Science and Truth To Be Examined

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 663, 15 May 1929, Page 7

Science and Truth To Be Examined

PRESBYTERIAN’S VIEWS “THAT TOWN HALL MEETING” The attitude of the Presbyterian Church toward science in relation to truth is to be issued in a statement by the Auckland Presbytery. This decision was made by the presbytery after intense discussion last evening, and the warning from one member that the presbytery was “courting dissension.” A special point was made that the statement was not proposed to include the highly controversial subject of evolution. Several members criticised the recent meeting in the Town Hall on evolution. The Rev. L. IT. Hunt raised the question and gave it as his opinion that the Presbyterian Church, having an open mind on scientific questions and investigation, welcomed the truth from whatever quarter it came. Mr. Hunt, referring to the subjects at the recent “Notorious Town Hall meeting,” asked if the presbytery would make a pronouncement on the questions raised. A proposal that a committee consisting of the Revs. D. C. Herron, E. R. Harries, L. H. Hunt, D. D. Scott and W. L. Marsh should be set up to make a statement of the church’s attitude to scientific and other questions was advanced by the Rev. A. M. Aspland. Opposition to such a committee having power to act was made by Mr. Harries, who said that a statement should receive the most careful consideration.

‘‘The p. esbytery is not all of one mind on the Darwinian theory of evolution.” he said, “and on many other subjects. I was on the platform at the Town Hall demonstration and I wish to dissociate myself from the statements of the Rev. A. Murray. He apparently said things he did not intend to say. “People who try to adapt Christianity to the changing views of science have to be busy. Some are adhering to the old Book until it is disproved. We are going to keep our views. We will not bo browbeaten. I hope that the Christian world will not be divided into two camps—evangelists and modernists.” EVOLUTION VIEW Mr. Herron maintained that Christianity was not affected if one view or the other of evolution were taken. It was not central to the Christian faith and ho thought it would be useful to have that opinion issued as the attitude of the Presbyterian Church. Disappointment in the three speakers at the Town Hall was expressed by Mr. Scott because they had given no Biblical exposition of the idea of creation. The Rev. W. J. Comrie said the presbytery would be well advised to take no action. A statement by the Rev. J. Pattison that about half the people would probably endorse the conservative views expressed at the Town Hall brought swift denials from members. Mr. Pattison thought that the course proposed would give certain persons undeserved publicity. Mr. Marsh said it was now found that the young people were critical and he asked when the presbytery would have the courage of its convictions. The foundation principles on which their colleges were based were being challenged. A statement should be drawn up and considered by the presbytery. In reply to suggestions that the question should be dropped, Mr. Hunt explained that he was not proposing a statement on a highly controversial subject like evolution, but on the general attitude of the church to truth. Mr. Hunt’s motion was carried by a substantial majority, but the dissension from the motion of the Revs. Harries and Comrie and of five elders was recorded.