The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-09-28
"a VALID RELIGION FOR THE
TIMES"
A Rerie,o of a Book Recently Written By
Rev. Pdrley p. Womer, a Former
ReynOldsrille Man.

The searching criticism to which all
Christian teaching has been subjected in
recent years, was sorely needed in the
interest OF a purer and more rational faith
Now that its work in the main is accomplish
ed, and its intensity has begun to abate we
are confronted with the task of dealing
properly with the message of truth that is
left.
With these words the Rev. Farley P.
Womer former Reynoldsville man
who Is now pastor OF one OF the largest
Congreg ational churches In ST. Paul,
introduces new volume entitled "A
Valid Religion for the Times" which
has just been published by prominent
New York book house. 1t is through
out an attempt to reconcile the old and
the new in the conflicting beliefs of the
Christian church, an effort to show the
reasonableness Of seeking scientific
basis on which to rest faith in the
doctrine of Christianity. 1t is meant
for the busy and practical people
who are deeply concerned with
the truth of their religious belief, but
who have not the time to follow the
processes by which the trained thinker
obtains his results. AS devoted a
believer in Christ as it is possible to be,
Rev. Womer yet recognizes the need of
taking more advanced stand in teach
ing the truth of the gospel than is
common iu our churches and does not
hesitate to free his mind from the
restraints of bigotry when such limits-
tions cor flict with the evidence of
modern research. In presenting the
book he makes little claim for it's origi-
nality, but states that he has simply
laid under tribute many writer's and
has gathered that which has brought
unreasonable satisfaction and uplift to
himself, In the hope that 1t may meet
like needs In others.
The foreword to the book is from the
pen Of DR.. Washington GLADDEN., and
that eminent churchman expresses his
sincere pleasure in asserting to the
truth Of the work. Nor Is 1t easy to
see how any one, honestly and con-
scientiously seeking for a rational
Interpretation of Christianity in the
modern world can dispute the evidence
set forth.
The writer never stumbles in his
path while gazing at TIE stars. He is
journeying to an Eternal World, but
does not forget that the path thereto
II es through very practical world.
The altar and the temple are good, but
he has studied Spencer to come purpose
and has a faint suspicion that many
holy rites have more OF man than God |
In them. Ecstatic devotion is allow
able, but "a sense of duty is sense of
God" also. He cannot sneer at mere
as many churchmen do, seeing
that obedience to the moral sense is
an essentially religious act" He has
learned that 1t is possible to worship |
God without naming Him.
There Is verse in the older versions |
)f the Bible to the effect that "All
Scripture is given by inspiration OF
Iod," with which Rev. Womer has
little sympathy. The Revised Version
9 to him more plausible: "Every Scrip
lure given by inspiration of God is
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
for instruction that is
The former quotation
las been cited in support Of the conten-
ion that the content Of the Bible had
,een dictated to its writers in such
way that they we're the mere tools and
Instruments OF the Divine Being.
In point Of fact the statement is not that
he Bible as we now have it was thus dictat-