
the Father, of the Son and the the practice to folklore about ~ Preventing weeds Irorn
Holy Ghost." Although this presumed benefits during pre?- clogging important canal net-
procedure is accepted by these nancy. works in central and southern
churches, it is not the Scr ip- Florida has been a major
turally established method of Danger to Children problem that is now being
baptizing a person, whirh is ~ Unguarded roofs and open solved by manatees, more com-
complete immersion. windows in cities are a con- monly known as sea cows. In
stant danger to children dur- one day a manatee can eat
Pope in I stanbul ing the summer months. In 100 pounds of underwa ter
~ When P ope Paul stepped New York city, from J une 1 to plants. Within a week it can
into the Eastern Orthodox July 11 there were twenty-two clear the weeds from a half
Cathedral of St. George in children killed by falling from mile of waterway. Weighing
I stanbul, 'l'url(ey, it was the windows, fire escapes and from 350 pounds to one ton, a
first tim e in h istory that roof:;. Parents living in apart- manatee might have difficulty
a Roman Catholic pope had ments can safeguard their maneuvering in small secotl-
entered an Eastern Orthodox children by opening windows da ry canals, but in the main
church. There he spoke with only from the top or by attach- canals their prodigious appetite
eighty-one-year-old Athenag- ing safety devices such as bars might solve F lorida's problem
oras, patriarch of the Eastem in front of the open windows. of weed-choked canals.
Church, a bout ecumenic a l It is easy for young children
unity. The two churches had to crawl to a windowsill when Rat Damage
been united until 1054 C.E ., there are b eds, chairs or cribs ~ It has been estimated that
when Pope Leo IX excommuni- near a w indow. Permitting Americans may suffer as many
cated the e ntire Eastern children to climb, play or sleep as '14,000 rat bites a year.
Church, making a final sepa- oll firP escapes or on the roof Infants have died as a result of
ration into the Eastern Ortho- i~ <:!xc:eedingly unwise. They such bites . Rats are the
dox Church and the Roman la~:k the maturity to exercise carriers of such serious diseas-
Catholic C hurch. In recent the caution needed on such es as the p lague and typhus
years the two churches have da ngerous places. A little fore- fever. The damage they do to
been exploring the possibHity thought on the part of parents food and clothing is estima ted
of a reunion. can safeguard the lives of at one thousand million dollars
Lhei.r children. a yea~· jn the United States
"Eat·thqual{es in Turkey alone.
~ On the night of July 22 an Drwlk Elephants
earthquake shoo k Turl;:ey, ,., Once a year the elephants oi Quakes in Venezuda.
bringing destruction to at least Kruger National P ark in South ~ On the night of July 29,
1,000 homes and damaging A!rica become dangerously three earthquakes rocked
hundreds more in the area drunk. They eat the plumlike Caracas, Venezuela, killing 47.
where it centered, which was fruit of the marula tree, which The known death toll may rise
about a hundred miles east they relish, and then drinl< considerably as the debris of
o.l' Istanbul. Thus far 86 bodies grea t quantities of water. The collapsed buildings is dug
have been recovered. Yet this fru it ferments in thei r stom· away. Two apartment house~
was not as damaging as the achs and fonns alcohol, caus· containing forty or fifty !ami·
quake that shook Tur k ey last ing some of the elephants to lies crumbled into heaps of
year and took 2,500 lives. become uncontrollably drunk. broken masonry. One was a
Latet·, on July 27, another AbouL thirty have to be shot ten-story building the floors
quake l'Ocked the mountainous by r angers every year because of which collapsed on one
eastern Pl'O\'inces of Erzincan t hey become too mean while another like a house of cards.
and '1'\mcel.i, causing ftn esti- under the influence of alcohol. Walls of othet· buildin gs
mated 100 deaths. Tests of their blood show a collapsed into the streets, leav.
very high alcoholic content. ing entire apartments exposed.
Eating Starch ancl Clay Although most of them stagger Five apartment buildings were
~ Some New York doctors to a place where they can sleep shaken apart, one being six·
have found that per sons who off their intoxication, they go teen stories high. Destructive
eat clay or starch cause their back to the marula trees f or earthquakes were foretold in
bodies to have an iron·defi- more fruit and another drunk- the Bible as one of the many
ciency anemia. Thi$ seems to en spree. Like some humans. distressing- things that would
30 A'WAKE !
mark the last days of this degrees of the tnte position of has failed to live up to its own
old system of things.-Matt. the sun. advertising code. Much of its
24:7. advertising is still aimed at
Smoking and Dead Babies young people, the commission
:-ravigational Stone ~ A comparison of 617 still- said. The commission urged
~ One of the means used by births with 16,377 live births t hat all ciga rette advertising
the Vlkings for navigating on In Britain revealed that preg- include a health warning, and
the open seas wa s a sun stone. nant women who smoke mod· proposed tha t the cigarette
This stone enabled them to erately are 20.8 percent likely warning label be made
locate the sun in all kinds of to bear dead babies than the stronger, to read: "Warning:
weather and so they were able average mother . Do you Cigarette smoking is dan ·
to chart their course. What smoke? gerous to heaHh and may cause
these stones were was unknown death from cBn cer and other
until recently when D anish Cigarette Warnings diseases."
archaeologist Thorkild Ram· ~ By the first of July the
skou discovered that the trans· requirement in the United X-Ray Danger in TV
parent crystal called cordierite States that cigarette packs ~ \1\Then high-voltage t ubes are
turns from yellow t o dark carry the warning label improperly shielded , stray
blue when turned so that its ''Caution: Cigarette smoking X r ays can endanger the health
molecular alignment is at right .may be hazardous to your of TV viewers. Such w as f ound
angles to the plane of polar· health" had been in effect for to be the circumstance with a
ized light from the sun. Appar· a year and a half. The Federal color TV set produced by the
Trade Com mission reported to General Electric Company. Ra·
ently the Vikings could locate Congress, however, that this diation escaping from the set
the sun by rotating this crystal had influenced practically no- was 100,000 times mor e than
until it turned blue. In an exper· body to stop smoking. The what is considered safe. The
iment, Ramskou found that it trade commission also noted company is recalling t he sets
was accura tP to within 2 l / 2 t hat thf:' r igarette industry a nct correcting the defect.
A Visit to Expo 67
PAGE ~~24.~:
SEPTEMBER 22 . 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and se!fish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom . It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not narrow, but is international . ..Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in ma ny lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues olert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvel ~ of creation, practical
sciences and points of human int erest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awoke!" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the fa mily.
"Awoke!" plcodges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foe$ and subtle
da ngers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, refl.e cting sure hope fo r the establish-
rnent of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awoke !" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"
w- :..:- 't' - r·:- :'!- lr.l- 11t
Tlio Blilo 11'1ln!la!loro f!VUiitly u•d In ' 'Awah !" 11 tht Nt;; Wotl~ Transl~tloft of the !lily Scrlptorn, 1961 •dlflsn.
When otha lt"<oRIIatloni .,., u eJ, !Mt Is olwly ll!artod•
.
-~. -~~8 - ...:- --...:- .. -~o~: - r.:: -u-~! - tt;.- ~tt-: • - Ill\ -~ - .,
CONTENTS
Court Asked to Safeguard Patients 3 The Sea People of P olynesia 20
Letiing T hem Hear the Other Side 10 In the Footsteps of the Maya 23
Birds Navigate by the Stars 11 A Visit to Expo 67 24
S trengthening Your Marriage Ties 12 "Your Word Is Truth"
Beware of Deception and Fraud 16 The Creator-One Name, Many Titles 27
Excessive Speed 19 Watching the World 29
" It is a lready the hour for yo u to awake."
-P.c;mons 13: II
l!xc~~~iv~ .s'p~~a
The number one highway killer is excessive speed. Last year on United
States highways excessive speed was involved in more than 18,000
fatalities.
SEPTEMBER 22, 196'1 19
THE by many hundreds of miles
9-~~~~
from the near,e st is la nd-
neighbor? How did they
manage to survive days,
w e e k s, p e r h a p s e v e n
~~·
months of voyaging on the
ocean swells? What are
, their traditions? These are
intriguing questions
that occur to modern
ACH winter inquirers. Explora-
E thousands of
tourists from the ..
.SAMOA ;
. ,.
tion of the subject is
sure to elicit strange
northern hem i- soctm a n d in f o r m a ti v e
'~C:f.r..·· ;~~iti··:~\:·. -_--=-~~~~~
sphere flood the
hotel and rec-
-
. . . · ..·... ·.Mo ngorevo
facts.
IN TH E: F O OTSTEPS OF T HE MAYA
N HIS recently published book Tras la precious s tones in1 o the lake, the Indians
Qualifled to Be Ministers
• -•••• -•u -•-ll• - ~r~:~ -• -llll -t•••-• •-tJ•-••j- - w -~oll -104-llll -:w -•l• -:su-t:u -,. _lli_u,,_IIIII _U,, _1!1 _ _ ., _t:w-au-~:ll -:tlt - A-a: -
·32 AWAKE!
....HIIW ITA#'PECTS YIIU
O CTO B ER 8 , 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awoke to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. " Awake!" has no fetters . It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by politica l ties; it is unha m-
p ered by traditional creeds. This magazin e keeps itself free, that it may speak free ly to
you. But it does not a buse its freedom. It maintains integrity to tru th.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is no t narrow, but is international. "Awoke!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles ore read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be info rmed. It
fea tures penetrating a rticles o n social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life-. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activities in the fields of governme nt and commerce a bout which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of rel igious issues alert you to matters of
\'ital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practicq l
sciences and points of human interest a re all embraced in its coverage . "Awoke!" pro-
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
da ngers, to champi'oning freedom for a ll, to comforting mourners ond strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reAecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with " Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awoke!"
.:~~o -l:ll -nt-111 -:111 -a -1':11
CONTENT S
The Bible a s History Under Attad'! 3 When Sacred and Secular Historians
The Spade Sheds Light on Genesis 4 Disagree-Whom Do the
Facts Support? 21
Israel's Worship-A Divine Revelation 8
Ancient Ruins Testify to Incidents in Faith Still Needed-"Lct God
Israel's Nation a l History Be Found True" 25
14
Discovering God's Name and Word in "Your Word Is Truth"
Caves and Ruins 17 Archaeology and Bible P rophecy 28
Luke-Historian par Excellence 20 Watching the World 30
" It is alrcacly the hour for you to awake."
-Romon> 13:11
MONG the results of Darwin's theory work in all religion and that it no longer
A of evolution is that many men have
ceased to view the Bible as a divine reve-
can be claimed that one religion is true
and all others are false. 1
lation. Thus many clergymen and theolo- No doubt one of the chief reasons for
gians teach that all religion, including that the popularity of this view of religion has
of Moses and Jesus Christ, is simply the been the efforts of Julius Wellhausen, a
resUlt of human aspirations, and reflects professor of Oriental languages, of whom
the yearnings and spiritual struggles of it is said that he "made his name famous
more or less sincere and religious men. by his critical investigations of the Hexa-
These theologians claim that all religious teuch (the first six books of the Bible]-,
efforts are embraced in the apostle Paul's and by the uncompromising scientific at:-
remark that men would "seek God, if they titude he adopted in testing its problems."~
might grope for him and really find him." Also, it is claimed that he did for Biblical
-Acts 17:27. criticism what Darwin did for biology and
They take the position that the religion that he "made it possible to understand
of Israel was merely a folk religion and the evolution of the Old Testament reli-
that it began and developed the same as gion."s
every other religion. Under what they call But this theory of his brought him face
"comparative religion," they claim that to face with a dilemma, for as he himself
''all religion is one in various stages of admitted, "it is impossible to .account for
development," and that evolution is at the fact that the history of Israel with
8 AWAKE!
more or less the same beginnings as, e.g., (the evidence of which has been uncovered
the history of the lVIoabites, should have by the spade of archaeology), especially
such totally different results." 4 But thatas noted by the expressions appearing in
is just it! The reason t he religion of thethe "Book of the Dead," which would
Israelites has had such different results seem to indicate that the Egyptians had
from that of contemporary religions back a moral code similar in some points to
there is that it had a different beginning,that later given to Israel in the Ten Com-
it was no mere folk religion as were all mandments. This "Book" contains "nega-
the other religions back there. It was the tive confessions," as they have been called,
divinely revealed religion. which protest the deceased one's inno-
If this seems to be a strong statement cence before a posthumous court, denying
to you, then note what the spade of ar- any guilt and shortcomings. Thus, one of
chaeology has revealed in this regard. tltese Egyptian confessions protests inno-
Taking our study back as far as the time cence in thirty-six respects: "(A-1) I
of Abraham, we learn that diggings have have not committed evil against men.
disclosed that his native city Ur was the (A-2) I have not mistreated cattle . . .
center of Moon worship in ancient Bab- (A-8) I have not blasphemed a god. . . .
ylonia and that in its pant.l1eon of gods (A-14) I have not killed . . . (A-18) I
there were three chief deities, Anu, Enlil have not damaged the bread of the gods.
and Enki, and three lesser deities, the ... (A-36) I have not stopped a god on
Sun, Moon and Venus under the names of his procession." These were written on
Shamash, Sin and Ishtar, and a host of papyrus by priests who sold them to who-
ever wanted them and filled in the name
still lesser gods and goddesses.5 As the Bi-
ble itself tells us, Abraham's forefathers of the buyer. The confessions were de-
worshiped such gods. (Josh. 24:14) In posited in the tomb upon death to assure
striking contrast to them all, Abraham bliss in the "afterlife." 6
recognized only one God, and from the While such confessions give evidence of
inspired Record it is clear that he was morality, they cannot prove a common
familiar with God's distinctive name, Je- origin, any more than an ape's having
hovah. The Bible says that, shot·Uy after two eyes, two ears and four limbs proves
he entered the land of Canaan, "he built that he and man had a common ancestor.
an altar there to Jehovah and began to The Code of Hammurabi, the teachings of
call on the name of Jehovah." Obviously Buddha and Confucius all contain moral
Abraham's worship could not have been precepts. All such is but evidence of the
a mere refinement or a mere evolutionary Creator's having placed in man a moral
step from the pagan worship of Babylonia. sense, even as the apostle Paul shows:
His worship represented too great a con- "Whenever people of the nations that do
trast for that. It must have been revealed not have [God's] law do by nature the
to him by Go d.-Gen. 12: 8. things of the law, t.11ese people, although
not having law, are a law to themselves.
Israel's Worship vs. Egyptian Worship They are the very ones who demonstrate
The Bible tells that the Israelites were the matter of the law to be written in
in Egypt for more than two centuries, but their hearts, while their conscience is
did ·they get their religion from Egypt? bearing witness with them and, between
True, it is a common practice to call at- their own thoughts, they are being ac-
tention to the morality of the Egypt ians cused or even excused."-Rom. 2 :14, 15.
OCTOBER 8, 196?' 9
MULTITUDE OF EGYPTIAN DEITIES
On the other hand, note (that is, imageless or nonidolatrous) char-
just a few of the extreme acter of Jehovah and is unique with the
contrasts between the reli- religion of Israel. No religion of hwnan
gion of the Egyptians and origin ever thought of so grand a concept
the worship of Jehovah as that made it simply impossible to produce
made known through Moses. a representation of the one to be wor-
Even as in the case with shiped.-Deut. 4:15-19.
Babylonia, archaeology has But with the Egyptians, their gods took
revealed that Egypt had on many forms, especially that of the
many deities {according to brute creation. Thus we are told: "Mostly
Ta-w.eret
one authority, seventy- . .. the Egyptian deities were represented
three) , as well as hundreds by animal forms. The god Khnum was a
of lesser gods, who presided over certain ram; Horus a falcon; Thoth an ibis; Se-
cities or over certain functions. In fact, bek a crocodile; the goddess Nut, at Bu-
each town had its guardian deity. What a bastis, a cat; and the goddess Bruto a ser-
contrast this multiplicity of gods presents pent. . . . The sacred bull was worshiped
to the words of Moses: "Listen, 0 Israel: as an actual animal. He was housed in a
Jehovah our God is one Jehovah." And as temple and tended by priests. When he
noted in the First and Second of the Ten died he was embalmed and buried with
Commandments, Jehovah tolerated no ri- great ceremony. Cemeteries worthy of the
vals but exacted "exclusive devotion." gods and kings were built for the inter-
What a gulf between these two religions ment of these holy beasts . . . The stone
as to who is to be worshiped!- Deut. 6:4; sarcophagi in which the sacred bulls had
Ex. 20 :3-5. been laid away were made of heavy black
Then, again, Israel was strictly forbid- and red granite, each one cut from a sin-
den to make a likeness of Jehovah God, gle polished block approximately 9.6 feet
for, as Jehovah reminded them, "you did high, 6.4 feet broad and 12.8 feet long.
not see any form on the day of Jehovah's The weight of these blocks [sarcophagi ]
speaking to you in Horeb out of the mid- has been estimated at about 72 tons.";
dle of the fire, that you may not act ruin- Then, again, in one city there was a large
ously" by making a male or female image cemetery for cats, in another, for croco-
or that of any beast, bird, creeping thing diles, in another, for ibises and in another,
or fish and worshiping it or worshiping for rams. Hundreds of mwnmified animaLs
any of the heavenly bodies. The fact that have been found in these cemeteries.
it is altogether impossible to make any A further striking contrast between
likeness of J ehovah is termed the aniconic Egyptian religion and that of Israel, as
10 AWAKE!
Nephthys r Anub i ~
~,~-.Would
I J I l yourec-
ognize the mean-
Discovering
·ing of those modern He-
brew characters if you
liad's name an_.., __. .
saw them on an inscrip-
tion? They are the four
letters that, reading from right
to left as was the Hebrew meth-
od, spell out YHWH or, adding
the vowel SOUJldS, YAHWEH or
EAVES ADD
YEHWAH, the Hebrew form of
spelling the personal name of
God: Jehovah. These four He-
brew letters are called the "tet-
ragrammaton," from two Greek
words meaning "four letters." ognizes therein the name of some famous
It brings a surge of excitement, a thrHI, man of the ancient past, Sargon, Sen-
to the archaeologist when he comes upon nacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh Ram-
a .clay tablet or stone monument and rec- ses, or another. How much more so should
OCTOBER 8, 1967 17
this be the case upon finding ancient rec- er things, states: "Chemosh [the na-
ords bearing the name of the Sovereign tional deity of Moab] said to me: 'Go,
of all the universe, the one called "the take Nebo from Israel!' So I went by
Ancient of Days"!-Dan. 7:9. night and fought against it, from the
Are you aware of the fact, however, break of dawn until noon, taking it and
that this distinctive and unique name of I slew all . . . And I took from there the
t he God of the Bible, Jehovah, came under [vessels] of YHWH [Yahweh or Jeho-
a religious taboo over 2,000 years ago? vah], dragging them before Chemosh."1
After the last book of the sacred Hebrew Yet, when you read the account about
ScriptW'es was written, the Jews or Is- King Mesha's revolt in the Bible, as re-
raelites fell into the superstitious fear that corded at 2 Kings 3:4-27, if you are using
it was wrong to pronounce God's personal translations such as the King James, Re-
name, that it might be a sin to do so. vised Standard, or the Catholic Dauay,
Owing to this, some Bible translations, you may not see the name "Jehovah" even
t:!Ven modern ones, have replaced the name though that name, represented by the
Jehovah in their translations by substitute tetragrammaton, occurs ten times in the
terms, such as "Lord" or "God." But, in Hebrew text (in verses 10-18). Strange,
view of the fact that the name indeed, that a pagan monarch
Jehovah, represented by the over 2,800 years ago used the
four Hebrew letters or tetra- name of God, while some that
grammaton, occurs in the He- profess to be his people today
brew text of the Bible almost seek to hide it!
7,000 times, and in view of That the taboo against the
the way its importance is use of God's personal
highlighted by God's declara- name, J ehovah, had
tion (rep eated some sixty ~Y~1- still not come into ef-
times in the book of Ezekiel f ect as late as the
alone) that 'They shall know sixth century before ow· Com-
that I am Jehovah,' can such mon Era is apparent from the
substitution of God's name be writings on what are known
warranted, justified? as the "Lachish Letters."
How unusual that men to- These "letters" are actually
day, even religious transla - in the form of shards or pot-
tors of the Bible, should hesi- lhe Moobite Stone. In sherds, broken pieces of pot-
tate or even show aversion this oldest known He- tery known as ost'raca. •r.•
to employing the sacred name brew-Phoenician writing Twenty-one of them were
of God! The strangeness of the name of the true God found in the ruins of Lachish,
the situation is pointed up appears, as shown above. a fortified city that figured
by archaeological findings prominently in Israel's his-
showing that, in Bible times, even pa- tory from the days of Joshua to the days
gan rulers knew and used the name Je- of Jeremiah. They give evidence of relat-
hovah (or Yahweh) when referring to
" Broken pieces ot pottery apparently were one o!
the God of the Israelites. Thus, on the the most common writing materials In ancient times,
Moabite Stone, already mentioned, King as regular writing materials were too costly for
everyday use. Potsherds, brol<en pieces of pottery,
Mesha of Moab boasts of his military were to be round in every household. as the makJnz
exploits against Israel and, among oth- or pottery goes back extremely tar Jn human history
t'nd, being made ot clay, pottery was very cheap.
18 AWAKE!
ing to the time of the desolation of Judah Jehovah does not appear in the noted
in 607 B.C.E.-Josh. 10:3; Jer. 34:7. Greek manuscripts of the fourth and fifth
· These "letters" appear to have been centuries. This argument, however, is now
written by an officer at a Judean outpost no longer valid. Why not?
to his superior, named Yaosh, at Lachish, In Egypt, where the Septuagint transla-
and they clearly reflect a time of attack tion was made, papyrus fragments were
and stress. While it is of interest to see found of a copy of that translation's ren-
that the letters contain names correspond- dering of the second half of Deuteronomy.
ing to those of several persons who are These fragments, listed as Inventory Num-
specifically mentioned ber 226 of the Fouad
in the Bible record as Papyri and now in the
living at the time of possession of the So-
the Babylonian con- ciete Royale de Pa-
quest of Judah, it is pyrologie du Caire,
most noteworthy to are considered to date
find that, of the eight from the .first or sec-
legible shards, seven ond century before
of them begin their the Common Era, or
message with a salu- only a century or two
tation such as "May from the time of the
YHWH [Yahweh or start of the work of
Jehovah] cause my translating and thus
lord to see this season producing the Septua-
in good health." All gint. When the frag-
together, the tetra- One of the " Lachish Letters" showing use of ments were exam-
grammaton appears the divine name twice in ancient Hebrew script ined, it was found
eleven times in these that the tetragram-
seven messages, clearly indicating that the maton was used in every case where
name Jehovah enjoyed everyday common God's name appeared in that form in the
usage at that time. 2 corresponding Hebrew text, or a total of
But why is it that, even though some twelve times. This is conclusive evidence
Bible versions use the name Jehovah in that the original Septuagi.nt translation
the Hebrew Scriptures or "Old Testament" did use the name Jehovah, and that on-
part of the Bible, this name of God dis- ly in later copies did that name come
appears as soon as the reader reaches the to be replaced by the Greek words for
Gospel according to Matthew and reap- Lord and God. Certainly Christ Jesus used
pears only at Revelation chapter 19 in the name, for he plainly stated, in his
the expression "Hallelujah" (Hebrew for prayer to Jehovah God recorded at John
"Praise Jehovah") found at verses 1, 3, 4 17:26: "I have made your name known to
and 6? For long it was held that the writ- them and will make it known."
ers or translators of the first Greek trans-
lation of the Hebrew Scriptures, known as Caves by the Dead Sea
the Septuagint Version, honored the taboo Yield Copies of God's Word
against using the name of Jehovah, and The finding of ancient Bible scrolls in
that therefore the name was not used by eleven of the Qumran caves situated
Jesus and his apostles, for the name of northwest of the Dead Sea has been de-
OOTOBER 8, 1967 19
scribed as "the greatest find ever made in closest copy. Yet, when a comparison was
the field of biblical archaeology, and one made of the Dead Sea Scroll of Isaiah
of the greatest in any field." 3 The con- with the text of the book of Isaiah as re-
tinued efforts of Bedouins, archaeologists corded a thousand years later in the Mas-
and government officials over a period of oretic Text, the amazing fact was that
several years (1947-1955) have uncovered only very minor differences appeared, of
hundreds of manuscripts. Along with oth- negligible importance.
er writings, all the books of the Hebrew What does this mean for you? It under-
Scriptures except Esther are represented. scores Jehovah's promise regarding his
What makes these scrolls such an out- Word: "All flesh is like grass, and all its
standing find? Primarily their age. Schol- glory is like the blossom of grass; the
ars skilled in paleography or ancient hand- grass becomes withered, and the flower
writing dated some of them as from 100 falls off, but the saying of Jehovah en-
to 200 B.C.E., and further tests corrobo- dures forever." (1 Pet. 1 :24, 25) It means,
rated tbeir calculations. too, that when you open your Bible (re-
One of the most important of these gardless of what version or translation it
scrolls is the beautifully preserved copy of
may be), you can rest assured that the
the book o~ Isaiah, made of seventeen
pieces of parchment. Before this Dead Sea sense of what you are reading differs little,
Scroll of Isaiah was discovered, the oldest if at all, from that obtained by those who,
Hebrew text of that book was one dating in ancient times, read the original manu-
from the tenth century C.E. Here now scripts in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
was a manuscript that reduced to about
one-third the time previously separating lEFERENCES
1 Ancient Near Ea.stern Text.s~P.ritchard (1955), p.
the original writing of the prophet Isaiah 320.
2 Ibid., pp. 321, :l22.
(in the eighth century B.C.E.) from its 3 Harper's BibZe Dictio:~ary (1961), p . 654.
..
1£ulie ,. 7
• f' f..
Historian Par Excellence
. !
NDERSTAi\lDABLY the spade of a rchae· Christian congregation for its first thirty years
24 A WAKE!
AVE yo u ever
H been disturbed in
times past because of
Since this is so, why
do so many persons
still refuse to give cre-
extreme statements dence to the Bible as
made by scholars
critical of the Bible?
For example, how a
Roman Catholic theo-
FHith God's Word? Why?
Because the Bi b l e
claims to be not only
history but inspi1·ed
logian in this year of
1967 could say that
''twentieth-century
Christians will be pre-
SLIII history and a record
of God's dealings with
men. Archaeology can
produce evidence that
pared to grasp exactly
what the Bible says
only when they finally
and fully realize that
they cannot approach
t he Bible the same
_ ,,'et
1.
