Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 90:359 (Jul 1933)
Article: The Prejudice Against Theology
Author: John Elliott Wishart

BSac 90:359 (July 1933) p. 277

The Prejudice Against Theology

John Elliott Wishart

Theology once was the Queen of the Sciences. Now lies she there, and none so poor to do her reverence. One who like the writer has to deal with this subject, is in certain circles treated with a kindly but patronizing sympathy, and is often asked with sad incredulity, “Do you think Theology is really a Science?” Usually the questioner, like “jesting Pilate”, does not “stay for an answer.” Among the theological disciplines, certain are held to be practical, but Systematic Theology itself is not one of these. It is theoretical, and the implication, implied if not expressed, is that its theorizing is based on matters of faith, or even of guess-work, and that no certain conclusions can be drawn by it. It is unfavorably contrasted with Religion. The latter is a life, and in comparison the former is of little worth, the whole issue frequently being summed up in the statement, it does not matter what you believe, if your conduct is right; while the question whether one’s conduct is not essentially the product of one’s beliefs, is quite ignored. The thought—it is perhaps an extravagant compliment to call it that—would seem to be that in this highest sphere we can be creatures of action and emotion, and that our intellects must be warned off with the sign, Keep out; or forsooth shut up in a water-tight compartment upon which the floods may break if they will, wreaking destruction, and yet shall the voyage be completed and the safe harbor won at last.

Some small consolation might be found in the consideration that if Theology is fated to be banished into the wilderness, it will not go alone. Faust, sadly disillusioned, has of course no use for it, but he includes other studies with it.

“Habe nun, ach, Philosophie,
Juristerei und Medizin
Und, leider! auch Theologie
Durchaus studiert, mit heissem Bemuehn.”

BSac 90:359 (July 1933) p. 278

The modern mood would echo this, though it would not want to give up Medicine nor Jurisprudence. But Philosophy is in almost as bad repute as Theology. The best of reasonings are put out of court when they can be condemned as metaphysical subtleties. Certainly Ethics and Aesthetics are in the same condemnation, for they deal with intangibles that cannot be weighed in scales nor measured with the exactest instruments of precision. Also it is extremely doubtful if Psychology can escape classification among the outcasts—at least the sort of Psychology which is distinguishable from Physiology. Dr. John B. Watson, who does not lack confidence, expects that Introspective Psychology and Functional Psychology will give place to Behaviorism; that Philosophy will gradually disappear and become the history of science;...