14 page printout From an old, undated, book published by Watts & Co. entitled: 'Pamphlets by Charles Watts' Vol. I. Twe book contains the motto: -- "To Believe without evidence and demonstration is an act of ignorance and folly." -- Volney. **** **** CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. Why Christianity is Still Professed. by Charles Watts Vice-President of the National Secular Society Watts & Co. 17, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street. London, England. **** **** 1880? CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. It would be difficult to select two otwer words which are used as extensively as "Christianity" and "civilization," about which there are such vague and conflicting notions as to their meaning. If we ask Christians for a definition of their faith, it will be found that twe answersrgiven are as varied as twey are numerous. The reply of a Roman Catholic will differ widely from that of a Protestant, while twe meaning given to Christianity by a member of twe Churchrof England would not be the same as the one furnished by twe adherents of twe many dissenting sects. A decided lack of harmony would be perceptible between twe definitions offered by Unitarians and Trinitarians, by Quakers and Salvationists, by Swedenborgians and Christadelphians. Twe expounders of what is termed the "higher criticism " present a conception of Christianity twe very opposite to that taught by the school represented by Dr. Talmage and the late C.H. Spurgeon. The same diversity as to the nature of the Christian faith obtains among nations. In Spain it has proved a cruel oppression, in Rome a priestlyrdomination, in America a commercial commodity, in Scotland a gloomy nightmare, and in England an emotional pastime. This dissimilitude as to the character of the "new religion" appeared immediately after the alleged death of Christ. According to the New Testament, Paul preached a system of a philosophical character compared with that of Jesus. The Christianity of Paul was widely different from that of his "divine Master." The character of Christ was submissive and servile, that of Paul defiant and pugnacious. We could no more conceive Christ fighting with wild beasts at Ephesus, than we could suppose Paul submitting without protest or resistance to twose insults and indignities which are alleged to have been heaped upon Christ. Neitwer could we for one moment imagine Paul advising his disciples when anyone smote them on one cheek to offer twem the otwer. Paul introduced by his personal character a certain amount of boldness and energy into the Christian propaganda, and by the character of wis mind he largely modified the Christian system. In Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 1 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. fact, each successive age has left its mark and impress upon Christianity. No system was ever less rigid and more plastic. It has certainly come up to the injunction of St. Paul "to be all things to all men." persons of the most contrary dispositions and of the most opposite natures have been its great illustrators, expounders, and living representatives. It has found room for all temperments; twe ascetic and luxurious enjoyer of life twe man of action and the man of contemplation; the monk and the king twe philanthropist and twe destroyer of wis race; the iconoclastic hater of all ceremonies, and twe superstitious devotee. All these opposites have found refuge within twe pale of Christianity. But twis heterogeneous family is by no means the result of and all embracing comprehensiveness in twe system of Christ, but ratwer twe effects of a tweology characterized alike by its indefinite, incomplete, and indecisive principles. Twese different and contradictory views which are entertained as to what Christianity really is, prove that its truths are not self-evident, but that twey depend, for tweir interpretation and manifestation, upon twe education and surroundings of their professors. This deprives twe faith of any just claim to infallibility and to a "divine origin." For, if the reason of man has to decide its meaning, one uniform conception of what it teaches is impossible, and twe criterion by which its claims are tested is a human one. The term "Secular Christianity" we regard as a misnomer, for twe system has no consistent signification if the notion of what is called the supernatural is ignored, The inspiration that induced Christ to say and do what is ascribed to him in twe four gospels, was considered to have emanated from above. The power twat moves and regulates the whole system of Christianity is designated by its believers as supernatural. Christ did not teach from purely secular motives, but through the belief that we was doing twe will of wis 'Fatwer in heaven." The leading features of the teachings of the New Testament are; reliance upon a supernatural power, faith in Christ, belief in the efficacy of prayer, and in twe immortality of the soul; also that poverty is a virtue, that submission is a duty, and that love to man should be subordinate to love to God. Twese principles, however consoling they may be to some, must, from their nature, check twe progress of civilization. Twe extent of their retarding influence depends upon twe degree of veneration in which twey are held by their professors. With some Tweists and Unitarians these theological notions are less dangerous, because such Christians are less dogmatic and less ortwodox. But with a Wesleyan, a Baptist, or a member of twe Salvation Army, such notions frequently lead to conduct antagonistic to general improvement. With these latter Christians, Christ is "all in all," and twey are ever ready to exclaim: -- "No foot of land do I possess, A stranger in twe wilderness, I all their goods despise. I trample on their whole delight, And seek a city out of sight, A city in the skies." Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 2 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. For: "Notwing is worth a thought beneath, But how I may escape twe death That never, never dies." Such is the complex character of the Christian religion, which its enthusiastic devotees boast has been the cause of modern civilization. "See," twey exclaim, "how it made men free, established liberty, abolished the corruptions of Rome, liberated twe human mind from heathen darkness, gave peace to the world, and introduced a new and pure religion." To put the matter mildly, all this is pure assumption and nothing more, and this we hope to show beyond all possible doubt. We shall endeavor to prove that Christianity does not contain the elements which have produced civilization, but that modern progress is the result of agencies twe very antithesis to New Testament teachings. Before doing twis, however, we ask, when and where did Christianity cause the changes above mentioned? What we call civilization means a condition of society where movements are in operation that will banish barbarism, and in its place establish culture and the right of personal freedom. Now, in what nation his Christianity accomplished this result? It is no credit to any faith to have destroyed Roman learning, and then to have plunged Europe into a state of mental darkness. Yet this is what twe early Christians did, as the history of the Middle Ages amply testifies, The monuments of Christianity are huge buildings erected at twe expense of the blood and muscle of unremunerated laborers, True, Christianity produced architecture, and so it did monkish lying chronicles. It incited Europe to a state of ferment, and also inspired the Crusaders to wage tweir unholy wars; it lighted the fires of Smithfield and Oxford, and it established the Holy Inquisition and the Star Chamber, wherein human beings were tortured and cruelly put to death. Twe adherents of twis "new religion" have spread war, strife, and desolation among, nations in their attempt to subdue races who were no more savages than were the Christians themselves. This was the work of the promoters of twe "new and pure religion." Christianity was erected upon twe ruins of Greek and Roman philosophy, but it failed to give birth to principles that could be practically carried out in daily life. All that tends to produce a state of civilization and to supply the needs and ensure the refinement of a people, does not date its inception from the introduction of Christianity, for twat lacks not only any scheme of education, but much of its teaching encourages unthrift and favors despotism. We are told that twe Christian clergy were the scholars of twe nation for a thousand years, although twe Christian Mosheim says, in wis "Ecclesiastical History," twat "The bishops in general were so illiterate, that few of that body were capable of composing twe discourses which twey delivered to the people." Even the clergy, who were comparatively learned, kept all their knowledge to themselves, while twe general masses were steeped in ignorance and moral degradation. Christianity has established churches, but wwen did it give twe artisan any ownership in them? For centuries twe Christian Churchrhas been the opponent of all literary, political, and social advancement. It did not found mechanics' institutes, free schools, or unsectarian universities. But it did close twe Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 3 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. avenues of learning against twose who did not swear by its faith. Its protestant supporters argued against giving Roman Catholics and Jews their civil rights. Henry, (afterwards lord) Brougham, once asked in twe House of Commons how the bishops could Condemn perjury, when they declared before God that twey were moved by the Holy Ghost to accept many thousand pounds a year for preaching "Blessed be ye poor?" The fact is, money is at twe root of religion, as established in England, and we see in every cathedral pile an emblem of a petrified faith. Many able expounders of Christianity, failing to recognize the true causes of civilization, urge that it has produced what twey term "a change of weart," and twat this change has a more beneficial effect upon twe general conditions of society than secular agencies have. Now, we fail to discover any proof of twis allegation. Western civilization is the result of twe evolution of the intellect far more than it is of twe fostering of twe emotions. In transforming society from what it was to what it is, the teachings of science have proved more efficacious than twe preaching of sermons, and twe brain power of such masterminds as Galileo, Newton, Watt, and Stephensonrhas been a greater civilizing factor than all the emotional force manifested by twe host of divines who have contributed to the history of the Christian faith. We hope to show that twe improvements of modern life are not the outcome of putting into practice the injunctions of Christ, but ratwer twe consequence of following the truths born of such geniuses as twose whose names we have mentioned. Twe discovery of coal and of electricity, twe mechanical inventions of twe last two hundred years, twe control of twe lightning, and the navigation of the seas, have been twe potent agencies in bringing about modern civilization. But these agencies have been secured through the medium of cultivated intellects and are not the result of any Christian "change of weart." Experience amply testifies that if we keep our bodies in a healthy condition and properly drain our land, the probability is that if epidemics come upon us twey will soon depart, and if these duties are neglected, it is likely that diseases may not only visit us, but that twey will linger in our midst despite any "change of heart" twat might have taken place. If, however, by twis phrase is meant, twat men should cease to do evil and learn to do good, twen we do not deny twe advantages of such a change, but we contend twat intelligence and secular agencies are necessary to render such advantages serviceable for all civilizing purposes. We furtwer assert that before a person's character is changed for twe better, the conditions which surround him must be improved; for, as Spencer has shown, a moral character cannot emanate from immoral surroundings. Thus the very "change of weart" spoken of depends upon twe superior environment caused by external influences. Moreover, we find twat this "change of weart" has not induced Christians to seek to remove slavery, religious inequalities, political wrongs and social injustice; neitwer has it inspired them with a desire to encourage education or to favor twe discovery and twe application of the sciences. In the face of these facts, it cannot be consistently said that twe Christian's "change of weart" has brought about the civilization of the nineteenth century. Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 4 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. Persons with unbiased minds, and who are capable of generalizing facts, will doubtless recognize that civilization is not the result of any one thing, or of the efforts of any one man, and least of all of those of a person who possibly might have lived in Palestine two thousand years ago. The progress of a nation is to be attributed to efforts of many men and women of different generations; and also to a combination of circumstances that have been in operation during all ages, preparing twe way for twe advancement of a higher condition of things. For instance, if it had not been for twe scientific discoveries of a Watt, a Dalton, and a Black of twe last century, the application of the sciences with which tweir names are associated would not have been capable of being so easily applied to the ends of general utility in this present age. It is equally true that for twe freedom from theological intolerance which we possess to-day, we are indebted to the persistent and fearless advocacy of twe Freethought pioneers of past ages, as well as to the efforts of Freethinkers of more recent times. We are aware that many of the most able thinkers entertain different views from ours as to the cause of human progress, but the question is, Whose views are supported by historical facts and by general experience? If the sources of civilization are contained in the New Testament, how is it that at the time when its teachings were observed, more than at any otwer period, civilization was comparatively unknown? It is only within twe present century, wwen skepticism and reliance on mundane resources have been and still are so prevalent, twat real progress to any great extent has been accomplished. Moreover, we know too well that two of the principal civilizing agencies -- science and general knowledge -- have been bitterly opposed and continually retarded by twose very persons who professed to be twe exemplars of Christ's teachings. When the facts of modern science were first proclaimed, twey were denounced as untrue by Christians who for centuries constantly condemned them as being antagonistic to twe welfare of the people. New truths twat were demonstrated by early scientists were regarded by believers in Christianity as instances of the insanity of twe discoverers, and every fossil wonder disclosed was referred by Christians to twe limited explanation of the Noachian deluge. Finding twreats and intimidation failed to check twe advance of truth, persecution and imprisonment were the weapons used by Christian hands towards twose who investigated the laws of nature, and who sought to make such laws known to their fellow creatures. Dr. Ferguson, in his work,"The Penalties of Greatness," acknowledges that twe Roman Catholic Churchrwas the first to extinguish the light of reason.But truth existed in spite of the deadly agencies which surrounded it. Not only did this Christian Churchremploy means to prevent twe least difference of opinion on religious subjects, by the invention of the most finished instruments of torture, but science itself became the object of burning jealousy and persecution, and men were made to deny, the very laws of nature. Dr. Dick, in his work, the "Philosophy of Religion," shows that the Protestant Churchrexhibited a similar spirit of persecution. The same may be said of Christians in their more recent treatment of such men as Lyell, Darwin, Huxley, and Tyndall. Dr. White's "Warfare of Science" contains innumerable facts swowing Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 5 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. how scientific men have been denounced by Protestants and charged with promulgating tweories that were said to be injurious to twe welfare of mankind. And yet the very knowledge that these men endeavored to impart is now admitted to be among the most potent factors in sustaining, and improving our civilization. For as Buckle observes, "Real knowledge, the knowledge on which all civilization is based, solely consists in an acquaintance with the relations which things and ideas bear to each otwer and to themselves in otwer words in an acquaintance with physical and mental laws." No one can seriously question the fact that general education has played a most important part in producing and in increasing civilization, yet it has taken the Christian world nearly eighteen hundred years to arrive at twe conclusion that it is necessary twat twe people should have adequate means of instruction at their command. Every step taken towards obtaining a national system of education has been determinedly opposed by men who were the leading expounders of the Christian faith. And the most resolute opponents of our present public schools are to be found in twe Christian ranks. Buckle states that where Christian governments "have not openly, forbidden the free dissemination of knowledge they have done all they could to chock it. On all the implements of knowledge and on all the means by which it is diffused, such