Needed
r _J
VrJCI
Be
many of the events re-
corded in the Bible ac-
tually took place, that
the cities and persons
r.OU'/1a T.li'U:e, mentioned therein ac-
n II tually existed, but ar-
way they approach a c h aeo lo gy cannot
textbook history" ?1 If demonstrate as true
so, then the evidence presented in the fore- the miraculous things recorded in the Bi-
going articles in this magazine should ble: that the cities of Sodom and Gomor-
have served to reassure you that the Bible rah were destroyed by God because of
is indeed factual history. thei1· wickedness)· that the walls of Jericho
The evidence presented has certainly fell when they did becau.se of divine inter-
shown that the early history recorded in vention. Thus, likewise, archaeology might
Genesis cannot be dismissed as mere myth be able to tell that such a person as Jesus
but that it clearly manifests a historical Christ actually lived, but it could not pre-
basis. You have seen that the theory of sent evidence that Jesus was what he
comparative religion cannot explain the claimed to be, the Son of God and that he
origin of the worship described in the Bi- died for our sins.
ble but that it obviously had a divine ori- Yes, to accept the testimony of the Bi-
gin. You have seen how, time and time ble requires more than the evidence
again, even pagan records have corrobo- of archaeology; it requires faith, and, as
rated Biblical history. You have seen how the apostle Paul long ago observed, "faith
archaeology has tmcovered God's Word is not a possession of all people." (2 Thess.
and name in caves and ruins. You have 3:2) Why not? No doubt there are many
also seen that, when secular historians reasons, but at least one of them is· that,
haVe disagreed with sacred historians, before there can be faith, there must be
time and again the facts eventually have a willingness to believe. Thus some cate-
supported sacred, Biblical history. In gorically deny the possibility of miracles,
short, the spade of archaeology has added such as that Jesus Christ rose from the
its testimony that ever so many events dead, regardless of the evidence presented.
recorded in the Bible actually occurred, For the evidence presented to result in
·that ever so many cities and persons men- faith one must, unconsciously if not con-
tioned in the Bible actually existed. sciously, be aware of the need to believe,
OCTOBER 8, 196'1 25
or at least admit to the possibility of a of a number of men from the days of Abel
basis for faith. onward to the time of the later prophets
If the testimony of archaeology were who had faith; relating also how they
such that it did away with the need of demonstrated their faith. All of these did
faith, t hen it would no longer be true that manifest great fa ith in God's Word even
Christians 'walk by faith and not by sight.' though they obviously did not have any
(2 Cor. 5:7) For that very reason there evidence from archaeology to corroborate
is merit in faith. As we read: "Without and illuminate their beliefs. And so with
faith it is impossible to please him well, Chi"istians in modern times. They do not
for he that approaches God must believe need archaeology to establish their faith
that he is and that he becomes the reward- in the Word of God, nor are they dis-
er of those earnestly seeking him."-Heb. turbed when archaeologists interpret their
11:6. findings in a way so as to contradict the
Faith means to believe that God exists Bible, especially in t he matter of chro-
even though we cannot see him; it means nology.
to be1ieve that what he has promised will For example, without doubt one of the
one day be sure to come to pass. I n fact, greatest archaeologists of modern times
that is how faith is defined in the Bible: was Sir Flinders Petrie. Among the things
"Faith is the assured expectation of things for which he was especially noted was his
hoped for, the evident demonstration of discovery that pottery remains and the
realities t hough not beheld. By faith we strata in which they were found could help
perceive that the systems of things "''ere date past cultures. Nevertheless, today we
put in order by God's word, so that what are told that "he was prone to base his
is beheld came to be out of th!ngs that do theories on inadequate premises, notably
not appear."-Heb. 11:1, 3. his views on chronology, which are not
This does not mean that Christians have acceptable to most scholars."=
no material, visible, tangible grounds for Then, again, today much weight is at-
their faith and that their faith is mere tached to dating archaeological remains
credulity. By no means! Thev have both by the radiocarbon-14 method. By means
physical facts and reason to ;upport their of it the earliest ruins at Jericho have been
faith. Reason tells them that e\·ery effect dated at 8000 B.C.E., whereas according to
bas a competent cause. The m'.l.terial uni- the Bible, man has been on earth only
verse is a tremendous effect, it must have since 4026 B.C.E. However, the originator
a commensurable cause. As the inspired of the method, Willard F. Libby, himself
apostle put it: "Of course, every house is admitted as late as 1963 that "the ques-
constructed by someone, but he that con- tion of the constancy of the magnetic field
structed all things is God. " So reason tells is almost completely open." 3 In other
us that God exists even though we cannot words, dogmatism regarding dates is ruled
see him. And so does the evidence of our out, since variations in the magnetic field
senses, for God's "invisible qualities arc may make the production of carbon er-
clearly seen from the world's creation on- ratic. Ho·w true this is can be seen from
ward, because they are perceived by the the findings in connection with the re-
things made, even his eternal power and mains discovered at "Jarmo" in Syria. Ac-
Godship."-Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20. cording to the radiocarbon clock it had
The Bible, at Hebrews chapter 11, tells been occupied for a period of 6,000 years,
26 AWAKE!
whereas the careful study of archaeolo- love, a God of wisdom, a God almigh ty
gists by other methods clearly indicated and of perfect justice. The Bible's opening
that the town had exist ed for only 500 chapters tell of man's loss of life and free-
years!• dom and its closing chapters tell of these
being restored to man.-Gen. 3:19; Rev.
Letting God Be Found True 21:4.
The person willing to believe on sound The Bible further recommends itself to
evidence has, aside from archaeology, us as God's Word for man by reason of its
compelling reasons, as well as an abun- high principles and divine wisdom. Justly
dance of testimony, to provide a basis for it stresses that we should do to others as
faith in the Bible as the Word of God, for we would have them do to us and warns
'letting God be true' by taking him at his us that what we sow we will also reap.
Word. (Rom. 3:4) To begin with, is it -Luke 6:31; Gal. 6:7, 8.
not reasonable to expect that, since God The Bible also recommends itself to us
exists and made man, and gave man the as God's revelation by the stel'ling candor
capacity to ask such questions as, Why of its writers. They tell of the shortcom-
am I here? Where did I come from? What ings and sins of God's servants, sparing
is my destiny? God would also make pro- none. Such sterling honesty is not to be
vision for satisfying man's hunger for found in any other work of history, least
such knowledge? A loving and beneficent of all in the writings of ancient pagan
God made provision for satisfying all the histories, even as we have seen.
needs of all the lower creation and for all And most convincing of all, the Bible
the material and physical needs of man.
recommends itself to us as God's Word by
Would he not also make provision for sup-
reason of the fulfillment of so many of its
plying man's spiritual and intellectual
prophecies, a few of which are noted in
needs? Surely! Since such spiritual knowl- the succeeding discussion under the head-
edge lies beyond the ken or range of man,
ing "Your Word Is Truth." Bible prophe-
it must come to him by a divine revelation.
cies foretold many details of Jesus' life as
The Bible recommends itself as being well as the conditions we have seen upon
that divine revelation. To begin with, we eart11 particularly since 1914, such as
should expect God's revelation to cover world wars, accompanied by famine,
the entire history of man. The Bible does. earthquakes, increasing of lawlessness and
We would also expect it to be made avail- critical times hard to deal with.-Matt.,
able to the greatest possible number of chapter 24; 2 Tim . 3:1-5.
persons, and it is a fact that no other book The spade of archaeology has certainly
can compare with the Bible when it comes served to corroborate and illuminate the
to widespread distribution and number of history of the Bible. It has helped to move
languages into which it is translated. out of the way the stumbling blocks set
Then, again, the Bible recommends it- up by extreme Bible critics. But archae-
self as having God as its Author by reason ology itself cannot provide the basis for
of its hannony. Although written by genuine faith. The greatest proof for the
some forty men over a period of some Bible's authenticity and divine inspiration
1,600 years and in three different lan- is to be found right within the pages of
guages, it is harmonious. Its writers all the Bible itself. Only sincere personal
tell of the same kind of God, a God of study of the Bible can convince you of its
OCTOBER 8, 1961 27
being the Word of God and your only sure and of the One whom you sent forth, J esus
guide to life in happiness. Do some digging Christ."-John 17:3.
yow·self-in the Bible-and see what trea- REFERENCES
sures of truth are to be found there. Yes, 1 Eugene Maly In St. Antho>•Y fUesse•tger, January
1967.
"this means everlasting life, their taking 2 Enoyclopreclta B >·ltannioa (1966) , Vo l. 17, p . 756.
3 Science, April 19, 1963.
in knowledge of you, the only true God, 4 /bid., December 11, 1959.
L - -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- . . -
Few men are, even though some may try. But did you know that the
Bible has never really been proved untrue? That is because God,
its Author, is "telling from the beginning the finale ." What does the
Bible really have to say? And of what value is it to us, so ma ny
centuries after its writing? Learn to know the Bible as a book-its
writers, its contents, its authenticity, etc.
"All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial"
Send only $1
-------------·------~------------···--·· --------~-------------------
WATCHTOWER 117 ADAMS ST. B R 0 0 K L Y N, N.Y. 1 1 2 0 1
Please send me the 352-page hardbound book "AIZ Scri.iltt~re Is 11!-<'pi rect of Goa and BeiLe/icial."
I am enclosing $1.
Street and Number
Name ................................................. .. ................................. or Route <>.n(\ Box .......................................................... ..
City ........................................................................................ St«te ........................................ Zone or Code ..................
OCTOBER 8, 1961 31
What you readers
think of Awake!
Its coverase:
"I would like to express my grateful
appreciation for the many fine articles
in Awake! Not long ago I had the privi- vital issues of our times
lege of speaking to the entire student
current news body. I used one of the small articles
in t he front of Awake! The response
was gratifying. All the faculty made activities of governments
special comments to me about the fine
information."-A student in Mississippi
items of commerce "Congratulations for the exceptionally
fine Awake! . .. The style of writing practical sciences
was superb! Having been an editor for
several years, I must say that Awake!
has a top-notch staff."-California
"Wonderfully interesting and descrip- social conditions
customs and peoples tive."- Michigan
"I just had to write and say how much
I've been enjoying my Awake! . . .
Av;ake! gets better with each issue; we religion
especially like the eyewitness accounts
... and stories of personal experiences."
marvels of creation - Colorado
"This is just a brief note t o let you
know how much we appreciate the new
covers on the Awake! magazine."-Con-
necticut
CONTENTS
Living for "Kicks" That Kill 3 Hardworking Dogs of the Flock 25
LIVING
FOR
Drug addiction
-how widespread
and dangerous
is it?
wo girls, one fourteen years old, the candy before breakfast," explained an ad-
T other fifteen, walked up to a total
stranger in Greenwich Village, New York,
dict. But it is not at all that innocent.
You young people may hear other
and asked : "Hey, where can we cop some youths argue that the use of drugs is
acid or pot?" The girls were inquiring merely "harmless fooling around and a
about drugs. They were out seeking a sign of healthy curiosity." But there is
thrill, a short "trip out of this world," a nothing "harmless" about it, and curiosity,
''holiday from reality" by means of drugs. improperly channeled, can wreck yom·
This may sound harmless to some, but the lives.
fact is that just one experimental use of This is what happened to a blond girl,
drugs can ruin their lives, even kill them. no more than fourteen years old. The po-
Young people today are in search of ex- lice found her lying on a filth-strewn floor.
citement, "instant" happiness. They are Her eyes were blank and her fingers
being told that t hey ought to get "fun" clawed at the figures in the design of the
out of life, and the less real fun there linoleum. She was living with a middle-
seems to be, the greater their search and aged man. Just eight months before, the
rush to fill the vacuum with the deceptive girl had been a normal , healthy high-
pleasures of the forbidden and the dan- school freshman from a "good" family-
gerous. "It was like we were doing some- until a schoolmate introduced her to drugs.
thing wrong that was fun-like eating Now she was on the floor trembling vio-
OCTOBER 22, 1967 3
lently. On the dresser were hundreds of "goofballs"? Misuse of these pills leads to
white pills. "That kid's been taking about irrational and even violent behavior. A
thirty of these a day," a policeman said. thirteen-year-old boy started on pills when
"We call them whites, bennies. If you a schoolmate handed them to him. "Man,"
looked the words up in a drug catalog you he said, "when you're on them you feel
would fi nd them listed under amphet- like you're about the baddest person walk-
amines-those nice, respectable diet and ing and you'd do anything." He and his
wake-up pills." partner set out to prove their point. They
Commissioner George P. Larrick of the stole cars, held up stores, attacked inno-
United States Food and Drug Administra- cent bystanders with pop bottles, black-
tion says: "Nearly ten billion barbitu..--ate jacks and other weapons. "I was popping
and amphetamine pills and capsules are those pills in me like they were going out
produced each year by the pharmaceutical of style," the one boy said. Then there
manufacttu·ers. Half of these-or five bil- were murders-cruel, vicious murders.
lion pills and capsules-are being diverted The boys were apprehended in Georgia
into unauthorized channels." Sergeant Eu- and tried. Bot h died in the electric chair.
gene Zappey of the Juvenile Narcotics The pills thrilled them, but also killed
Squad of the Los Angeles Police Depart- them.
ment stated that "pills have replaced mar- In Houston, Texas, after swallowing
ijuana as the steppingstone to hard nar- several amphetamine tablets, a man shot
cotics addiction. Five years ago, eighty and killed a schoolteacher, assaulted a
percent of our problem with kids was fourteen-year-old farm girl and committed
marijuana. Now it's close to eighty per- two robberies. In Illinois a truck driver
cent pills." suddenly went berserk after he had taken
The use of drugs in America is fast be- several pills to keep himself awake. He
coming as common and popular as dle\'11- tried to run down pedestrians with his
ing gum, big cars and television. It !s not truck. In Chicago three boys, two of them
only adults who are involved. New York only sixteen years old, the other seventeen,
police records show that arrests occur sat around taking "goofballs." Then, with
even in the seven- to fifteen -year-old age- a rifle, they went out into the street and
group for the use of amphetamines and calmly shot the .first person they saw.
barbiturates-drugs that not only are They shot the man nineteen times! When
themselves dangerous but can lead to nar- the effects of the drugs wore off, one of
cotic addiction, crime and death. Another t he boys admitted the murder, saying : "It
New York City report stated that between was the pills that caused me to do the
1963 and 1964 there was "a 75 percent shooting." These drugs are really danger-
increase in the number of children under ous, and parents and youths should know
16 years of age taken into custody for the extent of their danger.
criminal offenses who were admitted nar-
Living fo 1· Kicks with LSD
cotics users; a 95 percent increase in ar-
rests for violation of the narcotics law byYes, many young persons today are toy-
young people from 16 to 20 years old." ing with "incendiary pill bombs" that can
r uin them or kill them. LSD (lysergic acid
"Pep Pills" and "Goofballs" dieth ylamide) has become part of this
How bad are amphetamines, called generation's illicit pleasure. Living for
"pep pills," and barbiturates, known as kicks with LSD r uined four college stu-
4 AWA K E!
dents who gazed at the sun while under for young people this age seems to have
the influence of LSD and lost their read- half the people on one side of the room
ing vision completely and permanently. taking what they call a trip on LSD, and
One of the students explained that he the other half on the other side, smoking
stared at the sun because he was "hold- pot"-marijuana.
ing a religious conversation" with it. A Parents, are you leading a "cloistered"
twenty- year-old youth stripped and life? Are you aware of what your chil-
jumped to his death from a roof under the dren are doing for entertainment, who
LSD-induced belief that he could fly. An- their associates are? Do you know what
other under LSD influence blew his brains they think of narcotics? Have you cared
out with a revolver while playing "Russian enough to find out?
roulette.''
Early in 1967, a tall, husky, handsome I njury t o t he U nborn
nineteen-year-old student was out seeking If you are ever tempted by the thought
a thrill. On April 23, 1967, he was or- of trying LSD, consider also these facts,
dered committed to a mental institution to reported in Time magazine of August 11,
protect him from what doctors said were 1967: "Not only does [LSD] break down
the aftereffects of experiments with the the chromosomes in some blood cells. The
drug LSD. Investigators said that the boy, latest evidence is that it causes cell chang-
unable to stand the hallucinations he suf- es suspiciously like those seen in one
fered--even after the drug should have form of leukemia. Given to a rat early in
worn off-tried to gouge out his eyes and pregnancy, it usually results in stillborn or
kill himself. His mother said: "It was as malformed young. Worse, LSD may have
if there was something inside telling him similar effects on the human fetus. And
this is what he was supposed to do. It was those chromosome breaks have been
as if there were demons in him." found in the babies of LSD users."
She told newsmen that her son first Chromosomes are those minute compo-
tried to kill himself with a razor blade. nents of body cells that transmit heredity
Then at the General Hospital "he broke factors such as eye and hair color, as well
a glass, ripped his other arm and his as physical and personality characteristics,
throat. Then, later, he took a
pencil and tried to stab himself. RECENT NEWS REPORTS
Two orderlies grabbed him. But
he broke loose and ran and tried
to ram his head against a wall
and break his neck. Then he tried
to poke out his eyes with his
fingers," she said.
His mother revealed that he
was a member of a crowd in
which, although she did not real-
ize it, just about everyone was
trying LSD, pep pills and mari-
juana. "I must have been living
a cloistered life," she said. "Now
I find that just about every party
OCTOBER 22, 1961 5
from one generation to another. What then I just popped it in. I though t it might
may happen if parents have broken chro- give me a better idea of myself, like what
mosomes? Malformed babies, for one thing. I'm all about, what I'm here for." The
The babies may be mentally retarded, have drug turned him into an addict and a thief.
distorted features and inefficient muscles. Another youth stated: "I heard so
Doctors say that in some cases the babies much about it, that you could see all the
may even cry like a cal rather than a wonders of the world right in your own
human. Thus the use of LSD can also dam- mind, I figu red I had to try it." He did.
age the lives of the unborn. His curiosity got the better of him. This
seventeen-year-old boy has never been nor-
Getting "R ooked" mal since.
How do youngsters, teen-agers and "I took marijuana on a dare," said a
young adults get started on drugs? It is twelve-year-old lad. "Somebody told me I
(rightfully easy, almost too easy to be- wouldn't be able to take it, that I was too
lieve. The majority have been challenged unstable. I took it." A dare turned him
into trying a halluci n atory dru g by into a drug addict.
"friends." Many started because of curi- A girl of seventeen said that "pot" (mar-
osity or a desire to be " in" with their
ijuana) made her "feel superior." "You
crowd. Some have gone to "pot parties," take the pot and you find you can join in,
where small groups of young people
and everyone thinks you're a great suc-
smoked marijuana, and have been enticed
cess." Now she is under a doctor's care,
to join them. One thing leads to another.
being treated for gonorrhea. Dr. Nathan
Experimental use of marijuana often leads
S. Kline of New Yorl<'s Rockland State
to tr ying stronger drugs. They are for-
Hospital said: "Under drugs like mari-
ever searching fot· new "highs," and be- juana you tend to feel that you love every-
fore they know it they are "hooked"-
one and the world is a great place. And
addicted. if anyone wants to go to bed with you, it's
Once is often enough to start the drug just one more g1·eat experience to share."
habit. "I got this awful toothache and Therefore, pregnancy and venereal disease
Johnny gave me a shot," said a young fe- become frequent serious side effects of
male addict, "and it took the pain away, marijuana.
and it also took my fear of drugs away. Glue-sniffing sounded like a lot of fun
I started doing it myself. And I had a to a sixteen-year-old girl. The next thing
habit before I knew it . . . It made me she knew she was in a hospital. "I know
very relaxed, very high. I liked it. Noth- I Bever should have started on glue," she
ing fazes you. You could hear about your said, ''but the other kids were doing it
mother dying an excruciating death and and it sounded like fun. At first, I sniffed
you wouldn't even shed a tear." This just occasionally for kicks. Then pretty
young girl turned to prostitution to main- soon I couldn't stay away from it ."
tain her drug habit, as almost all female These young folks cannot seem to get
addicts do. it through their heads that drugs are
A sixteen-year-old high-school student "dynamite." They destroy people. When
said: "I had this cube that somebody gave 1,000 youngsters were medically examined
me. I was carrying it around for three for aftereffects of glue-sniffi ng, tests
weeks wondering if I should try it and showed liver, kidney and lung damage,
() AWAKE!
and abnormalities of the blood that often College students have also joined the
lead to anemia and death. Excessive mar- drug parade. Among them smoking mar-
ijuana smoking can produce brain and ijuana has become the "in" thing, the
lung damage. Records show that one out "cool" thing to do. They say it is a way
of three who start on "soft" drugs, such of "finding out more about life." Most
as glue and marijuana, will in time use college students are interested in mind ef-
even more harmful drugs, and that over fects. So to them marijuana is "the ideal
35 percent of these who start will become high." "We are living in an era of sensate
addicted. Only about 2 percent who go into culture," said a student, "a time of gorg-
addiction manage to get themselves out of ing the senses and ignoring reality." Re-
the pernicious habit. The other 98 per- marked another: "Experimentation is a
cent? Their lives are smashed and wasted. part of the college experience. We need
Parents, think seriously. What are you mental stimulants to heighten our aware-
doing now to safeguard your child against ness." In 1965 a study of students at Ox-
drug addiction? What are you doing to ford University revealed that 200 under-
help him cope with the temptations, the graduates were taking drugs every day
curiosities he may have about drugs? How and 1,000 others were doing it whenever
are you aiding him to face "dares," his they could get them. In America, student
own loneliness and anxieties? Surely the users estimate that up to 30 percent of
best drug "cure" lies in prevention, and the undergraduates now use marijuana.
preventive education must begin at home Martin Gold, president of the Cornell
with the parents. The present growing University senior class, gives another,
popularity of drugs among youths and darker reason for what he estimates as a
adults demands that you inform your child 600-percent increase in the use of mari-
about the dangers of drugs immediately. juana since he registered at Ithaca. "At
The situation is that urgent. a university, where intellectualism is par-
amount," he said, "there is the feeling that
Gaining in Populal'ity there is no meaning to life, no God, and
Drug users used to be almost always that all the works of man will have no
linked with rootless, friendless children of meaning when life is done." Thus students
the poor, children of broken homes with turn to drugs, Gold believes, to ease or
no rules to live by and no goals but eliminate the pain of living in a spiritual
"kicks." But not so anymore. Drugs have vacuum. In other words, this materialistic
found a prominent place among "respect-
vvorld, this 'world without God,' is in ef-
able" suburban brick homes along clean,
fect a dream world from which its very
tree-lined streets. More and more mari-
juana is present at parties. "It's a social builders and youthful supporters are es-
gesture to offer friends marijuana like of- caping by whatever means possible, even
fering them a drink," said a well-groomed by drugs.
young man. "The boys and girls think You young people, is this the life you
they have to become hip to be accepted want, an escape from reality into a drug-
socially and the way to become hip is to concocted dream world? What do addicts
use narcotics," said an acting New York themselves think of their life? It is like
police chief. It is becoming increasingly "a revolving door," they say. They feel
popular to become "high" on marijuana as trapped by their craving for drugs. To get
a natural conclusion to a dinner party. them they steal, soon find themselves in
OCTOBER 22, 1961 7
jail, in a · hospital, and thus start the de- It may be more work to find positive ways
graded cycle over again. "We are ·ani- of dealing with the frustrations and the
mals," said a young female addict. "We anxieties of life, but the hard ways are
are all animals in a world no one knows. by far more rewarding to the mind and
We'll step on one another for a shot if body than drugs. Such positive sources of
there's no dope. I'm no different from any strength are true religious faith and a
of t he others. I'll beat somebody for their deep relationship with other people, pri-
money just as fast as look at them. That's marily people with faith in God. But, as
why I say we're animals." Is this the life a safeguard, youths and adults also need
you want? to see the dangers of drugs and the utter
Some young persons try to justify their futility of addiction as a way of life.
use of drugs because of the difficult times What are you parents doing to offset
in which we are living. That these are the subtle, disarming arguments hurled
critical times, there is no doubt. We are against young minds that must venture
living in the death throes of an old system into a world that has thrown away all
of things. Nearly everyone today needs moral responsibility and restraint? How
help outside of himself to face the critical are you fortifying your child spiritually
times in which we live. And youths are so that he will not give in to his own
no exception. But there are other and weakness, his own desire to please and to
better ways to get help than by means of be one of the crowd? This is your respon-
pills or marijuana. sibility as parents. Now is the time to help
Use of narcotics appears to be an easy your children to walk uprightly in decency
way out, but it leads only to greater frus- and dignity before God and men by safe-
tration, an empty life and an ugly death. guarding them against drug addiction.
NOVEMBER 8. 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our f'imes must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. " Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts , faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it is unham-
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to trut h.
The viewpoint of " Awake!" is not narrow, but is international. " Awa ke!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its a rticles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by mill ions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
features penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from eve ry continent passes in quick review.
Attention is focused on activitie s in the fields of government and commerce about w hich
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its CO\•erage. " Awake(" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
"Awake (" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and stre ngthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this genera tion.
Get acquainted w ith " Awake!" Keep awake by reading " Awake!"
o- • --m- • - .r- !111- :•
CON T ENTS
Avoid the Spirit of Retaliation 3 A Village Under One Roof 21
A Reason to Live 5 Complex Starfish 23
And the Waters Kept Increasing 9 Gilead Graduation Evokes
Worldwide Interest 25
Tadmor-Storied Oasis in the Desert 13
"Your Word Is Truth"
Those Amazing Architects Are You Obligated to Observe
That Make Shells 17 the Sabbath? 21
Telling Relatives the "Good News" 20 Watching the World 29
"It is a lready the hour for you to awake."
- Romans 13:1 1
YOUNG woman slipped past East Hollyvvood beauty idol of millions of per-
A German border guards. Slowly she
lowered her body into the icy waters of a
sons.
Still others say that it is equal opportu-
canal and swam to West Berlin, towing nity for all that makes life worth living.
her infant son behind her in a tub. Her Yet in America, often called "the land of
daring effort could easily have cost the opportunity," suicides have reached shock-
mother's life, as well as the life of her ing proportions. In 1965 there were 22,560
child. Yet this fact did not deter her, be- known suicides in the United States, and
cause she believed that West Berlin of- almost all experts insist that the true fig-
fered her a reason to live. ure is at least two to three times as great.
Still West Berlin, where people seeming- Anywhere from 500,000 to a million Amer-
ly have so much to live for, now leads the icans every year reveal by their actions
world in the number of suicides-people that they are uncomfortably close to
giving up on life. According to the World suicide.
Health Organization, 33.9 West Berliners The most alarming thing about re-
out of every 100,000 take their lives each cent suicide figures is the sharp increase
year, as compared with 28.4 in East Ger- in suicidal deaths among young people.
many. Evidently some cannot find a suffi- Since 1914 suicide has ran.l{ed among the
cient reason to keep on living. ten leading causes of death in America.
Take, for example, the case of Norma Among college students suicide is the sec-
Jean Baker in America, who made fame ond leading cause of death. Among youths,
and fortune her goal in life, as so many aged fifteen to nineteen, suicide is the
people today do. She skyrocketed to star- Number Three cause of death. There are
dom in 1946. At the youthful age of nine- nearly three known adolescent suicides a
teen she became a ''star," a household day, and some experts say the true figure
word throughout America and much of the may be 5,000 a year. Dr. Harold Jacob·
world. Fame was hers! Yet, this in itself ziner of the New York City Department of
was not enough to make living worth Health said that in 1957 suicide was re-
while for her. While still soaring in her sponsible for more deaths in children, be-
career, she tool< her own life. She was tween the ages of ten and fourteen, than
only thirty-six years old. Her tragic death tuberculosis and poliomyelitis put togeL'l-
left people wondering, Why? Perhaps you er. Why have these yotmg people taken
knew her better as Marilyn Monroe, the their lives?
NOVE!v!BER 8, 196?' 5
A World Phenomenon situations. Alcohol and drugs often take
Suicide is a world phenomenon today. the edge off t he will to survive. Dr. H. L.
Dr. Edwin S. Schneidman, a California Friedman, assistant Medical Officer of
psychologist, regards it "basically as a Health in South Africa, asserted that 50
disease-one of epidemic dimensions per- percent of all suicides are motivated by
haps, but one that is preventable." The sex, love and marriage difficulties. Anoth-
World Health Organization in a report in- er authority states that about a third of
cluded a survey of recent suicide rates in the suicides may be traced "to mental de-
twenty-one countries. Hungary heads the rangement, thus indicating a close con-
list, with a yearly average, from 1961 to nection between suicide and insanity."
