Editorial March 6, 1902 Issue

Anthropomorphism

Editor

THIS word, although large, has become a very common one. It is much used in theological circles. Some theologians criticise the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." because it does not define or recognize God as anthropomorphic, and claim therefrom that Christian Science denies God's personality.

In view of this it is interesting to look into the standard and authoritative dictionaries for information upon this subject. The following is from "The American Encyclopedic Dictionary:"—

"The attributing of a human form to God. When this is really done it is a gross degradation of the divinity, and is condemned in Scripture. But when the only anthropomorphism is the use of metaphorical phrases, such as the arm of the Lord (Psalm 77:15), or His eyes (Psalm 11:4), or His ears (Psalm 34:15), to make abstract ideas more readily conceivable, the practice has the countenance of Scripture itself. There are thus in this sense a legitimate and an illegitimate anthropomorphism."

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Answers Dr. W. J. Holtzclaw