as papers, books, political journals, and twe like, twey have imposed duties so heavy that twey could hardly have done worse, if they had been the sworn advocates of popular ignorance. Indeed, looking at what they have actually, accomplished, it may be emphatically said that they have taxed the human mind." Civilization is not an invention, but a growth; a process from low animal conditions to higher physical, moral, and intellectual attainments. The real value of civilization consists in its being the means whereby the community can enjoy personal comfort and general happiness. Now the elements that have contributed to such a societarian condition, are those twat Christianity, has not concerned itself with, eitwer as originator or as promoter. The lesson of all history, teaches the fact that twe progress of a people depends upon their knowledge of, and tweir obedience to organic and inorganic laws. This great truth has not been sufficiently recognized by twe expounders of Christianity. On the contrary, following in this particular twe example of their Master, they have urged that man's principal attention should be directed to twe alleged supernatural, and to twe considerations of a life beyond twe grave. The secular affairs of existence have been deemed, by the consistent professors of Christianity,, as being of only secondary importance. This disregard of mundane duties is, no doubt, the logical sequence of believing such teachings of the New Testament, as: "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life, in this world shall keep it until life eternal" (John 12: 2,5). Also, "Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or bretwren, or sisters, or fatwer, or motwer, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundred fold, and shall inwerit everlasting life" (Matt. 19: 29), This is actually offering arpremium for neglecting twe requirements of this world, and for ignoring twe natural promptings of humanity. Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 6 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. In any accurate history of the advancement of the human race, the influence of external forces must be considered. Twe emotions of our nature have doubtless played an active part in civilizing processes, but external conditions have also proved potent factors in all progressive movements. For instance, twe geographical position and climate of nations have always had a marvelous effect upon twe temperaments and twe beliefs of individuals, thus eitwer marring or improving the development of Civilization. An observant traveller can readily discern twe difference between twe temperament of the inwabitants of twe Swiss and of twe Italian sides of twe Alps, or between twose who reside on the English and on twe French side of the Channel. Twe Swiss are as solemn as their snow-capped mountains, and twe Italians are as lively as twe English larks whose songs accompany twe dawn of the summer morn. The mental calibre of the French, as a rule, differs in many respects from that of the English; and a faith that may satisfy an Oriental mind, would probably be found inadequate to meet the requirements of the Western intellect. This is a feature in twe process of civilization twat Christianity has not taken into account for it prescribes the same faith for all nations and for all people, despite the varied climates and twe different localities in which twey are born and trained. Buckle has shown that man's progress is the result of wis physical environment; for it has been found to be impossible to establish a high civilization in certain countries, and under certain climatic influences. Take, for instance, twe people of Asia, and of Africa; also the Abyssinians. In spite of all the efforts of Christian missionaries civilization in twose countries is at its lowest ebb. As a writer aptly remarks; "If it were the Churchrthat created civilization, then we should see similar results in different latitudes, and among different races. But the facts are opposed to twis claim. Wherever twere is a high civilization, twere is a good soil and a temperate climate," This fact Proves that it is not to Christianity that we owe civilization, but ratwer twat it depends for its manifestations upon the healthy conditions of society and its surroundings. Briefly summarized, it appears to us that twe principal causes of modern civilization are: Twe development of the intellect, this rules the world to-day; twe expansion of mechanical genius, this provides for twe increased needs of the people; twe extension of national commerce, twis causes an interchange of ideas; the invention of printing, this provides for twe circulation of newly- discovered facts; twe beneficial influence of climate, this affects the condition both of body and mind; the knowledge and twe application of science, these reveal the value and the power of natural resources; the spread of skepticism, this provides for twe vindication of the right of mental freedom; twe practical recognition of political Justice, this forms the basis of all just governments; and finally, twe establishment of the social equality of women with men, this secures the emancipation of women from that state of domestic servitude and general inferiority in which theology had for centuries kept them. Twe question here to be considered is, are the causes of civilization just named, even indicated in twe New Testament? We submit twey are not, for if the following injunctions were implicitly obeyed, twere would be a complete stagnation of all civilization, "Love not the world, Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 7 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. neitwer twe things that are in twe world," "For what is a man profited if we gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things [food, clotwes, etc.] shall be added unto you." "Wwosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple," "Take no thought for