Item 142 - Letter from T. Fowler to Henry Sidgwick

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Gratefully acknowledges receipt of Sidgwick's latest book [Practical Ethics]. Expresses his approval 'that practical ethics are beginning to occupy more of the attention of moralists than was once the case', but is disappointed by the attack on the liberal clergy 'on pp. 138-141 and in Ch 6'. Supposes that the occasion of such an attack was a statement made by 'Mr Harris' whose views on the Incarnation Fowler refers to. Refers also to the doctrine of the Virgin birth, and to the fact that the faith of several Church of England clergymen may have been shaken by facts which had recently emerged through the recent reading of the Bible in 'a most intelligent and unbiased manner'. Refers to the four evangelists' treatment of such themes as the Virgin birth the genealogies of St Joseph, and to the Adoptionist theory in relation to the former. Discusses the Creed, and the propriety or otherwise of its recitation by those who do not believe in, or who have 'no proof of, the existence of Cherubim and Seraphim.' Agrees with Sidgwick that one should not recite the Creed if one does not believe in the Virgin birth.

Questions his use of the phrase 'Clerical Veracity' as the title of one of the chapters of his book, and argues that a clergyman who recites the Creed while at the same time disbelieving in the Virgin birth, is no more open to the charge of hypocrisy than a layman in the same position, by virtue of the fact that through the latter's baptism and confirmation, he 'actually undertakes obligations similar to those which a clergyman undertakes at ordination.' Agrees with Rashdall with regard to his contention that the Creed 'is exactly on the same level as any other part of the service, neither more not less.' Admits to feeling 'very strongly on this matter of throwing aspersions on men or classes of men on account of their religious belief', and maintains that the wiser and more charitable course of action, in relation to a man's religious opinions, is 'to refrain from forming any judgment at all.' States that he had only become aware of Rashdall's reply to HS [which he has not read] that morning. Returns to the subject of the Creed and its purpose as an affirmation of faith.