THE PROBLEM OF THE TRADE UNION
By FRANK
[“This review by Mr. Batson, a
railway employee who has been in the heart of the trouble, although it is
exceedingly definite in outlook, may help us all to a conclusion on a difficult
and most dangerous problem.” – D. M. Panton.]
SEVEN reasons why membership of a trade
union is unacceptable to me as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1) Because the trade union method of obtaining its demands, by threats, and,
if necessary, strike action is directly contrary to the spirit and teaching of
the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 5 :1-12, 38-48; Luke 6: 27-36; Romans 12: 17-21; 2
Timothy 2: 24; Hebrews 12: 14; 1 Peter 2: 18-20; James 5: 6-8). The
strike is war on the general community; an industrial sword bringing distress
and suffering on many, and making victims of the innocent, as has been so
frequently proved in recent disputes.
(2)
Because I cannot surrender my freedom of decision and action and allow others,
especially unsaved worldly men, to decide for me as to withdrawing my labour,
when I may not even agree with the demands which they make and
strike for.
(3) Because a trade union, as it stands
constitutionally, can be antagonistic to Government authority, and even a
revolutionary organisation. This has
been proved by the recent dispute in
[*
By this I understand him to mean that should any Government issue any order,
etc., which the Unions do not agree with, they will oppose in any way which
they consider necessary.]
N.B.-The
character, function and order of man's earthly rule and ordinances in this
present dispensation, which receive Divine approval, are set forth by God in
the New Testament, and can be briefly summarised thus:-
A supreme ruling authority (1
Peter 2: 13) which discharges its responsibilities by punishing
evildoers (Romans 13: 3; 1 Peter 2: 14), and
praising them that do well (Romans 13: 3; 1 Peter
2: 14). "It is the office of the State to
behold the mighty conflict between truth and error, light and darkness, with
strict impartiality, protecting all in their rights and patronising none."
(Robert Key). Rulers of lesser authority
to be sent (appointed) by the supreme authority (1 Peter 2: 14) and therefore obedient and
not antagonistic to it. To these God's people, as strangers
and pilgrims (1 Peter 2 : 11) and
ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5: 20) in a
foreign land (Hebrews 13: 14), are to submit
(Romans 13: 1-2; 1 Peter 2: 13; Titus 3: 1);
giving honour to all according to their positions and stations in the realm (Romans 13: 7; 1 Peter 2: 17), and disobeying only
when their commands clash with Divine dispensational commands (e.g., Acts 4: 19).
Any
departure from this, God's standard of earthly rule, as given in the New
Testament, must necessarily cause the Christian to regulate and adjust his
attitude accordingly; but he should endeavour at all times to manifest that
Christ-like spirit of gentleness and meekness, and show respect to all in
authority, according to their position and office (Titus
3: 2).
(4) Because I have Christian brothers
and sisters working in industry, who feel that membership of a trade union is
contrary to God's will as revealed in Holy Scripture. When the 'closed shop'
policy (i.e., compulsory trade union membership for all) is enforced,
they are expelled from their jobs. I
should therefore be supporting an organisation which persecutes my brothers and
sisters in Christ (Romans 14: 10).
(5) Because trade union policy is shaped
by unsaved worldly men with 'utopian' ideas and
views. They look for an ideal kingdom brought about by their own activities,
which is a point-blank contradiction of prophecy concerning the end of this
age; a denial of the Christian's hope concerning Christ's coming for His
faithful, watching people, and later with them to establish His Kingdom.
By membership, I should be giving them
the impression that their views and policy are right, whereas I know it is all
heading up for Revelation 13: 16-18.
(6) Because it entangles me in a 'brotherhood' with the unregenerate, contrary to the
counsel of God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). The idea of 'brotherhood'
is very strongly implied in trade union literature.
(7) Because it involves me in a share in 'ruling'
in this present evil age and therefore before the time, for which the
Corinthian believers were rebuked (1 Corinthains 4: 8-14, 21); instead of going forth
unto Jesus without the camp, bearing His reproach (Hebrews
13: 13), and suffering with Him (2 Timothy
2: 12).
It
should be a cause for praise and thankfulness to God to observe that "the trade unions have been given a direct hint, by the
British Government, to consider giving membership exemption to all workers who
have religious objections to trade unionism." Trade union leaders have also said that "the Government hint would be considered by their executive
councils." Let us continue
to pray that, for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ, faced with
possible dismissal from their jobs because of their non-union attitude, this
may soon be brought to pass.*
[* In order to prove to trade union officials and
fellow-workers in the union that his attitude is one of principle and not 'finance,' he can offer to pay the trade union rate of
contribution to any orphanage, hospital, or similar institution which they
would like to name.]
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