The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

EXPERIENCE FROM PAST CONFLXTS. 71ing Scripture teaching. Such comminglingleads to confusion, and deprives a discussionof historical accuracy and scientific precision.In view of the immense practical, as well asscientific interests involved, it is needful toguard against loose statements encouraging abelief in conflict between religion and science,where no such conflict exists. The passagehere selected is taken as an example, and itscriticism will indicate what claims religion hasa right to make upon scientific men in theirmanagement of such discussions. It may bethat with equal reason a similar claim can beturned upon defenders of religion in view oftheir criticisms of scientific discussions. Butthe real value of such investigations, fromwhatever side they come, depends upon accurateand guarded statement. It is to befeared, however, that Dr. Draper's theorythat " extremists determine the issue," maytempt him to favor a different rule.To state that the scriptural view of theworld is, that "the earth is a flat surface,"is misrepresentation. And the variety ofform into which this statement is thrownthroughout the chapter makes it greatlyworse. Thus our author speaks of " the fiat