What You Can Do When Tragedy Strikes

PAGE 5

Work for a Balanced Education

PAGE 8

What Can Be Done About “Hay Fever”?

PAGE 13

What Is Happening in Czechoslovakia?

PAGE 23

SEPTEMBER 8, 1968

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 unhampered 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 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!" provides 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 establishment of God’s righteous new order in this generation.

Get acquainted with "Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!”

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CONTENTS

The Standard for Religious Truth	3	Selecting Bread for Your Family	17
What You Can Do		King-sized Clams	20
When Tragedy Strikes	5	Belgium’s New Bethel	21
Work for a Balanced Education	8	What Is Happening
Using “Awake!” In School	12	In Chechoslovakia?	23
Evolutionary Reasoning on		“Your Word Is Truth”
Origin of Life	12	Did Jesus Have
What Can Be Done		Brothers and Sisters?	27
About “Hay Fever”?	13	Watching the World	29

HOW can you know which of the many conflicting religious teachings are true? You can by using the standard for religious truth, the Bible.

Standards are necessary in almost every form of human activity. A housewife, for example, by putting things in measuring cups or measuring spoons, uses measuring standards when she bakes. In industry there are standards of size and shape, standards for accounting, standards for testing, standards for safety and sanitation, and so on.

“One of the chief functions of standards,” states The Encyclopaedia Britannica, “is to remove conditions which lead to controversies.” As this is true in industry and the home so it is true with regard to religious teachings. A standard of religious truth is necessary to determine what is true and what is false. a standard. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, recognized this, and his companion Luke commended the people of the Macedonian town of Beroea for using it to determine the truth of what Paul said.—Acts 17:11.

To illustrate how you can use this standard of truth today to determine what religious teachings are true, let us take the popular teachings about human soul. These teachings claim the soul is inherently immortal and it leaves the body at death, continuing the person’s conscious existence in hellfire if he has been wicked or in heaven if he has been good. It may be that you have always accepted these teachings without question, but how do they measure up to the Bible?

If these teachings are assumed to be true, consider the difficulties that are raised when they are compared with the Bible, as indicated by the following questions: If the first man, Adam, was given an immortal soul when he was created, which part of him was responsible for his conduct—his soul or his body? If it was his soul, why did the innocent body have to suffer for his sin? If it was the body that sinned and was condemned, why do some religious teachings claim that it is the soul that needs to be saved? The Bible says, not that man has an immortal soul, but that man himself is a soul. So it was

For religious matters the Bible is such not merely a part of Adam that sinned but

the man himself.—Gen. 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:45.

Then does the Bible say that God has decreed that the punishment for sin is eternal torment in a fiery hell, as some religious teachings claim? Biblical passages that are often pointed to as giving seeming support to this teaching use the word “torment” in symbolic settings. That literal torment of immortal souls in a fiery hell could not possibly be meant in these passages is evident from the fact. that at Romans 6:23 the punishment for sin is plainly stated as being death, and this is in harmony with what God told Adam. Since the soul is the man, when the man is dead, there is nothing left to torment, is there?—Gen. 2:17.

Inasmuch as death was the punishment for sin, according to the Bible, where would Adam have spent an endless life if he had not sinned and brought death upon himself? Would he have spent it on earth or in heaven? If he could not go to heaven without dying and could not die without sinning, would not that indicate that sin and death were blessings to the human race? Yet God warned men against sin, saying that it would result in death, and the Bible states that death is an enemy. (Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:26) How, then, could the claim be true that God, from the beginning, purposed that all good people have the destiny of life in heaven?

Jesus Christ raised to life a man by the name of Lazarus who had been dead four days. (John 11:43, 44) Where was Lazarus during the time he was dead? A person familiar with the popular teaching about the immortal soul might say that he had gone to heaven. Well, if he had done that and then come back when he was resurrected, was it really a kindness on Jesus’ part to resurrect him? Also, if Lazarus was in heaven, why did he not tell others about what he saw there?

The truth of the matter, according to the divine standard of truth, is that Lazarus did not leave his tomb. He knew nothing during the four days he was dead. Turn to Ecclesiastes 9:5, and see how plainly the Bible shows this to be so. There it states: “For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.”

Their condition might be illustrated by a person who slips in the bathtub and strikes his head and becomes unconscious for a while. He is aware of nothing while he is in that condition. So it is with the person who dies. He too is unaware of anything.

Consistent with the fact that the soul is the living man, the Bible also speaks of a soul as breathing, eating, having blood and dying.—Josh. 11:11; Lev. 7:18; Jer. 2:34; Ezek. 18:4; Job 7:15.

Since the teaching of soul immortality, with its companion doctrines of hellfire for the wicked and heaven for all who do good, does not measure up to the Bible, the standard for religious truth, what other conclusion can a person draw except that it is not true? Should it not, then, be classed with other false religious doctrines that persons who seek religious truth ought to discard? It is from such religious falsehoods that the truth, God’s written Word, can make people free. —John 8:32.

So if you are puzzled about the many conflicting religious teachings and want to know if a particular teaching is true, you do not have to rely on guesswork. You can turn to God’s written Word and see if the teaching measures up to that inspired standard of truth.

HAT do you say Ito a mother whose only child has become the victim of an automobile crash? What can you personally do that will help this mother to cope with so great a tragedy?

A young woman’s world may cave in when her husband’s heart stops beating. “Why?” she asks. “Why did it have to end this way?” What can you say to her that will be of help? What explanation can you give that will comfort her? How can you aid her in a truly meaningful way?

These persons and thousands like them need to learn that healing of the mind and heart is possible and that it comes through an active faith in God. They need to know that the life of evexy human creature has its lights and shadows, its heights of joy and its depths of sorrow. These “highs and lows” make up a large part of the experience in life. The Word of God aptly describes the human family in its present condition as “groaning together and being in pain together until now.” (Rom. 8:22) The children of God are no exception to this rule; they, too, groan within themselves. They, too, suffer tragedies and need to know how to cope with them.

It is an extremely difficult thing to lose a loving husband, wife or child. God’s Word offers great comfort at such a time, but that does not mean that one does not experience grief. Yet it is at times of overwhelming sorrow and grief when many are drawn nearer to God, experiencing his support in a way that they never have be-his deep af-the psalmist God, saying: the depths I have called upon you, O Jehovah. O Jehovah, do hear my voice, your ears prove to be attentive to the voice of my entreaties.” —Ps. 130:1, 2.

Those of pure heart who turn to God in their deep need find that he responds, for all mercy and true comfort come from God's fatherly love. This comfort the apostle Paul speaks about in 2 Corinthians 1: 3-11. He says: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God.” This comfort came to Paul when suffering tribulation and it continued to support him when the tribulation had passed, though the memory of it was still very much alive. The comfort of God continued to glow in his mind as a rainbow shines in the rain-drenched sky.

Comfort is a word that, in modern speech, has lost much of its Biblical meaning. Today the word suggests a kind of sedative, a palliative for pain of body or mind. But the comfort of God is no narcotic. The Greek word translated “Comforter,” applied to the holy spirit at John 14:16 according to the Authorized Version of the Bible, really means “helper” or “strengthener,” Comforter has the same root as the word “fortify.” We comfort someone when we give him courage or fortify him to bear his pain or face his misfortune. Comfort helps to set him back on his feet.

What Mourners Can Do

Since sorrow comes to most people, there appears to be no reason why one cannot benefit from the experience of others who have recovered successfully to continue living a normal life. Some persons, however, do try but they meet with little or no success because of not knowing what to do at such a time. Not all are comforted in the same way.

Physical activity has a way of healing deep wounds. It is wise that one occupy oneself physically during moments of deep sorrow. The mother who lost her only child in an auto crash was visited by an old man who brought her some flower seedlings wrapped in a newspaper. "These little things need the feel of the earth around them,” he said as he handed her the seedlings. “They’ll need you to care for them as soon as possible.” Planting those frail seedlings and coaxing them into bloom brought a special quality of comfort and healing to her broken spirit. It gave her something to do. Years later she spoke about this gift of seedlings as being one of the things that helped her to overcome her tragedy.

Grieving persons must avoid the temptation to sit and brood. Brooding makes matters worse. Feeling sorry for oneself heals nothing, aids nothing and accomplishes nothing good. If anything, it feeds those emotions that keep one feeling miserable. So a sensible program that substitutes fruitful physical activity for fruitless brooding is needed. Physical activity reduces the strain on the mind, which seems bent toward reflecting on the immediate tragedy. Activity demands the attention of the mind; this shifts the strain and brings a measure of relief.

When an old country lawyer visited a young mother engulfed in sorrow, he found she had allowed herself to become so overwhelmed with grief that she lost control of herself. She needed help, but what was he to do? He reached over and got a bucket, filled it with water, rolled up his sleeves and began to scrub her floor with a floor brush. The sight of the old man scrubbing her floor shocked her. She protested, but he went right on scrubbing. Soon she got down on her knees with him and the two of them scrubbed together. By the time they finished cleaning her house that day most of her sorrows were gone. Later she wrote the old man that he had brought her “the best medicine in the world—work.” Physical activity may not help all who sorrow; it has harmed none who tried.

