II 



CHRISTIANITY AND THE SUPERNATURAL 



IT is a common observation that all theology is running 

 into apologetics. It might be difficult to say how far 

 an analysis of the theological activity of our age and 

 country would justify this statement ; but the currency 

 of the saying proves at least that apologetics is the 

 branch of theology which bulks most largely in the 

 minds of men at large. 



We live in an age which is not much interested in strict 

 theology. The mass of the laity and not a small pro 

 portion of the clergy do not view a strong interest in 

 practical Christianity as at all inconsistent with small 

 regard for Christian science or even with scepticism as 

 to the possibility of such science. 



But to this apathy as to theological questions there is 

 one marked exception. Almost every one feels a keen 

 interest in some branch of apologetics. No one seems 

 to grudge learning, ability, or labour bestowed in the 

 defence of Christianity against unbelievers. We do not 

 seem much interested in the internal development of 

 Christian science. We either acquiesce in the traditional 

 solution of nice theological questions, or regard the 

 solution of the questions either way as unimportant ; 

 but the outposts as it were of theology all points that 

 touch on science, history, criticism, and, in so far, on 

 philosophy are guarded with restless jealousy. 



At first sight the statement that theology is running 



109 



