New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-10
THE FUTURE OF THE BIBLE.
INSPIR4TION .IMPUGNED.
British Church Reused by the Attdck
of Canon Henson.

London, April o.-Canon Henson one Of the
chief dignitaries OF Westminster Abbey and
select preacher OF both oxford and Cambridge
universities. has raised a storm of criticism by
an article IN The Contemporary Review" in
which he entered into the question Of the fut-
ure OF the Bible. In this article Canon Henson
impugns the inspiration Of the Old Testament.
referring TO its Incredible, puerile denloral-
King narratives" which are regarded by 'un-
tutorod minds" as being a pack OF lies too gross
for toleration."
Letters. interviews and resolutions by Church
and lay bodies denouncing Canon Henson fol-
lowed this onslaught. Sir oliver Lodge. the
distinguished scientist, added fuel to the fire by
an article entitled Suggestions Toward the Re-
Interpretation Of the Christian Doctrine" This
agitation for a revised Christianity. led by such
well known men, whose religious principles even
their critics do not dispute threatens to stir the
Church 10 an unprecedented degree.
Canon Henson declares that 'ipspiration'' is
now not allowed to certify to the truth Of any
statement IN the Bible which cannot be sub
stantiated at the bar OF reason and evidence"
In the New Testament ne finds little 10 offend
reason conscience. 'but whether much
or little it will have TO go the way OF
the Old Testament prodges." He recon-
mends experimenting the reading OF the
Bible IN church with Christian compositions
which have secured the approval of general
ceptance." declaring that "indlscriminate read
ing OF the Bible IN public is extremely peril
Gus proceeding" and adding that the rigidity
which restricts the modern English Church to
csnonical Scriptures is intrinsically inde-
fensible as it is practically mischievous."
INTRINSIC VALUE NOT DENIED.
Despite fits misuse. however, Canon Henson
holds that the Bible will continue for all time to
be the best manual Of fundamental morality
and the best corrective Of ecclesiastical corrup-
tion." besides being the most effeotual check
on the materialstic tendencies Of modern life"
In striking analysis Of the present social
condition, Canon Henson attributes the spread
Of anarchy. the ulcer that is eating the vitals
Of society" 20 the disappearance over large
areas Of civilized life of the religious bases OF
morality" He finds excuse however. for
these "non-mOral multitudes." who from the
cradle to the grave have faced the severe press
ure OF competition the squalor OF poverty and
the miserable exigencies OF unmerited want"
and who inevitably compare their condition
with the ostentation of unearned wealth. the
profusion Of unchecked luxury and the insolence
Of unchastened power"
The canon says that when II is remembered
that these cruel. shocking contrasts are no
longer regarded with the dull stare OF fatalistic
ignorance but I'm the full light of those doc
trines Of equality which are the commonplaces
OF democratic politics" II Is no wonder that
'the minds of thousands are predlsposed toward
the sophlstries OF anarchy" He concludes:
It would be idle TO deny that the credit OF the
Scriptures Is seriously shaken IN the public
mind, nor can * reasonably be doubted that the
tendencies OF popular life, at present pre-
vailing. are in the main hostile to Christian
tradition.
In another similar article Canon Henson, deal
ing with Christ's resurrection, asks:
Is the faith Of the Church in the divine Christ
living present and active, really built on an
empty tomb? For myself 1 prefer TO believe
that no such intimate vital connection exists
between the truth of Christianity and the tradi-
tional notions of its historical origins.
Sir Oliver Lodge asks. now that religion is
becoming so much .Jnore real" whether the
formal statement OF some of the doctrines we
have inherited from medieval and still earlier
times cannot wisely and inofensively he mod
ifed2'' ana shocks many Of his co-religionists
by declaring that ne regards the doctrine Of
atouenent in its concrete form n survival
from barbarous times repudiatnE the belief
in An angry God appeased 10y the violent death
OF Christ and maintaining that human nature
row IS rising 20 the conviction that we are
part Of Nature and so part of God. In this
sense The union OF divinity is what science some
day viii tell US Is the inner meaning Of the re-
demption Of man.
These outspollen utterances have caused pub
lie and private appeals 10 he made 10 the Arch
bishop Of Canterbury, but so far no action has
been taken.
The upshot Of Canon Henson's bold decara-
tion that current and generally accepted YER
sions OF Christian truth are becoming made
quate and unsatisfactory" is awaited with keen
interest.