Systematic Theology (Volume 1 of 3)Strong, Augustus Hopkins
Religion
Systematic Theology (Volume 1 of 3)
Strong, Augustus Hopkins
Baptists -- Doctrines; Theology, Doctrinal
A. The major premise expresses a primitive conviction. It is not
invalidated by the objections: (_a_) that order and useful collocation may
exist without being purposed—for we are compelled by our very mental
constitution to deny this in all cases where the order and collocation
pervade a system: (_b_) that order and useful collocation may result from
the mere operation of physical forces and laws—for these very forces and
laws imply, instead of excluding, an originating and superintending
intelligence and will.
Janet, in his work on Final Causes, 8, denies that finality is a
primitive conviction, like causality, and calls it the result of
an induction. He therefore proceeds from (1) marks of order and
useful collocation to (2) finality in nature, and then to (3) an
intelligent cause of this finality or “pre-conformity to future
event.” So Diman, Theistic Argument, 105, claims simply that, as
change requires cause, so orderly change requires intelligent
cause. We have shown, however, that induction and argument of
every kind presupposes intuitive belief in final cause. Nature
does not give us final cause; but no more does she give us
efficient cause. Mind gives us both, and gives them as clearly
upon one experience as after a thousand. Ladd: “Things have mind
in them: else they could not be minded by us.” The Duke of Argyll
told Darwin that it seemed to him wholly impossible to ascribe the
adjustments of nature to any other agency than that of mind.
“Well,” said Darwin, “that impression has often come upon me with
overpowering force. But then, at other times, it all seems—;” and
then he passed his hands over his eyes, as if to indicate the
passing of a vision out of sight. Darwinism is not a refutation of
ends in nature, but only of a particular theory with regard to the
way in which ends are realized in the organic world. Darwin would
begin with an infinitesimal germ, and make all the subsequent
development unteleological; see Schurman, Belief in God, 193.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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