Pastor Russell Raps Colleges’ Teachings

Caustically Criticises Their Bible Interpretations and “Worldly Wisdom” in Address

On June 16, 1912, Pastor Russell addressed a large audience at the Metropolitan Opera House. The following day, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on his strong remarks concerning the influence of colleges and theological seminaries on Bible interpretation.

Rev. Charles T. Russell, better known as Pastor Russell, explained his views on the Gospel to an audience which crowded the Metropolitan Opera House yesterday afternoon. The pastor’s sermons at the Brooklyn Tabernacle have attracted attention for years, and his address of yesterday was followed with keen interest for two hours by the gathering.

Pastor Russell was caustic in his criticisms of present-day teachings of theology, and he declared that one of the bad tendencies of the times was the misinterpretations placed upon the Bible in colleges and theological seminaries.

“The colleges are placing too much stress upon teaching worldly wisdom,” he declared. “It is a wonder that the great millionaires are so generous in their gifts to these institutions when it is considered that they are undermining the faith. It is a wonder that these millionaires are so near-sighted.”

Pastor Russell declared that the human family was only beginning to come into the real world which God had planned for it.

“We have had 6000 years of ignorance, superstition and darkness in the past,” he stated. “We have accomplished more in the past fifty years than in all that precedes it, but these gains have been but forerunners of the wonderful things that are in reserve for us.”