D

OES science endanger re

ligion? There is a widespread conviction that it does. We are witnessing something like a crusade against science on the ground that it is an enemy to the faith. The crusaders are partly right. Science is undermining a certain kind of faith. It is making impossible the medieval claim that theology is "the queen of all the

sciences." The modern scientist no longer bows to that queen. He sometimes takes a not unnatural delight in prying another stone from the crumbling foundations of her throne. If religion is identical with the belief that theologians are entitled to have the last word on all questions, science is making that belief untenable.

Can religion ignore science? The present tendency in religious thinking is to attempt this very thing. Since good Christian people do not agree on such questions as the method of creation, is it not obvious that Christian faith is entirely independent of scientific conclusions? Why not then keep religion in a purely mystical realm, leaving scientific questions to be discussed by scientists? The fancied security gained by this device is, however, short lived. Dean Inge says that the impression is often made today that we have a science giving facts without values and a religion giving values without facts. But a religion without facts is nothing more than a pious fancy. Yet the moment a fact is asserted, critical science immediately assumes the right to ask if the alleged fact is really a fact. Thus science re-enters the field of religious discussion. It cannot be ignored.

Can religion defy science? It has been doing this to a certain extent ever since the days of Galileo. The history of that defiance is not one in which thoughtful people can take much pride. To be sure there is still a type of religion which construes the physical universe according to theological demands and arraigns all dissenters as enemies to religion. But the price to be paid for such a religion is heavy. A religion which defies science must be willing to lose its sway over the hosts who think and live in terms of scientific learning.

The need of a new theology is strikingly shown by the situation which confronts us. To identify Christianity with a system of doctrines originating in pre-scientific times is to impose a needless burden on men. Historians are familiar with the fact that there has been a history of Christian doctrines. Theology has been constantly adapting itself to growing knowledge. There have been many "new theologies" in the course of Christian history. Perhaps Perhaps the reconstruction demanded in our day is unusually radical; but at any rate it is not anything new. Professor Moore's article in this issue of the Journal is an illuminating discussion of the possibility of a religious interpretation of the universe disclosed to us by modern science.

The peril of an emotional pietism is often underestimated. When such emotionalism is promoted as a support of fanaticism, we easily see its danger. But is the danger any less if it be employed to maintain a com

placent satisfaction with conventional standards? More important even than the challenge of science is the challenge of modern social unrest. What part is Christianity to have in the making of a better human world? Religious sentiment in our churches is turning strongly in the direction of a larger use of ritual. Just why is this demand made? What interests are thereby served? Professor Coe's article in this issue should be read and pondered by every Christian minister.

To "experience religion" was the old-time test of Christianity in personal life. Some of the "experiences" induced by sensational methods in camp meetings and revivals were defective in many ways. But the power of religion is ultimately to be found in a profound experience. Professor Bower's discussion of the organization of religious living, as seen from the point of view of an expert in religious education, is a contribution to our better understanding of the practical problems which confront us in our church life. Professor Stratton's article deals with some of the questions which have arisen as a result of the development of psychology.

The Hastings' Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics was a remarkable undertaking. It was a pioneer task in a difficult field. The critical estimate given in our pages by several scholars is both an appreciation of the service rendered and an indication of the next steps to be taken in the study of religions. These reviews will amply repay careful reading.

WHO'S WHO

in this issue of the Journal?

Edward Caldwell Moore is Plummer Professor of Christian Morals in the Harvard School of Theology.-George A. Coe, of Teachers College, New York City, is author of The Psychology of Religion, A Social Theory of Religious Education, and other works, and is a well-known contributor to philosophical and theological journals. -William Clayton Bower is dean of the College of the Bible, Lexington, Kentucky, and professor of Religious Education.George Malcolm Stratton is professor of Psychology in the University of California and author of Psychology and the Religious Life. Shirley Jackson Case is professor of Early Church History and New Testament Interpretation in the University of Chicago.-Burton Scott Easton is a professor in the General Theological Seminary, New York City.-D. B. Macdonald is head of the Mohammedan department in the Hartford Seminary Foundation.-Lewis Hodous is secretary of the Kennedy School of Missions, Hartford, Connecticut, and head of the Chinese department.-James Bissett Pratt is professor of Philosophy in Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts.tive Religion in the University of Chicago. A. Eustace Haydon is professor of Compara

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE The Christian Concern with History, by Professor C. J. Cadoux, discusses a subject of primary importance in these days of historical criticism.

Social Re-Education and Nervous Disorders, by Dr. Ernest B. Harper, of Lawrence, Kansas, is the first of three articles giving an illuminating study of the moral and social factors which enter into "nervousness."

The Golden Rule in Business, by Professor Wilfred Currier Keirstead, discusses a crucial task of Christian ethics from the point of view of a student of economics. Buddhism in China, by Professor Kenneth J. Saunders, furnishes a graphic display of an important aspect of Chinese religious life.

During the current year increased atten

tion will be given to the reviews of important books and the survey of current literature.