Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 64:255 (Jul 1907)
Article: The Rout Of The Theological Schools
Author: A. A. Berle

BSac 64:255 (July 1907) p. 566

The Rout Of The Theological Schools

Rev A. A. Berle

Professor Felix Adler, speaking at the National Conference of Ethical Culture Societies at New York City recently, urged his audience to make renewed efforts to persuade young men to take up the leadership of that form of service, because the “Christian ministry is daily falling into greater disrepute.” This was his main proposition, and he offered some evidence in substantiation thereof with which we have not now to do. The outstanding fact is, that a leading social figure in the largest city of the continent, a professor in Columbia University, perhaps the most impressive speaker at the recent National Arbitration and Peace Conference held in that city, and the most recent American appointee to lecture in Berlin under the international exchange system of professors, did not hesitate to affront the entire ministerial profession in a manner which should have normally involved the rupture of all possibility of fellowship or cooperation with him in almost any form of social service. A profession which is on the high road to disreputability surely is not a desirable ally. Dr. Adler apparently had neither personal concern nor prudential interest in what the hundreds of Christian ministers of New York might think about his speech.

This is an interesting and suggestive symptom of a type which theological circles are not in the habit of properly appreciating. Dr. Adler is a Jew of course. Most of the ministers who are in middle life have had their “innings “in attacking the ethical culture movement. Professor Adler can

BSac 64:255 (July 1907) p. 567

probably remember many unpleasant things said about him when he began his own work in this direction. But the fact still remains, that he is one and they are many, that they represent interests of vast magnitude; also social and educational and religious power in the very institution in which Professor Adler instructs. Not in the memory of the present writer, has any one who comes into immediate contact with Christian clergymen and Christian institutions so openly and frankly expressed his contempt for them. Nor was there any symptom of resentment, in the entire press in the metropolitan city, of the attitude. The only possible inference from this fact is, that Dr. Adler represents a very large section of public opinion in the position which he takes.

But of course the most interesting thing about this position is not that this particular person holds it, but whether he states what is true! It has been the custom, when such statements have been made and reply has been offered, to present the work and growth and the wealth of the Christian churches; and this has been held to be an effective reply. But this can appeal only...