LECTURE L1I. 



THE EVOLUTION OF RELIGION. 



Prof. Wilbur W. Thoburn. 



Is Evolution an ally or a foe ? Misunderstood Evo- 

 lution regarded as a foe. 



The position of the rational theist strengthened by 

 Evolution. An intelligible plan in Nature proves kin- 

 ship with the intelligence back of the plan. 



Is the religious life an exception to the laws of Evo- 

 lution ? The ghosts of religion. 



Opposing Views of Man : 



1. Struggling to regain a state of former excellence 

 now lost. 



2. Struggling to reach perfection and excellence 

 never known, and hence never lost, but always the 

 goal and ideal of life. 



Our idea of religion and of Christ determined by our 

 view of man. 



These two views not so widely divergent as at first 

 appears. 



I. Consideration of first view. The Bible evidences 

 of past perfection. Religions of savages degraded. 

 Prevalence of a belief in ancient excellence. Chris- 

 tianity a hiatus. 



The growth of the tree must be measured not at the 

 tips of the branches but on the stem. 



