Chapter XI

Moral compromise in the Church Difficulties of reconciling old formularies with changed beliefs Cause of some great revolutions of belief.—The Copernican system.—Discovery of Newton The antiquity of the world, of death, and of man The Darwinian theory Comparative mythology.—Biblical criticism.—Scientific habits of thought General incorporation of new ideas into the Church Growth of the sacerdotal spirit The two theories of the Reformation Modern Ritualism Its various elements of attraction Diversity of teaching has not enfeebled the Church Its literary activity.—Proofs that the Church is in touch with educated laymen Its political influence—how far this is a test of vitality Its influence on education Its spiritual influence How far clergymen who dissent from parts of its theology can remain within it Newman on a Latitudinarian establishment Obligations imposed on the clergy by the fact of Establishment Attitude of laymen towards the Church Increasing sense of the relativity of belief This tendency strengthens with age The conflict between belief and scepticism Power of religion to undergo transformation Probable influence of the sacerdotal spirit on the Church