eason; or The Phases of
Human Progress_, originally published by Charles Scribner's Sons, N.Y.,
in 1905.

CONTENTS

REASON IN RELIGION

CHAPTER I

HOW RELIGION MAY BE AN EMBODIMENT OF REASON

Religion is certainly significant, but not literally true.--All religion
is positive and particular.--It aims at the Life of Reason, but largely
fails to attain it.--Its approach imaginative.--When its poetic method
is denied its value is jeopardised.--It precedes science rather than
hinders it.--It is merely symbolic and thoroughly human. Pages 3-14

CHAPTER II

RATIONAL ELEMENTS IN SUPERSTITION

Felt causes not necessary causes.--Mechanism and dialectic ulterior
principles.--Early selection of categories.--Tentative rational
worlds.--Superstition a rudimentary philosophy.--A miracle, though
unexpected, more intelligible than a regular process.--Superstitions
come of haste to understand.--Inattention suffers them to
spread.--Genius may use them to convey an inarticulate wisdom. Pages
15-27

CHAPTER III

MAGIC, SACRIFICE, AND PRAYER

Fear created the gods.--Need also contributed.--The real evidences of
God's existence.--Practice precedes theory in religion.--Pathetic,
tentative nature of religious practices.--Meanness and envy in the gods,
suggesting sacrifice.--Ritualistic arts.--Thank-offerings.--The
sacrifice of a contrite heart.--Prayer is not utilitarian in
essence.--Its supposed efficacy magical.--Theological puzzles.--A real
efficacy would be mechanical.--True uses of prayer.--It clarifies the
ideal.--It reconciles to the inevitable.--It fosters spiritual life by
conceiving it in its perfection.--Discipline and contemplation are their
own reward Pages 28-48

CHAPTER IV

MYTHOLOGY

Status of fable in the mind.--It requires genius.--It only half
deceives.--Its interpretative essence.--Contrast with
science.--Importance of the moral factor.--Its submergence.--Myth
justifies magic.--Myths might be metaphysical.--They appear ready made,
like parts of the social fabric.--They perplex the
conscience.--Incipient myth in the Vedas.--Natural suggestions soon
exhausted.--They will be carried out in abstract fancy.--They may become
moral ideals.--The Sun-god moralised.--The leaven of religion is moral
idealism Pages 49-68

CHAPTER V

THE HEBRAIC TRADITION

Phases of Hebraism.--Israel's tribal monotheism.--Problems
involved.--The prophets put new wine in old bottles.--Inspiration and
authority.