The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-06
PROF. FLINTS PAPER

We publish elsewhere a brief abstract
of the debate in the Council on some Of
the remarks occurring in Prof Flints
paper on "Agnosticism" Know Nothing
ism. DR.. Armstrong, of Norfolk, and
Dr. Boggs of Memphis, both took excep-
ton to the paper Below we give the
Objectionable language which elected the
discussion.
Professor Flint is Professor of Theolo-
gy in the University of Edinburgh, and
the author of those very able volumes
entitled "Theism" and Anti-Theistic
Theories" We may state that "Agnosti-
cism" (from the Greek) is formed from the
word signifying knowledge and the priva-
tive prefix $50 that an Agnostic in
modern parlance is one who simply pro-
fesses not to knoeO about God or his exist
ence. This is Herbert Spencer's position.
When asked what he believes about God,
he simply answers, He is beyond my in
formation-I know nothing about him.
Here is the extract from Prof Flint's
paper:
Three centuries ago doubling, questioning
spirit began to make its presence widely felt
and down to this day it has been growing in
strength. This spirit cannot be met success.
fully by one-sded theories, but only by conclu-
slve critical argument. Each Church must, of
course, be left to deal with its own cases. and
it is certainly very mean and unworthy thing
In any Church to try to make. ecclesiastical
capital out of the troubles of other Churches
Applause. But what 1 wish, however, to
emphasize is that the mere exercise of discipline
by any Church must be deemed very poor
method indeed OF replying to agnostic criticism,
and revelation. The only method which can
reasonably be expected to do permanent and
general good is by opposing to it criticism of a
legitimate kind. Its irreverence must be con-
fronted with piety. There is a tendency in
some of our Presbyterian Churches to stand still
and make no progress in faith. This is pro-
gresslve age, and the Church must be on the
alert to keep up with the times The Churches
often forget that it is their duty not only to re-
tain the religious truth which has been trans
terred to them, but increase it by their accept
ance of all Gods fresh disclosures of Himself
and that it is their duty by continually obtain
ing knowledge to improve their theology The
Church which rests satisfied with the accom-
pllshments OF former generations, which does not
seek to add to the old treasures which are in
Gods catechisms, is in a bad way New treas
ures may be orthodox. Every Church should
teach agnosticism its belief in spiritual truth
Every Church should present its theology in
light calculated to make men conclude that it is
not sham science and pretended exposition of
the unknown and unknowable. Every Church
should seek earnestly more and more Divine
everything which is new in theology.
But the best refutation that can be given to
antI-rellglous agnostlcism is for the people of
God to live good, honest. and consistent lives;
and it is an argument which we can all use"
The comments made on the above by
Doctors Armstrong and Boggs were con-
siderably applauded by the members,
which seemed to indicate that the BODY
sympathized with the exceptions taken
to Prof Flint's remarks. The friends of
Prof. Flint however, represented that he
was not correctly interpreted by these
speakers.