1931-12-19 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. SATURDAY DECEMBER 19, 1931.

RELIGION AND THE NEW not explain the mind of the go

SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT

MODERNIST THEOLOGIAN'S ADDRESS

TO HONG KONG AUDIENCE.

INTERESTING VIEW ON CHRISTIAN AND BUDDHIST FAITHS.

Canon B. H. Strooter, one of the most eminent of Anglican theologians, is now paying a brief visit to Hong Kong and yester- - day evening addreased a meeting held in St. John's Cathedral Hall on the quastion of "Religion and Recent Scientific Thought."

Canon Streetor emphasised that the materialism of Afty years ago was not enough. The idea that the Universe evolved, and all typos of life were created by Natural Selectión did not ax- elain phenomena of the Universe now know to. Acience, The existence of a Creator was recognised na "philosophic noressity' by responsible scientists.

Religion, on the other hand, was rejecting superstitious accre tions, and Christianity, was returning to "the inner spirit of the tonehing of Jesus,"

Canon Streater spoke of Buddha and Jesus Christ as "the greatest names in the history of religion"; in Japan grent efforts were being made to reforthe Buddhism as Christianity had been re- formed: It may enable a reformed Buddhism to work hand in hand with Christianity as a moral inspiration to humanity."

The chair was taken by the Dean, the Very Rev. A. Swann, M.A...D.S.C., and there were also present the Bishop (Dr. C. R Dupuy Rev, N. L. Watkins, Rev. E, G. Powell, Rev. Halward and many other distinguished members of a large audience. „

The Dean, in his opening remarks, said, "Canon Streeter docun's want any introduction, and wishes to be spared any super- fluous remarks. He will speak right away."

CANON STREETER ON THE PASSING

OF MATERIALISM.

Canon Strevior's address was as follows:-

Modern Materialism. Modern materialism is based on the conception of the physical uni- verse as a mechanical system which resulted from the work of Galileo and

"The physicists of our day," says Mr. Bertram Russell, no longer believe in matter; and he depfer ed the fact that, as he puts it, physicista have been abandoning logic. for theology in shouls." ther the fuct is deplorable or not,. materialism, because of the dif I will try and show how it has ficulty of explaining how a machine come about. Fundamental to the could have made itself. To explain technique of science is accfrate this "daptation the hypothesis of measurement of distance or of 41 intelligent Creator seemed weight. But there are things that necessary. This necessity appeared cannot be measured. Measurement to be reinoved by Darwin's theory is inapplicable to an activity like of Natural Selection, Accordingly thinking. Experimental psycholo the immediate rosult of the work gists may invent a machine which of Darwin was a 'great spread of will measure the amount of energy the belief that materialism Is I am using in giving this lecture; satisfactory explanation of the Uni- but no method of measuring van verso. It should, however, be ob. show whether I am talking sense served that materialism was never or nonsense. It follows that there a result which could be proved by are important things which, partly science: it was a philosophy of the from their own nature and partly Universe which was believed to be from the nature of science itself, that which best accounted for, and lie outside the sphere of science. fitted in with, the results of science. But the philosopher is bound to The majority of philosophers did suggest a hypothesis, as to the not cense to point out that even if nature of the Universe, or of ultimaterialism explained al facts of mate reality, which will explain the the kind that can be observed by existence of these facts.

the microscope or telescope, it did

Newton. The echinistic methods of conceptions of Now Whetonian science did not as once lead

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Horror. It might explain the ro nulta of science, but not the scientist himself. Saga

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During the Inst-few-yours-the- situation his changed. Fifty years ago philosophers were saying to the scientists, Materialism may ox THE EVIDENCE FOR THE plain matter, but it won't explain mind. To-day scientists are anying to the philosophers, materialism. won't explain matter."

When Mattar Seamed Soild. The strong point of Materialiani in its appen to the imagination. Matter seemed so sold. I thump the table. Here is something real. But physica will no longer allow that "mattor is solid,

(1) In the XIX century it was. taken for granted that the stam of matter was something solid, com parable to n minute billiard ball. It is now known that it is a system of points or wave centres of posi tive and negative electricity. The old solidity has gone.

(2) Laws of Nature have the quality of necessity, Many of them. at least are resolved into statistienl. averages.

(3) Einstein's theory that tho Newtonian (and common gerso) conception of the nature of timo, space and inotion, which was taken for granted by the matorialism of the last century, requires drastic re- vision.

The boaring of these discoveries on the question of the nature of mattor is most elaborately discussed in the Analysis of Matter" by Bertram Russell and "The Nature of the Physical Universe by Edd- ington. So far as scientific conclu- водя are concerned there is no difference between the position adopted by these two' writers. They are both of them agreed on the fundamental point that materialism has now been rendered an intel- lectually impossible theory. They are further agreed in asserting that the kind of knowledge which science gives, and which it nocen sary expresses in" mathematical and mechanical terms, is not a knowledge of ultimate reality. much in the same way as a map is Such knowledge is related to reality related to, the country which it re presents. If you want to go on a motor tour, a map is a prime neces aity: but if there was nothing in the

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country which was not on the map, the tour would not be worth while. As, to use an illustration provided by Russell, the mathematical for- mula and mechanical "conceptions employed by sewenee are related to reality much in the same way as n written score of music is related to the musical sounds actually heard.