Get Involved

When tragedy strikes, the tendency may be to withdraw from the mainstream of life. The remedy, in many cases, is to do just the opposite. It usually is not going to help the individual to isolate himself for weeks or months; that only prolongs the agony. He needs something wholesome and upbuilding to fill the void caused in his life by the loss of a loved one. The thing to do is to plunge oneself into life’s activities. Get involved. Take up old wholesome associations. Form new ones. Get ■busy walking, studying, traveling. Absorb yourself in some worthwhile project. Yes, fill your days with creative activity.

' While it is good medicine to emphasize the physical aspect of activity at such a time, better still is it to combine spiritual activity with the physical. For the Christian witnesses of Jehovah there is the vacation pioneer ministry and the pioneer ministry, which can involve their every thought spiritually and provide the physical activity. In one case a wife found herself so busy in the pioneer ministry, taking care of her home Bible studies with interested persons, that she felt guilty that she did not miss her deceased husband more than she did. What makes this experience perhaps more impressive is the fact that they were almost inseparable in life. But total involvement in the Christian ministry made the difference with her. It gave her true comfort.

The bereaved need sound, constructive, healthy involvement. Superficial involvement through feverish nonproductive activity may deaden the pain temporarily, but it does not really heal the wound. Such distractions as card games and drinking tend to leave one feeling dejected. They do not fortify or comfort one.

Proper to Mourn

Do not think it is abnormal or evidence of weak faith to give way to tears. There is an emotional release in letting the tears flow. Abraham did, and he was truly a man of faith. When Sarah, his wife, died, the Bible says: "Abraham came in to bewail Sarah and to weep over her.” (Gen. 23:2) Jacob mourned for his son Joseph. Samuel the prophet mourned for King Saul. Even Jesus Christ wept. (Gen. 37: 35; 1 Sam. 15:35; John 11:35) Letting one’s tears flow is an excellent and normal release for heartache. But, of course, it should not become habitual.

Some persons whose loved ones have died find it very difficult to go back to the places they used to frequent together. Their tendency is to avoid the old-time places and friends. But going to such places and visiting these friends does not imply disloyalty or indifference to the deceased. Continuing with life as normally as possible is a way of avoiding a state of abnormal grief. The natural process of healing is aided when the individual returns to his usual pursuits and responsibilities and continues therein as formerly.

Explanation of Death Helps

Another bulwark against heartache is to gain a sound and satisfying explanation of death. The Bible gives us a very satisfying answer to the question, “Why do men die, and what hope is there for the dead?” Bible truth will not ward off the sorrow that comes when a loved one dies. What it does is this: It lifts the mourner up to a position of understanding what has taken place. It dissipates grief and morbidity. It prevents the mourner from losing control of himself. It aids him to keep from becoming overwhelmed with grief. His sorrowing is not as great or as deep as those who do not have the hope the Bible gives. The apostle Paul told the Thessalonian Christians: “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping in death; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope. For if our faith is that Jesus died and rose again, so, too, those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus God will bring with him. For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s word.” —1 Thess. 4:13-15.

The Bible assures us that God holds in memory all his loyal ones who have died and will bring them back in the resurrection of the dead. “Precious in the eyes of Jehovah is the' death of his loyal ones.” (Ps. 116:15) Jesus Christ said: “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29; 11:21-24) The apostle Paul also firmly held to this hope, saying: “I have hope toward God, which hope these men themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) In this hope you, too, can find strength and comfort to cope with even the most serious tragedy.

Trust in Jehovah

The deeper remedy for heartache is, therefore, the curative comfort supplied by trust in Jehovah God. (Prov. 3:5, 6) The basic prescription for sorrow is to turn to God in an attitude of faith and prayer. Going to God, along with seeking to learn and to do his will, will finally bring healing to the broken heart.—Ps. 86:6, 7.

It is not wise to try to carry the heavy burdens of sorrow alone. The most effective of all remedies is to practice putting your burdens on Jehovah. “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself,” said the psalmist, "and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.” (Ps. 55:22) This practice will help you to react wisely in moments of emergency.—1 Pet. 5:6, 7; Phil. 4:6, 7.

Pain and sorrow are absorbing facts. For some persons they may shut out everything else. Yet, when understood in the light of God’s purposes, they can be the means of bringing one closer to God. Need and despair can make us more sensitive to the love of God. Those who turn to God in harmony with his Word have been filled with renewed hope and have felt relief from the grip of sorrow and loneliness. Appreciation of Jehovah’s love has brought inner strength to them. Truly, it is the comfort with which we are comforted by God that is most effective.

Work for a

44T AM sorry. I’m just I too busy to listen,”

declared the young man as he momentarily raised his eyes from his study books.

sure-fire method of passing school examinations and graduating with honors, the student would have been all ears. He is typical

He had been approached by a young Christian minister with the Bible’s message of hope for everlasting life in a righteous new order.

“I ask only two or three minutes,” began the young minister in a friendly manner.

“Not even two or three minutes,” came the immediate reply. This time the student did not bother even to raise his eyes from his textbook.

If the visitor had claimed to have some of thousands here in Hong Kong, where each year 50,000 youths graduate from secondary schools and invade the employment market. Jobs are few in comparison to the number seeking them, and so only those with the highest qualifications are selected.

Parents count heavily on their child getting a good-paying job so as to supplement the meager family income. They urge their young people to aim for high scholastic records and diplomas, for these are viewed as the “open sesame” to well-paid employment. College education, a degree and the “big money” are set forth as the most desirable objectives. No wonder students become engrossed with schoolwork and reject any other educational feature, no matter how valuable it is!

Nor can it be claimed that this attitude is confined to young people in the Orient. In Western lands, too, “higher education” is held forth as a necessity, if one is to achieve material success in life. And to a large extent that “higher education” is based on memory training and a molding of the minds of students to a pattern that is already outdated. There is a woeful lack of moral instruction, and little time, if any, devoted to improvement of one’s relations with fellow creatures.

Need for Bible Education

Far from realizing the priceless value of Bible education, the majority today have been led to look upon Bible study as a waste of time. Yet, from the standpoint of literature alone the Bible is to be commended as an excellent textbook. Its narratives and argumentation are presented with the utmost clarity. It stimulates thought and encourages the reader to reason and to arrive at logical conclusions.

Said Goethe, the well-known German poet: “The greater the intellectual progress of the ages, the more fully will it be possible to employ the Bible not only as the Foundation, but as the instrument of education.” And British novelist Dickens declared of the Bible: “It is the best book that ever was or will be in the world, because it teaches you the best lessons by which any human creature who tries to be truthful and faithful can possibly be guided.”

Most important of all is the Bible’s unswerving theme that directs men to the Great Author himself, Jehovah God, identifying him as the Source of life and wisdom alike. And just as a machine manufacturer issues a handbook of instruction on how to operate the machine so as to obtain the best results, so man’s Creator has provided in the Bible practical instructions for man to follow if he would enjoy maximum happiness in life.

Just think of it! Here is a book that specializes in the inculcation of good principles, good morals, kindness, thoughtfulness and consideration of others—all of them essential acquirements if the student is to maintain good relations with others in his everyday life. Is it not a fact that good manners, loyalty, honesty and industriousness are qualities highly valued by employers? In the long run these count far more than any degree or diploma, for they reveal that the student has much more than an excellent memory to recommend him.

The Need for Some Secular Education

It is true that some secular education is valuable. Think for a moment how essential it is to be able to read well, with fluency and with an intelligent understanding of the material read. How satisfying, too, to be able to write neatly, transferring thoughts clearly and accurately onto paper! How helpful, also, to be able to calculate and use figures for measuring values in a material sense!

So education in the “three R’s”—reading, writing and 'rithmetic—can be of inestimable value in adult life. In Hong Kong one often hears the expression “M-sik-jee,” which means that the person cannot read or write. When one observes the plight of the millions of such unprivileged ones in China, in India and in other parts of the Far East, there is forcible reminder of the advantages of a basic education.

But is it wise for young people to reach out for “higher education”? Is it necessary for a happy and satisfying life? It is good to ponder these questions, at the same time observing the effect of such advanced education on others.

Fruits of “Higher Education"

Those who belong to the professional classes may be said to be fair samples of the fruitage of “higher education.” They form a sort of aristocracy of learning. Often they are proud, untouched by die needs of less fortunate people, opinionated, competitive, independent and inconsiderate of others. They have deeply imbibed the godless theory of evolution. In their view educated men, college and university trained, are the sole hope for progress.

Who, for example, have substituted for the fine moral teaching of the Bible their human philosophies? Is it not the professional clergymen? And who are the ones today that are insistent upon having their own way and openly flouting the authority of God's Word in the matter of sacredness of blood? Is it not the professional doctors? Politicians, lawyers, educators, most of them without any real faith in the existence of God, are they not the end products of “higher education"?