1963, of 33.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 Dwight D. Eisenhower, former president
population. Finland is second, with 29 per of the United States, once associated sui-
100,000, and Austria third, with 28.3 per cide with the welfare state and sin in Swe.
100,000. The study revealed that world den. But while Sweden's suicide rate is
wide four to five t imes as many men as 18.5 per 100,000 and Denmark's is 21,
women commit suicide. In suicides of men, nearby Norway, with about the same
Hungary still topped the list, with a rate amount of welfare and sin, has a suicide
of 48.9 per 100,000. The figures for women rate of 7.9.
showed that Japan is highest, with 20.6 Some people have tried to blame sui-
per 100,000. Another source asserted that cides on the weather, on those damp dis-
throughout the world more than 10,000 mal days. But studies show that the sun·
people commit suicide every day, a shock- niest months, namely, May and June,
ing figure! carry the highest suicide rate. So now it is
These alarming statistics have induced generally believed that suicides have more
physicians and social scientists to combine to do with a damp drizzly outlook in a per-
their energies in an effort to prevent such son's heart than with the outside weather.
mass self-destruction of human life. The Not to be overlooked among the causes
big question these scientists are asking is, of suicide are wicked spirit forces, demons
What is the reason for aU this self-murder? who frequently tell people to kill them-
selves. Such persons report hearing "voic-
Why Suicides? es," as in the case of a forty-year-old
For years social psychologists have spec- San Francisco woman, a secretary, who
ulated on this matter, but have never ade- leaped to her death from a sixteen-story
quately explained these figures. The his- terrace of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
tory of suicide reveals marked variations Her landlady told police that the secre-
according to race and period. Among peo- tary told her that she had been ordered by
ples of simple civilization and those with "spirit forces" to jump from a high build-
a fixed code of morals suicide is very rare, ing. How vital it is to reject any sugges-
and is deemed unnatural and reprehen- tion from "voices" from the spirit realm,
sible. a.nd to pay attention instead to God's
Modern physicians and social scientists Word the Bible!-Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:9,12.
are inclined to believe that suicide is the
culmination of many different factors, What Studies Show
such as ill health, incurable disease, lone- Studies reveal that a high number of
liness, rejection, frustrat ion stemming suicide attempts occur in children brought
from domestic or financial or employment up in unstable, disorganized or broken
6 AWAKE!
homes. Therefore, a suicide or a threat to which has deprived many people of spiri-
suicide by a child is viewed as a reflection tual knowledge, the most potent force in
against the parents and the community in counteracting the tendency to suicide; for
general. it is only a spiritual and inward strength
Among college students the pressure that can enable the individual to stand
from parents and the community on against the pressures of these wicked days.
youth, not merely to learn but to excel,
often is very great. The sad fact is that A Christian's View
such pressures frequently do lead to sui- Despite the so-called tolerant views
cide. toward suicide in Christendom, which
Immorality is a factor. Girls who be- views underscore the world's growing lack
come pregnant out of wedlock often ex- of morality and lack of faith in God, true
perience unbearable pressures in parental Christians cannot condone such acts, for
disappointment :md rejection in the com- a number of reasons. Such acts show no
munity. Add these pressures to a girl's fear of God, no trust in Him. They are
own feeling of shame and it may result a rejection of God's undeserved kindness.
in an overwheiming situation for a young They are a violation of his commandment
body and mind, leading to the "death against murder. Suicide is murder, and it
wish." is just as wrong to murder oneself as it
The world's changing attitude toward is to murder one's fellowman. It is a dis-
suicide, no doubt, is also a contributing regard for the sacredness of life. It is a
factor to the growing number of such cowardly act, a fleeing from problems in-
deaths. In many lands suicide is no longer stead of facing them.- Ex. 20:13; Rom.
viewed as a crime or a grave sin against 14:7-9.
God, although it may be regarded as a re- Suicide affects the mental health of the
grettable deviation from normal behavior. survivors. It leaves them with an enor-
When committed with a seemingly sane mous sense of guilt and shame, not to men-
mind, it is gradually being looked upon as tion other burdens that may come upon
almost a human right and a civil liberty. t hem. It affects the mental health of the
In some lands it is considered a strictly community as well. It is as though one has
personal affair and a family matter. Often found a murderer in one's community,
grieving families request physicians not within one's own family. It certainly is
to list suicide as the cause of death. In not an act of love, and Christians are to
some places, only those cases of self- love.-Mark 12: 28-31.
destruction in which the deceased leaves a
note are officially entered as suicides. One Needed: a Reason to Live
case, in which a man stabbed himself, was As a rule, potential suicide victims do
closed out as accidental death on grounds not want to die. More than 70 percent who
that he "ran into a sharp weapon." commit or attempt suicide are or have
Many churches of Christendom that been under a physician's care. Eight out
once would not allow a suicide victim to of ten persons who try to kill themselves
be buried in a religious cemetery now and fail are very glad to be alive and
view suicides with considerable tolerance. probably will not try it again. Only about
A still more potent factor than all oth- 5 percent of those who make an attempt
ers is, no doubt, t he decay of religion and eventually commit suicide. When poten-
of moral conviction during this century, tial suicide victims are asked why they
NOVEMBER 8, 196"1 7
were trying to destroy themselves, they new regard for life into a decadent civili-
invariably answer that they ha,d "nothing zation, so now t he good news about J e-
to live for." They have become disappoint- hoy~h's established kingdom, as preached
e.d with life, sick of living. They have lost by Jehovah's witnesses, provides an · en-
"all taste for life," as the prophet . Job during foundation and bulwark in the face
said when he was smitten with a loath- of present world despair.
some disease. (Job 10:1, The Jerusalem When a married German woman found
Bible ) But Job survived. What potential herself very ill after World War II, . she
suicide victims need, then, is what the took out a bottle of drugs and was deter-
prophet had that gave him the strength mined to end he1· life with an overdose.
to endure despite his apparently hopeless However, the doorbell rang. She answered
state. And what was that? The prophet it. The caller, seeing her extreme distress,
Job had his God to whom to turn. He re- refused to leave. The householder col-
fused to turn his back on his God Jeho- lapsed and was taken inside. Upon gaining
vah, and it was th.is that proved to be his consciousness she confessed what she was
salvation. about to do. Her caller spoke to her about
So often, when men reach their top po- God and his promised new order. The two
sitions, gain riches or glory, they find th at women prayed and they thanked God for
these have left them empty and hollow in- life. That happened in Berlin almost twen-
side, because they fail to do what Job did, ty years ago. Thoughts of God and his pur-
make God their refuge in life. They fail poses restored in the despondent woman
to fortify their lives spiritually. Societies a desire to live. Her caller was a minister
that are totally materialistic are a bore of Jehovah's witnesses.
to live in, because life becomes meaning- Thus the battle against suicide, in the
less without God. Swedish economist Gun- final analysis, is seen to be deeply influ-
nar Myrdal admitted this, when he said: enced by one's view of life and morality.
Sweden's 'materiaiistic paradise can be A person who knows that he has a duty
boring.' to perform toward God is bound to go on,
Since man is a creation of God, he finds be conditions what they may; and he who
in the worship of God a reason to live. is convinced that there is forgiveness for
When this reason soars above all material the repentant and a better system to come
pursuits, even above one's own family in- will not despair for long.
terests, then it is that true ha.ppiness is
experienced. Young people today need such For life to be meaningful and rewarding,
spiritual incentives as held forth in God's it must reach into the realm of the spirit,
Word the Bible to enable them to grapple in fact, through prayer into the very pres-
with everyday problems and to meet the ence of God, who is the source of life, and
challenges of life. Without true Ch ristian seek to obey him. (Ps. 36:9) That is wh at
incentives, such as the hope of everlasting Jehovah God meant when he encouraged
life in a righteous new system of things, the ancient nation of Israel to "choose
free of sickness and death, young people life in order that you may keep alive, you
tend to become discouraged and disillu- and your offspring." (Deut. 30:19) Choos-
sioned with life. True Christian worship ing life meant choosing to worship and
supplies sustaining hope.-Titus 1:2; Rev. sene the true God Jehovah, which is
21:4; Rom. 15:4. man's basic and primary reason for living.
As first-century Christianity brought -Ps. 34:8; Eccl. 12:13.
8 AWAKE !
By " Awake!" correspondent in Alaska reached a depth of 15.2 feet that morning
and was still rising. Flood stage for the
Ito HAD never been in a flood nor thought
that I ever would be. But that began
change as I approached Fairbanks,
a:cea is 12.4 feet.
Local radio reports said that Island
Alaska, via the Alaska Highway, Sun- Homes subdivision of Fairbanks was be-
day afternoon, August 13. I was forty- ing evacuated because water was a foot or
five miles from the city when I heard on two deep in the streets and basements
the car radio that the Salcha River was were filled up, as the Chena River con-
threatening to wash out the road ten miles tinued to overflow its banks. A few other
ahead. Steady rains for five days could low-lying areas near the city were already
not be accommodated by the swollen riv- being evacuated by boat and helicopter.
ers and sodden tundra. One family of seven sat huddled on their
At the Salcha River b1·idge the road was roof in the rain as they watched their
still passable, but the flow continued to three-month-old calf drown. It was tied in
rise as it gushed its way into the larger the yard of their suburban home just a
Tanana River nearby. The Tanana con- few feet away, but the family could not
tinues northwest past Fairbanks and even- reach it without risking their lives. How-
tually dumps its contents into the mighty ever, the majority of Fairbanksans still
Yukon some 150 miles beyond Fairbanks. had no idea of how devastating this flood
Here at the Salcha River, workers had was to be.
built an eighteen-inch dirt dam at the
edge of the road in an attempt to keep the Preparatio11s Made for Evacuation
water, already out of its banks and rush- By noon on Monday a companion and
ing alongside, from spilling onto the road. I decided to stay close by the phone of
Within a few hom·s after I passed, the the presiding minister of one of the two
highway at this point was closed, indi- Fairbanks congregations of Jehovah's wit-
cating more serious conditions developing nesses. Soon a call came from a newly in-
in the Fairbanks area. terested person who lived close to the riv-
The Chena River, another tributary of er. His basement was filling up rapidly,
the Tanana originating east of Fairbanks and he needed a pickup truck to remove
and flowing through the city, crept men- his belongings. We responded without de-
acingly higher Sunday night as the rains lay and, after wading in the hip-deep icy
continued. By Monday morning we heard floodwaters for several hout·s, had all his
radio reports that the downriver town of belongings loaded on the truck. But when
Nenana was being evacuated, as the Ne- the waters flooded the engine we had to
nana River, another Tanana tributary, had call for a tow from a larger truck. Water
NOVEMBER 8, 1961 9
was just reaching the main floor level of worked vigorously to carry clothing and
the abandoned house when our help ar- a few other items up to the main floor
rived. from the basement apartment while water
Upon our returning to the overseer's · lapped at the basement windows.
home in Hamilton Acres subdivision at We met again at 11 p.m. on high ground,
four o'clock in the afternoon, the flood- where I had waited in the car, monitoring
waters were a half block away and creep- the radio reports. Bulletins said the water
ing closer. It was decided that his wife was then fifteen feet and was to crest at
and children should head for a friend's sixteen feet in one hour. A glimmer of
home in the country, safe above the flood- hope! On the basis of this information we
ing rivers. She hastily packed a change decided to return to the Kingdom Hall
of dry clothing for each family member and fight the tide by building a dike
and scooped up an armful of bedding and around the building and thereby save it
left in the family auto. Four of us re- from flooding. We never made it!
mained to secure the house and belongings As we hurried to protect the Kingdom
to the extent possible. Hall we stopped to leave our extra vehi-
We faced up to the grim reality that the cles in the yard of ont- of the Witnesses,
waters could keep coming until the house where we t hought they would be safe. She
was actually flooded. We decided to do warned that this area lay in the old Chena
what we could and to leave without de- River bed that had been diverted several
lay. We raised everything we could up off years ago to provide more housing prop-
the floor at least two feet. This included erty. As we stood in the driveway the
beds, books, desk and dresser drawers and trickle of water at our feet began to swell
food items. Later we were glad we did, before our eyes. "We'll get the family
because the twenty-five inches of water out!" one of the group said. By the time
that finally covered the main floor would they got out and cut the dog loose, the
have done much more damage had we not animal was already treading water.
taken these precautions.
It was 10 p.m. when we vacated the Evacuation Belatedly Ordered
house. For several hours the four-unit The presiding minister spoke anxiously
apartment buildings next dom-, on lower of one of the Witnesses back in the Hamil-
ground than we were, had been evacuated ton Acres area that we had just left. "We
and the basement apartments filled with have to get her and the children out!"
four feet of water. It bubbled and churned The two of us jumped into his large dump
past us through the neighboring yard and truck and headed for her home. In the
on down the street in a swift river two low places there was already two feet of
feet deep. I inched the car through the rapidly rising water. She had just heard
torrent for higher ground while the other the belated order on the radio to evacuate
three of our group headed for the King- the area when we arrived.
dom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on a rub- Another family had already taken ref-
ber raft. It was one block in the other uge in her home, since they had been
direction and a stalled car at the intersec- flooded out earlier in the day. Both fami-
tion was half covered with water. At the lies took to their autos, proceeding over
height of the flood the car was completely the route we had just traveled, with us
covered and rescue boats passed over it following in the truck. Now there was
with ease. At the Kingdom Hall, Witnesses three feet of water covering the road
10 AWAKE!
and a long line of flooded autos blocking break of disease materialized. Evacuation
the way. Other cars already were tipped continued all day Tuesday, with scores of
helter-skelter in the ditch on both sides residents and Civil Defense workers using
of the road by the swift current of this fiat-bottom riverboats and anything else
new "river." The guest family had made that would float to remove persons strand-
it through a few minutes earlier, but it ed on roofs and second floors. Many in-
was evident that the Witness and her chil- sisted on remaining in the taller buildings
dren could not make it in the family car. because they were "high and dry."
Abandoning the car on a high spot, hope-
ful that it would be safe from the raging Surveyillg the Damage
waters, she and the children clambered Several days of waiting followed as the
aboard the dump truck. We made it safely water receded very slowly. Each area was
to high ground and on to another Witness' affected differently, depending on distance
home in the country and prepared for from the river and the swiftness of the
what proved to be about two weeks of current. The extent of the water's clammy
communal living with some twenty to grip reached from 14,000 flooded base-
thirty other evacuees. ments to entire homes completely sub-
In the eady hours of the next morning, merged or washed downriver. A fine mud-
a Witness on the edge of town was lying dy silt was deposited up to an inch deep
down after a night of vigil, only to be in homes, shops, autos-everything the
awakened by a neighbor standing in the water touched. Fuel oil tanks of several
bedroom calling her to get out. The neigh- hundred gallons capacity were popped up
borhood group did t he best they could to out of the ground. Others had their con-
find the highest ground in the area and tents displaced by the floodwaters, cover-
to get organized, to wait out the flood. ing many areas with a film of oil.
With the use of a boat, quite a group Early estimates were that 95 percent of
gathered together, including some with the city was reached by the water and that
babies. It finally became apparent that at more than $153 million of damage was
least the women and children would have done. The city was declared a disaster
to be evacuated. A neighbor with a three- area, with Alaska's governor declaring
week-old baby was picked off a garage that it was worse, in some respects, than
roof by a helicopter. With the help of men the 1964 Alaska earthquake, in that al-
wading in waist-deep water, the Witness most all homes and businesses in the city
was taken by boat to a field where she were damaged. Of the 45,000 living here,
and her month-old baby were picked up 15,000 were evacuated either to higher
by helicopter. ground or to other Alaskan cities. The
Finally the river crested at 10 a.m. University of Alaska campus housed 7,000,
Tuesday, 18.82 feet, some ten hours later and large groups inhabited other schools
than predicted and six feet above flood and large buildings. Some observed that,
stage. Almost all phone service was out, after seeing this, they would never doubt
with many families separated and having that forty days of rain flooded the earth
no way of finding out if the others were in Noah's time!-Gen. 7:17.
safe. Radio stations broadcast personal Great loss was also suffered by other
messages telling who was safe, in the hope communities near Fairbanks. All in the
friends or relatives would hear. There was flooded area are working diligently to get
fear of typhoid fever. Fortunately, no out- things dried out and repaired before the
NOVEMBER 8, 1967 1l
big winter freeze-up sets in, with tem- a couple days after the flood. They paddled
peratures 40 to 50 degrees (F.) below through the doors and circled the interior
zero. Much more damage is expected to of the hall in the raft, with the floor
show up by the spring of 1968 as a result twenty-eight inches below. Only a few
of winter conditions. inches of the back of the seats poked up
through the muddy brown water.
Ma.ny lYJade No Preparations to Flee Some of the households and groups
Some questions have been asked by the where Witnesses were sheltered included
newspapers. Why was it that the abnor- non-Witnesses who were impressed by the
mal rainfall for several days was threaten- cheerful assistance and loving unity they
ing the populace and at least a day before saw displayed in spite of the disaster. This
t he flood the water level was predicted to caused some to show greater appreciation
go above flood stage-yet no official warn- for spiritual views of the Witnesses. One
ings were issued by any governmental contractor offered to help repair the King-
agency that residents might have to evacu- dom Hall in appreciation for the kindness
ate? As a result, thousands fled with only showed to him. He said: "This experience
what they were wearing and with what with you folks sets a fellow to thinking.
they could snatch up in t heir flight, in Hereafter if anyone speaks improperly of
some cases only a family pet. Houses, be- Jehovah's witnesses, he'll have me to con-
longings, autos, all had to be left behind tend with."
because the water was sudrlenly upon As soon as the floodwaters began to re-
them. cede, Jehovah's witnesses instituted relief
Equally embarrassing for tht· evacuees measures. Clothing, household items and
to consider is why so many never anticipat- funds poured in from Witnesses in other
ed that the water might reach them. Why Alaskan cities and the lower United States,
did they not at least mal<e a few prepara- from as far away as Illinois and Nevada,
tions for a hasty departure-in case the in loving expression for their Fairbanks
unexpected should reach them? Some even brothers. One overseer from another city
rode about in their autos passively vie·w- was visiting in Fairbanks at the t ime of the
ing others fighting the waters already fiood. When transportation was available,
creeping into their homes, only to be he Qt.:ickly returned home and purchased
caught later themselves without warning hundreds of dollars' worth of pumps and
and without any advance preparations. cleaning equipment to get a head start
Perhaps lives and property could have been on the cleanup. Back to Fairbanks he came
spared had they faced t he situation more to oversee the arduous task of pumping
realistically. and cleaning homes of the Witnesses and
their associates. A crew of twenty-two
How J ehovah's Witnesses WeJ'e Affected
others came from as far as 600 miles away
Jehovah's witnesses in the area suffered
no loss of lives, in spite of much property to help. One Witness told non-Witnesses
in the house where she had been sheltered
damage to their homes and cars. All were
safe and well cared for during the ordeal, that a group had worked a couple of days
many in the homes of their Christian in her home and she was about to move
brothers who lived in safer areas. One of back. With much surprise, they asked who
the local presiding ministers related what this group was that went about so early
a strange sensation it was for them to re- providing such services. She explained that
turn to the Kingdom Hall by rubber raft they were her Christian brothers and that
12 AWAKE!
they had come long distances to help out. Drying out, cleaning and rebuilding now
The questioners stood in sp2echless dis- moves ahead at a fast pace in a race
belief. Similar experiences were repeated against winter's cold. A positive, forward-
many times over. looking spirit prevails among the majority
Another person who witnessed Chris- of Fairbanksans, but especially among Je-
tianity in action was one who had not re- hovah's people. They go ahead with their
ceived the Witnesses hospitably in the rebuilding cheerfully, not grieving over
past. In spite of this, the work crew gave their material losses, because they realize
him assistance with some of his heavier
they are "to rest their hope, not on un-
cleaning tasks. He was most appreciative
and expressed it openly. certain riches, but on God, who furnishes
While observing many Witnesses who us all things richly for our enjoyment."
are ministerial servants helping clean her (1 Tim. 6: 17) In fact, they feel that they
home, one 'Witness remarked: "This is are richer, because their faith has been
surely a modern application of the idea of strengthened by the loving care of their
foot washing~"-John 13:12-16. Christian brothers.
'fHEY are such lowly, uncomely crea- and in fresh water. you visit the
tures-apparently mere blobs of soft seashore, most shells you see are the lega-
fiesh that are without harmonious form. cy they have ieft behind. How numerous
Many of them, in fact, besides being bone- they often are, and of so many varieties!
less, are headless, blind and lacking com- Is it not remarkable that the skeletons of
monly recognized organs. these lowly creatures should be among the
These are mollusks-a major group of most time-resistant of materials and, at the
animals that include more than 100,000 same time, be shaped into such exquisite
living species. You would not think them and colorful forms? No wonder thousands
capable of building anything. Yet, most of collectors prize them as jewels. In 1963
mollusks are amazing architects that make one collector paid $2,000 for a specimen of
shells that are often of fantastically color- the rare glory-of-the-seas shell.
ful and shapely design. The other big class of mollusk is the
You are undoubtedly acquainted with clams, or bivalves, kno·wn as Pelecypoda.
some of them. The lowly garden snail, for None of these shell-encased creatures live
example. He belongs to the largest of the on land, and most of them inhabit the sea
five common classes of mollusks, known as rather than fresh waters. They include the
Gastropoda. The shells made by these mol- mussel and succulent oyster and scallop.
lusks are of only one piece, sometimes be- But also included is the giant clam, Tridac-
ing called univalves, meaning one valve. na gigas) of the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
They usually are twisted or coiled around whose shell may reach four feet across and
a core, often forming breathtakingly beau- weigh over 500 pounds. It is the largest of
tiful spirals. This gorgeous, often porce- the shell-covered mollusks. However, the
lainlike covering serves as the home for giant squid and octopus, which belong to
the animal inside. Actually, it is his outer another class of mollusk, grow even larger,
skeleton, to which he is securely attached. the squid reaching over forty feet . in
These "snails" live in the sea, on land length. Most mollusks, however, encase
NOVEMBER 8, 196'7 1"1
their uncomely bodies within an attractive less array of patterns and shades. All the
home. colors of the rainbow are included in the
There truly is great variety and fascina- various shells. Some may be striped, oth-
tion in the behavior of these living shells. ers spotted, still others may look like sun-
Some creep, jump, swim and burrow. Oth- rays or a checkerboard. This also is ac-
ers are permanently anchored to rocks. A complished by secretions f1·om glands of
few live inside other marine creatures, and the mantle, which always create the prop-
still others play host to small fish and tiny er color pattern for its own species.
crabs. But how do all these lowly creatures All of this is baffling to man. The meth-
make their perfectly designed shells? How od by which the mollusk lays in the color,
do they begin life? and how such a great variety of colors is
produced by various species, is not yet
Manufacturing the Shell understood by man. Truly, it is a marvel
Some of tJ1e young emerge from the egg how this lowly creature controls, not only
as miniature replicas of their parents and the marvelous design of the shell, but also
immediately commence a life of crawling the colorful and beautiful patterns by
and feeling. To begin wlth, they have only which it often is decorated!
a nubbin of a shell, called the nucleus, but
it is often quite different in texture and 1'lte Miracle of Shell G1·owth
sculpture from the shell that develops from One shell expert, Dr. A. Gordon Melvin,
this time on. wrote .recently: "The way in which shells
Others, such as baby oysters, escape from develop, or are 'put together' by nature
the egg as free-swimming larvae, possess- through growth, is a continuing mystery.
ing hairlike growths designed fo1· naviga- Although many collectors have reflected
tion. To begin life an oyster is about on it, and a few have studied it, at best
needle-point in size, and within about all we have are fleeting glimpses of the
twenty-four hours it star ts to form a rudi- truth."
mentary shell. Some two weeks later the The mollusk follows laws of construction
oyster finally locates a suitable object and from which man himself can learn. Con-
attaches itself to it. There it stays for life. cluding a report on his studies of shells
The shell is slowly secreted by a remark- with the use of X rays, Dr. Hilary B.
able organ possessed by all mollusks, called Moore observed: "For efficient design as
the mantle. It is a covering of skin, which well as beauty, I think the mollusk shell
may be a mere pad or fold, or it may cover is unexcelled. . . . In building his houses
the animal more completely. Special glands and furnishings, man is learning to choose
jn this organ secrete a limestone substance, simple, efficient designs. Shells show us
which is made from the animal's food sup- how Nature was doing this long before the
ply. This qwckly hardens into shell ma- first man appeared on earth."
terial, whether underwater or ln the air. What is particularly remarkable and
And what a variety of shapes into whkh fascinating is how the shell reproduces
the shell is molded! It may look like an with mathematical precision its own ex-
ear, an egg, a screw, a butterfly, a paw quisite spiral form. It does not deviate
of a lion, a turban, the wing of a bird, from the pre-designed pattern. Growth is
and so on. governed by law and order. The shell of
And, too, as the shell is deposited, color the chambered nautilus, for example, is
is somehow incorporated into it in an end- so perfect that each new coil is exactly
18 AWAKE!
three times the width of the coil preceding due to its use for windows in houses. To
it. The spiral of other shells may increase some extent it is still employed for this
at a much slower or faster rate, yet each purpose.
holds to its own basic pattern. The endless But perhaps the most fascinating, and
combinations of this dynamic spiral are once widespread, use of shells is as a me-
responsible for the tremendous diversity in dium of exchange. At some early date
the tens of thousands of shell forms. shell money was introduced in America,
Who or what is responsible for this di- Asia, Africa and Australia. Thus, shell
verse and yet orderly growth? Comment- money was necessar ily adopted by early
ing in this connection, Dr. Melvin noted: European settlers in order to deal with the
"As the sea-shell grows it has a force of American Indians. Currency consisting of
life behind it, projecting it into growth shells ground down to standard form artd
and maintaining it in time from its begin- size was used as late as 1882 to carry on
ning until it reaches normal size.... The trade in the Solomon Islands. .A.nd shell
beginning point of t he spiral stands for money is still employed in some Pacific
the life force." and Indian islands.
Obviously, this marvelous life force does Some shells are so numerous that a few
not originate with the lowly mollusk, or years ago those gathered in just the United
with creatures even more lowly. Certainly States amounted to about a million tons a
the mollusk did not figure out the exqui- year! Before the automobile came into
site, mathematically precise patterns and common usage, it was estimated t hat some
colorful designs for its shell! But long ago 3,000 miles of roads in certain Atlantic
the inspired Bible psalmist pointed to the seaboard states were surfaced with oyster
One who did, when he wrote: "How many shells. On the other hand, others, such as
your works are, 0 Jehovah! All of them the famous glory-of-the-sea shell, are so
in wisdom you have made .. . . As for this rare that only a few dozen specimens have
sea so great and wide, there there are mov- been found. Why is this?
ing things without number, living crea- The answer is intimately connected with
tures, small as well as great." Yes, it is t he habits of mollusks. Many species in-
Jehovah God who created the lowly mol- habit the sandy and rocky shores and are
lusk, incorporating in it the ability to often exposed at low tide. Others live in
make such a variety of exquisite jewels shallow water just below the low tide line.
for man's pleasure.-Ps. 104:24, 25. And yet others are found only in deep
waters, perhaps hundreds of feet down.