Religion and Superstition.

It is important to distinguish between religion and superstition. Science is the great enemy of superstition: but, precisely for that reason, it is an ally of true religion. In practice, in Europe as well as in Asia, religion and superstition have been largely mixed with one da other: but they are not the same thing. We do not say that science and magic are the same thing, be- cause they are mixed together in Chinese medicine.

Religion may be defined as The Reaction of the porsonality as a whole to the universe as a whole." Science is the reaction of one part. of the personality (i.a., of the intellect) to "one aspect of the Universe (ie., to that in it' which can be measured.)

The greatest names in the history of religion are those of Gautama, the Buddha, and Jesus Christ: In the course of time the religions founded by both of these person- alities were diluted with a large amount of popular superstition, as well as exhibiting valuable develop ments. In Europe a great effort was made four hundred years ago, known Дв the Reformation, to purge Christianity of superstition, and concentrate on the purar touching of the Bible. During the last 70 years a further development has taken place in the same director, result ing in an ethical advance, and in an increased resolve to apply the innor spirit of the teaching of Jesus to practieni questions like social and international life. Mr. Ber- tram Russell is up to date in his science, but not in his religion; the Christianity he criticizea is the popular religion fifty years ago.

וי

Reformation of Buddhismi,

In Japan efforts are being made to bring about a similar reforma- tion of Buddhism. The process may taka "many years and it may have "one or two results. It may enable a reformed Buddhism to work hand (Continued on next" Column.)

DEFENCE.

HONG KONG STOCK MARKET.

YESTERDAY'S OFFICIAL QUOTATIONS.

The markot yesterday morning At the rosumed hearing of thesarently waiting for the pending was quito fontureless, operators ap atramor collision case in the Supre Settlonient to go through.

100

Court yesterday, before the Chief Justice (Sir Josuph Kemp with the Harbour Master (Hon. Comdr. G. F. Hole, R.N.) sitting Da Assuasor, the defence alleged that the s.s. Kiangsu was steaming at a speed of between seven and eight knots per hour, in fog, while the sa. Tokooka Maru, hav ing reached an anchorage, was ly collision took place, ing practically metionicas when the

by

The China Navigation Company owners of the 8.8, Kiangsu) are claiming, against the Nippon Yuse Kaisha for 40,000 damages, while the latter counter-claim for 10,554,

Plaintiffs were represented Mr. Eldon Potter,. .C., together with Mr. F. C. Jenkin, K.Ü. in structed by Mr. M. M. Watam, ur Mesars, Johnson,, Stokes and Maa tor while Mr. H. G. Sheldon, i struuted by Mr. E. S. C. Brooks. of Mears. Hastings, Dennys and Bowley was for defendants,

Defence: Outlined,

Sales.

Wharves, $154. Xwo, Tis. ib.

Buyers, Providents (old), -#15.15.- Providenta (new), $2.30. Hong Kong Landa, 30 Chinese Estafen, 895. Arams, $21.

Cements (combined), 318). Cements (old), 8124. Entertainments (new), $16, Hotels (old), 814.800. Raubs, $40 ox div. Humphreya (old), 18.10, Es, Tis. 10

Dairy Farms. $281. China Lights, 827,

Hong Kong Amusements, $39,90.

per cent, premium, Hong Kong Government Loan,

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Ewos, Fla. 13.90. 80. Enterprisda, $10. China Lights, $27.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Mr. Sheldon, in opening his case, said that on March 22, this yeary, the Takooka Maru, & eumer, of 4,388 odd toas, carrying a licensed pilot, Li Wai, left a Kowloc A little more activity was display- whart at 7.10 a.m. The weathered in the market in the afternoon was misty and the snip was steerail and in a few instanech there was an on various courses. Ab 7.32 she sat advance in prices," her course north-73-anat. At 7:43 thick fog approached from tile north-east pf the harbour, about five cables away, and the Master and pilot jointly decided to 300k refuge in the anchorage to the north of the channel,

At the time that the decision wa made, and just before, with the fog Boma five cables away, no in-going ships were sighted and no in going ships were heard,

to

Counsel continued that what hal been termed by, the other side the "suicidal" crossing of the fair way, had not clearly brought out. the distance which the Tokooku. Maru,had to travel in order reach the anchorage which was, ap- proximately, 3.2 cables, about 000 yards. It was, therefore, never the case of a ship going a long journey across & crowded fairway. I wan a case of a ship, with fog coming down some five cables, away, with only 600 yards to go to reach un chorage.

