CHAPTER XII. 



THEOLOGY AND EVOLUTION. 



Prejudices on the subject. "Creation" sometimes denied from pre- 

 judice. The Unknowable. Mr. Herbert Spencer's objections to 

 theism ; to creation. Meanings of term "creation." Confusion from 

 not distinguishing between "primary" and "derivative" creation. 

 Mr. Darwin's objections. Bearing of Christianity on the theory of 

 evolution. Supposed opposition, the result of a mi conception. Theo- 

 logical authority not opposed to evolution St. Augustin. St. Thomas 

 Aquinas. Certain consequences of want of flexibility of mind. Eeason 

 and imagination. The first cause and demonstration. Parallel between 

 Christianity and natural theology. What evolution of species is. Pro- 

 fessor Agassiz. Innate powers must be recognized. Bearing of evolu- 

 tion on religious belief. Professor Huxley. Professor Owen. Mr. 

 "Wallace. Mr. Darwin. A priori conception of Divine action. Origin 

 of Man. Absolute creation and dogma. Mr. Wallace's view. A super- 

 natural origin for man's body not necessary. Two orders of being in 

 man. Two modes of origin. Harmony of the physical, hyperphysical, 

 and supernatural.- Reconciliation of science and religion as regards 

 evolution. Conclusion. 



THE special "Darwinian Theory" and that of an evolu- 

 tionary process neither excessively minute nor fortuitous 

 having now been considered, it is time to turn to the 

 important question, whether both or either of these con- 

 ceptions may have any bearing, and if any, what, upon 

 Christian belief? 



Some readers will consider such an inquiry to be a work 

 of supererogation. Seeing clearly themselves the absurdity 





