Article October 17, 1908 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from P. Gavan Duffy, Edward B. Pollard

[The (London) Christian Life.]

We are living in an age of religious transition and ethical awakening, and we cannot help feeling that under some subtle influence the rising democracy of the day, better informed than the millions in any previous age, is thinking thoughts on the subject of institutionalized religion. The civilized peoples of the world, the masses included, seem to have simultaneously arisen in their might and made a demand for a reform of antiquated creeds and systems of faith. There has somehow arisen in their minds a vivid consciousness that the average theology does not harmonize with reason and common sense. They have ceased to believe in "plans of salvation" which are to give you a safe passport to heaven by some magical device which operates quite independently of your goodness or your badness. Their own hearts tell them that such "plans" are absurd and delusive. Religion is now, as it always has been, the paramount interest of humanity, and thoughtful observers have anticipated that the next great reformation of religion will spring from the lives of the people. The anticipation is being fulfilled; we are now at the beginning of the reformation.

[Rev. P. Gavan Duffy in The Churchman.]

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