| + | Ath. 1907, 2: 651. N. 23. 240w. | |
| Nation. 85: 520. D. 5, ’07. 60w. | ||
| N. Y. Times. 12: 765. N. 30, ’07. 50w. |
Tenney, Rev. Edward P. Contrasts in social progress. **$2.50. Longmans.
7–14562.
The method used in this comparative study of religion “consists, briefly, in applying the principles of natural selection and the survival of the fittest to the great religions of the world, with a view to ascertaining which may justifiably claim pre-eminence on a basis of concrete services rendered to mankind.” (Outlook.) Social betterment is used as the basis for the test of conditions which appear in countries under the sway of Brahmanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Mohammedanism and Christianity. “In each case his examination comprises distinct sociological departments—as, the condition of women and children, the individual situation, philanthropic and charitable measures, educational facilities.” (Outlook.)
“The author manifestly aims to be fair: he uncovers the errors and evils of Christendom, and praises the virtues and truths of alien civilizations, and everywhere are the evidences of painstaking industry in the collection of facts and of expert judgments.” Charles Richmond Henderson.
| + | Dial. 43: 249. O. 16, ’07. 300w. |
Reviewed by Joseph O’Connor.
| N. Y. Times. 12: 346. Jl. 1, ’07. 410w. |
“As developed, Mr. Tenney’s book becomes in some important respects a mine of valuable information relating to present-day conditions in various countries; and although it is open to a certain degree of criticism on the score of imperfect appreciation of the Oriental point of view, there can be no question that he has satisfactorily made out his case. A book which the Christian reader will find unusually hopeful and inspiring.”