The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-26

Science and Theology.
We reproduce as much as we can find
space for Of Mr.. Froude's article in the
May-Jun number OF the International Re
rieu on Science and Theology" The APP
pearance Of this distinguished author as a
contributor to On American periodical is
noteworthy. and the subject he has UNDER
taken to discuss is Of universal interest.
Mr.. Froude's claim to attention as writer
on either science or theology is very APP
parent. He is neither o scientist nor
theologian, but only man Of letters
and an historian, with better reputa-
ton for liveliness than for accuracy. Mr..
Froude doubtless knows at second hand as
much science as enters into the equipment
of most intelligent men in this highly scien-
tific age, and an ex-clergyman who long ago
abdicated his sacred Office and renowned
his creed must have given some attention to
theology. Mr.. Froude's eminence, such as
it is, has been acquired in other depart
ments of intellectual effort. But since reli-
gon is the concern of oil men and not
merely of theologians we may, perhaps.
listen with advantage to the sceptical Mr..
Froude.
The article which appears in this number
Of the International Reuiep is merely intro
ductory and but vaguely foreshadows the
views which will be expounded in the arti-
Gle or articles by which it is to be followed.
All that we can gather. and that somewhat
dimly from this Introductory paper is that
although particular creeds may be upset
and discarded, religion in some form will
always survive. This may be safely con-
ccded, although we may find reason to dis
sent from what it will lead up to in the con-
tinuation Of Mr.. Froude's discussion.
Most undoubtedly, modern science has
effected great change in the interpreta-
tions which religious men give to the Scrip
lures and in their views Of the character Of
the sacred writings. Tho conflict once sup
posed to exist between the Bible and mod
ern astronomy, and later between the Bible
and modern geology has been dismissed
from the minds Of Christians, these sciences
being fully accepted and the adverse inter-
pretations of Scripture abandoned. There
is already a marked tendency toward
the same result in tho supposed
conflict between the Bible and the mod
ern doctrine Of development as expounded
by Mr.. Darwin and other scientists. The
verbal inspiration of every part Of the
sacred volume is now rejected by all en-
lightened theologians. although it would
have seemed audacious and almost blasphe-
nous to even hint dissent at period not
very remote. Notwithstanding these great
changes Of belief we have no doubt that
piety is as sincere and devotional feeling
as ardent among Christian worshippers as
when Galileo was condemned by the Inqui-
sition, or when geology was denounced as
heretical, or when anathemas were hurled
against all who did not believe every word Of
the Bible inspired. Religion having sur
vived these changes 1t may survive many
others.
Bold rs il may seem we hazard the decla-
ration that religion may exist quite indie
the first martyr, offered acceptable sacri-
fices although there was then no Bible and
the art OF writing had not been invented.
Noah "walked with God" and Abraham,
Job and the other patriarchs had His bless
ing although none of them ever saw or
heard Of Bible. Passing over the Mosaic
dispensation and coming to the time Of
Christ we find that His Church was founded
and spread into oil known lands be-
fore verse of the New Testament
had been written. We have the
evidence of the Bible itself that religion
may flourish without it, In modern times
the sect called Quakers has been for two
centuries as religious and devotional MS any,
and although the Quakers do not reject tho
Bible they think it of little Importance pre-
ferring the immediate teaching OF the Spirit
Whatever may BIO the ultimate judgment
formed Of the Bible in tho progress OF scien-
tifc knowledge, we see no reason why reli-
gion should be thought in danger. Religion
is as indestructible rs the human soul and
can be extinguished only with mans noblest
emotions and aspirations.