Could you imagine any public building being opened today with such words indelibly engraved?
Above a statue of the sower, representing the root meaning of broadcasting, is written this inscription.
“To Almighty God, this shrine of the arts, music and literature, is dedicated by the first Governors, in the year of our Lord 1931, John Reith being Director General.
It is their prayer that good seed sown will produce a good harvest, that everything offensive to decency, and hostile to peace, will be expelled, and that the nation will incline its ear to those things which are lovely, pure, and of good report, and thus pursue the path of wisdom and virtue.”
These enlightening encouraging words can be seen in the original BBC Broadcasting House. The concluding phrases flow from Philippians Chapter four in the New Testament.
These men had a worthy vision. They aimed high.
In his 1940 speech which ended with, “This was their finest hour”, a few sentences previously, Winston Churchill, referring to the upcoming Battle of Britain, stated, “Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilisation”.
The battle is not over!
How many politicians would be willing to stand up, and speak for and fight for Christian civilisation, in these present days?
Returning to ‘Christian values’ is not the same as repenting and turning to Jesus Christ.
Many would almost choke if they had to speak about Almighty God, and Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Nevertheless, those who belong to Christ will continue to pray for men in authority that they may come to see the truth of God before it is too late.
How far have we moved in such a short time? Will we continue to slide further? Which standards might replace those which have been accepted for years?
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship