ms (see the Syllabus of 1864,
paragraphs 19 ff., 27, 54 and 55). In the Greek and Protestant churches
this situation cannot arise, as they make no claims to governmental
sovereignty. In the intellectual domain the situation is more complex.
Again the Roman Church unhesitatingly reaffirms the ancient principles
in their extreme form (Syllabus, paragraphs 8-9-13; Decrees of the
Vatican Council, chapter 4, note especially canon 4-2). The works of St
Thomas Aquinas are recommended as the standard authority in theology
(Encyc. of Leo XIII., _Aeterni Patris_, Aug. 4, 1879). In details also
the conclusions of modern science are rejected, as for example the
origin of man from lower species, and, in a different sphere, the
conclusions of experts as to the origins of the Bible. Faith is defined
as "assent upon authority," and the authority is the Church, which
maintains its right to supremacy over the whole domain of science and
philosophy.

The Greek and Protestant Churches.

The Greek Church remains untouched by the modern spirit, and the
Protestant Churches also are bound officially to the scholastic
philosophy of the 17th century; their confessions of faith still assert
the formation of the world in six days, and require assent to
propositions which can be true only if the old cosmology be correct.
Officially then the Church identifies Christianity with the position
outlined above, and hostile critics agree to this identification,
rejecting the faith in the name of philosophic and scientific truth.

Compromises.

On the other hand there are not wanting individuals and even large
bodies of Christians who are intent upon a reinterpretation. Even in the
official circles of the Church, not excepting the Roman Church, there
are many scholars who find no difficulty in remaining Christian while
accepting the modern scientific view of the world. This is possible to
some because the situation in its sharp antithesis is not present to
their minds: by making certain compromises on the one side and on the
other, and by framing private interpretations of important dogmas, they
can retain their faith in both and yet preserve their mental integrity.
A large literature is produced, reconciling science and theology by
softening and compromising and adapting; a procedure in accordance with
general historical development, for men do not love sharp antagonisms,
nor are they prepared to carry principles to their logical conclusions.