The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-01-10
The Value of Religious DOGMA.

toral on "a Dying Religious Controversy" in which
the editor said that thousands of Christians do
care enough about their theology to defend it. To
this editorial the Rev. Dr. John Fox Secretary of the
American Bible Society replied III paper that is
forceful and eminently good reading in these days.
we copy the paper find it in the Philadelphia
: Presbyterian
May not the dying out of controversy mean not
the growth of real charity, but rather indifference to
the truth? The ancient heresy-the heresy
of all heresies-s that truth does not matter This
Is at least old Pontius PLATE. 1t may be call
ed the pet dogma of the modern school whose bette
nOire is dogma (by singular paradox and who
applaud to the echo all assaults ''doctrina Chris
tlanity," a declension from the mind of the Mas
ter But is the "EUering Post" really accustomed
to act the principle therein implied any other
sphere OF thought than that of religion? On the
contrary, is it not noted for coherent conviction
clearly defined, rigidly maintained, and defended
with polemic skill ~ ct drmS against all corners?
Have not your readers learned your feet to expose
the silver heresy-to regard the reputation of "l6
l" as of the essence of sound financial faith? Does
not your gallant struggle against minor evils
such murderous football, rest really doc
trine? Have you not anti-tarf doctrine which
you preach and which alone could Justify your re
peated assaults the 'robber tariff?' Why then
cry out against the discussions of theologians and
the differences of Christians? We will all agree
that the odiu theologioum is not only unfortunate
but grievous sin in the sight of God, and political
hatred only less So Both are things to outgrow
But why the usually clear eyes of the EUening
Post blinded to that deep, clear and in
tense religious convictions stated dogmatically-that
is to say, with scientific precision-have prevailed in
the past to set the Church of Christ forward in her
march of triumph far than impossible attempts
to abolish dogma?" You will be able to abolish
dogma when you abolish truth itself, and the
human mind which made to perceive it. I'm
less the EUening Post is ready to forswear the very
virtue which gives it pre-eminence-that is, honest
zeal for definite truth-it hardly justify its
sweeping condemnation of all religious controversy
per and of church organization which must recog
nize the existence of such controversy.
Still further is it quite just to imply that the at
tention of Christendom has been mainly centred on
the mnutie of doctrine and not on its weghtier mat
ers; that the lesser subdivisions found in the Bap
tlst Churches, for Instances, true opponents of
those greater controversies out of which the creeds
of CkristendOm have issued? The controversy
the true Deity of Christ 'convusion over
diphthong" according to Gibbons superficial sneer
but the mighty travail of the mind what is of
infinite to all. The idea of the personal
distinctions in the Godhead has been hammered out
by giants in noble conflict. Augustine's battle with
Pelagius belongs in the category The much
derded seventeenth century controversy issued in the
Westminster Confession, which wrung admiration
from Dean Stanley and is the classic model for
ages to come of exact and temperate statement All
these mark not ignobe, but NOBLE efforts of OF
whom the world not worthy to gain for them
selves and give to others clear vision and just
preston of the things than which there are none
more mOmentous. Whether Jesus Christ was a
mere man. and If so, fallibe and Grant whether
he was very God of very God, cannot be dismissed
a petty refinement. The conviction of his Godhead
Numbered out in the creeds and taken up by the i'm
memorial voice of the Church in all ages has made
our modern world so far it is worth preserving
The present discussion dividing Christians
concerning the authority of the Bible surely
be called squabble a tri1e-whether have
therein book of old legends touched it may be- here
and there with divine light; or a book probably true
In spots, but with way to know where the spots
are;" or, which though delightfully."- human is
no less the utmatum of Deity.