A little wizened-looking man smiled cordially and addressed the chair, but the “chair” seemed oblivious to all about him.
“Should not the ministry of to-day place greater emphasis on the philosophy of life than upon time-worn theology that has come to us from the middle ages?” asked the man.
“We should preach both where they affect life; neither where they do not,” was the quick response.
“I am an instructor in philosophy in the high school over at Marble Point, and I was led by your last reply concerning your belief in the book of Genesis to believe you are somewhat of a philosopher. Do you not think that philosophy will touch life more quickly than theology?”
“Religion is something that has outgrown both the classroom and the cloister. It is the anonymous religion that we must take into account in the future if the church is to progress with the needs of men.”
It was the voice of the Captain who broke 46 the silence of surprise which followed the unusual statement.
“I want to know!” came the seaman’s exclamation in a hoarse stage whisper.
Every face in the room seemed to register the same question. Mr. McGowan smiled and explained.
“By anonymous religion I mean every ideal striving for the right and truth, wherever it is found, and by whatever name it may be known. It may be found outside the church as readily as within it. Wherever good is found, the church should make use of it, whether it is counted orthodox or not.”
First one, and then another, was on his feet, till the moderator was powerless to moderate. Some exclaimed for, and others declaimed against, the candidate. Still others fired broadside after broadside into all present.