Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 16, 1908

Turning Toward Universalism

The practical result of the acceptance of the modern views about religion, is clearly perceived by those who understand what is really involved in this departure from the old standards. This was well illustrated at a recent convention of the Young People’s Union of the Universalist Church held in Washington. From one of the addresses made on that occasion we take the following extract:—

Every fair-minded student of modern history realizes that organized religion is at a crisis. . . . This crisis has been partially effected by the tremendous changes recently wrought by science. The form of religion is inextricably related to our conception of the physical universe. As a single instance, the new conception dependent upon the discovery of evolution has manifestly altered our ideas of the character of man, his destiny, and the purpose of God. Every revolution in science produces a sympathetic crisis in religion. Every expansion of knowledge calls for a corresponding growth in theology. . . . Manifestly, the theology of the future must come through those who believe revelation is continuous. Adaptability to environment is the first law of life. It applies to all forms. It is equally applicable to institutions and churches. Therefore, the church of the future will be that which can best adapt itself to the new environment. I confidently believe Universalism has within it those virtues and qualities which will enable it to remold the theology of the Christian world.

That kind of religious faith which changes with “every revolution in science,” and which is based upon scientific investigation rather than upon revelation, will find its logical outcome in Universalism; not necessarily the old-fashioned Universalism, but in that modern Universalism of “sweetness and light”—that cross-less religion which rejects both the crucifixion of Christ and the crucifixion of self. We have certainly reached a crisis in religion, and it becomes those who stand for “the faith once delivered to the saints” to bear a most powerful testimony in favor of that religion which was preached by Christ and the apostles, and which has been the hope of the church through the weary centuries of waiting for the return of her Lord.