Uses and Accessibility After storms some beaches are at times
Shells have long been used for ornamen- literally stacked high ·with shells, but with
tal purposes. They can be made into beau- shells that inhabit the shore or shallow
tiful necklaces and other pieces of jewelry. waters. Seldom are deepwater shells
The pearly inner layer of certain shells, thrown up. These are the rare varieties.
called mother-of-pearl, is used to make However, some of the more common
buttons, knife handles, buckles, penholders shells are just as beaut iful to behold. So
and numerous other items. In the Philip- when you have the opportunity, you may
pine Islands there is a large and unusually enjoy a rewarding experience by visiting
thin bivalve shell, which is very fiat and the seashore. There you may find some
transparent enough to read a newspaper rare beauties shaped by those amazing ar-
through. It is called the windowpane shell, chitects who make shells.
NOVEMBER 8, 1967 19
T llin
NDREW, a disciple of John the Baptist, "I was baptized in 1958. Without delay I
was thrilled when John introduced him began writing letters telling my relatives
to Jesus Christ, "the Lamb of God"! about the truths I had learned from God's
Andrew quickly "found his own broth~r. Word. They all lived In Virginia at that time.
Simon (Peter], and said to him: 'We have "My relatives thought that I had gone out
found the Messiah.'" (John 1:35-42) Ever of my mind. Nevertheless, when I would go
since, zealous disciples of Christ have been to visit them, I would still witness to them,
telling their relatives the good news. One but they would one by one leave the room.
modern-day disciple explains: " In 1960 my mother, who was visiting us
"About six years ago I visited my mother here in New York city, became very ill. So
in Texas after not having seen her in two at this time I had a fine opportunity to wit·
years. When I arrived and unpacked we be· ness to her, and she accepted the Bible's
gan to talk about my new faith. I had be· llfe.givlng message. During her final days
come one of J ehovah's witnesses since I had of life my sisters could not understand how
last seen her. We talked 'way into the I could remain so calm in view of her serious
night. The next day I was also able to speak condition. However, my mother believed that
with my brothers and sist~rs about the Bible what I had shown her from the Bible was
.~,~comises. the truth. Therefore, I could see no reason
"After returning to North Ca1·olina, I wrote to be worried a great deal, since Jehovah
encouraging letters to all of them, but I got God has promised a resurrection for all
very little response. In fact, later I learned meek ones. When I explained this to my
that they thought I had lost my mind. How- sisters, it started them to thinking.
ever, :n time, some of them beg an to give
"When my sisters returned home after the
the Bib1e message sedous consideration. death oi our mother, I continued to witness
"Then, late one night this past October to them by letter. My oldest sister, who had
1966, I received a call from my mother. She once said concerning me, 'I think Roberta is
said that she and my sc\·enteen-year-old going out of her mind,' studied the Bible and
brot her had symbolized their dedication to got baptized in 1961. She now is a full-time
Jehovah God by wa ter b~.pti sm. About three pioneer minister.
weeks later I r eceived a call from one of my
sisters who stated that she, too, was study· "In 1963, due to my continuing to witness
ing. Other relatives also became interested to my relatives. I saw my only daughter
and began studyin g and a ttending meetings. baptized in symbol of her dedication to Jeho·
vah God. At the same assembly, my niece
"One of my older br others was op posed to
the message, so I had not made any effort also was baptized. This niece went down to
Arlington, Virginia, to serve where the need
to witness to him. Then, in December of 1966,
is great, and on April 1, 1967, began the full-
he called me and stated that his daughter
time pioneer ministry.
had died and that he wanted me and my hus-
band to come to Texas for the funeral be· "In 1964 two more of my sisters were
cause h e had a lot of questions. ~!y husband baptized, as well as a sister-in-law and a
and 1 were able' to show him the Bible's brother-in-law.
explanation of why man dies, and the hope "In 1965 a brother-ln·law, a sister-in-law,
for the dead. He was so impressed that he and still another sister dedicated their lives
wanted to have the funeral at the Kingdom to the doing of God's will and symbolized
Hall. This was grunted. He learned many this by water baptism. And then in 1966, at
things during the funeral discourse and talked the Baltimore district assembly, my brother
about it for days. was baptized.
"As a result of taking advantage of op· "I am exceedingly happy that my efforts
portunities to witness to my relatives, there to tell the good news to my relatives have
a re now thirty of them who regularly attend been so abundantly rewarded. Now fifteen of
congregation meetings. What joy I feel!" them are dedicated praisers of Jehovah God,
Another zealous disciple recently described and a total of twenty-four are regular King·
similar results: dom proclaimers!"
20 AW AKE.'
.
C OME with me and meet some
of the people of Borneo in their
homes. No, there are no longer any head- modate them. And each family owns its
hunters to fear, for British administrators own small portion of the structure.
during the past one hundred years have But now we have arrived at OUT desti-
succeeded in banning this ancient custom nation, so the bow of the pmhu is headed
of the native tribes. Now the people have toward the steep riverbank, and we climb
settled down to more peaceful pursuits. up a large tree trunk into which notches
and our visit will be met with generous have been cut and find ourselves in the
hospitality. These Sea Dyaks, or Ibans as clearing where the longhouse stands amid
they are now generally known, are an a scattering of coconut palms and banana
honest, friendly people, very dynamic, trees. Lively, naked, brown-skinned young-
proud, with planty of daring and dash. sters surround us and form a welcoming
In this land of few roads and dense jun- party as we move toward the house. Again
gles the river will have to serve as our we have to climb a notched tree trunk to
highway. As we paddle upriver in a native gain the wide open-air platform that runs
praJ:,u (dugout canoe) we soon observe, along the whole length of the r.t~·ucture,
every few miles, long, low structures twelve feet above the ground.
perched on innumerable posts, high up on We reflect on how glad we are that the
lhe terraced riverbanks. They are the weather is dry, for on rainy days thos;'•
characteristic Iban longhouses, each one primitive staircases could be very slippery.
the home of an entire community; a vil- Though in another era this lofty type of
lage under one continuous roof. I t is to building probably served as a defense
one of t hese that we are headed today. against enemies, today the main advan-
Did you notice that the longhouses vary tage is that the living quarters are kept
in length? That is because their size de- high off the damp ground and cool air
pends upon the number of families in the can circulate down below.
community-anything from ten to one
hundred. As new families result through The Village Plan
marriage or join from the outside, the Here we are now on the open platform,
longhouse is simply lengthened to accom- which is cal!ed the tanjt£. It is used for a
NOVEMBER 8, 196i 21
variety of domestic tasks as well as for Village Life
drying, winnowing and pounding padi The bilek) as we have seen, is the pri-
(rice). Having had plenty of the equatorial vate quarters of a single family made up
sun, we step into the welcome shade of of an average of six persons. But all fam-
the overhanging roof of the longhouse- ily members spend most of their time,
an overhang that covers a large strip of when home, in the gallery outside. Here
the platform running the full length of the the men squat on rattan mats to talk, to
building. This roofed but open gallery is work on fishing nets, or to do wood carv-
called the ruai) and forms a sort of thor- ings. Here, too, the women chat and en-
oughfare from which the visitor can gain gage in various handicrafts, particularly
access to any one of the many doors, the manufacture of excellent basketware
marking the individual apartments. and the weaving of sarongs in beautiful
Behind each door there is a family liv- patterns. It is here also that public events
ing room, or bilek) and it is here that all are held. At night it serves as the dormi-
the family's treasured possessions are tory for young bachelors who bed down on
stored-ornamented jars, bronze gongs mats. Unmarried girls sleep in the lofts
and other indications of the wealth or sta- above.
tus of the Iban family. Often, too, in this
same room the normal r ound of cooking, The Headman
eating and sleeping is conducted. In some That central "door" or apartment of the
longhouses cooking is done in a separate longhouse belongs to the tuai rumah or
kitchen connected by a passage to the headman of the longhouse. He is elected
rear of the bilek. In the living room one by the community, and his responsibilities
may see a human skull or two hanging in a include entertainment of strangers, admin-
corner-a grisly reminder of the prowess istering of adat) or the customary law, as
of this family's recent ancestors. well as serving as peacemaker and priest
Another feature of the longhouse to note of the community. Note how heavily he
is the loft, called sadau) constructed above is tattooed. Customarily it is only on a
each bilek and jutting out over the rzw:i journey that a man can be tattooed, and
or roofed gallery, but stiil, of course, un- the extent of the tattooing tells, like the
der the roof. This serves as storage place labels on a globe-trotter's suitcase, how
for farm implements and for rice grown far and often he has ventured out to the
by members of the family. world outside.
"And what about bathroom and toilet?" This particular tuai 1'U1?Wh is certainly
you inquire. Alas, there are none. For a much-traveled man, but so are many
bathing there is always the river close by. others we can see around us in this long-
Waste matter is conveniently dropped house. It is quite evident, too, that he is
through the slatted floor to the morass un- no autocrat, but, rather, a kindly old man
derneath the house where pigs root and of some means who is anxious to care for
chickens help in the scavenger work. And the interests of the community.
did you notice that the whole platform on
which the house is constructed is covered / ban A g riculture
with slats made of split bamboo, with The growing of hill rice is the primary
slight spaces in between each slat? So it concern of each family. Just as each fami-
is easy to sweep, and the sweepings fall ly of the community has its own apart-
to the ground far below. ment, so each family cultivates its own
22 AWAKE!
rice. Common ownership of property and there are other things to do, for padi culti-
collective farming would not be popular vation alone provides no more than a mere
here, for these !bans are of a highly in- subsistence. Small rubber plantations are
dividualistic nature. Wealth or lack of also operated, the crude rubber being sold
means is largely determined by the fami- in small sheets to the Chinese rubber deal-
ly's skill and energy at farming. ers on a cash basis.
The system of agriculture they follow Tied closely to their agt·iculture is the
is characterized by rotation of fields rath- superstitious system of rites and omens
er than of crops. They clear the ground practiced by the !bans-an elaborate fer-
by means of fire, and then sow the rice tility cult centering on the padi, which is
for one or two seasons, then switch to supposed by them to possess a "soul." The
some other newly cleared ground, not re- whole life of the Iban is governed by his
t urning to the first field until it has lain desire to be on correct terms with the gods
fallow for quite a long period. Each fam- and a host of spirits. To achieve this, pe-
ily may bring about four or five acres of riodic offerings of food and drink are
hilly ground into cultivation each year. made, accompanied by the waving of live
This is arduous work in the tropical heat! fowl or other propitiatory acts.
A minimum of clothing is worn, men only
a loincloth, women just a short skirt or Changes Under Way
sarong. A large straw hat is worn by all With the advent of mission and govern-
members of the family as protection from ment schools, transistor radios and other
the sun. elements of the white man's civilization,
The men do the heavier work of clear- changes are taking place. Many families
ing the ground, while the women and have been proselytized by the sects of
younger folk take care of the seeding. An Christendom. Some few have already cul-
unusual feature is that they mix in some tivated a love for the Bible, and it is a
other seeds, such as cucumber, pumpkin pleasure to talk with them about the com-
and gourd, which ripen earlier than the ing blessings of a new order under the
padi and provide some variety in the diet. rule of God's kingdom. They show willing-
For the next two months it will be the job ness to undergo training for life in that
of the women to keep down the rapidly new order-life that promises to reach
growing weeds. Meantime the men erect endlessly into the future.
fences, lay traps, and build a small farm As our prahu carries us back down-
hut that serves as a watchhouse from river after this fascinating experience, how
stimulating it is for us to think that the
·which to guard the padi against predators,
God of loving-kindness is reaching into
whether animal, bird or insect. such remote places, yes, even the land of
Finally comes the joyful time of har- the single-roofed villages, to sound glad
vesting, laying up the padi in the large tidings of a better way of life and an end-
bark bins up in the fa mily loft house. But less future of happiness!
COMPLEX STARFISH
• Although a starfish may appear to be a simple organism, it has
a nervous system that is more complex than London's telephone
exchange. This fact testifies to the high degree of intelligence of its
Creator, just as the complex mechanism of a telephone exchange testi-
fies to the intelligence of the men who designed and made the exchange.
NOVEMBER 8, 1961 23
, (.
Left to right: F•·o nt row: Sotonul l or, 1., Ship:~y• .M., Pu ir, L ., Casanova, J ., Alarcon, J., Kullan , A. , Dr,J•tna<~a, J., H~·: tor, S., P eswlclc, N .,
Hahn, R. Second row: F lo•·e s, l\-I., Marks, B., J ames, R . , Chorney, V ., Brya n, s .. Dorant es, C., Penrney, P., Waagan, N . , Bolduc, M., Meisl, .11.
Third r ow: Petferman, S ., Scurlock, B., Johansson, M. , Johansson, E., James, A., Hons inger, E., Eadie, T ., Brindle, l<J., Corkum , A.,
Thatc her, D. Fourth row: Pentney, H ., Vl'oito, M., Rai ner, R., Naviski, E., Fredlund, (;., Fredlund, L., D aeumler, H ., Lehnert , A ., Knapp, A .
Fifth row: Shol't land , J ., House, S., Herron, R., Etoe, K., Currie, B ., Beebe, A., Massier, S., Pug h, N., Matheson, C. S ixth r ow : Eadie, ·w.,
Knapp, A., Sotomayo r, B., Skidmore, W. , G ustavsson, S. , Werner, I., Ledbetter. D., Urban, E ., Balasl<i, K ., Drum, L., Matheson, G. , Shipley, R.
Seventh row : Englund, A., Elliott, A., Latvala, T., Gustavsson, B., Anderson, E. , Balaski, B., Baxter, S., Reather!ord, H., Mas<;ier, R., Fail·, R.
Eighth row: Hector, Vv., Guimond, R. , Brindle, L ., Dehnbos t el, H., Corkum, S., Brown, D .. Breneman, J., Gem:, A ., Mikkola, A., 'l'hatche r, D .
Ninth row: Paschal, P., Ols en, T., Oatman, T., Scurlock, C., Lilly, D ., J o hansson, J., Honsinger, W., Pefferman, M., Lindsey, C., Gruen, R.,
Ku!lan, N . Tenth ro w : SiolknwP:kl, .r.. l"'l•·tune, C., J3o>ebe, J'., Brock, E ., Dacttmler , R., l<':.bl:: n, D ., Andersl\on, G. , Marus, S., Bryan. P...,
T<>n~k. M. , Qulstor·n:. H .
GILEAD GRADUATION EVOKES
I lnli J TJ:DJ:~T
IblyTplace
WAS September 10, 1967, and the
was Jehovah's Witnesses Assem-
Hall in New York city. The gradua-
of the world. The average age of all these
students was 26.5.
The audience listened intently as the
tion program of the forty-fourth class of school's president, N. H. Knorr, spoke en-
the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead had couragingly to the students, urging them
been scheduled for 10 a.m. Hours earlier to stick to their assignments despite dif-
a crowd of eager persons had gathered at ferent Jiving conditions-not to allow even
the auditorium. From California to Maine, larger cockroaches than they had ever
from Canada, Germany, England and El seen before deter them from staying on
Salvador came parents, relatives, friends, the job as missionaries. He commented on
to see this body of students graduate as the unique privilege of these 102 men and
missionaries. From twenty-two lands came women. The total number of those thus
telegrams and messages expressing pro- far privileged to go through Gilead School
found interest in this special occasion. (4,464 persons) , he observed, was like a
It was interesting to learn that of the small village compared to earth's millions.
102 graduating students more than one- He reminded them that other missionaries
third had relatives in the full-time preach- had stuck to their assignments and were
ing work. Others in the audience were happy they did. Especia11y are they "a
members of the Bethel headquarters staff happy group today, because they know you
of the Watchtower Society. Also display- are going to join them," he said.
ing keen interest in this graduation were The happiness and lively interest of peo-
more than 300 representatives from 80 ple in all parts of the earth were mani-
congregations of Jehovah's witnesses in fested by such messages as this one:
Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and "Looking forward to the arrival of the
Connecticut, all of whom had been invited new missionaries here in Laos." From the
to attend. All together, the audience that Ivory Coast came another expression of
morning totaled 2,069 persons. happiness: "How happy we are that some
of you will soon be here to preach the
But what about the students themselves
good news in this fertile territory." From
whose graduation evoked such worldwide Venezuela: "How happy we are to know
interest? They had come from eleven t hat you are joining us very soon as mis-
different lands and from many walks of sionaries." Another, from Colombia, read:
life. For instance, mechanics, truck driv- "We send our love to all of you as we
ers, farmers, machinists, carpenters, news- anticipate the arrival of our new mission-
paper reporters, painters, shoemakers, aries." And great was the happiness in
salesmen, electricians, plumbers, sailors, Bolivia, as reflected in this message: "May
surveyors, confectioners, sign painters, many rich blessings attend you this grad-
hairdressers, masons, chemists and glass- uation day. May your happiness and joy
workers were all represented. Eleven of be complete as you anticipate serving the
the group had recently been members of a King's inteeest in a foreign land. Your
Bethel family of the Watchtower Society, Bolivian brothers eagerly await the four-
either in Brooklyn or in some other part teen of you coming here."
NOVEI'I!BER 8, 1961 25
Prior to the reading of telegrams and "Our study of the Bible here began ap-
messages by M. G. Henschel, one of the propriately at the beginning. Almost im-
Society's directors, some farewell counsel mediately the Law given through Moses
was offered to the sLudents by other So- began to come to life as we dramatized in
ciety directors and the Gilead School in- class just how it operated. And so it was
structors. W. Wilkinson observed that joy with the rest of the Bible as, chapter by
is like deep water, unaffected by surface chapter, we completed the Hebrew Scrip-
annoyances, and that these missionaries tures and went on through the Greek. At
have deep joy because of their devotion to the same time in our other classes we were
the preaching of the good news. U. V. viewing this same information through a
Glass remarked on the many fine qualities different frame of reference: by subject
displayed by this class as a whole, and en- theme. Foundations of Bible History was
couraged them individually, as they dis- a fascinating study of ancient times and
persed to the ends of the earth, to reflect peoples; Ministerial Activity taught us,
the same fine qualities. E. A. Dunlap spoke among other things, what a demonstration
on the subject 11To Whom Are You Going ought to be; and the Doctrines course nice-
to Listen?" He stressed that one's decision ly rounded out our Bible instruction. At
makes a big difference. Eve listened to the the same time we were cramming into our
wrong one. Jesus, on the other hand, re- heads Spanish, French or Portuguese.
fused to listen to Peter's urging of him to What a wonderfully balanced course of in-
be kind to himself. Analyze what you lis- struction!"
ten to, the graduating body were urged, In the afternoon 2,114 persons heard a
shunning what appeals to the desires of program of pleasant music and singing by
the flesh. M. Larson admonished the stu- the student body. Previous graduation pro-
dents to be like Barnabas to the Christians grams had whetted their expectations, and
of his day-a real source of encourage- they were surely not to be disappointed.
ment. G. Couch explained how mission- The graduates enacted a gripping, two-
aries must do a tearing down work as well hour drama entitled "Jehovah's Way, the
as a building work, even as Jeremiah Way of Victory." Depicting Israelite Judge
did. (Jer. 1:10) And the Society's vice- Jepht.l-lah and his fight with the Ammonite
president, F. W. Franz, told of his recent enemies, the drama was punctuated by
trip to Bible lands and other countries modern-day applications, showing how
where true Christians suffer under perse- God's people now must stick with his or-
cution. He encouraged the graduates to ganization under the Greater Jephthah, Je-
build up Christian personalities in others sus Christ, for victory.
so that they will display courage in the As the day's program ended with prayer
face of hatred and opposition and be car- offered by the Society's president, the mis-
ried right on through Armageddon into sionaries expressed themselves as being
God's new order. eager and excited about going to their far-
The morning program concluded with a flung assignments. They knew of the
resolution of appreciation presented by a worldwide interest in their graduation, and
representative graduate. Gratitude to Je- now, by sticking to their work as mission-
hovah and his organization was expressed, aries of the good news of God's kingdom,
and something of the fine training they they wanted to prove worthy of the excel-
had received. Said the student body; lent training t hey had received.
26 AWAKE!
but another part, including the Ten Com-
mandments, still continues in force. No,
for the same apostle in another place
writes: "Now we have been discharged
from the Law ... that we might be slaves
in a new sense by the spirit, and not in
the old sense by the \:vrit ten code. What,
then, shall we say? Is the Law sin? Never
may that become so! Really I would not
have come to know sin if it had not been
for the Law; and, for example, I would
OUBTLESS you are glad that in many
D lands the law protects workers and
ensures that they shall have one day's rest
not have known covetousness if the Law
had not satd: 'You must not covet.'"
(Rom. 7:6, 7; Ex. 20:17) Since "You must
from their normal labors, usually once in not covet" is one of the Ten Command-
each seven-day period. Originally, this was ments of the Law, it follows that Chris-
a religious law, one of the commandents tians are discharged from the Ten Com-
of the Law given through Moses. The con- mandments also, including that one dealing
cluding day of each week was to be ob- with the sal.>bath.-Col. 2:13, 14.
served as a "holy" day. No type of labor ., 'But what about a weekly Christian
was to be performed. Those willfully vio- sabbath day? ' you may be asking. There
lating the law were put to death. (Ex. 31: is no such thing, for nowhere in the rec-
14) Even today there are those, both Jew ords left by Jesus' disciples do we find
and Gentile, who insist that the sabbath notice of any weekly sabbath day other
be strictly observed as a day for religious than that of the Jews. Not until the fourth
duties and contemplation. century of our Common Era was civil and
~ As a believer in God, you want to be ecclesiastical legislation enacted setting
sure whether you have some obligation to aside Sunday as a "holy" day. This was
observe a weekly sabbath day. If your Bi- allegedly based on a tradition that early
ble is conveniently at hand, please turn to Christians celebrated Sunday rather than
Hebrews 8: 6, 13 and note what the apos- the Jewish sabbath (Satw·day) in com-
tle Paul wrote to fellow Jews who now memoration of the resurrection of Christ.
followed Christ: "But now J esus has ob- -See The Catholic Encyclopedia, under
tained a more excellent public service, so "Sunday."
that he is also the mediator of a corre- 5 Referring to this earliest legislation as
spondingly better covenant ... In his say- to observance of Sunday, Chief Justice
ing 'a new covenant' he has made the Clark, speaking for the Supreme Court of
former one [the Law covenant] obsolete. North Carolina, declared: "The first 'Sun-
Now that which is made obsolete and day law' was enacted in the year 321 after
growing old is near to vanishing away." Christ, soon after Emperor Constantine
3
Is it not clear that the apostle Paul, had abjured paganism, and apparently for
himself formerly a zealous advocate of the a different reason than the Christian ob-
Jews' religion, here rules that the Law servance of the day.. .. Evidently Con-
covenant was rendered obsolete? Nor can stantine was still something of a heathen."
anyone reasonably argue that one part of And the Superior Court of the State of
the Law, a ceremonial part, was canceled, Pennsylvania had this to say: "The first
NOVEMBER 8, 1961 27
Sunday law, the edict of the Emperor Con- 8
The Christian will do good on that day,
stantine, was the product of that pagan not because it is essentially different from
conception developed by the Romans, any other day, but for the reason that he
which made religion a part of the state. is called upon to perform good works
The day was to be venerated as a reli- every day. (Gal. 6:10) He does not as-
gious duty owed to the God of the Sun." cribe to that day a holiness that supersti-
-Cornmonwealth v. Hoover, 25 Pa. Sup. tious pagans used to ascribe to it. He
Ct. 134. heeds t he counsel of the apostle Paul: "Let
6
There is no evidence, however, that no man judge you in eating and drinking
Jesus and his apostles enjoined upon or in respect of a festival or of an obser-
Christians, either by precept or example, vance of the new moon or of a sabbatt1;
t he observance of a weekly sabbath on for those things are a shadow of t~e· things
Sunday or any other day. In fact, the apos-
to come." (CoL 2:16, 17) Jesus Christ
tle Paul found it necessary to reprove cer-
himself set the example, going about
tain Christians in the Roman province of
Galatia who were being influenced by Jew- preaching the good news on any and every
ish tradition to keep on observing "holy" day. (Luke 4:32) Now that God, through
days. Said he: "How is it you are turning the death of Christ Jesus, has abolished
back again to the weak and beggarly ele- the Law, Christians are not required to
mentary things and want to slave for them observe the weekly sabbath. (Eph. 2:15)
over again? You are scrupulously observ- They use every day and every opportunity
ing days and months and seasons and to honor and praise the God 'who called
years. I fear for you, that somehow I have them out of darkness into his wonderful
toiled to no purpose respecting you."-Gal. light.'--1 Pet. 2:9.
4:9-11.
• •• r
7 The origin of Sunday observance is pa-
gan, not Christian. In view of this, what Can you answer these ques~!ons? For a nswers,
should be the attitude of those who fol- read the article above.
low Christ? Since the law of many lands ( 1 ) What was the origin of sabbath obser-
sets aside one day in seven for rest from vance? ( 21 How did the apostle Paul speak
normal activities, the Christian will be of the law covenant, which included the sob·
happy to use that day not only for needed bath law? ( 3) When he spoke of the law as
being mode obsolete, did he include the Ten
rest but also for the furtherance of Chris- Commandments with their sabbath requirement?
tianity, something that should be closer to ( 4) Did Jesus or his disciples introduce a weekly
his heart than all other activities of life. Christian sabb ath? ( 5) Who introduced the first
He can study God's Word at home and in Sun dey !ow? For what purpose? ( 6) What
wrong practice of Christians in Galatia did the
association with fellow believers. Certain- apostle Paul notice? ( 7) While not keeping a
ly the day also presents fine opportunities weekly sabbath dc1y, how may Christians use
to contact others and speak with them their weekly res! day from secu lar wo rk?
( 8) What further counsel of the apostle Paul
about God's purposes and the hope of ever- shows that weekly sabbath observance is not
lasting life. binding on Christians?
28 AWAKE!
The Aspirin Habit
~ Americans take 25 tons of
aspirin a day, about 2 1/ 4
tablets for every man, woman
and child in the nation, and
they spend $483,720,000 annu-
ally for aspirin and aspirin
compounds. In 49 years, from
1915 to March 25, 1964, the
Bayer Company alone made
and sold 100,000,000,000 aspirin
tablets. To sell the pills the
manufacturers spent an esti-
ma ted $52,500,000 on television
advertisement alone last year.
Aspirins reportedly are all
about the same as to worth,
says the Federal government.
