174 Outlook to Nature 



methods of our schools ; but we have not yet 

 learned what may be omitted from courses of 

 study. 



Evolution has modified or even reversed our 

 attitude toward history, philosophy, and insti- 

 tutionalism. We now consider all questions 

 from the point of view of their origin, develop- 

 ment, and destiny. All activities are becoming 

 scientific. 



The inroads of evolution are most marked 

 in those fields that are most dominated by 

 dogma and tradition ; and this is why its con- 

 flict with theology has been so long-continued 

 and so intense. But it is emancipating religion, 

 as it has emancipated all else. Even theology 

 must be scientific : it is the theory of religion, 

 and religion, if it is vital, must grow and change 

 in its expression as new conditions arise. 

 Least of all, can religion afford to seem to be 

 afraid of the truth, whether in the natural 

 science sphere or any other sphere. Dogmas, 

 beliefs, and theories are only temporary and 

 partial means of expressing our conceptions ; as 

 our conceptions enlarge, the dogmas expand or 



