A History of the Mennonite Brethren Church, Ja Toews

firmation of the previous decision, and one pleading for tolerance in this matter. Eighty-eight delegates voted for the first, and thirty-seven for the second resolution, with a number of abstentions. Although life insurance was presumably rejected on theological grounds (people who bought insurance were accused of a lack of trust in God) it can be seen in retrospect that this issue was clearly related to cultural change, i.e. to the urbanization and professionalism that affected the life and security of Mennonite Brethren as well as other groups. There is no record that the 1927 motion was ever rescinded, but life insurance is generally accepted today as a necessity of modern life. Other practices which were long regarded as binding biblical norms — such as the "holy kiss" and the "head-covering" for women — are now interpreted by Mennonite Brethren theologians as being a part of the cultural pattern in the apostolic age. The "brotherly handshake" has replaced the "brotherly kiss" in most M.B. churches during the past few decades. One of the most controversial issues in the Canadian Conference during the 1950's was the question of television. Serious discussions took place on the conference floor in 1954 and again in 1958. In 1954 the Committee of Reference and Counsel warned the brotherhood against this new threat to the faith and morals of the church by issuing a lengthy declaration. The detrimental effects of television for the home are listed as follows: 340 HISTORY OF THE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH (1) It will lead to a deterioration of morals. (2) It will create a false conception of life in the family, since the motion pictures present a strange, unnatural world. (3) It will lead to a greater toleration of the use of tobacco and beer which are constantly featured in the commercials. (4 1 It will undermine the principles of Christian marriage by its stories and pictures of unfaithfulness in married life. (5) Women will be negatively influenced by the example of the actress on the screen and will forsake their divinely ordained role in marriage and family. (6) Children will early be poisoned (in their minds) and will not have any time for school assignments. (7) In the light of the above it is clear that living in such an atmosphere will result in a shallow spiritual life and interest in spiritual things will be lost. The fact that Billy Graham presents a religious program on television does not change the situation. The terrible damage which through this invention is inflicted on the church, cannot be rectified by an occasional religious program. The above statement has been quoted at length for several reasons. On the one hand it shows the serious concern of Mennonite Brethren leaders (and many members) for the purity and power of the church. On the other hand this spiritual zeal appears to be somewhat misplaced, since the attack is directed not only against objectionable t