Fog Signals Sounded.

Sales.

Hotels (old),, 81-4,30/$14.90. Ohins Lights, 827.30. Dements

$18.00,

(combined),

Ewds, The. 15. Electrics, #78).

Buyers.

Douglases, $23, Humphreys (old), 818.10. Dairy Farms, 3281, Watsons, $161.

Hotels (old), $14.90. Coments (combined), $10. Hong Kong Ropes, $16.95.

Sellers, Cements (combined), 18

218.80/

7.50 or

to

вду

full-speed astern, and at 7.51 the collision occurred, Mr. Sheldon went on that the Tokooka Maru's speed, after course had been set to go to the anchorage, was, 7.43, engines On course being altered to reach the anchorage the regulation for low, speed about ave knots. 7.44, signals were sounded and up 1.94 fuil astern, and when the collision engines stoppad. 7.48 engines were a whistle was heard which appeared

no way,

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to be from a distance, about three occurred there was points on the starboard bow. Imprastically no way, on the Tckooks mediately that whistle was heard

Maru. the engines were stopped and throult for the most accomplished sex In a dense fog, it was very diffi Tokooka Maru continued on bor course towards the anchorage.

At 7.48 the whistle of the Kiangsu was heard and, almost simultane ously, that ship was seen by both the Master and the pilot, The Tokocka Maru's engines were put (Continued on next Column.)

in hand with Christianity ha morul inspiration to humanity. It may, more probably lead to an en- richment of religion in the Christian tradition, as a result of, aspects of the moral and religious teachings

BT 1104.

man to any whether a ship had mo.

on through the water the Kiangsu come up against the His Lordship:-Do you mean the

Maru and that the latter ship was stationary!

Kiang

Mr. Sheldon-Yes.. Hig Lordship: The steamed or drifted against, you? Mr. Sheldon:-Steamed against

128

Counsel

Kiangsu's Speed...

continued that the

Kiangsu's speed, from 7.45 unti or 7.81, was, according to the vi the collision, which occurred at 7.30

of Christ, which have escaped the dence, in his submission, certainly notice of European Christians,

being apprehended by minds and seven and a half knots over the hearts trained in the traditionground, probably, sight or more. which derives from the teaching of

the Buddha.

Captain of the Kiangsu had estim

He referred to the fact that the

ated the distance between the ships A Great Reconcillation,

on sighting the Tokooka Maru ai Religion and Science are the two between 300 and 400 feet away! great idealisms which have been while the Captain of the Tokook. the inspiration of humanity in the Maru hnd estimated it at between march of progress. The period 600 and 100 feat. If his Lordship when they have been in violent cón decided he had to make a finding flict is passing away. In England on that, then he could strike the there has been in recent years. an mean, such as between 100 and 700 influential movement towards co feet, operation on the part of eminent Mr. Sheldon went on to say thai scientista, and leaders of religious the force of the collision was. 80 thought. Suggestions towards a violent that the Tokooka's bow, more fruitful corelation between to which had been lying north-east, Higion and scienos

my book Reality be found in was turned into a position facing)

11

What my north-west; and the bow was badij personal views on the subject are, bent. is of no great consequenco: I men- tion them as representing a growing tendency in English thongth,

Engines Not. Stopped.

though the fog signals of the Tu kooka Maru had been heard, yet the engines of the Kiangau we'e not stopped at all..

Mr Sheldon said his submission Religion, apart from the spirit of was that the Tokooka Maru, hav Ergo inquiry which is the breath of ing reached her anchorage ground science is always in danger of in. with no way on her or if she had vasion from the aide of superstition. any way it was so slight at 10 ne But science, or rather humanity inneligible-was, for all practical. an age of science, has an even purposes, lying motionless in the. greater, need of zeligion. Science water, and was run into by ens has put into the hands of man Kiangsu, which was travelling at immense power; but these powers between seven and eight knots in cho be used for the destruction of a dog so dense that a ship which civilisation as well as for its en- was between 500 and 600 feet away richment. I quote from a recent could not be seon; and that, i lecture given on the radio by Pro- feanor Julian Huxley, the well known English Zoologist, grandson, of Thomas Huxley, the champion of Darwin. "What man shall do with the new facts, the new ideas and new opportunities of control which science is showering on him does not depend on science. but upon what man wants to do with them: and this in turn depends upon his scale of values. It is here that re- gion can become the dominant factor, for what religion can do is to get up a sgale of values for con duct and to provide emotional or spiritual force and help in getting them realised in practise?"

It would be a question for n Lordship as to whether the con duct of the Captain of the Tokooka Maru, which had been des cribed by Mr. Potter as "suicidal " a deacription which, in counsel'a opinion, was not very fortunate, and which was rather resented Ly his client-could not also be applied in the case of the Captain whom case Mr. Potter was supporting,

Mr. Sheldon proceeded to deal with the legal aspects of the case until the time for adjournment.

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