Dangerous Indifference – Sunday, November 5, 1950
If we were called upon to make a list of the dangers of our day, the danger of indifference would be well toward the top. Collectively, men appear to be indifferent toward many things which do not directly affect their own immediate manner of living, their comfort and convenience. A calamity a thousand miles removed has its passing effect upon people when first reported, but comparatively few people seem to be stirred, to urgent action by a calamity which doesn’t immediately come close to them. And men are often indifferent not only about the events of the present but often also about their own eternal future. Why should they concern themselves with what now seems to be reasonably remote, so long as the day passes pleasantly, so long as no one disturbs their tranquility, or shakes their complacent confidence in the soothing thought that all is well, and always will be, with them? Indeed, it is difficult to stir some people from complacency toward what goes on even in their own town, or in their own neighborhood, so long as it doesn’t contribute to their personal discomfort or obvious injury or immediate inconvenience. How to stir an unduly indifferent person from his self-complacency is an important and puzzling problem. And with the many millions of men and women there are in the world who are not privileged to participate in shaping public policy and who have no voice or choice as to who is placed in public position, it is amazing that so many in our own land indifferently let, this privilege pass them by. It would seem that the parable of the talents is pertinent to this point. When we let a talent lie latent or a muscle long remain inactive, Nature takes its toll. And sometimes we wonder what penalties should be imposed upon people who indifferently pass up the privilege of voting their convictions or participating in the precious privileges and responsibilities of citizenship in a great and goodly land. Would that there could be found some sure way to shake all men from the dangers of indifference!
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November 5, 1950
Broadcast Number 1,107