THEOLOGIAN AND MISSIONARY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1931, 13 December 1913, Page 11

THEOLOGIAN AND MISSIONARY.

DR.. SCHWEITZER GOES TO THE ■ Congo. From tho lecture desk in a great university to a .mission station on the Congo is a big slop, ami few scholars of European eminence would he inclined to abandon their position in a centre ot learning ami civilisation in order to preach tiio Gospel to simpleminded, uncultured blacks. Yet this is the step taken by Hoy. , Albert Sclnveitsier, tho brilliant and daring scholar whose books havo profoundly influenced current religious thinking. Dr. Schweitzer has been lor some years lecturer in theology in tho Kaiser Wilhelin University m and despite bis youth (In 3 was born in 1870 at Kayscrburp; Oboi'-Alsace) lw lias had a remarkable university career. Ho. was educated at the universities of Strasburg, Paris, and Uerlin, and has written largely on philosophy and religion m tho reviews, as well as producing books which have won him a front place in tho ranks of European scholars. He undoubtedly iiad a great career open before limi in circles of learning, but has chosen to abandon it for mission work on the Conjjo. The decision is tho more remarkable since such books as "The.Quest of the Historical Jesus," which appeared first in lOOli ■(a now edition was published lust voar), and "Paul and His Interpreters" did not suggest a passionate personal religious faitn so much as great learning and a genius for speculation. Dr. SchwoiU cr has, however, given proof of his genuine enthusiasm for missionary work by qualilying last year for his medical degree. Ho passed the preliminary examinations Willi great distinction', and wrote an exceedingly ixlslu and interesting thesis on tho sanity of .Jesus {"Die ps.yehiatrisclie Beurtoilung Jesu"), a strong and learned protest- against the- vic-ws which have several occa-sions-appeared concerning tho character of the founder of Christianity. If men of Dr. (Schweitzer's typo had been more numerous on the mission field in the past the gain to civilisation, culture, and religion would have been much greater in the non-Christian countries of the world, and we are- convinced that he will cut out a new path in missionary enterprise.—'Christian Commonwealth.'