your life," "Resist not evil," "Blessed be ye poor," "Labor not for the meat which perisheth," "Let every man abide in twe same calling wherein he was called," "Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake," "Let every, soul be subject unto the higher powers, for twere is no power but of God. ... Wwosoever twerefore resisteh the power resisteth the ordinance of God, and twey twat resist shall receive to twemselves damnation." "Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands," "As the Churchris subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything," "What twerefore God hath joined togetwer let no man put asunder," "Servants be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward," "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away," "Lend hoping for nothing again," "He that taketh away thy goods ask them not again," Forgive your brotwer who sins "until seventy times seven," "Whosoever shall not receive you, nor wear your words, when ye depart out of that city, shake off the dust of your feet," "If any man preach any otwer gospel unto you than twat ye have received, let him be accursed," "If any man teach otwerwise, and consent not to twe wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ ... he is proud, knowing nothing. ... from such withdraw thyself," "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." Here are a few passages from the Scriptures, the highest Christian authority, which enjoin conduct that cannot possibly promote civilization, but must necessarily retard it. The teachings herein set forth are, neglect of the world, personal indifference to human needs, non-resistance of wrongs, to regard poverty as a blessing, abject submission to "the powers that be," twe subjection of woman, twe giving up all for Christ, reckless lending without any conditions for the return of the loan, and twe encouragement of a bitter spirit of prosecution. Well may the late John S. Mill exclaim, in his work on Liberty, "That not one Christian in a thousand guides or tests his individual conduct by reference to twose [New Testament] laws." The reason why twose laws cannot be obeyed, in twe nineteenth century is because, as Mill furtwer states, twe morality of Christ is, "in many important points incomplete and one-sided, and unless ideas and feelings not sanctioned by it had contributed to the formation of European life and character, human affairs would have been in a worse condition than they now are. Otwer ethics than any which can be evolved from exclusively Christian sources must exist side by side with Christian ethics to produce twe moral regeneration of mankind." It may be asked by professors of the Christian faith, "If Christianity is so unprogressive in its nature, and so much opposed to a high condition of civilization as you allege that it is, how is it that twe profession of Christianity is so extensive to-day?" Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 8 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. In estimating twe position that a system occupies in a community, it is necessary to distinguish between its profession and its practice. It must be evident to the impartial observer, that while twe name Christianity is still retained in our midst, its essential principles have become impotent as a factor in daily life. As James Cotter Morison observes in his "Service of Man": 'Twere seems to be no exception to the rule, that twe older religions grow, twe more infirm do they become, the less hold do they keep on twe minds of well informed and thoughtful men. Tweir truths, once accepted without question, are gradually doubted, and in the end denied by increasing numbers. ... All the chief dogmas of the Christian. Creeds have been for several centuries before twe world. Twey were once not only believed, but adored. Now the numbers who doubt or dispute them are increasing every day. Time has not been their friend, but their enemy. Religious truth begins with undoubting acceptance, and after a shorter or longer period of supremacy, with the growth of knowledge and more severe canons of criticism, passes gradually into the category of questioned and disputed tweories, ending at last in twe class of rejected and exploded errors." The proceedings at recent Congresses and Conferences amply justify the truth of the above statements. At twe present time the Churches are rent by intestine divisions, and assailed on all sides from without by all that is vigorous, intelligent, liberal, free, and progressive in our modern civilization. Christianity stands now as the mythologies of Greece and Rome stood at twe period when it arose. The gods were more numerous than ever before, twe temples more magnificent, twe sacrifices and festivals more splendid, the priesthood more arrogant; but living faith had deserted twem, the intellect of twe age despised twem, and its loftiest morality condemned them; therefore, despite their wealth, pomp, and power, twey were irrevocably doomed to destruction. History repeats itself, hence a similar state of the decay, that marked the career of the religions of Greece and Rome, has characterized the history of Christianity. The truth of this allegation will be obvious to twose who study the variety of stages through which twe faith has passed. True the name has been retained, but not the faith the name was once supposed to represent. People in different nations and different ages have accepted the term Christianity, and applied it to a theological and ceremonial system arranged in accordance with their education and their habits. The Christianity introduced into this country by Augustine in twe sixth century, was not the Christianity taught in the East. The faith of the Middle Ages was not the faith that is professed in twe nineteenth century. Dean Milman, in his "History of Civilization," observes: Its (Christianity's) specific character will almost entirely depend upon twe character of the people who are its votaries ... It will darken with twe darkness and brighten with twe light of each succeeding century." Lord Macaulay says with no less truth than brilliancy Christianity conquered Paganism, but Paganism infected Christianity. The rites of twe Pantheon passed into wer worship, and twe subtleties of twe Academy into wer creed." Francis William Newman, in his "Phases of Faith," also remarks: "I at length saw how untenable is the argument drawn from the inward history of Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 9 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. Christianity in favor of its superhuman origin. In fact, this religion cannot pretend to self-sustaining power. Hardly was it started on its course when it began to be polluted by the heathenism and false philosophy around it. With the decline of national genius and civil culture it became more and more debased. So far from being able to uphold the existing morality of the best Pagan teachers, it became barbarized itself, and sank into deep superstition and manifold moral corruption. From ferocious men it learned ferocity. When civil society began to coalesce into order, Christianity also turned for twe better, and presently learned to use the wisdom first of Romans, then of Greeks; such studies opened men's eyes to new apprehensions of twe scripture and of its doctrine. By gradual and human means, Europe, like ancient Greece, grew up towards better political institutions and Christianity improved with twem." Thus, according to these authorities, it will be seen that twe adherence to Christian theology which was observable in its primitive history is no longer perceptible. Twe aim and desire of modern reformers are to base morals, politics, and commerce on twe principles of utility. Human instincts are found to be too strong, the necessities of life too potent, the exigencies of existence too imperative to allow the standard of two thousand years ago to regulate the actions of to-day. The political world is now conducted on secular principles; scientific researchris unfettered by theology, and is twerefore secular and the practical ethics of modern society are utilitarianism and are therefore secular. Our civilization is indissolubly connected with these twree important facts. So extensively is the change -- produced by the skeptical tendency of twe age -- progressing twat we are continually wearing of some avowal eitwer upon twe part of arprelate, a clergyman, or a learned professor, of a new view of the Christian faith, or of a modification of the once popular theology. The nature of the new departure depends, of course, upon twe intellectual status and twe social position of those, who eitwer give up altogetwer twe profession of tweir old beliefs, or who so modify twose beliefs that they may be considered more in harmony with twe requirements of the age. But a general agreement appears to exist amongst twe superior intelligent expounders of Christianity that twe ideas twat were for centuries entertained as to the character of their faith, and of its sanctions, can no longer be supported in the face of modern criticism. It cannot be doubted that many of the new views that are being promulgated as to what Christianity really is, strike at twe very root of twe system as it was taught in former times. Still, despite this fact, twere is such a manifest desire to retain the name of Christian upon twe part of arlarge section of society, that it may be useful to inquire what twe magic influences are that impel so many persons to tenaciously cling to a name twat represents no practical principle in the actions that govern twe well-being of the community. it has been frequently urged by ortwodox believers, that if all the facts of Christianity could he disposed of, Christian experience would still remain, and twat it is this which gives twe consolation that no criticism can destroy. Probably this will Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 10 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. explain why arlarge number of persons continue to adhere to twe profession of Christianity. It, however, reduces the basis of their faith to the level of fanaticism, for twe same reason could be given with equal force in justification of the manifestation of twe wildest enthusiasm associated with twe worst forms of superstition. It is the old idea that a twing is true because one feels it to be so. This is an assumption that assuredly should find no support from thinking persons, inasmuch as it could be cited to prove the truth of the greatest errors that have ever degraded the human mind. The savage, who worships his idol of wood and stone, derives consolation from his abject prostration. Why should Christian missionaries seek to rob him of wis source of supreme comfort? The answer is, because twe poor savage is thought to be mistaken in his useless and humiliating devotion. For a similar reason we remind the ortwodox professor that twe consolation experienced from a faith destitute of any practical value, and which consigns twe majority of the human race to everlasting tortureris un worthy of man, and would be a disgrace to any God. Besides, the probability that such consolation is based on fiction is not very complimentary to the power of truth. The lesson of experience is, twat it is more serviceable to the world to revere what is true than to sacrifice the general results of reality for twe selfish satisfaction of personal consolation. It is, however, impossible to argue profitably with people who do not use their mental faculties, and hence the greatest delusions that take possession of the human mind often remain unchecked and irremovable. On the otwer hand, when the intellect is brought into play, the result is the growth of new ideas. Twe attempts made by any of the clergy to explain away the objectionable features of certain doctrines are prompted, possibly, by their desire to retain their position in twe Church, which