Despite the vaunted strides in scientific knowledge in almost every field, what progress have all these self-styled leaders among men made in the field of bringing men together in peace? In the face of the material prosperity they have made available to a larger segment of the population, what real contentment have they produced? Are we not living in an era that has been appropriately dubbed “the age of contention”? And who is it that figures largely in violent demonstrations, protests and other activities . without legal restraint? Is it not clergymen, teachers, university students—those who have been exposed to “higher education”?

Surely no one will claim that there is today, as a result of the widening opportunities for “higher education,” more honesty among people in general! Is it not a fact that when laws are made, the immediate reaction is how to get around them? And who are the greatest offenders? Surely it is those men with all of the advantages of “higher education” who unscrupulously use their talents to put over their get-rich-quick schemes at the expense of the man in the street! So, is it not evident that something is sadly lacking in their education?

Then, too, there is the worldwide moral breakdown, the lack of good manners and of self-discipline. The idea that filthy and immoral sexual practices are largely confined to the poverty-stricken and the ignorant can no longer be seriously entertained. Indeed, it is young men and women in colleges and universities, whose parents have insisted on giving them “higher education,” who today are notoriously taking to narcotics, loose living and uncontrolled demonstrations against law and order.

In the higher areas of schooling young women are taught to compete with men, to be their equal, to strive to get to the top of the social ladder. Little wonder that in later life they find it difficult to fill the role of being a good wife and mother. Their once-possessed feminine quality of submissiveness has all but disappeared. Retorted one Chinese schoolgirl to the factual criticism of a schoolteacher: “Is it our fault that we are rude? The world teaches us to be aggressive and it forces us to struggle for everything. There are no prizes for coming last in life’s great race.”

Wherever we look around the world the same situation is evident. The past decade has witnessed more than just a downward trend in morals. The deterioration has been swift. In Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the United States, France, Germany and other countries, dissatisfied and frustrated youths have taken to the streets, looting, rioting, burning and in some instances causing governments to topple. All of this is the fruitage of modern “higher education,” education without proper balance.

The Essential of a Balanced Education

It is easy to determine what is missing. The conclusion can be reached through observing the contrast between those who rely on “higher education” and those who have a balanced education. There are today thousands of young men and women of different national backgrounds who deeply appreciate the essential element of a well-balanced training. Not only have they become proficient in reading and wr|ting and arithmetic, but with the Bible as textbook they have learned the importance of being considerate of others, honest, interdependent with those of the same faith, industrious, clean in habits and morals, and respectful of law and order.

Perhaps you have talked to some of these well-adjusted young people who have called at your home, and have noted their evident sincerity and earnest desire to share with you their bright hope for mankind’s future. Never do you find them running with the mob in angry protests and demonstrations. Always they are lawabiding, even in matters where the majority flout the law and get away with it. Far above all the changeable laws among men they know there are solid, lasting principles of righteousness, and they are determined to abide by them. They are convinced of the truth of the declaration of John, an apostle of Jesus Christ: “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:17.

Urgency of the Times

Admittedly, we are living in urgent times. Norms or rules of conduct among men that were once accepted and honored are now thrown to the winds. It seems as though everyone wants to be a law to himself. Unity and peace seem impossible of achievement. Anarchy threatens. Modern “higher education” has failed to produce stability, contentment, enduring happiness. It has even failed to teach students how to improve relationships among themselves. It is all head knowledge, without adequate appeal to the heart, so it fails to motivate people to do to others what they would like others to do to them.

Thus those who are seeking an education today are faced with a vital decision. Will they choose “higher education” with the aim of securing a prominent place in a world that is soon to pass away or a balanced education in which the Bible takes its rightful place alongside required secular education? Those who go in for “higher education” will find their time commandeered by all kinds of extracurricular activities of a social nature, so that little or no time will be available for earnest Bible study. They will be rubbing shoulders with multitudes who have no love or respect for the God who authored the Bible. As Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ, warned: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.”—1 Cor. 15:33.

Thousands of young witnesses of Jehovah have already proved the value of a balanced education. Many of them have become, while still in youth, skillful preachers and teachers of God’s Word. Their knowledge of Bible principles amazes those who enter into a discussion with them. They have a sense of responsibility and eagerly undertake obligations in the Christian organization and ministry. They are not motivated by ambition to become personally rich, powerful or famous. They exercise faith in the firm promise made by Christ Jesus: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things [the necessities of life] will be added to you.” (Matt 6:33) A balanced education has brought them a stable mind, not easily upset by the convulsions of a society that is passing away.

As to the future, those with a balanced education can look to it with hope. They

are not depending upon the empty and broken promises of imperfect men. They are confidently looking to the God of the Bible to bring in the new system of things that he has promised for the blessing of all obedient ones of humankind. (2 Pet. 3:13) They have done exactly what the Bible counsels, namely: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3: 5, 6) Will you do so?

WHEN is a fever not a fever? When it is “hay fever.’’ That is right; although called “hay fever,” it is not a *fever, and more often than not it has nothing to do with hay. Hl-fitting though the name may be, it has persisted throughout the years in spite of the efforts of some in the medical profession to make such names as pollinosis or allergic rhinitis, supposed to be more scientifically correct, win popular acceptance.

Those specializing in such ills as hay fever refer to it as “a difficult chronic illness,” and warn that it may result in asthma, a far more serious affliction. In fact, in some sufferers hay fever becomes at times so severe that they have to stay home from work. Its symptoms include stuffy nose, violent sneezes, inflammation of the eyes, the roof of the mouth and the throat, as well as insomnia, headaches, irritability, stomach disturbances, loss of appetite and loss of the senses of taste and smell. Hay fever greatly resembles a cold, but differs from it in that it does not cause a rise.in the body’s temperature as does a cold.

When considering the population as a whole, comparatively few suffer from hay fever, yet it is estimated that from 3 to 5 percent, or from 7 to 9 million persons suffer from it in the United States alone. It has been termed the disease of civilization or culture, and in the last four decades is said to have increased fivefold in that land. First identified some 150 years ago, it became associated with pollen only after many decades.

Hay fever is described as “a common seasonal allergy.” An allergen is a substance that is not harmful in itself but does harm certain constitutions that are sensitive to it and so are said to be allergic to it. Thus there are certain persons who cannot tolerate eggs, strawberries, milk or wheat. These foods, wholesome in themselves, cause certain persons much distress if they eat them.

According to prevailing medical opinion, the offending factor in hay fever is pollen, “the fertilizing element of flowering plants, consisting of fine, powdery, yellowish grains or spores.” Strictly speaking, there are two kinds of hay fever, seasonal and perennial. Usually, when hay fever is mentioned, seasonal hay fever is meant and the blame is placed on pollens. These may be the tree pollens in the spring, the pollens from grasses in the summer, or the pollens from weeds, particularly the ragweed, in autumn. Perennial hay fever, on the other hand, is not limited to the seasons and is blamed by many on such things as house dust or the fine dust from furs, house pets and the like.

Wide Differences of Opinion

As with so many other ills, there are wide differences of opinion as to what causes hay fever and how best to treat it. The simplest, cheapest, but perhaps the least satisfactory is the one mentioned in a report not long ago: “One school of doubting M.D.’s has maintained that the best hay fever treatment is to buy the sufferer a box of handkerchiefs and leave him alone.’* An earlier one stated it similarly: “The only sure help remains a ready handkerchief.”

Then, again, a change of environment is advised. Thus we are told that “the best' prescription is still an ocean cruise.” In a large country such as the United States there are certain areas where hayfever sufferers are relatively free from discomfort. In this connection some recommend that hay-fever victims do not travel through the countryside during hay-fever season, or at least do not have the windows open in the car or train in which they are traveling, and that they avoid drafts and windy places. Also, it is recommended that at night these hayfever sufferers cover open windows with a thin gauze to keep out the pollen or have the ventilation for their room come from another room rather than directly from the outside. According to this approach, “avoiding the offending antigen is still the best treatment.”

There is also the drug approach, which might be said to be largely palliative, that is, removing the disturbing symptoms but not getting at the cause. Among the various drugs recommended for hay fever, some of which can be obtained only by a doctor’s prescription, are the antihistamines (rhymes with “means”), on the premise that hay fever is caused by too much histamine in the body. Other remedies prescribed are ephedrine, cortisone, ACTH and a host of trade-name products, all of which, however, are generally prescribed only as supplemental to other treatment. The objection to most of such drugs is that they are likely to have side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, stomach distress, and so forth.

Hyposensitization

Among the most highly regarded medical approaches to treating hay fever is what is known as desensitization or, more correctly, hyposensitization. Concerning it one authority on allergy wrote: "It is important to bear in mind that we are treating a difficult illness. Despite the chronic nature of allergy, despite its complexities, despite the fact that we cannot guarantee results, despite the fact that there is still no objective means of measuring the results of the treatment,” he, nevertheless, recommended the hyposensitization treatment as being “the only specific treatment for the illness and still the most promising means of controlling it.”

