RELIGIOUS INQUIRY

Dr. Wieman's ""religious inquiry"" deals with a ruling commitment which will enable men to deal effectively with contemporary problems. The religious factor is essential for all human existence. Unconscious commitment is not enough; but knowledge requires a deliberate endeavor. In developing this theme, the author examines such positions as Whitehead's ""cosmic consciousness:"" Tillich's ""ultimate concern,"" especially in relation to modern anxiety; the relations of morality, religion and scientific research; and the problems of history and of education. He rejects the statement that ""Christ is the answer"" as held by neo-orthodoxy, and identifies himself with the existentialists, in which he includes Chardin, Huxley, Fromm, and Dewey. Much of the argument will have a familiar tone to the reader acquainted with Dr. Wieman's earlier writings. Here, he shows himself conversant with later theological and psychological thought, but his own basic position remains largely unchanged. His final hope would seem to lie in ""creative interchange"" carried on at the level of this ""ruling commitment.