The Principles of Christian Apologetics; An Exposition of the Intellectual Basis of the Christian Religion, Specially Written for Senior Students (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 Excerpt: ...facts in greater detail. The reign of law throughout the Universe, the identity of elements in the composition of Suns and planets, the analysis of the phenomena of Light, Heat, and Sound, and their resolution into modes of motion--innumerable instances in Natural Science point to the unity of the Supreme Power upon whom all beings and physical processes depend. In face of these arguments which demonstrate the unity of God, how explain the error of Polytheism? Unfortunately it is clear that the intellect of man has been darkened and his will weakened. Hence the domination of evil passions and the power of Satanic suggestion. Moreover, there is a tendency in human nature to make the Deity visible and present--whence the worship of Sun, Moon, and Stars. There is a tendency also to idealise the lives and achievements of national or racial heroes, and finally to give them Divine honours. But the testimony of mythologists quoted in a former chapter and developed more fully in Chapter XI is emphatic as to the original belief of the Egyptian, Germanic, Oriental, and other races. Monotheism was the most ancient and primitive belief, and Polytheism a later corruption. In Chapter XI religious belief viewed from the historical standpoint will be carefully considered. II. Pantheism One of the most curious facts in the history of philosophy has been the tendency of every system of thought to end in Pantheism. From Buddha to Bergson examples are frequent. The philosophic movement in Germany which began with Kant, and was carried on by Fichte, ended as the Oriental systems ended in pure Pantheism. The one notable exception has been the philosophy of the Catholic Church, which systematised in the thirteenth century by Albert the Great and his illustrious pupil, Thomas Aqui...