CHAPTER NINE 



Evolution and Religion 



THE most unfortunate result of the spread of the 

 doctrine of evolution in the nineteenth century 

 was the outbreak of a bitter conflict between science 

 and religion which was the most virulent since the 

 trial of Galileo. While we may agree with Spencer 

 that there is always a deep and lasting antagonism be- 

 tween them, yet it is one which becomes acute only at 

 rare intervals ; — at those times when the issue spreads 

 so as to enlist the attention of the general public. To- 

 day, it is light-heartedly assumed that there is no need 

 for such bitterness; both sides are honestly working 

 for the good of humanity and both should become 

 reconciled and encouraged to live at peace. Is it not 

 probable, that this opinion is due to loss of intensity 

 of convictions and weariness from a conflict we seem 

 unable to settle"? Beneath this apparent indifference 

 lies the real reason for the truce ; science, for the time 

 being at least, is the victor. The world is dominated 

 by the scientific method; we may have discarded 

 many of the specific conclusions of the great Evolu- 

 tionists, but their method of thought still governs 

 Church and State. Sociologists may agree that Spen- 

 cer's specific ideas of the State are not correct; the 

 clergy may admit that Fiske's humanitarian religion 



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