The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

CONDITrONS OF THE INQUIRY. 17Science, as it is beyond the range of the greatmajority as a subject of personal research, andwithin reach of only a limited number asa subject even of book knowledge, has itsquestions of conflict concealed to some extentfrom the public view. But, even moderateacquaintance with science makes us aware ofthe fact that there is conflict of opinion inevery region of inquiry. Indeed it should bealien to the reflective observer, to marvel atthe discovery of diversity of thought in anyregion, or to make its existence a ground foradverse criticism. Commonly accepted conclusionsmust afford the basis for competentcriticism, whatever be the field of inquirybrought under review; diversity of opinionbeyond and around these, must be acceptedas the uniform att'endant of human knowledge,indicating at once the provision for intellectualprogress and the inducement to it.Thus, on grounds indisputable from a scientificbasis, we escape the need for vindicatingreligion from the charge of having its claimsto rational homage weakened, by the diversityof opinion found within the boundariesof religious thought. Such diversity is instrict accordance with familiar facts connected