Clergy and Psychic Research Laboratory Chief Al·thltl' H unicane Beula h
~ "More than 3,000 clergymen Brac kebusch makes this ~ The last days of September
in America arc already in· comment: ''Fire has played a n saw hurricane Beulah roar
volved in psychic research," important role in building our over the Gulf of Mexico to lash
said Dr. Ar thur A. Ford. He beautiful wilderness a r eas. It Texas and Mexico with 160·
received national prominence has come through the forests mile-an-hour winds. "She's the
when Bishop Pike said that harvesting, destroying old biggest, nastiest storm I've
during a seance Ford trans· stands and making way for ever seen," said a veteran pilot
mitted messages from his son new ones. If we remove fire hurricane hunter. The storm
James, Jr., who committed 100%, we may destroy rather spawned 95 separate tornadoes
su!clde last year, at age 22. Dr. than protect our wilderness and released an estimated 15
Ford, a minister of the Disci· areas." But let's not use tha t to 20 inches of rain that flooded
ples of Christ Church, is re- as an excuse for being careless mcst of south Texas. Commu-
garded by many as America's about fire ourselves. nication with nearly a million
foremost psychic and medium. people was cut off. First esti·
"I'm not so interested in get· Churches and Riots mates placed property loss at
ting personal publicity as I am ~ Mayor Thomas J. Whelan of Sl,OOO,OOO,OOO. Relief loads of
in corrupting the clergy," Dr. Jersey City charged that supplies were quickly sent in
Ford told a meeting of the churches of America were ca- to the stranded areas. Je·
Association to Advance Ethical tering "to the whims of a luna- hovah's witnesses in sur-
Hypnosis. "And I find them tic fringe whose goal is racial rounding states rallied together
pretty easy to corrupt." war." The churches of America to send in tons of supplies to
"have joined in this monstrous help U1e needy. The number of
Fighting Forest Fires madness by bringing God down refugees in emergency centers
~ The worst forest fires in to the gutter to serve as a and private homes housed in
more than half a century shield for criminal hatred," he Rio Grande City a lone num·
struck the Pacific Northwest in said. bered 11,500. The death toll was
September. So far this year, 38, including nine in Texas and
some 1,800 fires have destroyed R ats and Mice 29 earlier in Mexico and the
more than 105,000 acres of tim· ~ About one qua1·ter of a ll Caribbean. The Weath e r
her in Montana, Idaho, Oregon the four-legged anim::>Js in Bureau called Beulah one of
and Washington. Idaho was de· North America are said to be history's worst storms.
clared a disaster area. Light· rats and mice. Rep. Martha
ning caused an estimated SO Griffiths told Washington rep· Sky-dlvlng Tragedies
percent of the fires. Damage to resentatives that rats "have ~ The deaths of 16 sky divers
the economy of Oregon alone killed more people than all the who drow n ed August 27
was estimated at $5,000,000 a wars in history." She added : brought the number of sky·
day. The U.S. Forest Service "If you're going to spend $75
diving deaths in America this
year to 40, according to the U.S.
has employed 10,000 men, some billion to kill off a few Viet· Parachute Association. Last
100 airplanes and 50 heli· cong I'd spend $40 billion to year 28 sky divers were kiJled
copters In an effort to stem ldll the most devastating in jumping accidents. Th e
the blazes. Interestingly, Fire enemy man has ever had." August tragedy was blamed
NOVEMBER 8, 1961 29
(1) on the pilot of the plane damage to property was up- every person of 18 years or
who, the investigation board ward of $270,000,000, at least older. Total cigarette consump-
said, should have canceled the 118 people were killed, nearly tion will be a bout 11,000,000,000
mission because of the heavy 4,000 injured and, roughly, more than last year.
overcast; (2) the parachutists 10,000 arrested. The total cost
themselves, who broke a ba n of vandalism in New York Soccer Game R iot
on jumping through clouds City schools in 1966 was $5,· ~ In the 20th minute of a
except in emergency situations; 000,000. In Washington, D.C., soccer game between the Sivas
and (3) the air-traffic controller window breakage and theft and Kayseri in Kayseri ,
who told the pilot his plane cost more than $214,000 las t Turkey, a disputed goal was
was over the target area when, year. lllegitimate births have scored. Some of the 5,000 Siva
in fact, it was miies off course. more than doubled in the last supporters began throwing
15 years, adding to welfare bottles. A riot erupted. Spec-
Limited Marriages rolls and juvenile delinquency. tators battled each other with
~ A concept of marriage pro- Between 1960 and 1966 the pistols, knives and broken
posed by some psychiatrists number of all crimes increased bottles. The fighting spread to
and psychologists in early by 62 percent; murders, 21 per- the streets. Cars were burned.
September revealed their total cent; forcible rapes, 50 per· Troops and policemen used
lack of understanding of Chris- cent; larcenies of $50 and over, rifles and bayonets to break
tianity. A psychiatric social 77 percent; auto thefts, 71 per· up the battle. When it was all
worker, for example, pr oposed cent. On September 15 the over, 42 persons were dead and
that marriage be a five-year Federal Bureau of Investiga- about 600 injured.
renewable contract. She said tion announced that during
that marriage "is the only the first half of 1967 crime "Abortion lnsura.n ce"
human contract in the Western rose by 17 percent over the ~ William Baird, birth-control
Christian world that has no same period a year ago. crusader, said "abortion in·
time length, no opportunity .for surance" for coeds is operating
review and no socially accept· Cigarette-A Deadly Weapon at five of America's colleges.
able means of termination." ~ On September 11 Senator He added that groups of coeds,
Mrs. Virginia Satir, a psychi· Robert F. Kennedy charged the often sororities, contribute to
atric social worker, went on to cigarette industry with "ped· a "kitty" that usually holds
say that she would like to see dling a deadly weapon . .. for $500. When one of the girls
an "apprentice period" for financia l gain." "Each year,'' gets pregnant, he stated, she
people contemplatin g mar. he said, "cigarettes kill five may borrow the necessary
riage, a five-year t erminus ad times more Americans than do funds for an abortion and pay
quem for all marriage con· traffic accidents. Lung cancer it back later "for the next g irl
tracts. Dr. Harold Greenwald, alone kills as many as die on in trouble." Baird, who directs
a New York psychologist, be· the road. The cigarette industry the Parent Aid Society in
lieves that marriage should be is peddling a deadly weapon. Hempstead, Long Island, said
a "nonlegal, voluntary associa- It is dealing in people's lives he hopes to start 100 birth·
tion." None of these people, fo r financial gain." The Amer· control clubs on college cam-
however, see marriage to be ican Cancer Society's president puses in the coming year. It
what it is, not primarily or Ashbel C. Williams said that appears that it is much easier
even essentially a legal binding 1967 has been termed "the year to start clubs than to teach
social contract, but a covenant of the cigarette" by the society. Christian morals.
made before God. The diffi· Cancer caused by smoking
culties that arise are the fault, k illed 75,000 persons last year, Teen.Agers Running Wild
not of the marriage arrange- h e said, and other smoking-re- ~ A published United Press
ment, but of those who ignore lated diseases cla imed another International report stated
the principles for successful 300,000 lives. The tobacco in· that Indonesia's teen-agers are
marriage that are found in dustry spends $2,000,000,000 running so wild that even the
God's Word the Bible. annually "trying to talk chi!· army has trouble keeping
dren into smoking." It is esti· order. "They have picked up
An Era of Strife mated tha t 4,000 to 5,000 Amer- every Western fad, from mod
~ Never before in American ican children an hour are clothes to Beatie haircuts to
history have there been so taking up the smol<ing habit. beat sounds to drag r acing and
many outbreaks of racial riot- On September 29 the Agricul- drug taking-and added a few
ing and violence as in 1967. By ture Department said that of their own, including top·
mid-September there were 150 Americans will smoke 551,000,· less and bottomless street
outbreaks of violence, more 000,000 cigarettes this year, an cruising." A traffic policeman
than 120 cities were involved, average of 4,295 cigarettes for said he had witnessed a demon-
30 AWAKE.'
stration of topless fashions and she died in about three building as originally planned
when a car filled with young minutes, asphyxiated," he ex- to insure that it will conform
girls wearing "nothing but the plained. to the character of the area."
lower part of their dress" drove "This kind of cooperative con-
past him on a Jakarta street. Favorable Mention cern on the part of landowners
The next surprise, he said, was ~ Brooklyn Heights has been is as important as laws in
when some teen-age girls wore named by the city's Landmarks preserving the quality of any
"the top part of their dresses, Preservation Commission as neighborhood," said the edito-
but not the bottom part." Police New York's fi r st Historic Dis- rial.
records reportedly show that trict. The comm1sswn was
many of Jakarta's delinquents given broad powers to pre- Physicians and the Bible
are sons and daughters of serve the historic character- ~ American Medical AssucAu.-
high-ranlting people. istics of the neighborhood by t·ion Nev.;s for July 10, 1967,
blocking the demolition of carried this interesting admis-
Inhaling Cau Kill historic buildings and regulat- sion by Dr. H. 0. Philips, of
~ In recent months some ing the kind of new con- N'avajo, New Mexico: "Th·~
college students have reported- struction. Recently a recom- best informed medical r e -
ly taken up breathing frosting mendation was approved that searchers now doing the best
sprays to get a temporary no new building in the area work are arriving at t he con-
thrill. On October 2 eleven- should exceed fifty feet in clusion that the Bible is a very
year-old Lucie White was height. The Board of Estimate accurate scientifi.c book .. . The
tempted into sniffing an aerosol that approved this recommen- facts of life, diagnosis, treat-
spray designed to frost cocktail dation, according to the N ew ment, and preventive medicine
glasses. According to Dr. J. York Times for October 4,
Colman Kelly, Greenwich "granted one exception to its as given in the Bible are far
Medical Examiner, the product new regulation on behalf of more advanced and reliable
contains Freon, a colorless, the Watchtower Society, for a than the theories of Hippoc-
odorless gas used as a coolant. new dormitory on Columbia rates, many still unproven,
"The F r eon suddenly chilled H eights; but the society has and some found to be grossly
her larynx, perhaps froze it. made extensive changes in the inaccurate."
CONTENTS
Do You Really Listen? 3 People Who Practice Bible Principles 21
Is It Wise to Discuss Religion? 5
The Divine Name in Music Amber- A Fossil Gem 26
8
Canada Completes a Century 9 "Your Word Is Truth"
Eyes in the Sky 12 The Tr agedy of King Saul
- a Warning for Christians 27
Is Britain a Christian Countr y? 16
Evidence Disproves Assertions 20 Watching the World 29
"It is already the hour for you to awoke."
-~omans 13 :I I
4 AWAKE!
'TREAT them as this precious relation-
you would treat ship. As expressed by
someone coming to the apostle Paul:
:- your door trying to "Who are you to judge
·sell you the Brooklyn the house servant of
Bridge. Listen for a another? To his own
moment, and then po- master he stands or
litely close the door.' falls." (Rom. 14:4) So
So a clergyman ad- people resent being
vised his congregation criticized on the basis
· to stifle discussion of of their beliefs. Why
· the Bible. His target should they l eave
was sincere Christians t..~emse!ves wide open
who visit people in to such an attack by
their homes and seek engaging in some
IS IT TOO CONTROVERSIAL?
Jfossi/Cem
By " Awake!" correspondent in
pieces, not too attractive, since the exterior would
be quite rough when unpolished. The Greek navi·
gator Pytheas opened the way for Greek merchants
of Marseilles to deal in this product sometime in the
fou rth century B.C.E. But a lready the semiprecious
th.e Domirtican Republic
substance had been traded overland for centuries.
HAT does the word "fossil" suggest The overland route from the Baltic to the Adriatic
to your mind? Perhaps the remains Sea came to be known as the "Amber Road."
of E'xtinct creatures or plants? Per · There were some fanciful theories about the nature
haps museum displays of the relics of past and origin of amber. Pytheas thought it was the
ages dug up by the archaeologist's spade? scum of the encrusted sea. It was believed that when
I would lil~e to take you to see some the glare of the sun struck the sur.f ace of the ocean
fossils. No, we are not going to a museum. the water hardened into this form. The Greeks,
Rather, let us visit some jewelry stores. noting that when its surface was rubbed with coarsl"
Surprised? Then come with me along the cloth it had the property of attracting light objects,
streets of Santo Domingo, and we shall called It elektron. The word "electricity" is derived
see some lovely necklaces, bracelets and from this source. The Latins called it glesurn, a term
other costume jewelry shaped from a
we should recognize in the English words "glass" and
bea utiful fossil. It is the gem known
around the world as amber. "gloss."
What is its source? Thousands of years The Baltic peoples who picked up amber on their
ago it was a sticky resin exuding from coasts had little use for it. Said the second-century
giant trees, thought to be a species of pine historian Tacitus: "For a very long time [amber)
now extinct. Gigantic upheavals, earth· used to lie unnoticed among the other jetsam of the
quakes or floods eventually buried those sea, until our luxury gave it a name among them ... .
forests deep below the surface and under It is gathered in rough pieces and carried across
great pressures. There, cut off from air Europe in shapeless lumps, until at last they receive
and light, through the centuries the wood a pri.ce which amazes them." It remained for later
converted into carbon deposits and the times to discover this fossil "glass" in underground
resin became amber.
strata along the Baltic coast, strata that had sub·
But here we are at the store. Shall W€' marine outeroppings. High tides a nd storms broke
go in and see what they have on display? loose masses of the material and washed them ashore
Yes, here they are-a host of pretty orna-
!or man to harvest. Thus the mystery was cleared up.
ments produced by local craftsmen. No·
tice the many shades of amber. Yellow is No, it is not likely that these rough specimens on
the predominating color, but some speci- display here have come from the Baltic. You see, large
mens are quite white and there are some quantities of amber are also found right here in the
jet black. Is not that reddish-yellow Dominican Republic. Streams that cut through the
brooch warm and attractive? mountains bring some of it down in large lumps.
Here is a gold necklace with one large Mining operations have unearthed much more. In·
pendant "stone" secured by a small gold deed, amber has become one of this country's na-
wire. Look closely at the center of this t ional products.
amber piece. Do you see the tiny insect? Amber is quite versatile. It can be readily cut to
There it is just as it appeared thousands
the desired shape, and it can surely take on a beau·
of years ago ·when it stepped on the ap·
parently solid resin and became engulfed t iful polish. This is accomplished by sandpapering
in the sticky mass. Even his antennae are and buffing. And it combines very pleasingly with
still intact! Could you think of a finer way precious metals. True, synthetic amber is now being
to mount specimens for all-around exami- produced by the plastics industry, but the original
nation? material from deep in the earth is still highly prized..
26 AWAK E:
sive personal stature, he being head and
shoulders over the rest of the people, and
his modesty, all made for his being eager-
ly accepted as king of Israel. As God's
prophet later reminded him: "Was it not
when you were little in your own eyes that
you were head of the tribes of Israel, and
Jehovah proceeded to anoint you as l<ing
over Jsrael?"-1 Sam. 15:17; 10:1-24.
Saul's modesty is also seen in the way
he responded to those who opposed his be-
REAT learning is held out by educa-
G tors as the thing of highest impot'-
tar.ce because of its advantages in acquir-
ing made 1\ing. Certain "good-for-nothing"
men kept saying: "How will this one save
us?" But he "continued like one grown
ing wealth. However, the Bible, by reason speechless." He did not make an issue of i t.
of its divine \Visdom, puts the emphasis, - 1 Sam. 10:25-27.
not on great learning, but on a good heart
Although made king, Saul went back to
condition, which manifests itself in such
his farming until he learned about the in-
qualities as obedience and humility. It
habitants of Jabesh in Gilead having been
counsels: "More than all else that is to be
threatened to have their right eyes gouged
guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of
out by the Ammonites. Saul at once sent
it are the sources of Iife."-Prov. 4:23.
a stern ultimatum to all the tribes and
We have an object lesson of this in Saul, gathered an army of 330,000 men with
the first human king of all Israel. Al- whom he roundly defeated the Ammonites,
though starting out most promising!~, he freeing the men of Jabesh from their foes.
came to a tragic end because of a failure -1 Sam. 11:1-11.
to safeguard his heart. Saul is introduced Because of this victory "the people be-
to us in the Bible as an obedient youth, gan to say t<> Samuel: 'Who is it saying,
keenly concerned about his father's inter- "Saul-is he to be king over us?" Give the
ests-in particular, certain she-asses that men over, that we may put them to
had strayed. He also appears as a modest death.' " However, Saul disagreed. He was
youth, for when told that he was chosen not vengeful, but said: "Not a man should
t o be head of Israel he replied: "Am I not be put to death on this day, because today
a Benjaminite of the smallest of the tribes Jehovah has performed salvation in Is-
of Israel, and my family the most insignif- rael." After Saul had shown this mag-
icant of all the families of the tribe of nanimous spirit the people anew pro-
Benjamin? So why have you spoken to me claimed him king and greatly rejoiced.
a thing like this?"-1 Sam. 9:21. -1 Sam. 11:12-15.
Apparently because of his great modesty The inspired record also tells of Saul's
Saul was given repeated encouragement, <>Teat successes in warring against Israel's
both by the prophet Samuel and by super- :nemies. He was no insignificant warrior.
natural events, including the gift of proph- One foe after another he defeated: Moab,
esying. Still he was so shy that when the Ammon, Edom, Zobah, the Philistines and
time came to make him king he was Amalek. "He went on acting valiantly and
found hiding among the luggage. No doubt proceeded . . . to deliver Israel out of the
his having been chosen by lot, his impres- hand of their pillager."-1 Sam. 14:47, 48.
NOVEMBER 22, 1961' 27
But King Saul did not accompany these priest had befriended David, not knowing
successes with success in ruling his spirit that David was a fugitive from Saul.
and safeguarding his heart. Thus on one -1 Sam. 18:7-11; 20:33; 21:1-9; 22:16-19.
occasion he committed the extremely pre- The record also tells of Saul's extermi-
sumptuous act of usurping the position of nating large numbers of the Gibeonites
God's priestly prophet in offering up a who dwelt in among Israel, in fact, schem-
sacr ifice instead of patiently waiting for ing to annihilate them entirely because of
Samuel. Shortly thereafter he made an a fanatical nationalistic bias. In the end
emotional vow to which he would have Saul in desperation consulted the demons
sacrificed his own son Jonathan had not and committed suicide rather than to fall
the people interfered.-! Sam. 13:5-14; alive into the hands of the Philistines. The
14:24-45. record states : "Saul died for his unfaith-
King Saul gave further evidence of his fulness .. . concerning the word of Jeho-
fail ure to safeguard his heart by failing vah that he had not kept and also for ask-
fully to carry out Jehovah's command to ing of a spirit medium."-1 Chron. 10:13;
execute judgment upon the Amalekites. 2 Sam. 21:1-6.
Saul spared the choicest of the cattle as Truly t he life of King Saul was a trage-
well as the king himself, giving the two- dy. He started out so promisingly, but,
fold excuse that it was the people who failing to safeguard his heart, he came to
spared the animals and that this was for a miserable end. After being rejected by
the purpose of offering them as sacrifices. Jehovah he repeatedly sought to commu-
But what was his excuse for failing to ex- nicate with God, but in vain. The prophet
ecute the king? He had none. Because of Samuel long mourned Saul's being reject-
this, Saul incurred final rejection by God, ed, and David, although the innocent vic-
the seriousness of his disobedient course tim of Saul's murderous hatred, composed
being underscored by Samuel's words: "To a dirge lamenting the death of "the
obey is better than a sacrifice, to pay at- mighty men," both Saul and his son J ona-
tention than the fat of rams; for rebel- than.-1 Sam. 15 :35; 16:1, 2; 28:6;
liousness is the same as the sin of divina- 2 Sam. 1: 17-27.
tion, and pushing ahead presumptuously Truly there is strong warning for all
the same as using uncanny power ... Since Christians in the tragedy of King Saul. An
you have rejected the word of J ehovah, able king and warrior and modest to begin
he accordingly rejects you from being with, he, nevertheless, failed to safe-
king."-1 Sam. 15:1-23.
guard his heart. How Christians need at
After this a bad spirit came upon Saul all times carefully to guard their hearts,
and he became bitter and moody. The ex-
to be alert never to take themselves too
ploits of David and their being extolled by
the women of Israel caused him to nurse seriously and let pride and envy find lodg-
a consuming murderous envy of David. ment in them! Only those who are humble,
Repeatedly he tried to kill David, even modes t and obedient can hope to be used
though David twice spared his life, and and blessed by their great Maker Jehovah
he also tried to kill his own son Jonathan God. Yes, "let him that thinks he is stand-
because of his affection for Dayid. Saul's ing beware that he does not fall." Guard
bitter hatred of David caused him to wipe against Saul-like presumption by "work-
out an entire city of priests, including ing out your own salvation with fear and
women and children, because the chief trembling."-1 Cor. 10:12; P hil. 2:12.
28 AWAKE!
children are indulging in shop·
lifting." He asserted that the
growing dishonesty among
young people may be a by·
product of the greater freedom
a nd the more relaxed discipline
in which they are brought up.
Europe's Youth Pl·oblem
~ A Polish delegate to a
Juvenile Crime Prevention
Conference in London admitted
frankly that the problem was
getting out of hand in Warsaw.
There is a rea l war being
waged, he said. What alarms
the police is not only the sta-
tistical increase, but the fact
that senseless, motiveless
Drought-Floods their heads to the site of the crim es a re commonplace. The
~ The Japanese government dikes. When the construction London Express Service says:
reported, on October 11, that work gets in full swing, as "From Oslo to Marseilles,
the worst drought in sixty many as 150,000 people will be London to Athens, vandalism
years had damaged more than working on it at one time. The and thuggery, often without
1,100,000 acres of rice crops in aim is to reclaim about 2,700,- g ain, are the biggest and most
western Japan. 000 acres of cultivable land to puzzling headaches." In Hoi·
On the other hand, Buenos feed millions of mouths. land, detectives are finding
Aires, Argentina, was lashed stolen arms in the leather
with rains that continued al· "A Parent's Duty" jackets of 16-year-olds. In
most without letup for eight ~ "I am sick and tired of Germany, youths are slashing
days. Some 40,000 people had hearing that a child of five auto tires. In London, they are
been evacuated from their won't do as it is told. It is a smashing telephone booths. In
homes. F loods brought on by parent's duty to make chil- Rome, they are spraying autos
rainfall have caused at least dren do as they are told, and it with stolen aerosol cans of
twenty deaths. Forty-five other is in the children's best inter- purple paint and drop sugar
persons, including fifteen chi!· est." These sensible words were cubes in the gas tanks. In
dren, are missing. spoken by Justice Brandon Sweden, teen-agers sank eleven
during a case in the High yachts and motor cruisers this
2,600 Miles of Dikes Court. Says the Daily ExpTes.s summer. Dr. Alvarez Pinar, a
~ Paldstan intends to protect (London): "Every sensible S panish welfare expert,
the fertile Ga nges River delta parent knows this advice to be touched on the cause, as he saw
against intrusions of seawater absolutely right. The sadness it: "Delinquent children are
by the construction of 2,600 is that in present-day society almost always the fault of
miles o.f dikes. This ambitious it has to be spelled out." their parents. Maybe one day
program will mean the build- when parents are punished we
ing of an earth wall, varying "National Sport": Shoplifting will really make progress."
in height from 14 to 24 feet, ~ Oswald Miller, chairman of
across East Pakistan's south- the John Lewis Partnership, Killer Bees
ern coast from the Indian which runs sixteen department ~ Some years ago an Italian
border on the west to a point stores as well as the Waitrose strain of bees was imported
about 50 miles south of Chitta- supermarket chain, said that from southern Africa to Brazil
gong. Their aim is to reclaim Britain has a new "national to improve Brazilian honey.
the land from the Bay of Ben- sport"- shoplifting. "It is A published Reuters report,
gal as the Dutch did from the clear that attitudes to honesty dated September 14, said the
Zuider Zee. Few modern en- have changed in a way that is bees went on a rampage in the
gineering projects have re- alarming. It is an undoubted town of Salgueiro near Recife,
quired as much manual labor fact," he said, "that all over Brazil, and stung to death a
as this one. The dikes are not the country young people are former mayor, forty chickens,
to be built by bulldozers but being found involved in dishon- four turkeys and four pigeons.
by men, women and children esty. It has become a worry No immediate explanation
who laboriously fill baskets all over the country in schools could be given for this fero-
with dirt, then carry them on -the extent to which school- cious attack.
NOVEMBER 22, 1967 29
Electronic Aids Terr or in City Streets Watson revealed that he has
~ Modern electronic aids are ~ The surge of violence in solved the problem with a
used in thousands of hospitals American cities has produced living burglar alarm-a "secret
throughout the world. While deep popular reaction. Citizens squad" of two dozen guinea
many of them have proved are worried by the spread of fowl. The birds sleep in the
useful, nevertheless they have crime and violence. Many are trees and begin cackling at the
also become a deadly threat to arming themselves. Gun sales slightest sign ot human Inva-
both patients and staff, saicl in the city of Detroit have sion. This attracts the attention
Dr. Carl W. Walter, of Pete1· been rising steadily for more of a night watchman or ~t
Bent Brigham Hospital in Bos- than a year. Police said that cruising police car. According
ton, Massachusetts. Dr. Walter gun registrations have risen to The National Observer !OJ·
estimates that 1,200 persons more than 10,000 in a year, and October 16, "vandalism cost
died in United States hospitals they believe there are thou- the zoo about $1,500 last year."
last year from electric shocks. sands of unregistered guns "Teen-agers threw stones at
Dr. Walter said that medical loose in the city. Ilus W. Davis, birds and animals with dis·
authorities have tried to accu- the mayor of Kan sas City, astrous results: An ostrich,
mulate statistics on the subject. Missouri, says: "I do not think blinded in one eye by a ston<>.
But hospitals, doctors and there is any doubt about it; died from bra in da mage while
insurance companies "all try to crime and fear of crime have trying to get free from an
.hide their dirty linen," anr.l reached terrible proportions. iron fence; a sea lion, strucJ.;:
there was no way to make au You have to understand tha t by a stone, died of a brain
accurate count o.t fa talities. something like this can destroy concussion; still another stoll ~
a government completely. " broke a pelican's leg and it.
Highway D isasters "Armed robbery is the biggest too, died." Now the guinea hens
<b As of September 30, war problem right now," said that will station themselves to keep
casualtle·s in Vietnam exceeded city's police chief. "Everybody's man from destroying some·
100,000 for the United States. got a gun now." In Milwaukee. thing that he established for
The breakdown: killed i n WisCOl1Sin, Marquette Univer- his own enjoyment- the zoo.
action, 13,634; wounded, 86,635; sity has had to provide escorts
missing, 545; captured o r for nuns walking from a hos- Problem D ri.nklng
interned, 211. More than hall pital to their convent a block ~ A new U.S. government-
the casualties occurred in the away and to advise students financed report on a lcoholism
first nine months of 1967. But not to walk in the area a t entitled "Alcohol Problems: A
on the home front Americans n ight. Chicago, Cleveland, St. Report to the Nation" says
are faced with another war- Louis, Cincinnati and Minne- that 70 percent of all Amer-
the war of the road. The toll apolis are cities all plagued icans drink alcoholic beverages,
is staggering. Each week, 1,000 with the same problem of a nd that 40 percent drink
Americans lose their lives in crime breaking out of its older "regularly." One-third of all
auto accidents; the injured patterns and becoming much a rrests in the United States are
number 10,000 a day. Tha t is more general and much more for public drunkenness. Thou·
about 4,000,000 a year. U.S. violent. sands of persons with "seri·
government's top man on traf. ous" drinking problems arr.
fie safety, Dr. William Haddon, Ou.ija Boards committed to mental insti·
Jr., stated: "By any reason· ~ Last year saw a great de· tutions each year. And almost
able estimate, we're going to mand for ouija boards. Parker half of the drivers involved in
have thousands of crashes B ro thers says ouija sales are fatal accidents have had "ver.r
every day for the foreseeable now running at the rate of high" concentrations of alcohol
fu ture." More cars and more 2,000,000 boards a year against in their systems. The report
drivers are moving onto the 1,750,000 Monopoly sets. Parke t· says prevention- not a b s ti ·
roads. Dr. Haddon added : "I says this ls the first time nence-should be the national
don't think many people realize Monopoly sales have been sur· objective in dealing with alco-
that highway violence, by a passed smce the game was
introduced thirty-two years hol problems. Generally, the
margin of nearly 10 to 1. is
the leading form of violence in ago. Ouija boards are used to report calls for increased edu-
American life today. The make contact with the "spirit cational efforts on every level.
numbers of injured are so world," a form of demonism.
great that each 12 months Abortion 1\fllls
they would reach head-to-toe "Watch birds" ~ T ime magazine reports that
from the Atlantic to the Pacif- ~ The Baltimore Zoo has been Miami, Florida, has become
Ic." "The economic losses run a having its problems with van- America's abortion mecca, with
billion dollars a month," he dals. In the early part of about 30 abortion mills taking
said. October zoo director Arthur B. an estimated $20 million after
30 AWAKE!
payoffs to assorted officials. clear in the statements made university; let us ball up the
Other points from the report by nineteen student lea ders at economy."
are: Estimates of the number a recent meeting under the
of illegal a bortions in thr. auspices of the Center for the I>ersecutor a. Srncide
United States each year range Study of Democratic Institu· ~ Ex-general Arturo E spaillat
as high as 1.5 million, to com· t ions in Ca lifornia. President of the Dominican Republic
pare with 3.7 million live of the student body of Wash- committed suicide recently by
births. The worldwide estimat::! ington University in St. Louis shooting himself in the head
is 25 million abortions and advocated a program of terror· with a .38 cali ber pistol.
