Article August 3, 1899 Issue

Ingersoll and Theology

THE death of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll has brought out expressions from some theologians, which, taken as a whole, furnish an interesting index to present theological views and opinions. These views and opinions are as diverse as they could well be. Some theologians are harsh and unsparing in their criticism of the great agnostic; while others are most kindly and considerate. These differing views draw a very sharp line of distinction between what is called old theology and new theology; or in other words, what is termed illiberal and liberal theology.

The Rev. Dr. R. Heber Newton, speaking of Mr. Ingersoll from his pulpit as long ago as 1885, is reported as having said:—

"Whatever destructive work he does is constructive in this at least, that he would build up happy homes and plant within them men and women living sanely and nobly..... Further than this let me frankly own to you that I believe Mr. Ingersoll, in his rough attacks upon religion, is doing a real service to the cause of enlightened religion. .... Consider what is meant by such a system of thought as Calvinism. Consider what awful blasphemy the doctrine of hell really is. Consider what a fetich men have made out of the Bible."

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