In this treatment skin tests are made to discover which pollen or pollens cause the hay-fever symptoms. The doctor then proceeds to inject a preparation of this type of pollen in ever-increasing amounts over a period of time to build up immunity to it by means of antibodies in the bloodstream. Such treatment begins months before the hay-fever season comes around and continues throughout the season. Some also recommend that this treatment be continued throughout the year, an injection to be given every four weeks. With some this appears to effect a cure after a year or two, while with others the treatment is required year after year. It is reported that in the United States a million hay-fever sufferers take this type of treatment annually and that it costs as much as $225, and so has been described as “a long and costly process,” It is claimed to be quite effective in three cases out of four.

In spite of these claims there is a wide difference of opinion within the medical profession as to the efficacy of hyposensitization. Thus three doctors, after making a five-year test with a large number of children suffering from hay fever, giving one-half of them placebos and the other half the regular injections, summarized their conclusions by saying: “Even though the allergen injections may have had some beneficial effect on some children, the amount of benefit was indistinguishable from differences likely to appear in randomization experiments. There was found no justification for promising any greater benefit to children treated with allergens than they would manifest if they received placebo injections,”—Journal of the American Medical Association, March 21, 1966.

The Psychosomatic Approach

A fifth approach to hay fever is the psychosomatic one. Yes, there are those who insist that hay fever is largely if not all “in the mind,” and so recommend psychotherapy, These point to the fact that such emotions as anxiety, fear and anger often bring on an attack. However, skin tests would seem to indicate that at least in some cases the hay-fever symptoms are not due solely to mental or emotional factors. The fact that in some persons these tests result in a swelling, a “wheal,” and not in others and are caused by one type of pollen and not another would seem to prove a physical basis.

But it cannot be denied that it is possible for the mind to have an effect on hay-fever symptoms in certain cases, either in relieving them or in making them worse, for which reason some authorities recognize psychotherapy as a valid means of treating hay fever. Apparently an optimistic, positive outlook is a help, and a pessimistic, self-pitying negative mental attitude is a hindrance in treating at least some cases of hay fever. It has been found that a bona fide hay-fever victim began to sneeze when seeing some ragweed even though it was made of plastic and so could not possibly have borne any offending pollens! The power of suggestion is great!

Physical Medicine and

Manipulative Therapy

Physical medicine also has something to offer for hay-fever victims. It is defined as “the treatment of disease by physical and mechanical means (as massage, regulated exercise, water, light, heat, electricity).” Thus Dr. W. J. Q. Van Ufford, in Physiotherapy of Allergic Diseases, tells of the benefits hay-fever victims get from vigorous exercise such as running up and down stairs. And, according to him, having the body and mind in the best possible condition can go far to minimize allergic reactions.

A somewhat similar approach, it might be said, is that of manipulative therapy as practiced by chiropractors and osteopaths. According to one veteran chiropractor, his therapy is of great help to hay-fever sufferers in that manipulation of the sensory nerves that control the sinuses brings relief. He himself has also found that massaging the areas around the sinuses can be helpful. For best results such treatments should be started well before the hay-fever season begins.

Food and Vitamins

Next, there are the dietary approaches to hay fever. Among these is the use of honey and beeswax. Thus in an article in The Military Surgeon, May 1937, folk medicine, which recommended eating local honey and in particular chewing the wax comb of such honey, was credited with bringing relief to hay-fever sufferers. ■‘It is reasonable that the benefit received was probably from the oral extraction of the pollen in the honey and the wax.” The author also told of getting results by administering pollen extracts by mouth rather than by injections. He recommended these as being'more effective, simpler and more economical than skin injections.

Vermont folk medicine likewise recommends honey, a tablespoon after each meal and in a half glass of water before retiring, starting three months before the season begins. Then, two weeks before the season begins, two tablespoons of honey and two of apple cider vinegar in a half glass of water before breakfast and before going to bed, and a tablespoon of honey after the noon and evening meals till the end of the hay-fever season.

Putting great stress on diet as a cure for hay fever is B. W. Newman in his book Hay Fever and Common Sense. He tells of getting rid of his stubborn and chronic hay fever, after the efforts of physicians failed, by taking enemas and by a diet that cut out all meats, including fish, dairy products and eggs, cereals (grains), as well as sugar, soda pop, and so forth. What is there left to eat? All fruits and vegetables, honey and vegetable oils. But perhaps not a few would consider such a restricted diet worse than hay fever itself!

Also advocating the diet approach, but not so greatly restricted, is Dr. W. H. Hay. In his book, How to Be Always WeU, he makes a strong case for eating more fruits and vegetables and less starch and protein. According to him, hay fever is due to an “acid-alkali imbalance.” To correct this, one’s meals should consist of 80 percent fruits and vegetables and only 20 percent starches and proteins. Instead of having salads merely to garnish the meal, he would give them a leading place. “Eat freely and largely of vegetables, salads and fruits, and sparingly of meats,” he recommends.

Somewhat similar is the approach of nutritionist Dr. H. G. Bieler in his book Food Is Your Best Medicine. He takes the position that “the inflammation comes first and the irritation follows” and that hay fever is “vicarious elimination due to toxemia.” He holds that “when there is no catarrhal state there is no hay fever no matter what irritants are inhaled.” He blames, among other things, table salt and counsels abstaining from “toxemia producing proteins and starches,” that is, very rich and highly refined foods.

The foregoing dietary approaches receive some support from a report appearing in Science News Letter, August 13, 1966. It says that two of the six chief causes of hay fever are "overeating of heavy foods” and “fatigue and long hours.”

Still another approach to the hay-fever problem is the taking of vitamins. Since vitamin C has been found to be good for colds, it is held that this vitamin will help cure or prevent hay fever. Those who recommend it, however, point out that it is necessary to keep taking the extra vitamin C throughout the year.

So there is indeed a wide difference of opinion as to how to treat hay fever, hi view of this, it would seem wise not to be dogmatic. Depending upon one’s hereditary pattern, environment and habits of life, one approach or the other may prove to be of help so that freedom from the discomfort of hay fever may be enjoyed.

It HAT kind of bread shall I take home today?” mused Mrs. Anderson, a Swedish housewife. In front of her was the largest bakery display in the country, with an assortment of some 620 different kinds of baked goods —breads, cakes and cookies from several different lands. As the manager of the grocery section in the department store watched her wander slowly along the huge display, he recalled to mind the proverb: “He who has a choice has trouble.”

“This big assortment confuses me. Would you please help me?” begged Mrs. Anderson, as she turned to the manager.

There were few shoppers around at the moment, so the manager, who had many years of bakery experience and a personal interest in bread, prepared himself for a more detailed conversation. He asked: “Do you choose bread according to your family’s taste or according to their need of nourishment?”

She turned from the display and looked a little surprised. “Why, of course, one would like to choose something that tastes good, but, even so, one wants it to be nourishing also. Can’t both of these desires be combined?”

“Naturally,” answered the manager, “but that requires knowledge about bread, especially as to how bread should be baked.”

“I really don’t know much about that,” answered Mrs. Anderson thoughtfully.

“May I share with you some things I have learned about bread baking?” the manager asked pleasantly.

“Yes, please!" answered Mrs. Anderson as she put down her basket.

Not All Breads Are Equally Valuable

“In this field we notice that many shoppers choose bread according to taste and custom, but seldom according to its dietary value,” the manager began.

“But aren’t all kinds of bread equally nourishing?” wondered the housewife.

“Sorry to say, but the truth is that a lot of bread isn’t as nourishing as one could wish.”

“What kind of bread for example?”

“No doubt you have often bought white sweetened bread, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I have, especially coffee rolls, but sometimes also plain bread.”

"So there you are. That is the kind of bread we sell a lot of, even though it usually isn’t as valuable as many believe. But people have become accustomed to it and think that it tastes good.”

“Why isn’t it so valuable?” Mrs. Anderson asked.

“Well, the culprit is the sugar. When sugar is mixed into bread the amino acid lysine, which is necessary for the body, is destroyed and so one loses one of the many valuable proteins in the grain. Besides that, sugar in itself lacks vitamins and minerals. And each addition of sugar to the diet causes a loss of the relative nourishment in relation to the calorie value.

“Furthermore, the consistency of the saliva is regulated automatically with respect to the diet, so that the salivary glands produce different kinds of saliva depending on what we eat. Sugar stimulates development of one sort of saliva, and bread, which contains starch, another kind of saliva. Now, the saliva that sugar stimulates is so composed that it can help the body break down sugar, but it doesn’t have the ability to break down starch, which is one of the most important food substances and is found so richly in grain. Therefore, food researchers think that sugar in bread hinders the body’s ability to make use of the nourishment available in bread.