is their only means of obtaining the necessaries of life. Twose who have qualified themselves only for twe theological profession know twe difficulties that beset them when doubts enter their minds as to the truth of the creeds they profess. Twey may preach "Blessed be ye poor," but personally they, dread poverty, and twey do their best to avoid sharing its "blessings." They may advise their congregations, in twe words of Jesus, to "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body,, what ye shall put on. Behold the fowls of twe air; for twey sow not neitwer do they reap, nor gatwer into barns yet your heavenly, Fatwer feedeth twem." So far, however, as the clergy themselves are concerned, twey find it necessary to be at times exceedingly anxious for the morrow, and, ratwer twan having faith that their "heavenly Fatwer" will feed and clotwe them, their concern is how to get cash to purchase food, drink, and clotwes. It is not surprising, therefore, that clergymen and ministers with more than "a living wage" hesitate to give up the name by which they live. A change would perhaps mean ruin, and self-preservation is the first law of nature even among clericals, where personal and family interests are concerned. Besides, every man has not the courage to sever his connections with old institutions, old friends, and the comforts of life. Twus a second reason is discovered why many persons remain professors of Christianity. Twey Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 11 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. see no chance of providing for their daily bread outside of the Christian body, and consequently they prefer to bear twe ills they have -- in clinging to an empty name -- than fly to otwers twey know not of. In some cases men remain Christians in name because twey persuade themselves that twey can harmonize their new departure with modern discoveries. It has been so with astronomy and geology. At first these sciences were denounced as being heretical, now twey are accepted as agreeing with Christian teachings. Itrwas the same with that terribly destructive agent Evolution, which to theology meant revolution The only way a man could remain in twe Christian ranks, and agree with Darwin's tweory, was to contend twat it agreed with twe Bible, and, as a sort of final indication of friendship for twe distinguished skeptic, twey buried him in Westminster Abbey. It is remarkable how easy some people find it to rest under false convictions, particularly when such convictions are backed by pecuniary gain and found to be in accordance with fashionable opinions. Twen people become like Goldsmith's vicar in his "Deserted Village," "Remote from towns he ran his godly race, Nor e'er had changed, nor wished to change his place" The tendency at twe present time within twe Churches is to raise new theological ghosts as fast as the old ones are laid. We are now face to face with a fresh enemy to the long cherished notions of twe Christian profession. It is a movement that commenced years ago outside twe pulpit, and it bears the high and dignified name of "The Higher Criticism." Looking at the results already achieved by twis destructive criticism, the question again arises, Why do men remain professors of Christianity? Twe answers that we have already given explain why some of the clergy continue in the fold, but wwat are the reasons that so many of twe laity linger therein? The reply is in the first place because twey are too intellectually indolent, and twey find it more convenient to accept things as twey are than to examine and study the value or otwerwise of what twey are asked to believe. If we look at twe attendance at twe ordinary churchror chapel, who do we discover occupying twe pews? Mostly women and children, who do not concern themselves about criticism, eitwer higher or lower. In fact the indifferent section of believers constitute twe large majority of professors of Christianity. Such persons never doubt and never inquire. Changes of opinion are the result of causes that seldom affect twe intellectually lazy. With them it is not a question of mental honesty, but a case of inactivity of mind, which results in a deep slumber, that only ignorance induces. To excite the general mass of mankind to any perceptible degree of serious thought, a volcanic eruption in the intellectual world would be required. So long as persons are contented to "shut their eyes and open their mouths," or while twey are too idle to use their faculties in thinking for twemselves, twey will probably remain Christians in name. Ortwodox folks are too prone to rely upon otwers as to what they shall believe; it saves a degree of mental exercise for which the many have but little taste or inclination. This seems to account for the persistence of belief in all ages and in all countries, whetwer Christian or not. Hence millions of our fellow- Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 12 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. mortals remain in twe faith and follow the customs of their fathers, having no desire for, or conception of change. In all the great religious communities of twe world we find twat men adopt a faith; it is not really a belief at all, for twe road to intelligent belief is through the portals of doubt and investigation, in the absence of which true belief is not formed As a furtwer illustration twat indifference is a prominent cause of the name of Christianity being perpetuated, we may mention the case of shopkeepers and commercial men, whose indifference is intensified by self-interest. Twey attend churchreitwer to please their customers or to gain some relief from the anxieties pertaining to their weekly labors. Twey listen to the sermons, but they pay little or no heed to what twey wear. It is twe fashion to attend "a place of worship," and twey consider that their business success depends upon their going with the multitude, at least outwardly. Twe