Yale Professor Challenged Over Spencer's Sociology Text
—A question has been raised at Yale College which the Christian public will note with interest. Stated in a word, the issue is whether practical atheism, under cover of “political economy” and “social science” shall be allowed to be taught by a professor in that college. The New York papers have recently given publicity to the correspondence which passed between President Porter and Prof. W. G. Sumner. Prof. Sumner’s department of instruction is that of Political Economy and Sociology. In the latter he uses as text-book the work of Herbert Spencer on that subject, a book in which the peculiar doctrines and sentiments of Christianity are distinctly declared to be “an impediment in the way of social science,” and in which the whole scheme of Christian revelation, as understood by all evangelical believers, is both implicitly and explicitly set at naught. As the book contains almost the only attempt yet made to systematize a comparatively new science, it might, perhaps, in spite of certain defects, be safely used by some teachers; but Prof. Sumner is understood by the students and others to be a thorough-going follower of the materialistic school of scientists. Pres. Porter, in a letter to him, advised the disuse of the book on the ground that in respect to religion it was flippant and sneering, and corrupting in its influence upon students. In reply, Prof. Sumner declined to accept the advice, intimating that rather than give it up he would resign. This is the way the matter now rests. What view of it the Trustees will take, will be awaited with more than curiosity. The issue started cannot be slurred over as a mere piece of “agnostic” indifference. It relates to a fundamental question of fact. Is Yale College a Christian college, or is it not? If it is, then Pres. Porter was right in his position, and justified in his demand; and for a professor to impart instruction calculated to undermine and overthrow the foundations of Christian faith in the minds of students, is a breach of honesty and of honor. In its origin and in the distinct intent of its founders and principal donors, Yale, as all the world knows, was to be a Christian school. If it has ceased to be that, a part of the world at least, will want to know it.—Advance.