“In addition," the manager continued, “white bread is usually baked from refined flour, that is, flour that has been deprived of much of its nourishment. The outer parts of the grain are removed, including the protein-rich aleuronic layer. ‘Even the protein-rich and oil-rich germ is removed in the refining process. Since the aleuronic layer and the germ are not found in the refined flour, it has less protein, oil and vitamins than unrefined flour. In this way such flour loses nutritive value, but gains whiteness.

“In some countries a bleaching agent is added, such as chlorine, nitrosyl chloride or benzoyl peroxide, to whiten it further. To replace some of the vitamin content and minerals that are lost in the refining process, the flour may be enriched with additions of iron, calcium and certain vitamins. By the time such flour is made into bread for eating some fifteen or sixteen chemicals may have been added. However, the wisdom of removing so much of the natural food value from the flour, and replacing it with artificial vitamins and chemicals, is certainly questionable.”

Mrs. Anderson appeared thoughtful when she remembered all the white bread she had bought and baked during the years.

“But why is so much bread of poor food value baked?” she countered.

“Taste often goes before nutrition," replied the manager. “The ‘fun of eating’ has such a strong grip on many people that information about what is healthful and not healthful in the food line often doesn’t leave any impression upon them. People eat and drink injurious foodstuffs just for the ‘fun of eating,’ ”

Healthful Bread

Now Mrs. Anderson remembered her errand again and asked: “Tell me, what bread do you recommend for me to buy?”

“Leading dietitians say that bread that is baked from whole grain, without addition of sweeteners and preservatives, is the best bread. It should be eaten together with other suitable foods, such as certain vegetables that help the body make use of all the nutrients of the full-grain bread. Interestingly, bread that was baked in many lands during the second world war, when a shortage of raw materials forced many to grind the whole grain, was more healthful than much of the bread that is baked now. The reason is that whole-grain bread contains two to seven times more of the necessary vital substances and minerals than ordinary white bread.”

Superiority of Sourdough Bread

“Tell me, then,” Mrs. Anderson asked as she made a wide sweep with her hand before the large bread display, “which bread of all these kinds do you believe is the most desirable nutritionally speaking?”

The manager let his eyes wander over the display, picked up a flat cake and said: “Look at this! It is newly baked but has an ancient ancestry. It is a sort of leavened or sourdough bread baked according to a recipe that is so old that no one knows exactly when it began. Historians know that it was used by the ancient Egyptians, Jews and Romans, The Bible also speaks a lot about leaven and leavened bread. Leaven was the fermenting agent used by ancient peoples, and nutritional researchers can guarantee that for thousands of years such bread had good reason to be called the ‘staff of life.’ This is because of its very high nutritional value. By the way, smell the delicious aroma of the rich flavored grain in this cake.”

Mrs. Anderson drew in her breath close to the cake and felt how the salivary glands in her cheeks immediately reacted to the acidic, fresh aroma of the bread.

“How interesting! But how is it baked?” she asked as she eyed the bread.

“Because I am especially interested in ancient bread making I' have read a lot about such bread,” explained the manager. “It is supposed that sourdough once came into existence simply because someone in ancient times let a mixture of flour and water stand for a while. Later it was found that the bread baked from the dough became porous and had a delicious tartness. Besides possessing yeast spores, sourdough contains bacteria that produce lactic and acetic acid, which give the bread its agreeable tangy taste.”

“Could I make that kind of bread myself?” Mrs. Anderson interrupted with interest

“Yes, that is possible, but it isn’t always easy to get a bread with that fine aroma. This is because there is an endless variety of sourdough bacteria and, depending on the stiffness of the dough, its temperature and the time that the dough is allowed to stand, the aroma develops in many different ways. Therefore, making a really good sourdough bread is recognized as one of the most difficult achievements of a baker.

“When a wife in ancient times succeeded in making a good sourdough bread, a bread the family members relished, she was wise enough to save a bit of the dough. This was then mixed with enough flour to form a hard ball, and was used the next time she would bake. The ball was then dissolved in warm water. Of course, she was unaware of what happened to the doughball. But now we know that the bacteria are awakened to life by the heat, and that they quickly multiply in the new dough and secrete lactic and acetic acid until the whole dough is permeated.”

Its Advantages

“But what advantages does sourdough bread have?” Mrs. Anderson wondered.

“Well, the housewife of ancient times noticed that her family members thrived extremely well on sourdough bread. She couldn’t explain why, but a modern nutritionist can. He says that sourdough bacteria build up protein of the same nutritional value as beef protein, and that the yeast spores and bacteria work together to widen the protein value of the bread. But sourdough bacteria accomplish a very good work in another way. When the dough becomes more acid, the heat-sensitive vitamin Bi is preserved much better, and that means that the bread will be richer in vitamins.

“Our ancient housewife had still another advantage with her flour. She ground only the day’s supply of flour, so that she always had newly ground flour when she baked. That was important for both taste and nourishment, since the quality of flour deteriorates through storage. The outer shell of the kernel, the bran, was included in the flour. This is important, for the bran contains valuable mineral salts, iron for the blood, phosphorous for the nerves and skeleton, and many, many other vital substances.”

“You said,” reminded Mrs. Anderson, “that it would be possible for me to make such bread for my family. Just how can I make it?"

“Of course, there are many fine recipes for sourdough bread. Very important in its preparation is the making of the sour. This may, for example, be made of 21 percent rye flour, 21 percent clear wheat flour, 33 percent cultured or plain buttermilk (milks with the highest possible acidity are best), 23 percent water, and about 1 or lj percent each of milk powder and salt.

“The milk powder and salt first are dissolved in the water, and then mixed with the buttermilk. Afterward the flour is mixed in by hand. This sour should be allowed to set for a day or two at room temperature. Then use about one pound of this sour for every ten pounds of flour in the making of your bread, varying the proportion slightly depending on the degree of sourness desired.

“There are, of course, many ways of preparing the sour. Unpasteurized milk soured at different temperatures and over varying lengths of time will produce different flavors in the finished bread. Also cider vinegar, sauerkraut juice and souring liquid from pickle manufacture can be used in making the sour.”

“But, tell me, why don't more commercial bakeries make such a sourdough bread today?” inquired Mrs. Anderson.

“For several reasons,” answered the manager. “Sourdough baking is a process that takes much time and requires knowhow in order to be good tasting. The baking must always be adjusted to the grain and to the dally weather. In eastern Europe, Germany, Denmark and some other countries, a lot of sourdough bread is still baked, especially of rye. But one must become accustomed to the new taste, and the stomach must become accustomed to the acids.”

“All this is certainly interesting and useful. Now I must buy some of this bread and see how the family like it,” Mrs. Anderson exclaimed.

As she thanked the store manager and bade him good-bye, she thought: “How little one actually knows about things that are important for a family’s nourishment! If only I could remember all this.”

While many persons have at one time or another dined on oysters or clams, what would you do with a clam over three and a half feet across? One specimen of the giant clam (Tridacna gigas) measured 43 inches by 29 inches. The shell alone weighed 579i pounds. It was from this type of clam that a 14-pound natural pearl was taken.

Evidently it was the “time to build” in the Belgian sector of the worldwide ‘field’ for preaching the “good news,” (Eccl. 3:3; Matt. 13:38) Commencing with excavation in November 1966, there began to arise a handsome, four-story brick building at Kraainem, in the outskirts of Greater Brussels. On a plot measuring about 1,200 square yards the structure gradually took shape. By February 1968, the building program had progressed to the point where inside finishing work could be undertaken.

What was this new building? It was to be the new Bethel or branch office of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in Belgium, And it had truly become a vital need. Back in 1929 Belgium’s population was served by a small group of twenty-eight zealous Witnesses. In 1939, as World War n rent Europe from end to end, the number of Witnesses had increased to 162. Despite the vicious persecutions of Nazi rule, the devotion of those Witnesses was maintained, so that by the end of the war they numbered 600.

In the postwar period the Society’s branch was established on Brussel’s General Eisenhower Avenue. During twenty years, administration of the preaching work in Belgium from this location witnessed Jehovah’s abundant blessings. By April 1968, the number of active Witnesses in the land had swelled to a new peak of 10,911 to serve a population of 9,500,000. The interests of God’s kingdom had vastly multiplied.

And now Saturday, June 8, had come—the day selected for the dedication of the new Bethel. The Kingdom Hall, on the ground floor, was packed to capacity by Witnesses and well-wishers. To their joyful surprise, N. H. Knorr, president of the Watch Tower Society, appeared on the platform to share in the dedication program. In his discourse he went right to their hearts by explaining to the audience that “the precious things here are not these walls, but you.” He drew a parallel between the

lems that had to be solved. For example, test probings had revealed that one part of the foundation would be on clay, another on sandy soil. Technicians got around the difficulty by erecting the building in two sections, united by an expansion joint, so ensuring the stability of the structure.

Most of the finishing and inside decoration had been done with the help of scores of volunteers who came from all parts of the land. The zeal of these helpers and their willingness to forgo holidays in order to have a share astonished the architect. In fact, he enjoyed the company of the Witness workers so much that he found it difficult to tear himself away from the building site. “I have never encountered such a warm, friendly atmosphere,” he declared.

