EVOLUTION AND RELIGION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18324, 14 February 1923, Page 3

EVOLUTION AND RELIGION.

! —My answer to "Inquirer's" letter will bo brief. I must decline to attempt, in a newspaper letter, to show how the theory of evolution can be harmonised with the Christian doctrines on which it has a bearing. "Inquirer" states that, as he is at present situated, he cannot have access to recent theological literature dealing with this subject. Such being the case, I think he had better wadt till he comes to town. I may, however, mention that the Rev. E. J. Bicknell, vice-principal of Cuddesdon College, has just published a timely book in which he discusses the bearing of the theory of evolution on the story of the Fall of Man-and the idea of sin. He accepts the conclusions of men of science in biology, anthropology, and psychology, and is of opinion that the Christian doctrine of sin is strengthened by being cut loose from the Genesis story. In reply to my statement that there is no rational justification for his assertion that evolution denies a Creator. "Inquirer" states that Professor Haeckel believed in evolution but did not believe in God. I did not say that every evolutionist is a Theist; but I did say that belief in evolution is not incompatible 1 with belief in God. That was the opinion of Darwin himself. It is the opinion of tho majority of modern scientists and philosophers, and of almost all modern theologians. In his book entitled "The Shaping Forces of Modern . Religious : Thought,".,-Dr. A. B. D. Alexander tells us that Darwin "did not believe that his theory in any way tended to subvert the Christian faith. . . . Evolution does not contradict the notion of design nor exclude the thought of a divine ruler. The theory enhances the wonder of the universe and suggests a higher conception of God and His relation to man than is afforded by the mechanical view of creation. As Mr. Balfour has finelv shown, it invests the conception of theistic design with & grandeur and persuasiveness which never came within the purview of the Deists of the eighteenth century." .'"■••■ Norman E. Burton.