p. 6 | Evolutionary Theology

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 15, 1908

Evolutionary Theology

A CORRESPONDENT of the Homiletic Review furnishes a very clear analysis of that movement which is designated as “New Theology.” He affirms that there are four facts which furnish the explanation of it. To quote his own words:—

The first is the rise of a new cosmical philosophy, the theory of evolution; the second is a new psychology; the third is a new sociology, partly for interpreting, and partly arising out of, a new set of social facts, of which the chief is the modern industrial organism; the fourth is known as the historical criticism.

In developing these four facts the writer shows plainly that they are all so related to the doctrine of evolution as to be only the application of this theory in different departments of knowledge. Thus he continues:—

Evolution has been the method followed in developing certain phases of the “New Theology,” and has largely determined its fundamentals. . . . Modern psychology is an evolutionary science. . . . Sociology, as largely taught to-day, also uses evolution as its formative and energizing idea. . . . The critical process [Higher Criticism] gets its most powerful incentive from the necessity that every critic is under to interpret Scripture in harmony with evolution, psychology, and man’s present social life.

It will thus be seen that the one fundamental teaching which is responsible for all that is included under the term “New Theology” is evolution. When the professed believers in the inspiration of the Scriptures yielded to the claims of evolution concerning the first chapter of Genesis, they accepted principles which have led to the repudiation of all the essential doctrines of Christianity. Evolution and the Christianity of the Bible are utterly irreconcilable.