The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-02
ADAM AND EVE THEORY
PROF. w. J. M'GEE's PAPER AROUsEs
SOME DISCUSSION.
views Expressed by the Pastors OF
Some of the Local Churches
The Bible story.

The paper read before the American AS
ISOLATION for the Advancement of Science
at Denver, Col, last week by Prof. W. J..
MCGEE on Current Questions in Anthro-
pology'' has caused considerable discussion
among Indianapolis ministers. In his paper
Professor MCGEE said that for centuries
students had adhered TO the supposition
that mankind had sprung from a common
parentage. Modern research had shattered
this theory He said II must be apparent
that the negro. the Mongolian, the Malay
and the Caucasian could not have descend
ed from the same pair. He said there must
have been several couples.
XXX
Discussing the Adam and Eve theory yes
terday the Rev. H c. Meserve, Of Plym-
outh Church, said:
1T is difficult to see how anyone who
has followed the trend of scientific thought
for the last fifty years and noticed the
bases on which the conclusions $50 far as
they are cOncluStons) rest, can fail to have
a sympathetic interest, at least in the care
full and reyerential spirit which dominates
the Investigations. 1t has been demon
strated, beyond a peradventure, that the
conclusions as to Adam and Eve have been
the logical result of the evolutionary the
DRY. / am surprised that what l suppose
was casual statement of a scientist made
within the limits of a convention of his
kind should have made any stir at ALL so
broadly are the facts to which he called
attention accepted, not only In the scientific
world. but by the majority of student
preachers mot pulpiteers.) So far as the
Biblical account is concerned, this is not
affected one way or the other. The early
chapters of Genesis are folklore tales and
do not purport to be history (authentic) at
all. Adam is not the name of an individual
but generic name to distinguish him
1T makes no difference to us whether
he the first man or the result OF
evolution (Which he was), and Milton will
read just as finely and the fact of sin be
just real and the need of redemption
just as apparent as though Adam and Eve
were the first pair. and the drama of the
fall still held true along with Usher's
chronology and the single authorship of the
Pentateuch.
of the editor OF the Journal and trust that
he may long be spared to us, TO relieve
us from the terrors of theology and the
onslaughts of 'pulpiteers.
1.-The modern theory of evolution offers
a substitute for the Adam and Eve of the
old conception" said Rev. A B. Philputt,
of the Central Christian Church. 1.-The
question as to whether the human race
has descended from one pair or sprung
from different localities is one that science
Is not yet clear upon. Logical reasoning
does not regard evolution as incompatible
entirely inconsistent, with a belief in a
Christian religion to hold that God took
the process of evolution rather than out
tifc theory of evolution does not destroy
a faith in God and religion"
xxx
Rev T ]. Villers, OF the First Baptist
Church, said: II prefer to take Gods word
rather than mere speculation. I hold by
the Old Book. This is about all I have to
say regarding the question of Adam and
Eve"