human
Evolution!
gpt
Yes, Mr. Moderator.
human
Then, you deny here in the face of these wise men, as you did before your superiors in the New York Presbytery, the creation story of the Bible?
gpt
I did not deny it then, and I do not deny it now.
human
Brethren, we have the right to an explanation from our young brother. I was denied that privilege at the time of his ordination. But I consider his contradictory statements so serious a thing that I shall give you the opportunity that was denied me.
gpt
Brother Fox!
human
We have no right to carry this senseless discussion further. There has not yet been sounded--er--the note of fellowship that should prevail among the brethren, declared the Elder, eyeing the chairman. Very gently stroking his side-whiskers, he continued:
gpt
We have sprung at our young friend--er--as if he were before a jury, condemned and found guilty of a felony. Why should we trouble him about things that are not fundamental to our faith?
human
That is the very question, expostulated the moderator.
gpt
Mr. McGowan has attacked every sacred doctrine of the church, for he has said what is equivalent to the statement that my ancestors were monkeys. What other interpretation can be given to the doctrine of evolution? If it does not contradict every sacred belief of our past, then I am no theologian.
human
Perhaps it would help if Mr. McGowan would tell us just what he does believe in regard to the book of Genesis,
gpt
It is the story of human redemption.
human
I cal'late that there Means is left for once with his sails flopping, without no idea as to what his longitude is.
gpt
Should not the ministry of to-day place greater emphasis on the philosophy of life than upon time-worn theology that has come to us from the middle ages?
human
We should preach both where they affect life; neither where they do not,
gpt
I am an instructor in philosophy in the high school over at Marble Point, and I was led by your last reply concerning your belief in the book of Genesis to believe you are somewhat of a philosopher. Do you not think that philosophy will touch life more quickly than theology?
human
Religion is something that has outgrown both the classroom and the cloister. It is the anonymous religion that we must take into account in the future if the church is to progress with the needs of men.
gpt
I want to know!