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THE ATHENAEUM 123 WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN Friends, have you ever stopped and considered just why you are Christians? Do you think that your conception of the man of Galilee will enable you to best appreciate His teachings? Are you following Him simply because your fathers and mothers are leading the way, or because you think it improper not to belong to some church? Or do you exemplify Christ in your life because you are thoroughly con vinced that His philosophy of religion is the greatest the world can possibly look to and live? Whatever may be your answers to these questions, I would have you consider them again as I attempt to give a few of the many reasons why I am a Christian. Now, in the first place, life is but a privilege for a unit of energy to incarnate itself and live in the world a few years, and then go back to its God. It is a privilege to be born, to grow up, to dance alone on your way to school, to romp with children, to make friends, to love and marry, to make your contribution to civilization, and a privilege to die. Although many of us use this privilege for evil as well as good, some of us have thanked God for our lives. In order to use this privilege for Him that sent me, I take the responsibility of being a Christian. Again, I am a Christian because the Kingdom of God with its great principles and laws guarantees my greatest protection and my highest state of happiness in this life- Say what you will or may about the protection supposed to be warranted by the laws of the land and backed up by police, sheriff, and army and naval forces; but when I can turn the other cheek, go the second mile, or give the cloak when my coat is stolen, what need I for the protection of a policeman Force is not effective. Christ plainly said “Sit thou on my right hand and 111 make thy enemy thy footstool”. You speak about happiness—a sentiment which Ford’s millions cannot buy, Irwing Bacheller says of it that it is the reward for Christian service to humanity. I know no other way by which I can be of real service to man than by being a Christian. Whether you are a ditchdigger or a College President, all that you do should tend to make you happy. When I go to bed at night, I think about the good things, great or small, which I have done to make someone happy during the day. I cannot feel contented if I have seen poor bare footed children playing in the cold. Whenever I eat, I think'about those who are hungry. Then I wonder to what extent am I respon sible for the amelioration of mankind’s suffering, and I resolve with my whole heart to do all I possivly can for the well being of man as my Christian brother. Then I shall be happy. McKinley Christopher, Ac. ’25 Morehouse progresses as its student body progresses. If everybody would tend to their own business, things would run a little smoother. -