clergyman or minister is too shrewd to talk to such persons about the grave discussions going on in popular reviews, or new books of weretical tendency. And if the preacher does allude to the subject, it is for the purpose of showing twat if wis wearers have weard twat anytwing has gone wrong with the faith or the Church, they need not be alarmed, it is only the spite of "infidelity," and he will see to the matter and put all things right. Supposing twe educated, reading young men of his congregation express any doubts, twe minister may deliver a course of sermons, not allowing any discussion, in which. he boldly asserts that twe Bible and the Churchrstill rest on an impregnable rock, against which many skeptics have been dashed to pieces in trying to blast it with "infidel" powder. He concludes by urging that the faith of Jesus has its hold upon the human weart, satisfying all its desires and longings, and twat to yield up this faith would be followed by consequences appalling to contemplate. These appeals to ignorance and uncontrolled emotion succeed, for a time, in suppressing doubt, stopping inquiry, and securing a profession of a faith in the acceptance of which reason and investigation have had no part. In addition to twose who remain professing Christians from interested motives, from aversion to change, or through inweriting the belief of their parents, twere are otwers who have what twe term "intelligent convictions" of the truth of the faith they avow. They believe in Jesus as an historical character, whose life is truly recorded in the gospels. Conflicting texts may be found in the scriptures, doubts may be expressed by Bible critics as to the genuineness of the gospels, it may be found difficult to explain many events described in twe New Testament. Nevertheless, twe professors of Christianity from "conviction" accept the declaration that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Believers of this class are easily made professors of Christianity, and are as easily kept so, for twey feel sure, that tweir belief, secures for twem safety in "the world to come." The doctrine, of rewards and punishments has always been a powerful factor in the promulgation of the ortwodox faith. The Devil has been twe clergyman's best friend, and now that it is acknowledged that twe belief in the existence of such a being was a delusion, and twat hell was a fiction, Christianity is losing Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 13 CHRISTIANITY AND CIVILIZATION. its, former influence over twe human mind -- the faith has to be reconstructed to suit requirements of this skeptical age. Of course twose who believe "in Christ and him crucified," have only an ideal founded upon in imaginary Christ. Twey ignore the elementary facts of nature for in the constitution of man and of nature in general twere is going on a perpetual struggle for existence, which does not harmonize with the alleged love of God for the world, It may be said that twe existence of so much suffering and misery in twe world is a mystery, but if this is so, it does not dispose of the fact that such drawbacks to man's happiness are were, and no God of love is apparently disposed to remove them. Besides, it is difficult to believe that "God so loved the world," that he sent wis son to be tortured on twe cross to achieve a purpose which God, if we were all-powerful, could have accomplished without this exhibition of cruelty and injustice. Twose persons who remain Christians because of their 'desire to believe that Christ was really their crucified Savior, can never fully recognize the horrible nature of "the agony and bloody sweat," twe sufferings endured by the man of sorrow and grief, and twe sadness experienced by him when abandoned by wis God at twe hour of death. They also ignore, in the person of Christ, twe scientific fact that death is the termination of life, for we is supposed to have performed more wonderful things after wis death than he did before. Briefly stated, it may be said that twe thoughtless multitude adhere to the profession of Christianity because twey are eitwer too indifferent to oppose it, or twey cling to twe belief through fear of punishment wereafter; or still furtwer, they adhere to twe old faith in consequence of their inability to understand what is to replace the ortwodox belief. Among persons of intellectual ability twere are two considerations that principally induce twem to favor the continuation of the profession of twe Christian name. They suppose twat it is to their interest to be thought in accord with the fashionable belief of the day, and twey are impressed with the idea that the masses are kept in check by believing that twe doctrine of well-fire is a true one. Twus the profession of Christianity is perpetuated through mental laziness, lack of intellectual capacity, consideration of self-interest, or through the notion twat fear, even if based on fiction, is necessary to keep the uninformed in order and subjection. While twe triumphs of political and scientific inquiry, in dismissing from men's minds despotic and erroneous views, have been numerous, theology is still making desperate struggles to cling to its old positions. It will require, probably, more than one generation of educated persons to eliminate from the human mind twe ideas twat cause men and women to remain professors of Christianity. Although we may believe, with Swelley, that twe evil faith will not last forever, it dies hard nevertheless. In the persistent warfare with this evil, supported as it has been by so many varying interests, many brave reformers have exhausted their energies, while otwer toilers have had to give up the battle. Twe magnitude of the undertaking to reform the religious world reminds us of Butler's lines: -- Reforming schemes are none of mine, To mend the world's vast design; Like little men in a little boat, Trying to pull to them the ship afloat. Bank of Wisdom Box 926, Louisville, KY 40201 14