Touring the Premises

Guided tours of the entire building were arranged. And there was much to admire: the beautiful entrance hall paved with large white-and-green marble blocks, fabricated and polished by the Witnesses themselves, and the stairway of white marble from the Pyrenees, enhanced by a wrought-iron handrail artistically fashioned by Witnesses and gilded in old gold.

The decor of the 150-seat Kingdom Hall matched that of the reception hall, and indirect lighting on the platform brought out the beauty of the rosy-pink brick background and the flowers set out along the back of the platform.

Visitors then saw the next floor, where they could note the layout of the dining hall and library, both located in the one large room, where gold-colored drapes and green floor covering afforded to the sight a pleasant combination. On this same floor the L-shaped offices of the Society were visited as well as the kitchen and laundry. The attractive greenish ceramic of the floor, together with the yellowish hue of the wall, gave the kitchen an outstanding freshness of appearance.

The two upper floors have bedrooms for the staff of the Society’s branch, all of them airy and pleasantly furnished. At the rear of the building visitors could view the literature depot, covering an area of 360 square yards. From here Bibles and other publications of the Society will be shipped to all parts of Belgium in support of the Bible education program conducted by Jehovah’s witnesses. Next to this depot is the parking area, flanked by a lawn that has been tastefully embellished with shrubbery. There is also a small vegetable garden.

All in all, this new branch office of the Society is pleasant looking and functional. Its four floors form a block 33 yards long by 12 yards wide. The facade, composed of bricks similar to those used in the interior decoration, is neatly set off by the double entrance doors in glass, framed against Roman travertine stone. The window frames are aluminum and the double glass panes assure excellent insulation against outside noise and temperatures.

Throughout this joyous dedication day, both Witnesses and guests were impressed by the generous provision that Jehovah makes for “the desirable [precious] things of all the nations” (Hag. 2:7) in the form of new buildings such as this one, dedicated to the purpose of Jehovah, dedicated to the service of gathering honest-hearted persons of all races and aiding them to cultivate a warm and loving relationship with Jehovah God and his appointed King, Christ Jesus. Visitors were heard to exclaim; "What a welcome.'” “What friendliness!” “I have never experienced the like anywhere else!” “We must get to know each other better!”

What Is Happening in CZECHOSLOVAKIA?

itrpHAW in Czechoslovakia,” pro-

I claimed the New York Times. “New Wind in Prague,” stated Neue Zurcher Zeitung. “Breath of Liberty in Czechoslovakia,” reported Britain’s Times.

Many more such headlines in the world press drew attention to the dramatic developments during 1968 in Czechoslovakia, situated in the heart of eastern Europe.

What has been taking place in the country has been called a political, economic and cultural “revival,” or “liberalization.” 'This has surprised most political analysts, because for twenty years Czechoslovakia has been in the firm grip of the Communist Party.

However, the goal of the present leadership is stated to be a restoring of a measure of democracy in political, economic, cultural and public life. The governing Communist Party itself now expresses a desire for more freedoms of various kinds. The newspaper Prace, official organ for the trade unions, stated: "It ought to be natural for socialism to have a higher degree of democracy than that of the capitalist system. But in this point the socialist democracy often remained on paper only, although we often made a parade of it both for ourselves and for foreign countries.”

The process taking place today is described as the first step for proving whether socialism (communism) can be combined with real democracy and liberty, manifested not only in words, but more important, in deeds. Of this, a leading Austrian Marxist, E. Fisher, writing in the Italian periodical Rinascita, said: “If this deliberate and bold experiment succeeds, the resulting event will not be of merely local importance, but it will prove to be of historical significance, ... if people are allowed to tell freely what they think, and make their choice among various alternatives, then in the near future an order will come into existence which so many people are groping for: a socialist society proceeding in freedom.”

Will this “revival” process endanger communism in Czechoslovakia? At a meeting of the Presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia there was clearly proclaimed that “our process of promoting democracy is of a pure socialist character.”

From other proclamations of leading Communist officials in the country it was obvious that no basic changes in foreign policy were going to take place. One of the leading spokesmen for the liberalization process, M. GaluSka, declared: “Decidedly no changes are going to take place in alliances; there will not be any changes in principle. But demands may be expressed for a policy to take into account our location in Europe, our cultural traditions, economic situation, etc. The new atmosphere will lead us to a more creative, more active foreign policy.”

Why the Change Now?

Why, it may be asked, after twenty years of communism, should Czechoslovakia start on a new course in the political, economic, cultural and public life of the country? Basically, it is due to the lack of progress in these areas over the past twenty years.

An editorial in Rude prdvo of March 24, 1968, summarized in one short sentence the main reason for the accumulating of difficulties when it said: “The state power was disqualified and compromised due to the extreme centralization of power.”

This power concentrated in the hands of a few leaders resulted, for one thing, in tension between the intellectuals, including students, on one side and the bureaucrats of the Cbmmunist Party on the other side. The party hierarchy had attempted to characterize this tension as a clash between the intellectuals and the working class, for years charging that students were promoting “interests and proposals against the working class.”

Another reason for a gradual paralyzing of the political and economic life was increasing tension between the two specific nations or groups of people in Czechoslovakia, namely the Czechs and the Slovaks. The theory of complete equality of the two peoples was not always applied in actual practice.

A very important factor leading to the current liberalization trend was the increasing economic difficulties. The economy had been stagnating. In fact, there had even been a decrease in the standard of living. A leading Czechoslovak economist, Professor O. §ik, said: “We could not ensure the necessary increase of production to cover the needs and, moreover, the increase of production has even been brought to a standstill, and the amount of the national income on the whole has decreased. The influence it proved to have on the standard of living is obvious. The nominal wages had to be absolutely decreased and, due to the rise of prices, real wages have actually decreased.” That economic factors have been important is seen by the result of a public opinion poll regarding which problems were thought to be the most urgent. The poll showed that the people considered the economic difficulties the most pressing.

However, perhaps the worst shortcoming in Czechoslovakia’s development over the past twenty years was the strong suppression of individual rights and freedoms, especially the freedoms of speech, press, assembly and religion. In recent years, especially in the period from 1949 to 1954 and even later, thousands of people were unjustly imprisoned for many years as a result of this oppressive policy.

So these and other reasons caused an increasing passivity and aversion to public and political life on the part of the public, especially the youth. It caused the building up of pressures that came to a climax early this year.

This does not mean that the Communist leadership claims no positive results in the past twenty years. On April 5, 1968, at a plenary session of. the Central Committee of the Communist Party it was stated: “Our society . . . has abolished capitalistic exploitation and consequent social injuries. Every citizen of our Republic has the right to work and has basic social guarantees. Our society went through a period of industrialization and disposes of a wide industrial base. We have achieved significant results in the development of science and culture, and the possibilities for all people to gain proper education have greatly increased.”

A Clamor for Change

However, further progress was being slowed down more and more by the difficulties noted previously. Increasingly, conflicts appeared in the presidium of the Central Committee of the Communist Parfy. Finally, about half the members of the Presidium opposed the state of affairs that had prevailed in the country for two decades.

As a result of this division, said Rudd •prdvo of March 24, 1968, the Presidium “became incapable of adopting any resolution and the conflict was transferred into the plenary session of the Central Committee.” In January, a plenary session of this Central Committee was convened.

One of the most important decisions of that session resulted in dividing the functions of the first secretary of the Communist Party and that of the president of the Republic. Up to that time, both of these positions were combined in the person of A. Novotny. A. Dubcek was then elected the first secretary of the Communist Party. The reason for this division of functions was noted by Rude prdvo when it said: “The leading State and Party organs having coalesced, they got under the control of a single person. Through one of his collaborators he was able to manipulate the State Security apparatus and Army, armed workers’ militia, the body of prosecutors, and the Justice.”

At first, the general public, and many party members as well, were not informed about the decisions of the January session of the Central Committee. In February, however, a flood of nationwide debate broke out. On radio, TV, in the press and in public speeches leading political, cultural and scientific figures openly clamored for change. This free discussion had no precedent in the country for twenty years. Gradually, the public was informed of the causes for the crisis, with the shortcomings now being criticized openly.

Soon, from all sides, demands were forthcoming for a thorough democratization of the political, public and cultural life of the country. Many people, in and out of authority, began clamoring for freedom of expression, for freedom of the press and assembly, for the abolishing of censorship, and'for establishing better relations between Czechs and Slovaks. Demands were made to restore the economy by putting it on a scientific basis.

Referring to the demands for full civil rights and constitutional guarantees, the first secretary of the Central Committee, A. DubSek, said: “Socialism is a higher type of society, not only in abolishing exploitation but also in the fact that it must become a basis for a much more complex development of the personality. This is unthinkable without a broad democratic acknowledgement of political and personal rights of the citizens and without actual guarantees of their realization. We must work out a thorough conception for further development of democratic rights and liberties.”

