Welsh Journals

Welsh Chapels Dying By ROGER EDWARDS IT is about time we Welsh 'religionists' faced the un- pleasant fact-namely, that the old fashion method of worship is fast becoming obsolete in hundreds of chapels today. I do not mean Christianity, which is different to religion. The latter is something created by man and formed into various denominations, often to the detri- ment of true Christianity. The native tongue will be a dead language in the seaside towns of Wales in a hundred years hence. The progress of scientific invention has killed every language in every country throughout past centuries. Not so Christianity. The Welsh chapels have failed to keep abreast with the present modern life of Wales today. By that, I do not mean the introduction of Roc- n-rol and jazz music into Welsh hymnology. Nor the revival preaching of a hundred years ago (called 'hwyl'), with its dramatic sentiment playing on the rustic minds of village listeners. What is required, are more young men with modem ideas in our Welsh pulpit. The average service is the same today, as it was conducted during the time of our forefathers. The inevitable opening hymn, reading a bible chapter, hymn again, sermon, and the closing hymn- all in an hour. Then about a dozen old people-including deacons- walk out. We have grown so accustomed to 'go to chapel', that our minds no longer find any novelty or spiritual uplift after listening to hundreds of sermons during one's lifetime. It would do us Welsh people the world of good, if all the Welsh chapels were closed for one year. It is only after the current is cut, that we miss the electric light in our room. One can grow accustomed to anything. Too much preaching-like too much pudding for a dog-will choke our minds, and have no effect on our interest or culture. Thus, usage becomes a curse-not a blessing. Christianity, as taught by its Founder is always modern. It can meet