THE RIGHT RELATION OF REASON TO RELIGION
On the question, What is the real relation between
reason and religion, the range in contrast of views
is of course very great. And this is true, whether
we consider the views as merely conceivable or as
actually presented in the course of history.
It is evident, first, that the view might conceivably
be taken, that reason and religion are incompatible.
This incompatibility might moreover be construed
in behoof of religion as against reason. It might
be said, that, granting the reality of religion, the
recognition of superhuman Power, the active presence
of the Power must be accepted as simply an
awful Fact — inexplicable, incomprehensible,
inscrutable, yet unquestionable — before which, terrible
and indeed resistless and overwhelming, reason must
prostrate itself, keep silence, and slink away into
undiscoverable hiding. And this view is not merely
conceivable, but is actual and historical; nay, it is
the eldest view; and if hoary antiquity or multitude
of adherents were taken as the true measure of value
and authority, it would be the weightiest view.