In connection with civil rights, from all parts of the Republic claims were raised for full legal rehabilitation of all citizens who were unjustly treated in the past. There also was a demand for religious freedom. This demand was based on the argument that the Marxist philosophy is strong enough to face the conflict with religion.

The demand for liberalization resulted in a wave of dismissals and resignations of high Communist officials. In early March, the prosecutor general and the minister of interior were dismissed from their posts. On March 21 A. Novotny, the president of the Republic, resigned. General L. Svoboda was then elected the new president. Also, a large number of high party, trade union, and public officials were retired.

Public Reaction

The first reaction from the average citizen to the flood of nationwide debate and criticism was one of great surprise. He could now read in his newspaper and hear over his radio and TV things that would have been unthinkable before. After so many years of suppressing shortcomings, the exposing of growing conflicts came as quite a shock to many.

The initial surprise has been followed by bewilderment and confusion. People wanted to know who of the leading officials were “progressive” and who were “conservative.” What was really going on? Was a genuine change of policy in the making, a real “democratization,” or was it merely an exchange of officials?

As time went on, three main opinions were noted. First were those people who were actively involved in the progressive changes or who supported them. In the second group were those who expressed the view that criticism and democratization were proceeding too rapidly, and that they should be limited ‘in behalf of unity? In the third group were people, not small in number, who showed little or no interest in public life and who were ready to conform their opinions to any situation.

On the official level, the “progressive” forces seemed to gain the upper hand gradually. The majority of the Communist Party members, as well as of the public, seemed to favor the process of liberalization. So at the present, the policy of unity and confidence is being stressed. Equal rights in coexistence of the Czech and Slovak peoples in a federative arrangement are being emphasized. A new pattern of socialist democracy is being outlined.

Momentous, too, are the passages outlined in the government’s new program regarding the guarantees of civil rights and freedom of assembly. The guarantees of freedom of expression are being discussed even on behalf of minority interests and opinions.

Greater Religious Freedom?

Religious-minded citizens of Czechoslovakia are most interested in one particular passage from the comprehensive document issued by the government outlining the future course of liberalization. This passage deals with the idea that “the liberties guaranteed by the Law in harmony with the Constitution must concern even citizens of various kinds of religious faiths and confessions.”

If such words are translated into action, it will mean much greater religious freedom than has been the case to this date. It will mean greater freedom of worship even for the many Christian witnesses of Jehovah living in Czechoslovakia.

The first stage of the liberalization process is finished. It was a hopeful period for many. However, for the present it has been characterized mostly by words, proclamations and plans. Much more difficult periods lie ahead in order to realize the goal of the “progressive” leaders, that is, their expressed desire for socialist democracy.

And in the background, not to be overlooked, is a question that looms very large: What will the Soviet Union do if she sees her small Communist neighbor promoting freedoms that she considers a threat to her orthodox Qommunist ideas? Developments in recent months provide at least a partial answer to that question.

Did Jesus Have Brothers and Sisters?

IT IS the common belief of millions of professed. Christians that Jesus Christ did not have any fleshly brothers and sisters. They believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was “ever virgin.” Teaching this view is The Catholic Encyclopedia (Vol. 15, p. 466), which states that Mary was a virgin before and during the time she gave birth to Jesus, as well as ever after. Is this true that Mary had no other children besides Jesus?

^sThe Bible makes unmistakably clear that Mary was a virgin at the time she conceived and gave birth to Jesus. It explains that Jesus was miraculously conceived by the power of the Most High. (Luke 1:34, 35) Jesus was thus the Son of God; Joseph was only his foster father. But did Joseph later have relations with his wife Mary, and were children bom to them, these thus becoming fleshly half brothers and half sisters of Jesus?

³ The Bible indicates this. Why not locate your Bible and turn in it to Matthew chapter one and verse twenty-five. If yours is the Catholic Douay Version you will notice that it reads: “And he [Joseph] knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Clearly the implication here is that Joseph did “know” Mary, that is, have relations with her, after she gave birth to Jesus. And, too, if Mary really did not bear other, children, surely the Gospel writers would have termed Jesus Mary’s “only” son, rather than her "firstborn son.”—Luke 2:7.

* That Mary actually did bear other children is specifically stated at Matthew 13:54-56, which reads: “How came this man by this wisdom and miracles? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Jude? And his sisters, are they not all with us?” (Catholic Douay Version) The way in which Jesus’ brothers and sisters are linked in this text with Jesus’ own mother and foster father reveals that they do not refer to spiritual brothers and sisters, but, rather, had a close fleshly tie with Jesus.

’That these “brethren” and “sisters” were not spiritual brothers and sisters of Jesus is also made clear when the Bible says: Jesus "went down to Capharnaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples.” (John 2:12, Dy) A clear distinction is here drawn between Jesus’ "brethren,” and his spiritual brothers or "disciples.” In fact, during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Bible says: “Neither did his brethren believe in him.” (John 7:5, Dy) These “brethren” must refer to his fleshly brothers, for it certainly could not be said that his disciples did not believe in Jesus! Only later did his fleshly brothers put faith in him—1 Cor. 9:5; Gal. 1:19.

• Nor can it be argued, as some try to do, that these “brethren” of Jesus were mere cousins of his. Another Greek word is used to identify this relationship. Thus, the Bible says regarding Mary and Elizabeth, who were cousins: “Behold thy cousin [syg-gen&s'] Elizabeth.” (Luke 1:36, Dy) This Greek word syg-genes' occurs some twelve times in the Christian Greek Scriptures and is used to denote relatives who are not as close as one’s own family. Thus notice how the Bible distinguishes between brothers and “kinsmen,” such as cousins: “You shall be betrayed by your parents and brethren [a-derpJids'], and kinsmen [sygge-nes^f] andfriends.”—Luke 21:16, Dy.

• ⁷ Another incident recorded in the Bible also shows that Jesus’ “brethren” do not refer merely to his cousins. We read: “As he [Jesus] was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him. And one said to him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking thee. But he answering him that told him, said: Who is my mother, and who are my brethren? And stretching forth his hand towards his disciples, he said: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matt. 12: 46-50, Dy) This contrast given by Jesus, showing that the spiritual relationship is stronger and more important than the natural relationship, proves that these brothers were not cousins. For if they had been, then Jesus’ statement to his disciples must also mean, ‘Whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my cousin.’ Yet it is well known that Jesus taught that he and his disciples were spiritual brothers, not cousins.

• ⁸ That Mary had other children besides Jesus is also indicated by an incident that occurred when Jesus was twelve years old. As was their custom, Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to the Passover feast, taking Jesus with them. However, “when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.” (Luke 2: 42-45, Dy) Now consider: If Jesus had been Mary’s only child, could we imagine that she would have left Jerusalem with her husband and not at all notice that Jesus was not with her? On the other hand, with such a flock of children, four sons and perhaps as many daughters by that time, and perhaps one even an infant in arms, she certainly would have her hands so full in caring for these that she would not have missed Jesus until the end of the first day.

• ⁸ So we see that all the Scriptural evidence combines to show that Jesus did indeed have fleshly brothers and sisters. This means, then, that Mary was not ever virgin. Although she was greatly blessed with the privilege of giving birth to God’s Son, the Bible does not elevate her as one to whom we are to give glory. In fact, Jesus himself corrected those who were inclined to adore her. (Luke 11:27, 28) He showed clearly that we are to give glory and worship to Jehovah God alone. (Matt. 4:10) Some of these thoughts from the Bible may be new to you. In fact, they may come as quite a surprise. But a sincere desire to please God will aid you to make your mind over in harmony with his inspired Word.—Rom. 12:2.

Can you answer these questions? For answers, read the article above.

(1) Does the Catholic church teach that Jesus mother Mary had other children? {2) Was Marj a virgin at the time of Jesus' birth? Who was Jesus' father? (3) How does the Bible imply that Mary was not forever virgin, and that she did have other children? (4) What Bible account shows specifically that Mary had other children? (51 What proves that the "brethren" and "sisters" mentioned at Matthew 13:54-56 were not spiritual brothers and sisters of Jesus? (6) What proof is there that "brethren" does not really refer to cousins of Jesus? (7) Why is it apparent that Jesus' “brethren" mentioned at Matthew 12:46-50 could not refer to his cousins? (8) What occurred when Jesus was twelve years old that serves to verify that he had brothers and sisters? (9) Is worship of Mary pleasing to God?

How Did Hitler Diet

<$■ It was generally believed that Hitler shot himself when the Allies invaded Berlin in 1945. But now, twenty-three years later, Soviet sources have disclosed details of the autopsy and other medical reports that reveal that Hitler took cyanide poisoning. Stalin had suppressed all reports of the evidence, although his reason for doing so is uncertain. It is suggested that he may have intended to use the evidence should someone try to masquerade as Hitler. However, following the disclosure Hitler’s valet, Heinz Linge, maintained that Hitler did shoot himself.

