Article August 14, 1909 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Allan Hoben, H. Arnold Thomas, Frank L. Phalen

[Allan Hoben in American Journal of Theology.]

The church rightly demands that any new theology shall guarantee militant and heroic qualities on a par at least with those which have prevailed under the inspiration of the old beliefs. Both for her proper self-respect and the free release of her powers she aspires to a unique religion that is needed by the whole world; and she will not willingly be shorn of a dignity with which an unparalleled obligation to all humanity has endowed her. For this reason the church awaits a reconstruction that is vital, imperial, and irresistibly dynamic; while she stands stubbornly aloof from all restatements that are concessions only. To be sure, scientific scholarship must determine whether the facts permit the satisfaction of such a demand, but the church will persist in demanding that any proffered reconstruction shall possess the utmost vitality; and whenever that vitality is conclusively demonstrated by the champions of advanced views the church will take cognizance of it and will—with painful deliberation, to be sure—lay hold of whatever means added effectiveness in her task of promoting the kingdom of God in the earth.

[Rev. H. Arnold Thomas, M.A., in British Congregationalist.]

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