120 million live births an- ism that in his own words Espaillat, when serving in thr.
nually. In Roman Catholic would "demoralize and castrate cabinet of the late dictatot·
countries, bans on legal abOl'· America." Secretary of the Rafael Trujillo, persecut ed
tions mal\:e illegal abo rtion Student Non-Violent Coordi· Jehovah's witnesses and took
rates much higher. In France, the lead in the deportation of
abortions are roughly equal to nating Committee, a Harvard the missionaries from th e
the number of live births each graduate, boasted that his or- Dominican Republic in 1957.
year, the report says. In South ganization was " a b solute I y At the time of the fall of the
Americ~ . the No. 1 cause of without doubt responsible for Trujillo regime, Espaillat tle<l
death of women of childbearing the race riots throughout the t he country and lived in exile
age is having an abortion. country"-America. A student in Canada. From there he
of the University of California moved to Portugal. In Portugal
Proponen ts of Anarchy at Santa Barbara said : "The he suffered an auto accident,
~ In the United States there r evolution is coming. We're which left him partially para.·
~yzed. About a year ago he was
are some who suggest that bound to destroy the univer· permitted to reenter the Do·
"progress" is made by tearing sity." A Yale gr ad uate student minican Republic. But despera·
down standards of right and said: "We have the power to tion fina lly ca ught up with
justice. The direction in which bring the AmeJ,"lcan juggernaut him a nd he ended his life by
they are headed was marl ~ to a halt. Let us paralyze th<~ his own hand.
1 6 nda
Send also for the beautiful 1968 calendar. Available
in English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German,
Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish,
for 25c each.
DECEMBER 8, 1967
THE REASON FOR THIS MAGAZINE
News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must
be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" has no fetters. It recognizes
facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ties; it i$ unham·
pered by traditional creeds. This magazine keeps itself free, that it may speak freely to
you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.
The viewpoint of "Awake!" is not n~rrow, but is international. "Awake!" has its
own correspondents in scores of nations. Its articles are read in many lands, in many
languages, by millions of persons.
In every issue "Awake!" presents vital topics on which you should be informed. It
featu res penetrating articles on social conditions and offers sound counsel for meeting
the problems of everyday life. Current news from every continent passes in quick review.
Attention Is focused on activities in the flelds of government and commerce about which
you should know. Straightforward discussions of religious issues alert you to matters of
vital concern. Customs and people in many lands, the marvels of creation, practical
sciences and points of human interest are all embraced in its coverage. "Awake!" pro·
vides wholesome, instructive reading for every member of the family.
''Awake!" pledges itself to righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle
dangers, to championing freedom for all, to comforting mourners and strengthening those
disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establish-
ment of God's righteous new order in this generation.
Get acquainted with "Awake!" Kee p awoke by reading "Awake!"
.;: -:A -~- :2--~-:.:~ -;:
PUBI.ISR&D SeMIMONTHLY BY
WA TCH'tOWER BIBLE Al'\D T RACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK. INC.
117 Adams Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. U.S.A.
'N. H. Ksoaa, President GIL!.NT SUITER, 8ecret!11'11
CONTENTS
A Letter to Mother About Ch ristmas 3 Selecting Toys for Your Children 21
Perfection of the Living Cell 7
The Roman Empire 24
Sleep-That Wonderful Gift 8
Part-Time Work for Full-Time Ministers ...
J.0 Sauna-Steam Bath, Finnish Style :.t:)
Tombs of an Island People 17
"Your Word Is Truth"
"The Greater Mys tery" 19 How Chr ist Returns 27
New Facilities for Expansion
ln Sierra Le<>ne 20 Watching the World 29
" It is a lready the hour fo r you to awoke."
-ll<omons 13:11
A LETTER TO MOTHER
ABOUT~tma$~~~
It's true, we are young and we do Ilke
':Dear cm.otlte,., fun. But let me tell you how Tim and I
I hope you're well. We're all just fine. feel. When we became Jehovah's witnesses,
Mother, I have a special purpose in writ- we didn't make changes in our life and
ing you this letter. I'm sure you remember habits just because somebody told us to.
my telling you when Tim and I were bap- Every change we made in thinking or ac-
tized as Jehovah's witnesses that we tion was the result of personal research.
wouldn't be celebrating Christmas any- We wanted to make sure there was good
more, but I don't believe I made it clear reason to make the change. Tim did a lot
as to why. I'd like to explain thoroughly of searching in the library and I've done
in order to a void any misunderstandings quite a bit myself.
between us and keep the warm relation-
ship we have always enjoyed. Jesus' Birth Not in Winter
Let me say at the outset that I think I'd like to share with you some of the
I understand how you feel on the matter. things our personal research revealed on
You see the gift giving and warm spirit. the matter of Christmas. An obvious ob-
You see the fun for old and young alike; jection is the date. I k now you already re-
and you reason that it's connected with alize that Jesus wasn't born on Decembet·
the churches, and if it were wrong they'd 25th because you've sent me news clippings
know it. And you may think, 'After all, that admit it. The clippings, however, end-
so many people celebrate it. Everybody ed with the thought that 'the date isn't
but Jehovah's witnesses can't be wrong!' important; it's the spirit of the thing that
You'd like your daughter to join the fun. counts.'
Maybe you're even a bit afraid she's mak- I'd like to start with the date firs t,
ing an ascetic of herself and not enjoying though. The life account of Jesus in the
life as you want her to. Gospels shows he was on earth thirty-
DECEMBER 8, 1961
three and a half years. That would mean of me," he said at the Last Supper. (Luke
his birth and death are six months apart 22:19) But if we read very carefully
on the calendar. The time of his death was through the whole Bible we will find no
passover time in the spring, about the such command regarding his birth.
early part of April, thus putting his birth
about the early part of October. Origin of Ch ristmas
Historians point out that it's unreason- Well, then, where did the Christmas cel-
able, as well, to think that Jesus was born ebration come from? A study of history
in the wintertime. British scholar Joseph forces us to conclude that it was from false
Mede, for example, points out: "At the religion, which God detests. A newspaper
birth of Christ, every woman and child reporter did research for the San Juan
was to go to be taxed at the city whereto Stat· and came up with this information,
they belonged, whither some had long which was printed December 24, 1962:
journeys; but the middle of winter was not "The anniversary of the birth of Christ
fitting for such a business, especially for was not celebrated until the fourth cen-
women with child, and children to travel tury A.D. . . . December 24th or 25th,
in. Therefore, Christ could not be born in however, was finally chosen as the official
the depth of winter. Again, at the time of birthday of Christ. The ancient Greeks
Christ's birth, t he shepherds lay abroad and Romans as well as the Huns, Goths,
watching with their flocks in the night Teutons, and Celts celebrated the birth of
time; but this was not likely to be in the the unconquered sun on those days. . . .
middle of winter. And if any shall think The Greeks celebrated the re-birth of Di-
the winter wind was not so extreme in onysus in mid-winter.... The bringing of
these parts, let him remember the words gifts to the child-God Eros was part of
of Christ in the gospel, 'Pray that your the Dionysian festival. Christmas is indeed
flight be not in the winter.' If the winter an ancient festival with pagan roots. . ..
was so bad a time to flee in, it seems no Yes, Christmas is a pagan holiday."
fit time for shepherds to lie in the fields You're probably wondering, now, that
in, and women and children to travel in." if this is true, then why was this pagan
What he says is reasonable when we stop festival embraced by Christendom? Sir
to think about it, isn't it? James Frazer, a historian, sheds some
Well, then, did the early Christians cele- light in his book, The Golden Baugh. He
brate his birth on the correct date? The explains : "Taken altogether, the coinci-
Encyclopedia Americana, Volwne VI, 1956 dences of the Christian and heathen festi-
edition, answers : "The celebration was not vals are too close and too numerous to be
observed in the first centuries of the Chris- accidental. They mark the compromise
tian church, since the Christian usage in which the Church in the hour of its tri-
general was to celebrate the death of re- wnph was compelled to make with its
markable persons rather than their birth." vanquished yet still dangerous rivals."
But wouldn't Jesus want us to honor There, that's the crux of the matter! The
his birth, maybe even being angry i.f we Roman people had the pagan traditions so
didn't? Apparently not, since he never deeply ingrained that when the Roman
commanded his followers to celebrate it or Catholic Church took power and began
even had the date recorded. He didn't over- ruling, she, in order to solidify her power
look the memorialization of his death, and prevent the people from revolting,
however. "Keep doing this in remembrance took in the existing pagan feasts and cele-
4 .1 W AK E I
brations, tied them to something in the coholics and their families have an espe-
Catnolic religion, at1d let the people go on cially rough time of it because the Christ-
celebrating them. mas spirit so often comes in bottles. One
The Christmas tree, the yule log, can- family counselor estimates that this prob-
dles used in the celebration, any number lem alone poses potential trouble for some
of things connected with Christmas, if we 3,500,000 families annually, and the lip-
check into them, prove to be of undeniable stick worn home from the office party dis-
pagan origin. If you consult pages 97 and turbs millions more."
98 of the book The Two Babylons by Dr. Since Christmas is supposed to be cele-
Alexander Hislop, for instance, you will brated to give honor to Christ, I'm sure
find that the yule log and tree stem from you'll agree that its spirit should mirror
Babylon, the seat and center of ancient the spirit of Christianity. If we were to
false religion. Nimrod, whom the Bible de- define the spirit of Christianity, surely
scribes as a mighty hunter, but against the truth would be an important facet of it,
ti·ue God, died. His mother, Semiramis, wouldn't it? I'm thinking of Ephesians 4:
not wanting to lose her power as queen, 25 and 1 Timothy 4:7: "Now that you
said in 'effect, 'He's not dead. He has risen have put away falsehood, speak truth each
in heaven, and he communicates to his one of you with his neighbor." "Turn
people through me.' To convince her sub- down the false stories which violate what
jects and thus firmly establish her power, is holy."
she arranged a celebration whereby the But does an examination of Christmas
<]ead Nimrod was symbolized by a log at reveal truth? Let's just review for a mo-
the evening festivities; then during the ment some of the points in the quotations
night a live evergreen tree was put in its I have looked up for you. First, its date
place and the hoax was claimed to be a is false, and many encyclopedias, besides
miracle symbolizing Nimrod's rebirth to mentioning that the celebration honored
celestial life. It is this tradition that Eros and Dionysus who were false gods~
Christendom observes. also mention Mithras who was a false
messiah. There is, besides, the glaring
Does It Reflect Christianity'? falsehood of Santa Claus, to mention but
· What about the sentiments expressed in a few. Could anyone, after sincere consid-
your newspaper clippings to me that it is eration of all this, honestly say that Jesus
the spirit that counts? The traditional Christ would want to be associated with
·spirit of cheery goodwill and sincere gen- such a celebration? I can't believe he
.erosity is very idealist ic indeed, but don't would, can you?
you agree that the following excerpt from So if the date doesn't count, but the
the December 21, 1962, Time magazine is spirit does, I certainly feel that Christmas
a more realistic description of the yule- is condemned just as surely, don't you,
tide spirit? "Beginning about Thanksgiv- after thinking it over?
ing, family quarrels become fiercer, rela- However, in all fairness, perhaps we
tions with relatives become more strained, should consider whether it could be re-
tradesmen assume a forced friendliness, formed. Many times we hear the slogan,
and. the dispenser of holiday cheer begins "Let's put Christ back into Christmas."
to feel there is not an honestly cheery What, · then, if the celebration were
face to be found anywhere. . . . Part ·of changed from the pagan December 25th
the strain, of course, is financial. ... Al- to an October date? What if the Santa
. DECEMBER 8, 1967 5
Claus myth were completely discarded? incongruous that the biggest so-called
What if the holiday saw no more gluttons Christian celebration should breed ingrati-
and drunkards? What if the churches in- t ude, isn't it?
stead of the department stores became the As for adults' exchanging gifts-if we
centers of attraction? Of course, I'm sure analyze and compare the practice with Bi-
you will agree that there is not a remote ble principles, we would have to admit
possibility of this, but if there were, could that this is not "in the Christian spirit,"
Christ be put back into Christmas? Re- but against it. Gifts should not be "ex-
moving all sentimentality and looking at it changed," but given with no thought of re-
objectively, we would have to say, "No,'' turn, shouldn't they? Luke said in chapter
since he has never been a part of it, 6, verse 33, of his Gospel account: "And
wouldn't we? if you do good to those doing good to you,
J~eally of what credit is it to you? Even
Ch1·istian Gift Giving the sinners do the same." He was quoting
Perhaps you are wondering about how Jesus Christ. Jesus gave another example
our not celebrating Christmas works out of this principle. He said: "When you
in p ractice. As a parent yourself you may spread a dinner or evening meal, do not
feel sorry for the children of people who call your friends or your brothers or your
don't celebrate it, feeling that they must relatives or rich neighbors. Perhaps some
get "shortchanged" and feel sad. Actually, time they might also invite you in return
the opposite is true. The parents make it and it would become a repayment to you.
a point to bring their children gifts all But when you spread a feast, invite poor
year around. There are several advan tages people, crippled, lame, blind; and you will
to this method of gift giving. One is that be happy, because they have nothing with
1t makes for many happy occasions in the which to repay you. For you will be re-
year instead of one, and the child can ap- paid in the resurrection of the righteous
preciate each individual gift more. Ar.oth- ones."-Luke 14:12-14.
er advantage is that the child knows it is Of course, some of this kind of giving
his parents who are giving him the gifts does OCCW' at Chl'istmastime. But an too
out of their love for him, and his appre- often it occurs only at Christmas. Chris-
<:iation goes to them. The parents are not tian giving, on the other hand, I'm sure
pouring out money and effo1t for the child you will agree, can't be limited to one day
only to have the young one's gratitude go of the year. It must be directed toward the
to some imaginary Santa Claus, or else to needy the other 364 days too. And, of
have the child become an ingrate, feeling course, the many people who run to the
that it is San ta's job to bring presents and store to see how much their presents cost,
that no thanks are due. and complain if their friends and loved
Incidentally, I have never heard a child ones didn't spend enough; and the feeling
say, "Thank you for a.ll the things you that one is forced to give something be-
brought me last year," to a store Santa, cause "she is sure to give us something";
have you? They are just eager to tell him and the running into debt each year that
all the things they want this year. Yet if many people do to keep up a front-all
the child omitted a "Thank you" in ordi- this is so sad and so obvious that it needs
nary circumstances, before greedily asking no further comment.
for more, the parents would be quick to Interesting is the fact that history shows
recognize it as a sign of selfishness. How that Ch1·istmas was not always so univer-
6 AWAKE.'
sally celebrated. Early Americans who have with idols? . . . 'Therefore get out
were endeavoring to live in accord with from among them, and separate your-
God's Word did not celebrate the holiday, selves,' says Jehovah, 'and quit touching
and in 1659 they actually passed a law for- the unclean thing'; 'and I will take you
bidding its celebration. Look magazine of in.' "
December 31, 1963, comments on this: Putting pure water in a contaminated
"Christmas itself did not have the same glass doesn't make the glass clean, does it?
hold on youthful America that it did later. It contaminates the water. It is easy to
In early New England, celebrations wen~ see that trying to put the honoring of
forbidden by law because the Puritans Christ within a pagan framework has the
were offended by the pagan origin of many same effect; it contaminates the honor.
Christmas customs." Early Americans, It's significant that God doesn't suggest,
however, were not the first to forbid the he commands us-((Quit touching the un-
observing of Christmas. "In Cromwell's clean thing/'
time," Maclean's magazine of January 6, That is what Tim and I have done. We
1962, observes, "the Puritan Church of wish you and Tim's family and everyone
England not only ignored the so-called else we know would 'quit touching it'; but
birthday of Jesus, but prosecuted any UTI- we can't force you, and we would never
regenerated souls who dared to keep it in try. By the same token, we hope all of you
secret." will respect om consciences and not try to
force us back into what we have quit do·
B i ble B asis for Deci sion ing. Even though we are young, our faith
These people felt strongly about it, is based on knowledge, not emotion; so
didn't they? They were not halfhearted in you need not be anxious in our behalf. We
their abhorrence, but they took it as a don't miss the once-a-year "fun" of Christ-
serious matter. Further research, this time mas. Serving God as Jehovah's witnesses,
in the Bible, will, I think, reveal why. The ;ve have a year-round joy that more than
early Protestants were Bible readers. They compensates.
knew what God's Word says about taking I hope this letter will bring us even
part in anything that has to do with false closer together. If two people understand
religion. It is worthy of note how clear the each other and how they think and why
Scriptures are in condemning any mixing they think that way, it can't help but bring
of false religion and t he true. Consider stronger bonds between them, can .it? .
2 Corinthians 6:14-17: "What fellowship Lots of love,
does light have w.ith darkness? Further,
what harmony is there between Chr ist and ~our daut]lt t er
Belial [Satan] ? Or what portion does a
[This is taken from en act ua l letter written by
faithful person have with an unbeliever? a missionary in Laos to her mother in the United
And what agreement does God's temple Stales.]
"Let YOl£r manne?· of life be t ·ree of the love of money, while yau are
content with the p1·esent things. For [God] has said: 'I will by no
means leave yau no1· by any means {o1·sake yau.' "-Heb. 13:5.
16 AWAKE!
·THE Pacific island of
Okinawa, located be-
. tween Japan and Taiwan,
leaped into prominence by of on
reason of the
fierce fighting that
occurred there
during World War
tstnnn
II. Peaceful visi-
tors now find it
quaint, colorful,
even picturesque.
PEOPLE
Perhaps one of the
outstanding · at- By "Awakt l''
tractions to those correspondent
who seek the unu- in Okinawa
sual are the burial
customs and the unique form of the burial this tomb structure is purposely fashioned
places. to represent the female womb from which
... · We do not have to travel far to get all men come. They believe that it sym-
a firsthand .glimpse of these venerated bolizes the position of a woman when
resting-places of the dead. Sea ttered about to give birth. And a local expression
·throughout the countryside, on hillsides, describing the burial of the dead is moto
along the seashore cliffs, in rocky areas ni kae?"'J,, meaning "return to the source."
not otherwise useful, these structures are How reminiscent of that ancient death
~o be found. The faces of cliffs have been sentence: "Dust you are and to dust you
in some instances cemented over, with a will return"!- Gen. 3 :19.
small square opening at the front. Natural Okinawans evidently took very literally
qwes have been enlarged and fronted with this idea of coming forth from earth's
masonry. womb. Not only did they construct tombs
To see some of the better examples of having the outward form and shape of the
·.the typical Okinawan tomb, we should take womb, but they also prepared the body of
a brief trip to Shuri, located on a hill in the the deceased in a special way in order for
northern part of Okinawa's largest city of it to go through this reversal of the birth
.Naha. As we drive up the gently sloping procedure. The body was so disposed that
highway, there, off to the left, we can see the knees were drawn up close to the chest
.hundreds of hafu (gable-type tombs) over- and arms folded tightly against the chest.
looking the beautiful East China Sea. Then in a small coffin, perhaps no longer
Many of them are dug right into the hill- than four feet, the deceased was carefully
side. Another common feature is the en- passed through the small opening of the
closed area at the front of each tomb. tomb into the dark recess beyond.
As we proceed toward N aha we get a
fine view of the kame-no-ko (or, tortoise Ancient Traditions
shell) . It is appropriately named, for it It is generally accepted that the art of
does resemble the shell of the turtle. In- making these strange tombs was intro-
deed, many Okinawans will tell you that duced from China some five centuries ago.
DECEMBER 8, 1961 17
However, the practice of consigning the west of Naha, and it is called the "Kochi-
dead to some dar¥; rock shelter or cave munchu" tomb. It houses the remains of
goes much farther back. We can recall that reputable members of the munchu or clan
Abraham buried his beloved wife in the of the KoehL The fom smaller structures
cave of the field of Machpelah in the vi- forming a line in front of the main tomb
cinity of Hebron more than 3,800 years contain the remains of deceased members
ago. (Gen. 23:19) Such a cave, sealed in of the various branches of the Kochi-
front, offered assurance that the remains mW1chu. After the remains have continued
would not be dragged to the surface again for three years in the smaller-type tomb,
by carrion eaters. the bones are removed, scraped and
The first of the so-called "turtle-back" washed, and placed in a burial urn, which,
tombs is said to have been constructed for in turn, is introduced into the Toshi-baka
"Lord" Gosa-maru in the fifteenth cen- or main tomb.
tury B.C.E. Falsely charged with treach- Another interesting feature: When a
ery to his king and attacked, Gosa-maru family member lives beyond the fourscore
and his troops refused to defend them- years, he is, at death, immediately buried
selves against an a.m1y bearing the king's in the permanent tomb. This is considered
banner; instead, they preferred to com- a great honor to the entire family, On the
mit hara-kiri. Too late the king discovered other hand, those bringing disgrace on the
the falsity of the charge, and Gosa-maru clan are not even buried within the en-
was buried with great pomp in one of closure, but are buried in small individual
these tombs near the site of his castle. tombs outside the wall.
Other families, honoring the loyal com- In recent years cremation has become
mander, began copying the unusually increasingly popular. Thus the people are
shaped tomb. Later, especially after 1871 able to dispense with the bone-cleaning
when Japan erected a monument within ceremony. The remains of cremated bodies
the ancient castle's walls, further popu- are put into urns and then placed in the
larity was given to this type of bmial tombs. From time to time more room in
place. It is now estimated that there are t he tomb is made by emptying some of the
some 30,000 of them scattered throughout older urns behind the altar situated inside
Okinawa. the tomb. Okinawans think of the spa-
cious tomb as a place where many genera-
Okinawan Family Tombs tions enjoy a reunion.
There are, of course, tombs of various
shapes to be foW1d throughout the island, Tomb Ceremonies
almost all of them family tombs. Since an- In common with the pagan idea that is
cestor worship is the predominant reli- so widespread, the islanders feel that their
gious idea of these islanders, many fami- ancestors are still alive in another realm.
lies feel compelled t o spend as much as Thus t hey periodically honor the dead by
possible on a family tomb, so much so that special observances. Vlhen a death occurs
it has been claimed that the average Oki- in a family, the survivors celebrate every
nawan spends more money on the sacred seventh day during a period of forty-nine
tomb than on his own private dwelling. days, bringing food offerings to the t omb.
The largest family tomb is located in In some cases the celebration is conducted
Itoman, a fishing village a few miles south- in the home, most families having an altar-
IS AWA KE.'
like arrangement called a butsu.dan. The ligions, such as Taoism, Shintoism, Bud-
name of the deceased one is written on the dhism and Confucianism, have produced a
altar, and thereafter the aid of such dead number of modifications in burial practice.
one is sought on behalf of the living. Oth- Nevertheless, whether they call it ances-
er similar ceremonies are held on the first, tor worship or simply respect toward the
third, seventh, thirteenth, twenty-fifth and dead, a belief in the powerful influence of
thirty-third anniversaries of the death. a realm of the dead is still strong.
In Okinawa there is a general festival Though customs and traditions die hard,
observed from July 13 to 15 in honor of it is truly gladdening to see a growing
the beloved dead. It is called the 0-bon number of Okinawans who have learned
Festival. It "is celebrated as a reunion of from the Word of God, the Holy Bible,
the living with the spirits of the dead. Its that it is vain to seek help from the dead
purpose is to perpetuate the memory of who are unconscious and will remain so
ancestors and to stimulate ancestor wor- until called forth from their tombs in the
ship and filial piety, and it is based on the resurrection. (Eccl. 9:5, 10) They have
belief that spirits of the dead ancestors read the pertinent questions recorded by
return to the world of the living to be en- God's prophet: "Is it not to its God that
tertained by those still alive."-Customs any people should apply? Should there be
and Culture o.f Okinawa) Gladys Zabilka, application to dead persons in behalf of
p. 110. living persons?"-Isa. 8:19.
Prior to this festival the sacred tombs Testifying to the fact that many Okina-
are tidied and made ready for the occa- wans have found the right answers to
sion. Whole families assemble in the en- those questions, many are truly finding
closed areas in front of the tombs, and comfort in the knowledge of God's prom-
special offerings are made. It is felt that ised new order of things under which there
good association is enjoyed between the will be a grand reunion of deceased ances-
living and the spirits of their ancestors. tors with those then living. Many are tak-
Families often build their lives around ing the right steps to bring their lives into
these observances. From infancy they have harmony with the righteous requirements
been inculcated with a deep respect for of Jehovah God and are entertaining the
their elders and dead ancestors, with the hope of being on hand at that grand re-
result that family ties remain strong union with the resurrected dead.-John
among them. Various of the Oriental re- 5:28, 29.
~ Many persons dogmatically state that the evolution of life from il1animate
matter to man has been verified by established facts. How substantial is the evi-
dence? The Evansville, Indiana, Pr ess of October 7, 1966, reported: "Apparently
(life) started with the animation of a single cell, .. . 'The cell had life, and to
this day we don't know where it came from,' Dr. Otto M. Lilien, chairman of the
urology department of Upstate Medical Center in New York, said . . . But the
greater mystery, said Lilien and several other scientific speakers, is how that
single cell developed into a man." After more than a century of investigation
evolution is still seen to have as its basis speculation and pyramiding hypotheses,
not conclusions based on the facts of science. But the Bible's account of creation
has been verified by established facts.
