“The Harmony of Geology and Religion”
Tuesday 21st (January)
Still waiting anxiously for a letter from Piqua and also for my
approaching examination, which will be Thursday and Friday. Today I listened to
an excellent lecture on the “Harmony of Geology and Religion” As the Wisdom, Power
and Goodness, is written on the leaf of the Bible so are they written on the leaf
of Nature. It was delivered by Prof. Lippett.
Edward S. Lippett, A. B., is the Professor of Mathematics and
Natural Sciences, and Teacher of Linear and Perspective Drawing and Painting at
Wesleyan Female College. (Cist 68) He is also Lecturer on Chemistry at Herron’s
Seminary (Cist 69). The 1850 U. S. census shows E. Lippett, age twenty-five, a Professor
in College, living with the George Reeves family in 7th Ward of
Cincinnati.
These are interesting days for the study of geology. “Scientific
theory and religious doctrine began to diverge as early as 1830” (Heininger 126).
Scientists studying geology gathered evidence that the earth was older than taught
in the Bible. Sir Charles Lyell gathered information from the geologists showing
that life had existed for thousands of years, apparently gradually developing in
complexity and sophistication. Discoveries by paleontologists introduce the radical
concept of extinction of species. There are spirited arguments between scientists
and theologians, but the demonstration that life is becoming more perfect fits into
popular beliefs. It has started to become accepted that the “Scriptures were metaphorical
in their treatment of time…” and there is evidence of catastrophes such as those
recorded in the Bible (Heininger 126). The landmark work of Charles Darwin will
not appear until 1859.
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