As the Tidings goes to the printer’s for this month’s publication, the world has just received confirmation of what is considered to be one of the greatest of scientific achievements in our time. Since the world has entered the nuclear age it has been the dream of scientists that man would some day land a rocket on the surface of the moon. Today, this desire is no longer a dream. The Russians have succeeded in doing just that, at a time when it will undoubtedly leave the most significant impression on the peoples of the world. Reports tell us that the rocket carried pennants carrying the Soviet hammer-and-sickle emblem, bearing the inscription, “Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, September, 1959.” The thought that possibly Russia might consider the landing of the rocket on the moon as evidence that the earth’s satellite now belongs to her, provoked a formal notice from the United States that “Russia’s landing of a flag on the moon does not give the earth satellite to the Soviet.”
The accuracy of the reports regarding this scientific achievement is almost beyond question, in spite of the suggestion that it might be a fake. Supporting evidence from the tracking station in Britain has pretty well established the authenticity of Russia’s claim. Prof. A. J. Lovell, director of the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank made the statement : “At the moment of impact the telescope was accurately positioned in the direction of the moon and there is no reason to doubt that the Lunik capsule made impact on the lunar surface.” The telescope had been fastened on the rocket by means of the radio signals, and was turned in the direction of the moon at the precise time the signals ceased. It was also noted that the speed of the rocket picked up momentum at the exact time it would have if caught in the gravitational pull of the moon. Scientists have conceded that it would have been next to impossible for Russia to have duplicated the conditions surrounding this achievement, and have accepted it as a fact.
What does this scientific feat mean to the world? Is there no military significance associated with this achievement? According to one scientist, Dr. F. York, director of defence research and engineering of the Department of Defence, there is nothing really spectacular about the lunar landing. His contention was, that it is far easier to hit the moon than to land a ballistic missile on the city of New York, from Moscow. Others, however, differ greatly in their appraisal of this step. Frederick C. Durant II of Concord. commented, “In view of this I don’t think that we have a prayer of launching a man around the earth and recovering before Russia does.” This statement was prompted by an announcement by Alexander Topchiev, vice president of the USSR Academy of Science, to the effect that Russia’s moon shot should be followed by a manned flight to the moon.
Dr. Murray Zelikiff, vice president of Geophysics Corp. of America, in a more concerned tone remarked, “I think we were behind them two years ago and we’re further behind them now . . . I don’t honestly see how we’re going to catch them.” It is apparent that Russia is far ahead in the field of guided missiles, and the design of rocket engines with the ability to get a bigger payload into space.
This achievement on the eve of Nikita Khrushchev’s visit to the United States, gives him a psychological advantage, which he will undoubtedly use in his talks and debates with U. S. diplomats. The Soviets regard the lunar impact as “the victory of the whole camp of socialism.” Khrushchev, then, in a more conciliatory tone, announced, “We are ready to co-operate with all nations in the matter of the peaceful utilization of atomic energy and we would be pleased if all states followed suit.”
Upon being asked just why he agreed to an exchange of visits with the Soviet boss, President Eisenhower explained that he hoped that Khrushchev upon observing American life and a free people living and working, would recognise the superior way of life in the United States. With this latest scientific achievement under his belt, it is quite unlikely that Russia’s Premier will be in a frame of mind to make any concessions.
It is pathetic, indeed that the peoples of the world are forced into a position such as confronts them today. In the majority, mankind wants peace and security, regardless of the personal cost involved. The men and women of Russia are no more desirous of war and bloodshed, than are those of the West. All countries have realised the ravages of war; have felt the terrible personal losses that can result from a physical conflict. It is to be regretted that the thread of peace is left in the hands of so few individuals ; individuals, who do not have the ability or the power to establish a system of co-existence that will ensure happiness and freedom to all involved. To the Bible student, there can be but one answer to the world’s dilemma. There is only one key that can unlock the perplexing and insoluble problems facing the leaders of the world. The answer is God. No one else has the wisdom or the power to put that wisdom into practical use ; no one else has the infinite love and faithfulness to bring about the world’s redemption, but He who sits on the circle of the earth. His invitation is open to all men ; “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am god and there is none else.” (Isa. 45-22) God has revealed in the pages of His scriptures the means by which one can be saved. He is no respecter of persons, for whosoever will, may be saved, providing they put their trust in Him and Him alone.
Those who have chosen to abide under the wings of the Almighty, are neither frightened nor dismayed at the world-shaking events now transpiring on the earth. The great preparation for war, and the daily rumours and threats of war that occur in our newspapers are but a symbol of man’s inability to maintain peace, and an unmistakable indication that God is about to take a hand in the affairs of men.
Because of the urgency of the times, we make a plea to the readers of the Tidings magazine who have not yet made that decision to come unto Christ to act now ! Tomorrow may be too late. Christ is surely coming back to this earth, to reward his saints and to punish those who have rejected and disobeyed him. Paul warns and exhorts those in the household of faith concerning the second advent of Christ ; “And to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power ; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” (2 Thes. 1 :7-10)
May the testimony of those who have spoken on the pages of the Tidings be believed by you, that you might be among those in whom Jesus will be glorified.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One