Page images
PDF
EPUB

INTRODUCTION

THE historical method of interpreting the Scriptures is discredited. This book submits a psychological interpretation. Emerson evidently stated an axiom in science, when he said: "Whenever a true theory appears, it will be its own evidence. Its test is that it will explain all phenomena." It stands to reason that no truth, no principle, in the universe of God, is at war with any other; all truths coalesce; all truths exist in unity. To deny this is to deny the divine order that is so manifest in all the works of nature; and of which science furnishes abundant proof. Of course, it is entirely possible to conceive how texts of Scripture might be incorrectly interpreted, though the theory of interpretation was correct; but it would be difficult indeed to conceive how passages of it could be correctly interpreted if the theory of interpretation be erroneous. To illustrate, it is entirely possible to understand how an astronomer might err in the solving of problems when following the Heliocentric theory; but it would be difficult to conceive how one could correctly solve astronomical problems when acting in obedience to the Ptolemaic theory. It, therefore, follows that, if the Scriptures are to yield their content, and are to be relied upon as pointing the way of human salvation, they should be interpreted in the light of a true theory.

Then the question: Do the Scriptures describe and

explain the nature of the human soul, and the Law of its orderly evolution? We affirm unqualifiedly that they do; and that religion, therefore, is not founded upon any form of abstract metaphysical dogma, but upon principles that have relation to the nature of the human soul itself. Scientifically speaking, it may be said that religion announces certain postulates of belief, that may be realized in consciousness, to wit: that God is; that the human soul is; that the human soul has its Law; and that this Law is susceptible of fulfilment; and that there is a spiritual kingdom that transcends the sensuous animal kingdom of the world.

It is certainly true that religious and political thought is now in a state of great confusion and disorder. This unsettled state of thought is evidently pronounced and wide-spread; and is most in evidence in those countries where scientific institutions are most prevalent and influential. Colossal armies of many powerful nations are now in a death grapple on the continent of Europe to eliminate and destroy, the power and influence of effete ideas and institutions; and let us hope that on the ruins of a passing civilization there will be builded a new and better. Perhaps the conflict in Europe, appalling as it is, will have a powerful influence in transforming a socialism, which rests on the basis of conflicting beliefs and interests, represented by the sensuous animal world, into a socialism which rests on the belief, on the consciousness, of a Spiritual kingdom, the kingdom that represents the Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of man. "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight" (John 18:36). "Have we not all One Father? Has not One God created us all?" (Mal. 2: 10).

« PreviousContinue »