The Supernatural in Christianity

Though this Course is occasioned by the recent Gifford Lectures of Professor Pfleiderer, there is neither intention nor need of beginning a personal conflict between present Lecturers and him. The mere fact that as yet many only know Dr. Pfleiderer’s views from newspaper summaries, prevents a thorough discussion of them. That may come by and by in detail. Enough is known to make theologians aware of the general purpose and tendency of those views, as every biblical student has long been familiar with them in his published books. He is well known to be a follower of Ferdinand Christian Baur, making a gallant attempt to revive in Germany his great master’s theories against the now predominant theology of Ritschl. There will, I am quite sure, be no attempt on the part of any Lecturer to belittle or disparage the conscientious convictions of Dr. Pfleiderer, or the remarkable literary ability with which he presents those convictions. In the sparkle of his style he resembles and rivals Renan, while in appreciation of the spiritual longings of men he leaves the brilliant, but superficial, Frenchman far behind. Nay, I will go further, and say for myself that he has demanded of the Christian Church in our day some functions and duties which we, who believe in the Redeemer’s Incarnation and Resurrection, may well set ourselves with new purpose to fulfil and discharge.

Dr. Pfleiderer's double Course of twenty Lectures, “Philosophy and Development of Religion,” ended on the 27th February. The three Lectures which follow were delivered on 5th, 8th, and 13th of March. Professor Charteris, who was prevented, as he explains, from taking part in the Course as a Lecturer, was kind enough to take the chair at the first Lecture; and his opening remarks constitute the Prefatory Statement.