JOWETT'S CHRISTIANITY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—Your Mr. Janus with his notebook has a fine talent for teasing. At this time of day one hardly enquires from Vic- torian Balliol in general, or the writings of Jowett in particular, about the essence of the Christian faith. Asked if he thought he could bring himself to sign the Thirty-nine Articles, the Master rapped out : "Certainly, if you will bring me a pen." Such was his airy way of brushing aside historical Christianity. In his letter quoted by Janus he adds : "It is quite a different question whether we shall imitate Him in His life." But how begin to imitate Jesus without a motive ? And if you give up that main dogma, belief in the Resurrection, and cut out the other miracles, and explain away the Atonement, what becomes of the motive ? Admiration for Plato and the Greek view of life (glossing over sin and undervaluing personality) may have led the Regius Professor to reduce the figure of Christ to the level of Socrates, concerning whom there are no dogmas, and who neither invited nor inspired imitation.—! am, Sir, yours
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