Bogard Spoils His Pet Theory
Some weeks ago I heard a part of a radio address by Ben M. Bogard. I did not hear the beginning of his speech, but I heard enough to know that he was talking about the Bible and science. He dwelt on the well known dictum that acquired characteristics cannot be transmitted to the offspring. "That," said he, "is the reason the righteousness of parents cannot be transmitted to their children." But cannot Mr. Bogard see what that does for his pet doctrine of inherited depravity? Whatever depravity or sinfulness Adam and Eve had was an acquired characteristic. The creeds so teach, and so does Mr. Bogard. There was no depravity, or sinfulness, about them till they acquired that characteristic by disobedience. But acquired characteristics of parents cannot be transmitted to their children; so argued Mr. Bogard. In view of this all the Presbyterian and Baptist preachers in the land cannot fix this up. Will Mr. Bogard try it? If not, will some one else try to fix it for him?