DECEMBER 8, 1967 19
N THIS mid-August town in an elevated posi-
Saturday the sun was tion overlooking the sea,
shining in all its bril- the new building has been
liance. But what was so a point of comment by
unusual about this -in a many Freetown residents
tropical country in West right from the laying of
Africa? Here in Sierra the foundation of this
Leone it was the middle reinforced-concrete struc-
of the heavy rainy sea·
son. There had not been
FOR EXPANSION ture. And now many
welcomed th is oppor-
tunity to tour the com-
~~-
a full day of sunshine
for weeks. However, on pleted building. ··
this particular day not The inspection by the
a drop of rain had fallen. visitors was followed i:n
For this Jehovah's wit· the evening by a most
nesses were grateful, stimulating program, in·
since it was the day for eluding a dedication talk
inspection by friends and by the branch servant
neighbors of the new and a discussion of how
missionary home, branch God's truth has spread
office and Kingdom Hall, in Sierra Leone.
completed in Freetown Apparently it was in
about one month earlier. 1922 that the first books
The crowds started to of the Watch Tower
arrive even before the 8y "Awake I" correspondent in Sierra Leone Bible and Tract Society
2 p.m. opening. In a few entered Sierra Leone for
minutes the lobby, King- distribution, these being
dom Hall and other rooms were crowded with sent by an elderly witness of Jehovah in Bar:
happy, smiling faces. The missionaries acted bados to her son in Freetown, who incidentally
as guides and expla ined to the visitors the told the story himself during the program.
new facilities of this fine new structure that Others who have served Jehovah for many
had been built for the expansion of Jehovah's years in Sierra Leone were present for the
praise. Local businessmen, builders and pro· program, each adding a personal touch to the
fessional people mixed freely and warmly with
historical account of the expansion of Kingdom
the Witnesses. They all listened eagerly to the
commentary as they passed through the small, witnessing in this country, from the first bap-
but pleasant office and shipping department, tism conducted by the well-known West African
garage, modern kitchen, airy dining room, preacher "Bible'' Brown in 1923 down to the
laundry, guest room, and beautiful Kingdom expanded facilities of 1967. The oldest of thes.e
Hall, and inspected the spacious garden and Witnesses ls now ninety-two years of age.
other facilities of the building. There has been a steady growth in the
Features that many commented on were the number of ministers of Jehovah's witnesses
various colors of flooring, with highly polished over the years. The first missionaries in re-
cream, yellow, red, green and black cement cent years arrived in Sierra Leone in 1947.
mixtures being used, some of w hich were divided During that year three full-time pioneer minis-
into squares with special design. The more beau- ters and nineteen other ministers reported
tiful and durable terrazzo was used on the lobby activity. But twenty years later this had swelled
and kitchen floors. The attractive color schemes to a new peak in April of this year of 573
and specially designed windows were also ministers, 153 of whom enjoyed the blessings of
eye-catching. For many weeks heavy traffic in the pioneer ministry. And now with these new
front of this new building would often slow facilities provided for expansion, J ehovah's wit-
almost to a standstill so that drivers and pas- nesses in Sierra Leone confidently expect to see
sengers could get a better view. Built in one of an even greater ingathering in the months
the m·ost attractive residential districts of Free· ahead.
20 AWAKE!
HINK of the investment. The Amer-
ican family spends an average of some $40
a year on toys! In the last twenty years
the toy industry has practically quadrupled in
the United States~ with sales at retail prices
presently running close to two thousand mil-
lion dollars annually! Other countries, too,
have widely expanded their toy production.
Germany, in fact, was the early pioneer in
toy manufacturing, causing one toy historian
to write in 1928: "It would almost seem as if
in this field Germany has a greater intuitive
understanding of the needs of the child than FOR YOUR
has her neighbours. That she has fow1d the
true key to the hearts of children of every na- CHILDREN
tionality is proved by the unparalleled spread
The Universality of Toys
of her toys over the whole world."
Broadly speaking, any item used in
Even today one of the most important shop- play is a toy. And evidence from very
ping centers of the world for the toy industry early civilizations indicates that chil-
is Nuremberg, Germany. In recent years well dren have apparently always played
over a thousand firms from some twenty-five with them. It has been found, for ex-
countries have exhibited their wares at the ample, that ancient Egyptian children
International Toy Fair held in Nuremberg played with jointed wooden dolls, rat-
·e~ch February. And like other big businesses, tles, sailboats and toy animals, some of
the toy industry has begun to advertise its these still being preserved in museums.
many products widely, spending more than $45 And the children of ancient Greece and
million in a recent year in the United States Rome played with tops, hoops, balls,
on TV advertising alone! and toy carts and horses.
With hundreds of different kinds of toys One can hardly help noticing the
similarity between these toys and the
often on display in a store, selecting one for
type that are most popular among
a youngster can prove no easy matter. Which children today. This has impressed
toy will he like? Is its cost a determining fac- historians. In her recent book, A His-
tor? Are all toys good for children? Are there tory of Toys, Antonia Frazer observed:
dangerous features for which to watch? Real- "Again and again, the same basic pat-
ly, is it important for children to have toys? tern of toy emerges from among races
Did children in earlier generations have them? who could not possibly have been in
Who started the idea of playing with toys? touch with each other's cultures....
Presumably these toys are the product
of very deep-seated infantile instincts,
DECEMBIJJR 8, 1961 21
Lmrelated to differences in race and time." using them to construct roads, corrals for
An experiment conducted with children farm animals, large buildings and count-
of different races revealed that they had less other things.
a definite preference for similar toys. It
was rep0rted at a recent conference of t.I-Ie Importance of Participation
International Council for Children's Play Toys, such as blocks, that allow the child
that tests showed that the toys most popu- to do something with them are the most
lar with African children were the ones desirable and satisfying. For example, a
most popular with European children. wooden rod or dowel upon which small
wooden pieces can be screwed and tL'l -
Need for Toys-Simple Ones screwed can be a real source of interest
One has only to watch an infant to see and pleasure to a young child. Or, perhaps
that toys are helpful to his physical and for a little older child, pieces of metai of
mental development. He has a natural cu- various shapes and sizes that can be as-
riosity, and desires to reach out and in- sembled on magnetic bases will offer the
vestigate things; push them around, scat- opportunity to create patterns and designs
ter them and gather them together again. and will give him satisfact ion.
A young child, therefore, does not need When selecting toys, it is impor tant to
very expensive or intricate toys. Actually, consider the age, strength and aptitude of
it is not until he is in his fourth or fifth the child, for their needs and interests
year that a child becomes aware of the change. For instance, odd as it may seem,
composition of his playthings and is con- smaller children need rather large toys;
sciously interested in color and form. bigger wing nuts to unscrew, larger blocks,
Thus, toys that have been popular for fatter crayons, and so forth. And while a
generations should satisfy your child. In tricycle may be fine for a four- or five-
this connection, German professor Karl year-old, it can be frustrating for a two-
Hils observed: "Children of all ages and or three-year-old to try to operate.
all peoples are the same in their aptitudes The mistake often made by people who
and their desires, and thus the same in are selecting toys for children is that, in-
their play urge too. The baby's rattle, the stead of determining what will please the
small child's ball, the house of bricks, the child, they purchase what pleases them-
toy animal and the doll have changed very selves. It may be an expensive and very
little thmughout the ages." He further attractive mechanical toy that, when
noted: "Children occupy themselves long- wound up, will go through some very
est with simple things; with small stones, amusing antics. But, then, after presenting
clay, pieces of wood," and so forth. their gift, they are many times heard to
complain: "Why doesn't Hans play with
Wooden blocks are ideal toys for small his new toy"? It cost us plenty."
children. The most satisfactory ones are
The problem is that such a toy does not
the relatively large-size blocks. One- or require participation of the child. It func-
two-year-old children develop their mus- tions in only one particular way and al-
cles by grasping them, throwing them and lows no room for the child to improvise
by knocking them against each other. The and exercise his initiative. It does the play-
toddler carries them from place to place, ing; the child is the spectator. But chil-
packs or stacks them. As the child grows dren want to be doing something.
older he can derive much pleasure from A child under six years of age is inti-
22 AWAKE!
nitely happier pushing or pulling a toy Imagination and Imitation
with its own hands and body. He may It is because a child's play is based
spend a half hour pouring water from one upon things he sees, stories he hears or
vessel into another, or filling his bucket situations with which he is familiar. Costly
dozens of times with sand or stones. This toys are not necessary for this purpose.
repetitious form of play does not appeal The child can make the box what he likes
to a grown-up, but it can to a young child, -he can imagine it to be a plane, a boat,
which explains why children often want to a truck, and so forth. With his rich imagi-
hear the same bedtime stories over and nation the child can weave the most elabo-
over again. rate gown out of discarded rags.
Toy manufacturers and salesmen many A child can straddle an old broom and
times fail to consider the child's viewpoint, be enthralled at galloping around on his
as Dan Foley observed in his history Toys imaginary horse. Or he may imagine that
Through the Ages: "Cuxiously enough, cre- he is a truck driver. Some old shoes may
ative research has not always produced serve as imaginary trucks. An open space
toys that children love and cuddle for any under the porch is the garage. And a
great period of time, nor have the thou- crooked line of old bits of wood laid out
sands of novelties and gimmicks of our on the ground serves as the road.
great age of mass production been com- Little girls, too, find real delight in ex-
pletely satisfying.... The idea that manu- ercising imagination in their doll playing.
facturers must produce something new Many modern girls may become inflamed
each season is important from the point with the desire to have the latest type.
of view of commerce and the ever-growing There are ones that cry, drink water, wet
toy market, but, all too often, the child's their diapers, and so forth. But these char-
point of view is overlooked." acteristics are not what give lasting satis-
Even toy manufacturers admit that faction. This comes from the imaginat ion
many parents are prompted to buy expen- of the child who reenacts a countless num-
sive toys that children soon tire of. Ex- ber of parent-child relationships.
plained the president of one toy company: One professional toy maker noted that
"Parents often waste money on toys in- toy salesmen often do not appreciate the
advertently. Consider the dismay of a fa- basic play instincts of children. He wrote:
ther who watches his child play with the "I spent many an hour meandering around
box in which the toy came, rather than the toy-shops and, in the process of my
with the toy itself." tall{s with the assistants, I discovered a
So be cautious of TV advertisements or general lack of understanding and con-
salesmen that want to sell you an ex- sideration fot· the play-value of the toys
pensive new-type toy, or a great many they were selling all day. I tried to ex-
different toys. It has been found that pos- plain to them that toys need not neces-
sessing too many of them can be disad- sarily be designed, manufactw·ed and sold
vantageous to a child psychologically; de- in shops as such, and that some of the
cisions becoming increasingly difficult and most intriguing playthings that I have
possibilities being bypassed in the ensuing come across were improvised from every-
mental confusion. day household equipment such as sauce-
But why is it that a child may find more pans and saucepan lids, cotton reels, empty
lasting happiness playing with an old box tins, etc."
than with a fancy new toy? You may discover that some of the toys
DECEMBER 8, 1967 23
that your children will appreciate most injure the child. Metal toys, for instance,
are ones you can make. True, they may may have sharp edges, or they may bend,
be simple, but really that is what chil- break or rust and constitute a real dan-
dren especially like, allowing them to fill ger to a younger child. Poor-quality paint
in details with their fertile imaginations. may chip easily or be poisonous. So be
For example, one ·woman explained con- sure that the paint is nontoxic and of good
cerning the favorite toy around their quality. It is also important always to ex-
home: amine for parts that may come off and
It "has been a cardboard 'house' my be swallowed,· or which could inflict in-
husband made out of a big packing car- jury. Eyes, ears or other such parts should
ton. He carved two windows on opposite be impossible to remove by a child.
sides and double swinging doors at one In short, it is better to have a few ap- ·
end. Two cannister knobs made good door propriate toys of good quality than many
handles. A light bulb with a chain through toys that are cheaply made, or ones that
the roof gave it a very elegant touch, in are inappropriate. Poorly made toys that
the eyes of the children. And the only break easily not only can prove dangerous, ·
other additions were two shoe boxes: one but may frustrate a child's wish to devel-
cut to perch on the slanting roof for a op skills in handling toys. They can actual-
chimney, the other taped under one win- ly destroy his respect for them.
dow on the outside for a mailbox. Parents who are trying to rear their
"We have often thought of painting or children as Christians find that quite a
shellacking this playhouse, of curtaining number of toys today are inappropriate,·
the windows, even furnishing it. However, especially if their use violates Bible prin-..
the children prefer it as is. It has been, ciples. For example, playing with toys
by turns, a house, a doghouse, a boat, a that are imitations of weapons designed to
car, a school, a hospital, an office, a store, kill others is not in keeping with the Bible
an airplane, a cave, a clubhouse, a jail, admonition: "A slave of the Lord does not
a submarine, a fire station, an Indian tent, need to fight, but needs to be gentle
a palace, a rocket ship, and probably many toward all."-2 Tim. 2 :24.
other things we were not told about." Since toys play an important part in the
This certainly illustrates that an un- development of a young child, parents.
specific toy, one which has many possible should wisely determine which ones will
uses, is the type that young children like be most appropriate for their children. It
the most and that interests them t he is not the cost of a toy or how fancy or
longest. up-to-date it is that determines its value.
Rather, it is simple toys that allow a child
Safety and Quality to do something with them, ones that per-
Whether you make or purchase a toy mit him to exercise his imagination in us-
you should be alert that it can in no way ing them, that are the best.
During the days of Emperor Trajan the Roman Empire reached its
greatest size, covering about 2,500,000 square miles. Hence, that re-
nowned world empire covered less area than the continent of Australia.
24 AWAKE.'
By "Awake!"
correspondent
in Finland
IlayNFinnish
ALL modesty
people
no claim to hav-
ing invented the
sauna • or steam
bath. In fact, they
are likely to point
out that the Scyth-
ians of old had a
primitive kind of steam bath, and even woodbox with fuel for the stove, visible
the American Indians submitted to puri- through an opening in the partitiGn down
fication rites that took the form of the close to the floor. Through this opening
steam bath. However, in Finland this type the stove is fed short lengths of wood.
of bathing has been developed and popu- Passing from the anteroom into the steam
larized to the point where today there is room itself, we notice what appears to be
one sauna for every seven to twelve per- a miniature reviewing stand, with three
sons in the whole land. levels, occupying one whole side of the
What is this sauna? What is so distinc- room.
tive about it? If you have never visited Next we note the heap of smooth, round
one nor availed yourself of this traditional stones that are piled up over the stove.
mark of Finnish hospitality, you will find When the fire has been well stoked and
it interesting to explore. And even if you these rocks are thoroughly heated, a dip-
have enjoyed the· relaxation of the sauna per or two of water thrown over them
built right into some modern apartment in produces a steam with just the right de-
your own home city, you may not know gree of heat and humidity to induce co-
about the customary sauna of the Finnish pious perspiration. Hung up on the wall
rural citizen. you will also see several whisks of fresh-
· In this land of a thousand lakes the smelling birch leaves.
sauna is constructed close to the edge of
the lake wherever possible, for, unlike the Warm Hospitality
Scythians who liked steam but disliked Since experience is the best way to be-
water, the Finns consider water bathing come acquainted with the sauna, let us
to be the necessary sequel to the steam avail ourselves of the kind invitation of
bath. In earlier times the bathhouse was our host. First we provide ourselves with
built wholly or partly underground. How- two pails of water each, and, having un-
ever, today it takes the form of a rough dressed in the anteroom, we proceed to
log cabin, usually lined with unfinished, the steam room. With soap and water we
unpainted boards. can lather ourselves all over and rinse off
Often it has a small anteroom with a by emptying a bucket of water over each
wooden bench along one wall, and above other. We are now ready for some steam
it are hooks upon which the bather may heat, so, with a dipper we sprinkle about
hang his clothes. On the other side is a a pint of cold water over the hot stones,
0
The "au" Is pronounced like the "ou" In " found." and then recline on one of the levels of
DECEMfJER 8, 1961 25
the steplike bench. If you want it really essary to go to that extreme. If there is
hot, select the top level. The nearer one sufficient ventilation, the air need never
gets to the floor, the Jo·wer the tempera- become too humid or steamy. Also, the
ture. unpainted, unoiled walls and ceiling quick-
Right away the heat seems to shoot to ly absorb much of the moisture. Nor is it
the ceiling and then descend to envelop the necessary to throw a lot of water over the
bather, and beads of perspiration begin to hot stones if they have been thoroughly
roll. Now it is time to sit up and take heated. Once or twice may be sufficient.
those birch-branch whisks and gently beat Otherwise the air in the sauna may be-
each other over the back and shoulders. come stifling hot without producing co-
This stimulates blood circulation, and the pious perspiration.
vegetable oils from the leaves are said to Some good advice to would-be steam
be good for the skin. Then we can recline bathers is in order here. It is best to re-
again, or, if we find it rather hot, we can frai n from eating a heavy meal or drink-
step out into the anteroom for a few mo- ing a lot of liquid before going to the
ments before taking more steam. sauna. You see, the steam causes the blood
If we arc in no hurry we can take to rise to the skin surface at a time when
steam intermittently for an hour or two. it should be in the inner organs digesting
The greater the measure of relaxation we your food. Those who suffer from heart
can attain, the better the effects. When trouble or high blood presstu·e would do
ready we can go out and take a plunge in well to take steam moderately. The sud-
the lake, or simply sit around in the ante- den increase of blood circulation may tend
room, draped in sheets, until we have to overload an already weak organ. Those
dried off and cooled off. who are conscious of overweight cannot
Even in wintertime the steam bath is hope to slim by the steam-bath method,
kept going regularly at least once a week, for the half liter (about one pint) of liq-
and foUowing the bath one can go out and uid lost by perspiration is soon replaced
roll in the snow briefly or break the ice after the bath by drinking.
and have a cold plunge in the Jake. Many Though there is some divergence of
Finns rub themselves all over vigorously opinion about the value of the sauna, the
with snow, and it is remarkable how easily Finns will tell you from experience that
and pleasantly the body reacts to the cold it contributes toward the maintenance of
after having been so thoroughly heated in a good physical and mental state. Their
the bath. Finally, when you sit down to view is reflected in the proverb: ''The
a light supper and a pleasant chat, the
sauna is the chemist [druggist] of the
warmth of Finnish hospitality leaves you
with a definite sense of exhilaration. poor," and, "If spirits [alcohol], tar and
sauna do not help.-the sickness is unto
Interesting Features death." Wherever they go throughout the
Though an old Finnish proverb says, world Finnish emigrants carry with them
"Heat the sauna so that the sprats [small the sauna custom, extending theh· warm
fish] will fry on the wall," it is not nee- type of hospitality to their new neighbors.
26 AWAKE!
') Soon after speaking those comforting
words to his own disciples, Jesus suffered
death and was laid in a tomb. On the third
day he was raised, and for the space of
forty days he made appearances to a se-
lect group of witnesses, prior to his as-
cension to heaven. (Acts 10:40, 41) Years
later the apostle Paul expressed the ex-
pectation of those first-centul'Y Chris-
tians when he wrote: "And so it is writ-
ten, the first man Adam was made a living
BELIEF in the return of Jesus Christ
is basic among Bible-believing Chris-
They know that Christ promised to
tians.
soul; the last Adam was made a [life-
giving] spirit. And as we have borne the
hnage of the earthy, we shall also bear
come again and that his return would the image of the heavenly."-1 Cor. 15:
bring blessings to his faithful followers. 45, 49, AV.
But how would he come? Interested per- ~ Thus, the disciples did not expect Je-
sons have wondered about that for a long sus to become like them. Rather, they ex-
time. Even Jesus' apostles asked him what
pected to be raised as spirit creatures,
would be the sign of his presence.-Matt. even as he was, and that those still sur-
24:3. viving until his coming would be changed
:: Now, if .Jesus' second presence were to to be like him. The apostle Paul on this
be visible and tangible, there would hardly point wrote: "The Lord himself shall de-
be need for a sign. So the question raised scend from heaven with a shout, with the
by the disciples has to do with the manner voice of the archangel, and with the trump
of his coming again. Was it to be visible of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise
or invisible? Perhaps you would like to first."-1 Thess. 4:16, AV.
check a few texts in your own Bible and
c The Lord's 'descent from heaven' does
consider some of the reasons for Christ's
not necessarily mean a visible return, for
return. This should help you to determine
on a number of occasions in Israelite his-
whether that return is to be visible or not.
tory the Bible speaks of Jehovah God ru;
<> Turn to John 14, verse 3, if you will. visiting his earthly people, yet it did not
What does this text show? That he involve his coming visibly. (Ex. 4:31; Gen.
would come to arrange for a select group 50:24; Ruth 1:6) Rather, that descent
of his followers, many of them by that would refer to a tw·ning of Jesus' atten-
time asleep in the dust of the earth, to tion to the earthly affairs of his kingdom
be raised from death and brought to join from the vantage point of his throne in
him in the heavens. He was not going to heaven.
take up residence on earth again to be 7
Another purpose of Christ's return is
with them, but they were to join him in
to perform a great work of judgment, sepa-
heaven. And note what he says to them rating goatlike people from sheeplike ones.
at verse 19 of this same chapter, accord- Note what Jesus said at Matthew 25:31-
ing to the Authorized or King James Vm·- 33, AV: "When the Son of man shall
sion: "Yet a little while, and the world come in his glory, . . . then shall he sit
seeth me no more; but ye see me: because upon the throne of his glory: and beforE>
I live, ye shall live also." him shall be gathered all nations." Is there
DECEMBER 8. 19Gi 27
anything here to suggest that his return 11
That the apostle Paul did not expect
would be visible? No, for it is not to be to see Christ come in the flesh visibly is
expected that the "throne of his glory" further indicated at 2 Corinthians 5:16,
would be moved to the ear'"t.h, nor would A V: "Though we have known Christ after
men in the flesh, particularly the goatlike the flesh, yet now henceforth know ·~
ones, expect to appear before the throne him no more [after the flesh)." Sil).ce
in heaven. (1 Cor. 15:50) Thus, again, the Christ Jesus had yielded up his fleshly
turning of Christ's judicial attention to body in sacrifice for the sins of believing
the earth is indicated rather than a visible humans, and was resurrected a spirit
coming. creature, invisible, he could therefore de-
8 Note again that expression "when the clare positively: "The world seeth me no
Son of man shall come in his glory:" This more."- John 14:19, AV. '
12 So Christ's return is to be understood
refers to the time when Jehovah, following
J esus' long wait at his right hand, grants as his turning attention to matters on
him Kingdom power and issues to his Son earth at the time when his heavenly Fa~
the command : "Rule thou in the midst ther gives him the go-ahead signal to as-
of thine enemies." (Ps. 110:1, 2, AV) sume his role as King. Bible chronology
There is no thought here of a visible re- points to the year 1914 C.E. as the
turn to earth by Jesus.-Dan. 7: 13, 14.
time
for that great event, and developments on
9
But what, you may inquire, about the earth since then have been in striking fl,li-
Bible texts that speak of every eye seeing fillment of Jesus' prophecies about his re-
the return of the Lord- texts such as turn and the near end of this wicked sys-
Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7? In
tem of things.-Matt. 24:3, 7-22; Luke
both instances the verb "see" is used. Ac-
cording to a well-known Greek-English 21:10-33.
Lexicon, the original Greek term here
could also have the following meaning:
"Metaphorically, . . . of mental sight, to Ca n you a nswer these questions? For answers,
discern, perceive." Thus these texts do read the a rt'lcle above.
not support the idea of visible presence. (1) Why have Bible-believing persons expected
the return or Jesus Christ? ( 2 l It Christ's return
10
Helping us understand the manner of were to be visible, would the disciples have need
Christ's coming are the words of an angel of a "sign"? ( 3) Did Jesus say that "the world"
recorded at Acts 1: 11, A V: "Ye men of would see him again? ( 4) According to
Galilee, . . . this same Jesus, which is tion 1 Corinthians 15:45, 49., what was the expecta-
of the first-century Christians? {5) Did the
taken up from you into heaven, shall so disciples expect · Jesus at his return to become
come in like manner as ye have seen him like them, fleshly humans? ( 6) In what way,
go into heaven." The manner of his going then, does the lord 'descend from heaven'?
( 7) Would Christ's return to separate and
into heaven could be described as unob- judge as between "sheep" and "goats" have
t.J;"usive, without fanfare, witnessed only by to be a visibie return? { 8) What is meant by
a few select witnesses. Similarly, his com- the Son of man's 'coming in his glory'? ( 9)
ing is to be discerned at first only by a When the Bible speaks of 'every eye seeing him,'
does this necessarily refer to literal vision?
few watching ones, and only later per- ( 1 0) How can we explain Christ's return as be-
ceived by the mu~titude, even by his ene- . ing "in like manner as ye have seen him · go"?
mies, when world developments force it the ( 11) According to 2 Corinthians 5:16, did
apostle Paul expect to see Christ in the
upon their attention.-Mark 13:37. flesh again? ( 12 r How, then, does Christ return?
28 AWAKE!
cial rail and air transportation
across the country.
In southern Mexico flash
floods, on October 24, caused
rivers to flow at record levels.
The federal authorities rushed
relief supplies to isolated
towns.
In Southern California major
brush fires, fanned by gusts
of winds up to seventy miles
an hour, swept across five
counties and forced more than
5,000 persons to flee homes,
schools and businesses. The
temperatures soared to 95
degrees and the humidity
dropped to 8 percent.
No Peace Prize purchased from Britain in Rioting in Madrid
~ For the second successive 1956. The Israelis claimed the ~ Anti-government demon-
year the Nobel Peace Commit· ship had gone down 13 1/ 2 strations erupted again on
t~ of the Norwegian Parlia· miles from Port Said, but October 28 at the campus of
~ent announced, on October Egypt sajd it was inside her Madrid University and workers
30, that there would be no 12-mile limit. Three days later at twenty-one industrial plants
Nobel Peace Prize for 1967. Israeli soldiers turned their in Madrid began new protest
The Nobel Peace Prize has weapons on Egypt's major oil stoppages. According to the
b'een withheld 18 times since refineries and tank storage New York Ti-mes, the outbreak
the Nobel prizes were initiated depot. The shelling that fol· developed into the most intense
.in 1901. In times of war or lowed destroyed Egypt's main series of political disturbances
serious international crisis the eco nomic oil source. The in Spain in at least a decade.
'peace prize is usually not United Nations hurriedly for- Security forces fired their
awarded. And the fact that it mulated draft resolutions to weapons into the air to disperse
was not awarded this year promote peace in the Middle rioters. Several hundred ar-
underscores the criticalness of East. But the harsh reality is rests were made. They included
our times. that no real settlement is at least four Roman Catholic
likely to emerge from the U.N. priests.
Space Spectaculars Security Council or, indeed,
~ October witnessed a rash of from the U.N. Dlegitlmate Births
Soviet space feats. The historic ~ According to the United
Venus 4 achievement, the Suez Canal Loss States Health Department, of
Soviet capsule that was para· ~ Prime Minister Wilson of 153,334 children born last year
chuted onto Venus and trans· Britain told Parliament in mid· in New York city, 22,714 or
mitted data to earth during its October that the closing of the 14.8 percent were illegitimate.
qescent, has now been followed Suez Canal had cost Britain an A total o! 35.4 percent of all
by the automatic joining of average of $56,000,000 a month, nonwhite births were out of
·two satellites in space. The or more than $200,000,000 since wedlock, compared with 18.5
'docking in orbit of unmanned the Mideast war last June. percent of Puerto Rican births
Russian space satellites, on Most of this money had been and 4.8 pen;ent of white births.
·October 30, was the first such spent in money for oil to re· Out-of-wedlock births in the
:unmanned docking in history. place Middle East supplies, city increased from 13 percent
The Soviet feat was executed contributing to Britain's re· of all births in 1965 t o 14.8
by "space radio-technical newed balance of payments percent last year.
problems.
means and on-board comput- Preventing Rh Disease
ers," say the Russians. Freakish Weather ~ Rh disease, which has the
~ Typhoon Dinah struck cen· scientific name of erythroblas-
Mideast Flares Up tral Japan causing landslides tosis fetalis, occurs in about
~ Soviet-built Egyptian mis·
and severe flooding. Twenty- 10 percent of the cases when
siles hit and sank the Israeli seven persons died and thirty- an Rh-negative mother is preg-
. destroyer Elath. The pride of four were hurt by the storm. nant with an Rh-positive baby.
