The Theology of an Evolutionist (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1897. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX EVOLUTION AND MIRACLES Are miracles consistent with the doctrine of evolution? This is the question I propose to consider in this chapter. It is no part of my purpose to show that the miracles recorded in the Bible actually took place; only to consider whether belief that they took place is inconsistent with belief in evolution as "God's way of doing things." In fact, I believe that some of the events there recorded, and generally regarded as miraculous, did take place; that others there recorded or referred to did not take place; and concerning others there recorded I am by no means certain whether they took place as recorded, or not. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the best attested fact of ancient history; I do not believe that the sun stood still and the moon stayed in the valley of Ajalon at Joshua's command; and I am uncertain as to what interpretation is to be given to the wonderful stories in the Book of Daniel, -- whether they are to be regarded as Dean Farrar regards them, as "lofty moral fiction," or as essentially historical, or as partly imaginative and partly historical. It is proper, however, to say that in my judgment our hypotheses must always be conformed to attested facts; we must not determine whether we will accept the evidence as to facts by considering whether they agree with our preconceived hypothesis. If I were convinced, for example, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not consistent with the doctrine of evolution, I should be compelled to abandon or modify that doctrine; I should not abandon my belief in the resurrection. That resurrection I regard as a. fact; evolution as a theory, -- on the whole, the best theory of "God's way of doing things " yet proposed by philosophic thinkers, -- the latest word...