Severe Earthquakes

<$> On August 2 two large cities were shaken violently by major earthquakes within 17 hours, although seismologists doubted that there was any relation between the two. In both Manila and Mexico City scores of buildings were damaged, and in Manila a five-story apartment building collapsed, burying hundreds of persons in the debris. Over 200 persons have been confirmed dead there with scores missing, and three were reported killed in Mexico City.

Volcano Erupts in Costa Rica

<$> Late in July, 5,249-foot-high Mount Arenal ended nearly 500 years of dormancy by blowing half its cone into the air and spewing out flaming gas. Everything was scorched in an area 3i miles wide by 12 i miles long. Rocks as large as a yard in diameter were hurled 30 miles. More than a hundred persons and 300,000 cattle were killed by the hot gases and lava. The volcano had been thought to be extinct.

Kenya Bans TV Violence

♦ After experiencing an increase in crime, the African country of Kenya has banned television programs of violence. Included in programs banned from TV screens in Kenya are "Bonanza" and the British series “The Saint.”

Ban on Birth Control

<$> On July 29 the Vatican made public the'encyclical "Of Human Life” in which Pope Paul VI officially reaffirms the Catholic Church’s ban on artificial means of birth control for Catholics. The only means of birth control permitted by the Church is the rhythm method, which limits sex relations to what are calculated to be the infertile periods of the woman’s menstrual cycle. The official document states: “We must once again declare that the direct interruption of the generative process already begun, and, above all, directly willed and procured abortion, even if for therapeutic reasons, are to be absolutely excluded as licit means of regulating birth. . . . Similarly excluded is every action which, either in anticipation of the conjugal act or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible.”

Dissent Widespread

Many Roman Catholic leaders openly denounced the pope’s ban on birth control. On July 30, the day after the encyclical was made public, 87 Roman Catholic theologians asserted in a statement that Catholics were not bound by the pope’s prohibition on birth control. Endorsing this statement later was Bernard Haring of the Academia Alfon-siana in Rome, described as “the foremost world authority in Catholic moral theology,” as well as many other prominent Church officials. However, among those strongly supporting the position of the pope was the Catholic magazine Triumph, whose editor stated: "Those priests who refuse to accept, and faithfully carry out in their pastoral capacity, Pope Paul's encyclical on birth control should leave the church.” He added: “Any person who refuses submission to an authoritative teaching by the supreme Pontiff on faith or morals is a schismatic.” Serious conflict presently is rending the Roman Catholic Church over this and other issues.

High-ranking Priests Marry <§> On July 12 Edward J. Sponga, one of the top-ranking Jesuits an America, was married to a divorcee with three children. A few days later the marriage was disclosed, and Sponga resigned his post as head of the 800-member Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. This marked one of the most notable departures from the Church in the United States, and Roman Catholic leaders registered widespread dismay. But then, a few days later, it was revealed that Joseph F. Mulligan, former dean of Fordham University’s graduate school, had asked to be released from vows as a Jesuit priest so that he could marry. In 1966 and 1967 several hundred priests in the United States are reported to have left the Church for the same reason.

World Council of

Churches Meets

On July 19 the Fourth Assembly of the World Council of Churches concluded its 16 days of meetings in Uppsala, Sweden. This world church body has 237 member denominations, representing most major Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches throughout the world. A feature of the assembly was a virtual invitation to the Roman Catholic Church to seek membership in the World Council. Privately both Catholic and Protestant observers said they fully expect Catholic membership by the next assembly. The Council holds world assemblies about every six or seven years.

Violence in Cleveland

On the night of July 23 violence erupted in Cleveland when five men opened fire on a passing police task force car. Before it was over, 10 persons were shot dead, including three policemen, and 15 were wounded by gunfire. In an unusual move, Mayor Carl B. Stokes the following day ordered all National Guard troops and white policemen out of the area, and placed the predominately Negro neighborhood under the control of 125 Negro policemen.

Shipment of Plasma Curtailed

In April the National Research Council recommended that the use of whole pooled blood plasma be “discouraged and even discontinued.” The United States government has responded by asking processors of blood plasma to stop shipping it in interstate commerce. Studies have revealed that 1 patient in 10 who receives a whole pooled blood transfusion gets the serious virus disease hepatitis.

Student Demonstrations

<$> On July 29 Mexico City appeared as if it were under siege. Students had gone on a rampage, seizing buses, smashing shop windows, disrupting downtown traffic and even threatening the National Palace. And when riot policemen could not handle the situation, paratroopers and infantry were called in. The students were demonstrating against the strong measures of police and military units in curbing student disorders.

A New Queen

The famous Queen Mary is now a museum piece in a California port and the equally famous Queen Elizabeth is due to retire similarly at the end of the year. However, a new Queen, the Queen Elizabeth 2, is nearly ready for launching. It is a 963-foot ocean liner that can carry 2,025 passengers. “We will no longer be selling just transportation," explained C. N. Anderson, the president of Cunard's North American company. ‘‘We are going to market holidays and a way of life. The fine Queens of the past were tailor-made and maxiskirt. The new one will be miniskirt." It will have twelve decks, nine bars, four swimming pools, two of them on open decks, shops, banks, beauty salons, laundries, a hospital, a newspaper and more outdoor space than any liner afloat.

Canada’s Population Growth <$> Every 82 seconds the “population clock” at Canada’s Dominion Bureau of Statistics registers the addition of one new Canadian. The clock operates according to the bureau’s calculations of birth, immigration, death and emigration rates. In July Canada's population passed the 20.8 million mark.

Television Violence

♦ Violence on the streets is matched by the violence channeled into the living room via TV, a survey by The Christian Science Monitor confirmed. The most violent evening hours, the survey found, are between 7:30 and 9, a time children are likely to be watching TV. “In those early evening hours, violent incidents occurred on an average of once every 16.3 minutes. After 9 P.M., violence tapered off quickly, with incidents occurring once every 35 minutes," the paper said. “In the early evening, there was a murder or killing once every 31 minutes." Is it any wonder youngsters practice what they see so often on television?

Crosses as Ramrods

<$> Jesus Christ taught love, kindness and forgiveness. But today some church ministers advocate violence and breaking the law. In West Berlin a segment of a student riot was led by a Protestant minister carrying a wooden cross. The clergyman also advised the young men to carry wooden crosses when they marched. This was not to indicate that Christ was with them, but rather the crosses were to be used as “ramming blocks” when they ran into the police. Is this

’Christianity?

A New Bow

< On July 20 atop the 12,000-foot-high United States Plateau Station in Antarctica a record low of 122 degrees below zero was registered. This was nearly 200 degrees colder than the low of 75 above zero which occurred that same day in New

York City! The previous Antarctica low was 121 below.

Chance of Being Arrested

<$> What is the chance that a ten-year-old American boy will be arrested for a nontrafflc offense sometime in his life? According to Dr. Alfred Blum-stein, executive secretary of President Johnson’s crime commission, there is a 50-50 chance of this happening. And if the boy Ilves in the city, he said, there is a 60-pereent chance of eventual arrest. Blumstein made these projections at a panel discussion on crime before the International Platform Association, an organization of professional lecturers. "That’s the direction in which we are going," he said regarding the skyrocketing crime rate.

Where Rats Are Holy

<$■ In the town of Deshnoukh, on the great desert of western India, there is an ancient temple that serves as a rat sanctuary. Here rats are considered holy. Even though people may starve tor lack of food, the rats are fed an average dally ration of 250 pounds of foodgrains—more than $3,250 worth a year. A reporter visiting the temple said that he was warned by an elderly priest: "If you should kill a rat here, you will be required to present the temple with a statue of a rat cast in gold or the equivalent in cash."

Overcrowded Skies

& Highways and streets are unbelievably congested around many major cities, but'the skies are fast becoming equally as crowded. In a recent day the New York area handled 5,900 inbound and outbound flights. This' heavy traffic means, oftentimes, spending several hours in "holding patterns" before receiving permission to land. Recently planes coming up from Miami to New York went into holding patterns over Jacksonville, Florida. And even the first commercial Soviet jetliner to fly from Moscow to New York, on July 15, had to circle for an hour and 35 minutes before receiving clearance to land.

Fight In Church

<$> Things got really rough in a Baptist church, according to a UPI press dispatch from Blytheville, Arkansas. A deacon tried to get the attention of the minister, who apparently had no intention of recognizing him. “That ignited an argument between the pastor and some other men," the deacon later reported in court. Women started arguing and “got into a little hair-pulling combat in the vestibule . . . that sparked a fight between some men.” The wife of one of the deacons insisted: “We’re law abiding citizens. We’re Christians.” But is that Christian conduct?

a# * outdated” (kudk?

Remarks are often heard to the effect that the Bible is not “relevant” to our times, that it contains a standard that does not fit in with the modem way of life. However, many who think this way know little if anything about the Bible itself. Now you can make a knowledgeable decision of your own based on your own personal observation. Read

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