Gordon Clark: Composite Volume – A Review of "Encyclopedia of Morals," edited by Vergilius Ferm (Christianity Today).

1957. Composite Volume – A Review of Encyclopedia of Morals, edited by Vergilius Ferm. Christianity Today. Vol 1. No. 7. Jan. 7 (p. 38).

Composite Volume

Encyclopedia of Morals, edited by Vergilius Ferm. Philosophical Library, New York, 1956. $10.00

Here is another composite volume edited by the indefatigable Vergilius Ferm. The first entry on the Aboriginals of Yirkalla emphasizes the statement in the preface that the material is not only philosophical but also anthropological.

Then when we come to Puritan Morals (12 pages, double columns), we find more descriptions of their allegedly disagreeable conduct than exposition of theory. The articles on Aristotle, Kant, and Sidgwick are well written. The difficulties, particularly in the last two thinkers, are lightly touched on, as may be wise in an Encyclopedia; Aristotle receives more criticism, though the total effect is not so clear. Christian Moral Philosophy (49 columns) dates the Mosaic Law after the prophets and claims that the Pharisees were the legitimate heirs of Ezekiel, but in contrast with this radical view the author recognizes the eschatological theme of the Sermon on the Mount and gives a tolerably good account of Romans. Justification by faith is explained, and the infliction of a penalty on Christ is acknowledged.

As it is impossible to review every article in an encyclopedia, these must suffice as samples.

Gordon H. Clark