Words & Works

P: "Without God there could be no American form of government nor an American way of life," said President Eisenhower in launching a "Back to God" campaign sponsored by the American Legion. "Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first--the most basic--expression of Americanism. Thus the Founding Fathers saw it, and thus, with God's help, it will continue to be."

P: After five months in the U.S. last year, Bishop Eivind Berggrav, retired Primate of Norway, wrote an ecclesiastical mash note to the U.S., published in the current issue of the U.S. fortnightly Christianity & Crisis. "To me, American church life seemed to be more attractive, more in contact with people in general than is the case in Europe. This may be the result of the warmth of your church atmosphere . . . The European churches consist of individuals, the American ones more of families." The clublike sociability of U.S. Protestant churches reminds Bishop Berggrav of "the social trend so often noticeable in the New Testament . . . In the U.S.A. a pastor or a parish worker may be approached by any man wanting his advice . . . about how to secure a good used car or something. This in Europe is not considered the proper thing for a Gospel-man to be engaged in . . . We think we are more pious, and we claim to be more directly converting people . . . Result: lack of contacts, lack of conversion!"

P: Almost fully recovered from his recent illness, Pope Pius XII went for a ride in a transparent automobile. This car, the Pontiff's own idea, was built in Turin of crystal glass on a 1954 U.S. Chrysler chassis. Purpose: to let people see the Pope full-length, even in inclement weather (he feels that frequent public appearances are necessary to forestall rumors about his health).

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