New-York tribune., 1891-05-24
THE BIBLE AND MODERN CRITICISM.

THE BIBLE AND MODERN CRITICISM.
We need make nc apology for surrenderlng
so much of our space this morning to an article
giving some of tie conclusions OF modern
Biblical criticism in regard to the Bible; for it
is a subject that sppeals profoundly to Chris
tians of every name at the present time. Near
ly all the differences of opinion and the con-
troversies concerning doctrine, discipline and
worship that nov disturb the churches hinge
around the questions about the Bible which
have been raised by Biblical critics. And it is
not too much t. say that in the conflict over
these questions which is now inevitable, and
which in fact has already begun, the whole
future of Christianity is involved.
The situation 5 very simple, and can be ex-
planned in few words. 1t was clearly brought
out in the discussion over the Rev. DR.. Heber
Newton few years ago, and is now vital
issue in the Presbyterian Church in the case
of Professor Briggs. 1t involves the nature,
character and authority of the Bible. On the
one side stand the traditionalists, who declare
that the Bible jut as we have it to-day is in
fallible, inerrant md inspired not only for sub
stancA of religious do,trine, but as to all mat
ters of fact and letai' contained in it, 1t is, in
a word, solid jlock of inspiration, written by
the finger of CD and to question or even in
vestigate any statement in it, as one would
question or investigate the statements of a
human writing, is al act of sacrilegious treason
against God. On the other side stand the
critics, the most Trustworthy of whom, be it re-
membered, are IN tfe chuches. They challenge
tradition for It's credentials. They pass by the
views of falhble men N the present or the
past, and proceed to find out what the Bible
claims for itself. They ty to get at its mean
ing and the nature of is authority by recon-
structing as far as possible the times and cir
cumstances under which was written. They
welcome all facts that mal be ascertained about
it, even though they malc against beliefs that
are regarded as part anc parcel of Christian
doctrine They seek to barn the truth about
this wonderful book and they have large
enough faith in it to beiee that the truth can
not hurt it.
The reconstructive work Of modern Biblical
criticism is yet far from being finished but it
has already left deep mpres, on the Christian
consciousness of the ag. 1t las modified the
thinking of Christians n every denomination,
and has forced the churches tC debate ques-
tions that were once Considered to be settled
forever. Its immediate effects hive been un-
settling; but those who are hesi entitled TO
speak for it declare that its ultina;e effect will
be immeasuraby to strengthen Christianity.
They urge that when criticism hs done it's fill
work in correcting errors and misconceptions
about the Bible, its true worn as divile
revelation of Gods law to manwill be ceary
seen.
The article in to-day's TRIBUB does not ain
to be at all exhaustive or orgial, but to gire
in popular form some of the atest and m,st
approved conclusions of Biblidl criticism, md
to indicate the attitude of the hst Hblical sciol-
ars toward the Scriptures We arr sure it will |
be read with interest by those wo reject, as
we'll as by those who accept, the methods and |
results of the so-caled higher citicism of the |
Bible.