Significance of the Bible," and "Sociology and Theism." In the following year he contributed to the American Journal of Theology (Chicago, April, 1908) a paper entitled, "Professor Orr and Higher Criticism,” suggesting the sociological deficiency of the older interpretation of the Bible, and the promise of development in the newer school of criticism. In the same year (1908) he began a systematic series, in the sociological journal mentioned above, entitled "Biblical Sociology." The first of these papers appeared in the September issue for that year; and the seventh and concluding instalment was published in the issue for November, 1911. In the meanwhile courses having a sociological bearing on the Old Testament were given at various institutions, as follows: Minnesota State University, by Professor Samuel G. Smith; Chicago Theological Seminary, by Professor Graham Taylor; Harvard University Divinity Summer School, by Professor Lewis B. Paton; Pacific Theological Seminary, by Professor William F. Badè; Newton Theological Institution, by Professor Winfred N. Donovan; Ohio State University, by Mr. Louis Wallis. In 1910 Professor Samuel G. Smith, of Minnesota State University, published a book entitled, Religion in the Making: A Study in Biblical Sociology (New York). This book is a useful advertisement of the connection between sociology and the Bible; but it contains no statement of the implied problem, and advances no working hypothesis which throws light on the origin of distinctive Hebrew institutions.1 The book to which the present historical note is an appendix is a revision of the papers published in the American Journal of Sociology by the present writer. BOOKS ON SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE BIBLE A printed list has been prepared for the use of those who desire to know the titles of reliable books on the Bible from the modern scientific standpoint. This will be supplied on receipt of four cents in stamps. A review of Professor Smith's book was contributed to the Biblical World (Chicago), April, 1910, by the present writer. Professor Smith used the term "biblical sociology" in correspondence with me, before it appeared at the head of my series in the American Journal of Sociology; but at the time the series commenced, I supposed the term was original with me. Investigation shows, however, as indicated above, that this combination was used as far back as 1895 at least; and it now appears to have suggested itself to a number of writers independently. |