No Refuge but in Truth

"No Refuge but in Truth" by Goldwin Smith is a philosophical discourse written in the early 20th century. This book explores profound questions of faith, morality, and the interplay between religion and science in a rapidly evolving societal context. Smith, a well-regarded critical thinker and writer, seeks to delve into the contemporary religious situation of his time, addressing the increasing skepticism towards traditional beliefs and the search for truth in an age marked by scientific progress and moral inquiry. In this collection of essays, Smith articulates a vision of humanity's moral and spiritual evolution while grappling with the implications of scientific discoveries for concepts of God and the soul. He argues against blind faith and highlights the importance of critical inquiry, insisting that a moral framework rooted in the Christian ideal can coexist with modern ethics. Through discussions on the limitations of evolution, the nature of conscience, and ideas surrounding immortality, Smith ultimately calls for an embrace of truth that transcends dogma, urging a moral commitment to progress and understanding in the complex landscape of human existence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Goldwin Smith was a British-born academic and historian who was active in both Great Britain and North America. From 1856 to 1866, he was a professor of modern history at the University of Oxford. Smith taught at Cornell University from 1868 to 1872, and was instrumental in establishing the university's international reputation, but left when it began admitting female students. He is the namesake of Goldwin Smith Hall at Cornell University, and was outspoken regarding his often controversial political views. Smith was a supporter of the Union during the American Civil War and a critic of imperialism. He was also opposed to the Irish Home Rule movement and women's suffrage, along with holding Anglo-Saxonist and antisemitic views.