Dealing with Modernism
| 1730 |
First books appear questioning the literal interpretation of the Bible. |
| 1791 |
Riots in Birmingham against Anglo-Unitarian scientist, Joseph Priestly. |
| 1839 |
Charles Lyell, a devout Anglican, publishes "Elements of Geology", which forms the basis of modern earth
science. Evangelicals are horrified by Lyell's rejection of a literal reading of Genesis in favor of "uniformitarianism".
This begins the era of major changes in views of man and universe. |
| 1859 |
Charles Darwin, an Anglican, publishes "Origin of Species". Practically all scientists studying natural
history are convinced. The public is fascinated. Evolution controversies follow. |
| 1863 |
(France) Renan's "Life of Jesus", based on historical and literary study of the Gospel accounts. |
| 1863 |
Bishop J.W. Colenso of Natal, who favors the modernist approach to scripture (and believes in Black equality),
is tried and convicted of heresy by the English bishops. |
| 1865 |
Thomas Huxley (who coined the word "agnostic" to describe himself) humiliates Bishop Samuel Wilberforce
in an evolution debate. Wilberforce eventually apologizes to Darwin. |
| 1866 |
Hymn "The Church's One Foundation" is written against Colenso. |
| 1867 |
First Lambeth conference is called to resolve the Colenso affair. |
| 1890 |
Charles Gore writes "Lux Mundi", suggesting an Anglo-Catholic can accept historical and literary criticism
of the Bible. Response is generally favorable. |
| 1906 |
(Germany) Albert Schweitzer's book, "Quest of the Historical Jesus", demolishes the "liberal"
pictures of Jesus Christ and forms the basis for all future objective study of Christian origins. |
| 1910 |
"The Fundamentals" series of booklets begins publication in the U.S. Emphasis is on literal inerrancy
of the entire Bible, rejection of historical and literary criticism of scripture and contemporary understandings
of the natural world, and the belief that those not sharing this viewpoint are not really Christians. (This is
"fundamentalism".) Anglicans are generally indifferent or mildly hostile. |
| 1913 |
"Foundations", by a team of Oxford scholars, demonstrates that increasing acceptability of modernism. |
| 1960 |
The bizarre evolutionary "gospel" of Tielhard de Chardin, priest-paleontologist who ultimately denies
personal responsibility or personal immortality, is receiving attention from Anglicans and others. |
| 1961 |
Contemporary study of the Bible no longer presents a problem for most Anglicans. See Bishop Stephen Neill's "Interpretation
of the New Testament 1861-1961". |
| 1982 |
Scientific study of nature no longer presents a problem for most Anglicans. Though fundamentalist (inerrantist,
etc.) beliefs are tolerated, they are a minority. Episcopal bishop of Arkansas joins Roman Catholic, Methodist,
Presbyterian, Baptist, and Jewish leaders as successful plaintiffs against creationist "equal time" law.
In US, the General Convention condemns special creationism. ("Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That
this 67th General Convention affirms its belief in the glorious ability of God to create in any manner, and in
this affirmation rejects the rigid dogmatism of the 'Creationist' movement, and be it further Resolved, That we
affirm our support of the scientists, educators, and theologians in the search for truth in the creation God has
given and entrusted us.") |