· the Israeli navy had been The storm disrupted commer· The Rh factor in the baby's
DECEMBER 8, 1961 29
blood is inherited from an Chur ch Oow1cil weeks of this year, however,
Rh-positive father. The baby's Threat-ens St rike 60,941 cases of smallpox were
Rh factor stimulates the ~ A thirty-member study sec- reported, a 40-percent increase
mother, who lacks this factor, tion on Vietnam at the final over the total of 43,509 for tht~
to make antibodies to it. The plenary session of the United same period last year. Most of
disease often results in death States Conference on Church the increase was in India and
of the unborn child or serious and Society, on October 26, Pakistan.
illness after birth. Rh disease, urged the National Council
it is estimated, annuaily causes of Churches to make plans for Craving Violenct)
the death of 5,000 infants in a one-day nationwide general ~ In Concepcion, Chile, there
the United States. MD maga- strike if the U.S. government are no race-nourished riots.
zine for July 1967 reportedly :ntrther escalated the war in But, on October 2, university
suggests the use of citrus bio- Vietnam. Should the govern· students from well-to-do white
.tlavonoids as a way to avoid ment escalate the war, the families waged a seven-hour
t he Rh threat. Instead of statement declared, "the street battle with a 100-mao
waiting until dangerous blood churches must then be pre- r iot squad, which left property
develops in the expected child, pared to say immediately that damage and many injured
doctors at Mid-State Medical under such circumstances 'busi- among both students an4
Center, Nashville, Tennessee, ness as usual' is no .longer police. A week prior to this
have shown, according to Pre- possible." In the event of such episode, tile C1·onica stated that
-uention, November 1967, "that escalation, the statement said, many youths enjoy vio ·
the development of bad blood religious leaders should "call lence. One 22-yea:r-old lad said;
can be avoided altogether by upon the people of faith within ''Such aspects as violence, sad-
giving the expectant mother thirty-six hours to close their ism and other similar things
large doses of biofiavonoids business and industries, trans- are what can give us some
through her pregnancy." Gyne- portation facilities and schools satisfaction that, although it
cologists and obstetricians who .for one full day, calling on all may be momentary, leaves us
know about the record of bio· sympathetic citizens to join in happy." A 32-year-old married
ftavonoids prescribe this natu· this action." man confessed that he is not
ral food compound (found an enemy of vandalism or
largely in the white mem· Bl'ita-in's Abortion Law perversion, explaining that "we
branes of green peppers and ~ A bill reforming the law on like to get away from the
citrus) to pregnant patients abortion in Britain is to become normal limits, from monotony
plagued with the Rh·negative effective in six months. It will and all that constitutes rou-
problem. remove all criminal penalties tine." Fifteen· and sixteen-year·
for any operation to terminate old girls expressed similar
Shah Cr owned King pregnancy if it meets the rules sentiments. These views high-
~ Mohammed Reza Shah set out in t he bill. The bill light the moral decay Bibli·
Pahlavi lifted to his head a permits abortions if two medi· cally foretold to appear in this
golden crown set with 3,755 cal practitioners find that "con· generation.
jewels and declal'ed himseU' tinuance of pregnancy would
"King of Kings, Light of the involve risk to the life or of 7th-Largest Diamond
Aryans, the Shadow of God, injury to the physical or men- ~ A pick and shovel turned up
the ruler of Iran." The Shah tal health of the pregnant the 7th-largest diamond in tbc
ascended the throne twenty-six woman or the future well-being world. On May 26, Mrs. Ernes·
years ago, but withheld the of herself and / or the child or tine Ramoboa, on a tin y
coronation ceremony for two her other children." The new mining stake in the African
reasons: (1) He had no heir law's supporters hope to wipe kingdom of Lesotho, came
and (2) he lamented that out the significant incidence of across a rough stone. She is
"there is no pride in being the illegal abortions by back-street the daughter-in-law of Petrus
l;:ing of a poor people." Since operators. Govemment officials Ramoboa, part owner of the
then an heir has been born and estimate that 100,000 such claim. Clutching the stone,
Iran's economic condition has operations are performed each Ramoboa traveled over 110
improved somewhat. The Shah, year. miles of dirt roads and tracks
in a four-minute address, said, on foot and by hitchhiking. In
in part: "I beseech Almighty Smallpox Oases Up Maseru, Lesotho's capital city,
God to grant us success so that ~ The World Health Or gani· Ramoboa presented his dia -
we .. . will be able to pass on zation officially started its mond, larger than a gol.f ball,
to our successors a country campaign to eradicate small· to buyers. The diamond
with yet greater cause for pox from the world this year. weighs 601 carats and is pale
pride, a nation enjoying an It gave itself a decade in which brown in color. Ramoboa re·
even higher level of progress." to do the job. In the first 28 ceived half of the initial pur-
30 AWAK E .'
chase price of $302,400. His Bunion StiU Intact Seeds That Sprouted
cash holdings prior to the sale ~ A published Reuters report ~ Canadian botanists have
had amounted to $4. It is es- from Buenos Aires told of a grown normal healthy plants
timated that the stones cut out man who went into a hospital from seeds believed to have
of the diamond should bring in this city. to have a bunion lain dormant for thousands
well over $1,000,000. removed. The report says: of .years in Canada's frozen
"Fearing the pa~n during the Arctic wastes. These seeds are
Prote)n Starvation bunion treatment, the patient thought to be older than the
~ Former Food Minister Chi- asked for a general anaesthet- giant sequoias in Ca lifornia.
dambaram Subramaniam ic, and this led to a heart at- In 1951 lotus seeds found near
stated that even if India were tack. Doctors revived him by Tokyo were 2,000 years old.
able to feed itseU by 1970 or opening his chest and mas- They sprouted when planted.
1971, as some predict, still the saging his heart. He was then The Canadian seeds are Arctic
nation will face the serious put in an oxygen tent, where lupines. Today the plants are a
problem o.t' protein starvation. he suffered a stomach contrac- year old and indistinguishable
For lack of protein, Subraman- tion followed by a rupture of from ordinary Arctic lupines.
iam said, 35 percent to 40 the stomach and periton\tis. Dr. A. E . Porsild, a botanist at
percent of the 20,000,000 After more tteatment, . the the N ational Museum of
babies born in India each year patient fell off · a stretcher· on Canada, who directed t he
eventually suffer some degree which he was being carried, plant-growing experiment,
of brain damage. Often those broke a leg and collarbone and said: "It would seem i·eason·
afflicted are so stunted phys- suffered further damage to his
ically and mentally that by the heart making a tracheotomy able to predict that seed stored
time they reach school age, necessary. He ended With a dr.y and at temperatures well
they are "unable to concentrate breathing tube in his throat, a below freezing could remain
sufficiently to absorb and retain drainage tube in his stomach, a viable indefinitely"-testifying
knowledge," Subramaniam leg in plaster, an arm in a sling to the wonders of Jehovah's
said. -and the bunion still intact." creation!
CONTENTS
How Do You React to Success? 3 Keep It Cold! Keep It Hot!
What Does God Receive from You? 5 Keep It Clean! 20
The Splendor of Winter 9 Acupuncture-An Ancient
A Zulu Family Seeks Freedom from Healing Method 24
False Religion 12 E conomic Loss 26
Was Jesus Born In December? 16 "Your Word Is Truth"
Glass in Ancient Times 16 Matthew and Luke-Complementary
The Study of Spanish Can Be Fascinating 17 or Contradictory? Z7
Crime Repeaters 19 Watching the World 29
"It is already the hour for you fo awoke."
-flornons 13: II
{{{.~~~~!:
a.11d economically. how appreciative,
To the would-be tolerant and helpful
language student they will be.
whose native There are three
tongue is English, aspects of your lan-
there should be lit- in El Salvador guage study that
tle difficulty about should prove to be
learning Spanish, quite fascinating,
for it is one of the Romance languages with for they involve your own personal ex-
a strong foundation in Latin. Remember, ploration of the language: cognate words,
English also has a rich heritage of Latin syntax and idiomatic expressions.
bequeathed to it from the time of the Nor-
man conquest of England early in the Cognate Words
eleventh century C.E. So, if you have the "Cognate" as applied to words has the
adequate motive, and therefore can con- meaning "related by descent from the
scientiously set aside time for the project, same ancestral language," according to
be assured that Spanish is by no means Webstzr's Seventh New Collegiate Dic-
beyond your capacity to learn. tionary. Thus words that have come to
Of course, learning a language is not the English language from Latin through
all fun. There is need for concentration Norman French should have a family re-
and for memorizing verb forms, vocabu- semblance to Spanish words of Latin de-
lary and grammatical rules. Listening to scent. That is precisely the case, and by
the spoken language on a radio program alert observation the student should rec-
or on a recording, one's first concern is to ognize these relationships. For example,
learn what is being said. Then thought there is the Latin word specta1·e meaning
should be given to how it was said- how "to see.'' From this root more than 240
it was so easily expressed, just as you English words have sprouted, including
would say something in your own Ian- spectacle, inspector, retrospective alldspec-
DECEMBER 22, 196'1 17
tator. The corresponding Spanish words but ending with "y." Thus there are such
are espectaculo_, inspector~ retmspectivo familiar-looking words as familia, hi.storia)
and espectad01·. d'iccionm'io, 1·emedio. Then, too, Spanish
Many S~; anish words have close relatives words ending in dad or tad can be watched,
in the English language. As examples we for they point to comparable English
can immediately think of: clase, which words ending in "ty.H Here you have only
means "class"; tomate, "tomato"; honra, to think of the simple examples sociedad)
"honor"; tTanquilo, "tranquil." So it is libertad, r ealidad, and majestad. Is it not
helpful to relate Spanish words you· en- true that study of cognates can be fasci-
counter with the English terms that cor- nating and delightful?
respond closely. There is need for caution
here, however. One must be sw·e that the The Role of Syntax
words have the same meaning in both lan- In studying a language one must find
guages. If you hear someone talking in out how its words are formed, and how
Spanish about cO?tstipaci6n, he is very like- verbs, for example, vary in form to ex-
ly referring to a common cold. So, do not press such matters as mood, tense, person
draw your conclusions too hastily. and number. Also, one must take note of
As a test of your po'vver of observation how such a language strings its words to-
oH this score, why not try to match each gether to form a sentence expressing a
Spanish word in the following first column r eal thought unit. The study of all this
with its English cognate in the second may be termed syntax.
column? As an instance, in Spanish one might
1. fin - - sanguinary say, amo a Di.os (I love God), but when
2. novedad - pacify joined with someone else having the same
3. precioso - - final sentiment, the expression becomes ama-
4. a.n gel -mundane
5. mundo -novelty
mos a Dios (we love God). If the refer~
6. san{}'re -angel ence is to a past period of t ime, the state-
7. paz - precious ment would become amabamos aDios (we
1•hat was quite easy, was it not? There loved God). Thus the inflections or end~
are hosts of other examples upon which ings of the verb express number and tense.
to test your skill. There being few neuter nouns in Span-
.Another intetesting fact about Spanish ish, each noun is usually either masculine
is that you will meet with many words or feminine, and this must be memorized
that are identical to the corresponding En- in connection with vocabulary exercise.
glish words- words such as animal, tlat- The gender in each case is generally indi-
ural, altar, regular, favor, superior. The cated by the form of the definite article
difference is that Spanish pronunciation preceding it: eZ, los, indicating masculine
:-: tresses the final syllable, whereas in En- singular and plural, la, las) feminine sin-
glish it is more likely to be the third from gular and plural.
last or perhaps the first syllable that is Again Spanish diverges sharply from
stressed. There is also the Spanish word- English usage in that all adjectives must
ending cion which corresponds with En- agree in gender and number with the
glish "tion": edici6n, adrniraci&tt~ colec- noun they qualify. As examples we can
ci6n, constituci6n, interrrretaci6n. note these variations: el padre rico (the
Spanish words ending in ia, io usually rich father), 7.a rnadTe 1·ica (the rich moth-
suggest an English word of similar import, er), los padTes r icos (the rich parents). As
18 AWAKE!
in these cases, most adjectives follow the If one purchased a large bottle of wine
noun they qualify, something that would in a store in E.l Salvador, the clerk might
sound strange to the English student. offer to have it delivered. A new student of
The order of words inside a sentence in the language might manage to say, ((No,
Spanish is susceptible of much greater va- gracias, puedo toma;rla/' which means,
r iety than is the case in English. In Span- "No, thanks, I can drink it." One could
ish a sentence can be separated into sec- fall into this little trap because of know-
tions according to meaning, and then the ing that ordinarily tomar means "to take.''
sections can follow any one of a variety But the student did not yet know that,
of orders. Take this sentence for example: when it comes to beverages, tomar has the
El cielo 1 se presentaba 1 pO'"r todos lados 1 meaning "to drink." What he should say is
The sky 1 appeared 1 on all sides I uNo, gmC'ias, puedo llevm·la."
There are numerous English idioms that
a nuestTa. mirada. 1 como un oceano de llamas.
to our gaze 1 like an ocean of :tlames.
would be meaningless to the Latin-
·.rwo or thtee changes can be made in American if translated literally. Here ar('
the order of these English phrases. In ~orne examples: to throw in the sponge; to
Spanish, without producing any awkward- beat around the bush; to be far gone. On
ness of expression, we could vary the or- the other hand, interesting and common
der as many as nine or ten ways. This al- Spanish idioms suffer from literal trans~
lows the speaker or writer to adopt the lation into English. Note these, fm· ex-
order that will produce the pleasantest ample:
sound combinations; also to accord to the Ecn.a1· pelos a la ma1·
most important word or phrase the pl'i- Literally: To throw trifles in the sea
mary position in the sentence. Actually: To let bygones be bygones
Poner pies en pw·ed
ldiomatic Expressions Litel'ally: To put the feet against the wall
Of the peculiar idioms we employ in our Actually: To insist stubbornly
native tongue we are often unaware until Taking note of the most common idiomatic
we try to translate them into another lan- expressions heard in conversation and
guage. The literal translation may then practicing them is a sure route to making
make no sense at all. Consider the phrase the language your ovm.
"from time to time." Literally translated Being able to speak some Spanish can
it would be rendered in Spanish de vez a add measurably to your enjoyment of <t
·t>e~; <C.nd might be somewhat puzzling to visit to any Spanish-speaking community.
the Spanish-speaking person. In his lan- Tt also enables you to speak to its people
guage the same idea is expressed by de vez about the things that are nearest and dear-
en ou.ando (literally, "from time in est to your heart. And even in the process
when"). And that does not sound too in- of language study, you can enjoy the fas-
telligible to the English-speaking person. cination of exploration and discovery.
CRIME REPEATERS
v A study made in the United States by the Federal Bureau of In·
vestigation revealed that of 13,198 persons arrested in 1963 and then
released, either from prison or on payment of fines or on probation
or because of acquittal or dismissal of charges, 57 percent were re-
arrested three years later. They had not profited from their experience
with law enforcers.
DECEMBER ~2, 196'1 19
By "Awake!" correspondent in Canada harmful bacteria may cause these objec-
tionable traits. Yes, that is right. Food con-
TREPTOCOCCI, salmonellas and staph-
S ylococci are more than just hard words
to pronounce; they can also give you acute
taminated by these three main food-
poisoning bacteria almost always looks,
smells and tastes normal. So, you see, it
indigestion. These are the bacteria that does present a problem.
cause the three main types of food poison- More than that, precautions that are
ing. Take that little fellow salmonella. A normally taken around the kitchen in your
few years ago he turned up in a hospital home may be grossly inadequate for feed-
and swept through, affecting both patients ing a large group of people, such as at a
and staff. Doctors turned detective to wedding reception. Such a happy occasion
track down the villain's hiding place. They has often been marred by an outbreak of
checked to see whether the meat, fowl, food poisoning. Contributing factors are
fish or eggs-in-the-shell were infected by usually warm weather, food prepared in
this bacteria, but to no avail. The doctors advance and insufficient refrigeration. So
were batHed until one examined a piece let us examine these three main forms of
of meringue-topped pie. The discovery of food poisoning and their causes.
heavy contamination in the meringue
solved the mystery. First of a11, bacteria and other micro-
organisms are always present in the air
You may confidently say that this would around us, on our hands, the objects we
never happen in your home. You may be touch and in the food we eat. Some are
one of those housewives who prides her- beneficial, others can cause illness. Nor-
self in the fine wholesome way you feed mally, our bodies can cope with many that
your family, because anything that shows are potentially harmful, if they are not too
the least evidence of being spoiled-out it numerous. It is when they have been al-
goes. But wait a minute! When was the lowed to multiply to tremendous numbers
last time that your family had intestinal that they endanger health and sometimes
flu? Did you know that could have been life. The point is that bacteria are always
a case of food poisoning? present, ready to breed rapidly whenever
Often one of these three forms of food given favorable conditions. The speed of
poisoning is mistaken for a mild or a seri- their growth depends on the type of bac-
ous case of the stomach flu. Besides that, teria, the temperature and the kind of
the commonly accepted method of testing food or "culture" on which they feed.
food by bad taste, smell or sight is of little One of the main precautions is to keep
or no benefit in detecting the presence of food at the proper temperatw·e. This is
these food-poisoning bacteria. Other less where the part about 'keeping it cold and
20 AWAKE!
keeping it hot' comes into the picture. The deeply scarred. Hands, utensils and cutting
danger zone is generally between 45° F. surfaces that have come in contact with
and 1400 F. Bacteria growth does not com- raw meat or poultry should be promptly
pletely stop beyond this range, but less and thoroughly washed with hot, soapy
than 45° F. or more than 1400 F. is con- water. Also, food should be protected from
sidered reasonably safe when storing food flies, as they have been known to carry
for short periods of time. the organism.
Some housewives may unwitt ingly make
Salmonellal Food Poisoning their poultry dressing a target of the
Of the three types, salmonella! food poi- salmonella bacteria. Tl1ey do this by stuff-
soning is the most serious. Fortunately, ing the poultry ahead of cooking t ime and
though, it accounts for only a relatively then letting the bird sit for hours inside
small percentage of all outbreaks. Al- or outside the refrigerator. This is a po-
though seldom serious in healthy people, tentially dangerous situation. If the bird
it is potentially lethal to those already ill, is not cooked well, the center of the dress-
the very elderly, and to babies. Symptoms ing may not reach 140° F. because of its
are felt usually within eight to twenty-four insulating qualities. This danger can be
hours after eating the contaminated food. greatly reduced by dressing the bird just
Generally these commence with severe prior to cooking time, then making sure
headache followed by nausea, vomiting, it is sufficiently well cooked.
diarrhea, abdominal pain and in serious A farmer should take extra precautions
cases a temperature rising to 102° F. It in coping with the salmonella bacteria, as
can last anywhere from one to fourteen his barn or chicken houses may be con-
days, but generally one recovers in three taminated with it. Many take the preven-
or four days. tive measure of slipping out of overclothes
Salmonellas can come into your kitchen and washing their hands well before en-
in such things as raw meat, poultry, eggs, tering the house. This is a fi ne way to
unpasturized milk and milk products. protect the family from infect ion. Immu-
Cracked eggs are especially dangerous if nity to this food poisoning is rare, as there
not handled properly and cooked well. How are over 1,100 known strains of salmonella.
can this be coped with? Mainly by good
refi'igeration and adequate cooking before Staphylococcal Food Poisoning
eating. The salmonella bacteria are de- This is a toxic form of poisoning; that
stroyed by heat of around 140° F. Freezing is, the bacteria themselves do not poison,
does not destroy them, although it does but the toxin they produce does. Well over
stop them from multiplying. half of all outbreaks of food poisoning are
What often happens is that the bacteria traceable to this toxin. This is commonly
in the food are destroyed by cooking it known as "ptomaine poisoning." However,
properly, but afterward the food is again the term is a misnomer, as "ptomaine"
contaminated by contact with an infected does not represent a chemical entity.
unwashed table, utensil or hands used in The onset of staphylococcal food poison-
the original preparation. Deep cracks in ing comes within one to six hours af ter
the surface of a cutting board have been eating food containing toxin and generally
known to harbor the bacteria, even after lasts no longer than twenty-four hours.
thorough scrubbing with soap and hot wa- The symptoms are a sudden attack of nau-
ter. Cutting boards should be replaced if sea. vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal
DECEMBER 22, 1961 21
cramps that usually abate within a few tact with food the better. Sneezing, cough-
hours. There is normally no fever. i ng or blowing one's nose should be avoid-
These organisms are commonly found ed in the cow·se of food preparation.
in the air, on the skin, and in the nose
and throat of all persons. Persons with Streptococcal Food Poisoning
colds should take extra precautions be- This is the mildest form of the three
cause they can easily infect food if they types of food poisoning. In a study of 476
are not conscious of this danger. Lrl fact, food-poisoning outbreaks it was found to
the majority of outbreaks are traceable be responsible for about 7 percent of the
to human carriers that have contaminated cases. Being mild and not too common, it
food with the toxin-producing staphylo- has not been of great concern. Streptococ-
coccic bacteria. cus faecalis is a common inhabitant of the
An ideal condition for the growth of bowel of man, mammals and birds. It is
bacteria and toxin production would be a moderately resistant to heat. The common
creamed food at room temperature or, bet- vehicles of jnfection are foods such as
tet· still, at body temperature. A mixture poultry dressing, prepared meats and sau-
of flour, starch and water is an "ideal" sages, pies and cheese. Usually these are
media for growth o'f the organism. Gra- found to have been contaminated by in-
vies, sauces, puddings, whipped cream, cus- fected fo od handlers.
tard or cream pies and salad dressings are The effects of streptococcal food poison-
but a few of the susceptible mixtures. In ing are usually felt within three to eigh-
these on a sum.ner day (82°-86° F.) sulli- teen hours after eating contaminated food.
cient toxin may be produced in five hours The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, colic
to cause illness. The toxin may also be and diarrhea. The illness subsides within
produced i n moist leftover food, ham. one day.
poultry, meat and meat products. As with the other forms of poisoninci,
Although this is not a very serious form reasonable precautions of good refrigera-
of food poisoning, its prevalence makes it tion and personal hygiene are the main
a cause for concern. Even though the bac- mode of protection against infec'!:ion. For
teria are destroyed by bringing food to a example, one should always wash hi~
boil, it must be remembered that the toxin hands thoroughly afte>r vi!:iting the bath-
produced by the bacteria is heat-resistant, room.
withstanding boiling temperatures in some
cases as :ong as sixty minutes. This is why Botuli:;m
this form of food contamination is so A fourth type of food poisoning, bolLt·
widesp1·ead. lism, mel'its brier m0ntio11. Although this
The very best precaution that one can form of poisoning is rar in Canada and
take is to use proper refrigeration. If not the United States, it is more common in
available, then perishable food should be some other lands. This is a very serious
bought and prepared only as it is needed. form of poisoning that attaclts tl1e nervous
Plan also for no leftovers. As most out- system, causing irreparable damage and
breaks a1·e tl'aceable to food handlers, per- leading to death in the majority of cases.
sonal hygiene is essential. Since contami- The main cause of botulism is home can-
nation by hands is a common danger, it ning, usually of vegetables, suc.l-t as string
follows that the less they come in con- beans and corn. Therefore, very close at-
22 AWAKE !
tention should be paid to approved canning for display. Keep hands and nails clean.
procedures, especially with regard to cook- Wash every time you leave or return to
ing time. Because of the danger involved your station. Use soap and dip your hands
many governments have information on in the chlorine solution. You brothers,
home canning available just for the asking. keep clean-shaven. Wear clean aprons.
Fortunately, food that is contaminated Control hair and perspiration." Every caf-
with this form of poisoning usually has eteria operated by the Witnesses generally
follows six simple r ules to avoid foocl
an abnormal odor and taste. The cans poisoning:
containing it are sometimes even swollen.
1. Cook meat, fowl and eggs sufficiently.
If you suspect that food is contaminated 2. Wash utensils, surfaces a nd h ands that
in this way, it should not be taste-tested. have come in contact with raw meat or
fowl.
Assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses 3. Hefrigerate leftovers and perishables
Jehovah's witnesses are very much in- immediately, preferably in shallow con-
Lerested and concerned with proper food tainers for quick cooling.
4. Wash hands before startin g food prep-
preparation and its cleanliness. Why? Be- aration and after a visit to the washroom.
cause they have to face up to the problem 5. Avoid coughing or sneezing while handling
of feeding large crowds of people each food.
year at their annual and semiannual as- 6. Any deeply scarred surface or utensil
should be replaced.
semblies. Sometimes the number to be fed
r uns into hw1dt•eds of thousands, as it did This past summer in Canada and the
at the Divine Will International Assembly United States Jehovah's witnesses held
in New York's Yankee Stadium and Polo more than sixty "Disciple-making'' Dis-
Grounds in 1958. The cafeterias that op- trict Assemblies. Similar cafeteria ar-
erated there to feed over 150,000 three rangements were set up at each one, and
times a day were all of them met
organized to with approval by
serve up to 67,- IN TIIE NEXT ISSUE health officials.
000 persons every THE IN CREASE OF LAWLESSNESS Such conventions
h our! In an y • What Does It Mean? are outstanding
man's language • How Can You Pmtect Yourself? examples of how
that adds up to a all types of food
lot of food! Any poisoning can bE'
food poisoning? Not at all. At a previous prevented and yet good, wholesome and
assembly held at Yankee Stadium, John appetizing meals can be served. While in
Keha1er, chief food inspection supervisor some lands the convenience of refrigera-
for the Bronx, said: "You people served tion is not readily available, still other
300,000 meals in 1950, and not a single precautions can be taken with good re-
tummy-ache. It is better than the army." sults.
All the thousands of workers directly There is no need to be overly concerned
responsible for preparing and handling with this problem, but it is wise to be
food at the assembly in 1958 were instruct- conscious of the danger because the health
ed both in writing and verbally: "When and happiness of everyone is affected.
possible, avoid contacting food with bare Therefore, in all your food preparation
hands. Do not sit or stand on tables, tray follow the simple axiom: "Keep it cold!
runners, or counters where food is placed Keep it hot! Keep it clean!"
DECEMBER 22, 1.967 23
By "Awake!" correspondent
in Singapore
-------------------·-·------
WATCHTO W ER 11 7 ADAMS ST. B R 0 0 K LY N, N. Y. 1 1 2 0 1
Please send me the New W01'Zd Tramlatlon ot the Holy Scriptures and Life Everla.sUng---tn
F·reedom O/ the Sons of God. 1 am encloslng $1.50.
Street and Number
Name ...................................................................................... or Route and Box ............................................................
C.ity ........................................................................................ State ........................................ Zone or Code ..................
DECEMBER 22, 196"1 31
Some names can open doors; others close them.
Names inspire confidence or raise doubts, bring
satisfaction or disappointment. Just so, the name
"Watchtower" has earned a reputation of integ-
rity and helpfulness around the world. So also
have the names of tl1e other publications of the
Watch Tower Society. They have opened doors
and brought satisfaction and confidence. They
have helped many people with troubled minds to
find peace. Do you get the most from those pub-
lications you have in your home? Can you find
the information you need when questions or prob-
lems arise? The Watch Tower Publications Index
will help you. Send now.
WATCH TOWER PUBLICATIONS INDEX
Contains subject and Script ure references for all publications
released during the year(s) indicated. 1967, 10c; 1930-1960, $1;
1961-1965, SOc. Available after J anuary 8.
32 AWAK E !