LECTURE LV. 



THE EVOLUTION OF THE IDEA OF GOD. 

 Prof. Edward H. Griggs. 



Constant change in conceptions of the Divine. 



This change relative to the development of human 

 life. 



The conception of the Divine never higher than the 

 highest ideal present in any phase of life. 



Hence the changing ideals of men are reflected in 

 the changing thought concerning God. 



Thus there is serious truth in the statement that 

 " an honest god 's the noblest work of man." 



Beginnings of the idea of God in the first recogni- 

 tion of power in Nature, and personality and power 

 in man. 



Development from these simple beginnings. 



The relation of the Nature element to the human 

 element. 



Ways in which religion is determined by the condi- 

 tions of life. 



Nature religions grow up where man is dependent 

 chiefly upon Nature. 



Religions founded upon ancestor-worship, or the 

 worship of the god of the tribe, grow up where man is 

 dependent upon human strength. 



The character of religion as determined by the pro- 

 portion of these two elements. 



