Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-04-09
EVOLUTION.

The Hon William Jennings Bryan started more
or less of furore recently by his attack on the
theory of evolution the ground that such theory
is incompatible with religion We fail to see the
occasion for the excitement.
The theory of evolution was promulgated many
years ago. There were those who predicted that ii
meant the death-knell of religion But somehow
religion has staggered bravely and is more firmly
entrenched a dominant influence in mems lives
now than before.
Mr.. Bryans panic that men must disavow the
rather solvent theories of science or discard re-
ligon, Is illfounded. Scientific men are very often
deeply religious.
1t is true that literal Interpretation of the
scriptures will not fit in with the disclosures of
science. Evolution is but one of many things which
would be incompatible with such an interpretation
For instance science says that the earth has been
millions of in the process of geological forma-
ton. We are compelled to believe the scientific
evidences. The earth not created in six days
The men who wrote the scriptures we believe,
were not guided by the Divine hand, word for word
they wrote. To believe that would make it nee
essary to believe the same of every interpreter from
the original tongue and every emanuenses who
transcribed before the days of the printing press
Inspiration was spiritual, not intellectual. A
man who knew little of geography, or history or
science might have the greatest spiritual insight
and give the greatest spiritual truths The Bible
is neither geography. history science and does
not attempt to speak with authority upon these
subjects. 1t does impar the basic spiritual truths
without which man cannot find his way back to
God.
man can believe in the literal Interpretation
Of the scriptures and still catch its great spiritual
truths, If he be spiritually minded. His narrower
view may make spiritual perception difficult but
II is possible a man may reject many biblical facts
and yet apprehend and appropriate its spiritual
teachings Neither view is incompatible with spirit
ual appropriations nor is either essential to 1t.
Whether God created man from dust and
breathed into him the breath of life in one hour or
in million years is not material Which ever
theory may be true, God created him. A God who
could set in motion natural laws which, in the pro-
cesses of centuries upon centuries could finally
evolve man, is greater God than one who could
mechanically fashion him with His hands and give
him life
Whether the soul of is gradual unfold
ment or an instantaneous creation sinks into I'M
Importance when compared with the fact that man,
somehow, acquired soul which it is his duty to
spiritually perfect.
The universally Of religion is the great proof
Of its divinity. However humble the mental powers
or however acute, religion fills the need of every
man and woman who will accept it. Each may be-
lieve he will concerning details If he viii but
appropriate the fundamental spiritual truths In
compel acquiescence in our views. is not the real
ideal of religion. Charity lies at its base-and
charity means love.
Mr.. Bryans view seems narrow to u.s. Yet his
stimulation OF discussion may be useful.