“An admirable and very welcome addition to the literature of the nursery and schoolroom.”
+ Spec. 95: 1041. D. 16, ’05. 180w.
McTaggart, John Ellis. Some dogmas of religion. *$3. Longmans.
“The first chapter of the book sets forth the importance of dogma; in the second, the establishment of dogma is considered at length. The third and fourth treat of human immortality and pre-existence.... The conclusion is reached, that the arguments which may lead us to believe in immortality also make it probable that we have pre-existed.... Chapter 5 deals with Free-will, and offers a strong argument in favor of the determinist position.... Chapters 6 and 7 treat of the idea of God, and it is excellently argued that the literal idea of an omnipotent God presents so many difficulties and contradictions that it is untenable.... Chapter 8 treats of Theism and Happiness, and there is a short conclusion.”—Dial.
“Having thus found fault with the very basis of Dr. McTaggart’s argument, we may frankly admit that his book is lucid and interesting and that it will do excellent service in clearing away many venerable cobwebs.” T. D. A. Cockerell.
– + Dial. 41: 60. Ag. 1, ’06. 1480w.
“It is written in the clear, crisp style to which he has accustomed his readers. In spite of its acuteness, and in spite of the flashes of deep feeling which redeem much that is merely clever, the book leaves me with a distinct impression of unreality.” A. Seth Pringle-Pattison.
+ – Hibbert J. 5: 195. O. ’06. 5330w.
“A singularly delightful work which ought to be widely studied by that large class of persons who are at once convinced of the profound practical importance of fundamental religious issues and high-minded enough to require of their religion not merely that its conclusions shall be comforting if true, but that there shall be rational grounds for judging that they are true. Whether one agrees with Dr. McTaggart’s conclusions or not, the candor with which they are stated and the vigor and ingenuity with which they are argued gives his book a quite exceptional value as a provocative of thought.” A. E. Taylor.