Religion, Science and Society in the Modern World

Abstract

THE Terry Lectures at Yale in 1943 have been used not merely to discuss "Religion in the Light of Science and Philosophy", as the Foundation requires, but to do so in the midst of events affecting the Old World and the New to a degree never before experienced. It is such a setting which makes this nineteenth series perhaps more significant than any of its predecessors. Furthermore, Anglo-American relations are closer to-day than they were, and thus the choice of the Master of Balliol as lecturer was indeed a happy one. He recalls the historic connexion between his own College and the Franciscan movement, which stressed the acquisition of knowledge as an instrument of service. From this remark the main theme of these addresses can be discerned, namely, freedom in its connexion with religion, science and power. The strain of the Puritan can be picked up here and there; but the important thing is that the outlook so engendered is very far from negative, though perhaps scarcely everybody would subscribe to all the author's claims for it in the moulding of our traditional institutions. The pressure upon thought to issue in action would have delighted the late Prof. R. G. Collingwood, and may even be taken as yet another vindication of "Speculum Mentis". How easily, however, this urge may go adrift is seen from the fact that in bur day a State has arisen wherein there is no place whatsoever for religion, science or philosophy. This is extremely suggestive: these blessings do not perish separately; they are submerged together. Religion, Science and Society in the Modern World By A. D. Lindsay. (The Terry Lectures delivered at Yale University, 1943.) Pp. 64. (London: Oxford University Press, 1943.) 3s. 6d. net.