1913-1921
Regarded as one of the most theological presidents, Wilson publicly joined the Presbyterian Church in 1873. Both his father and uncle were Presbyterian ministers, though his uncle was removed from the ministry after preaching evolution. The Presbyterian Church split over the issue of the scientific theory of evolution versus the inerrancy of the Bible. As president, he responded to a letter questioning his belief in evolution, writing: " Of course, like every other man of education and intelligence I do believe in organic evolution. It surprises me that at this late date such questions should be raised."
Wilson's father had assured him that faith was more important than doctrinal details, saying: "My son, don't you worry about doctrinal problems. Ask yourself this question: Do I love and want to serve the Lord Jesus Christ? If you can answer that in the affirmative, you need not worry."
Named the first non-minister president of Princeton University in 1902, Wilson moved to modernize the university, installing Roman Catholic and Jewish professors as well as expanding the science curricula. He made up for his lack of a theology degree by adhering to a daily practice of Bible study before bed and embarking on a lifelong study of Christian history and belief. In 1911, he spoke of his personal views on the Bible: "[The Bible is] a book which reveals men unto themselves, not as creatures in bondage, not as men under human authority, not as those bidden to take counsel and command of any human source. It reveals every man to himself as a distinct moral agent, responsible not to men, not even to those men whom he has put over him in authority, but responsible through his own conscience to his Lord and Maker. Whenever a man sees this vision he stands up a free man, whatever may be the government under which he lives, if he sees beyond the circumstances of his own life."
Elected president in 1912, Wilson served two terms. In 1915, he spoke with a friend about his faith: "My life would not be worth living if it were not for the driving power of religion, for faith, pure and simple. I have seen all my life the arguments against it without ever having been moved by them. ... [N]ever for a moment have I had one doubt about my religious beliefs. There are people who believe only so far as they understand -- that seems to me presumptuous and sets their understanding as the standard of the Universe. ... I am sorry for such people."
Regarded as one of the most theological presidents, Wilson publicly joined the Presbyterian Church in 1873. Both his father and uncle were Presbyterian ministers, though his uncle was removed from the ministry after preaching evolution. The Presbyterian Church split over the issue of the scientific theory of evolution versus the inerrancy of the Bible. As president, he responded to a letter questioning his belief in evolution, writing: " Of course, like every other man of education and intelligence I do believe in organic evolution. It surprises me that at this late date such questions should be raised."
Wilson's father had assured him that faith was more important than doctrinal details, saying: "My son, don't you worry about doctrinal problems. Ask yourself this question: Do I love and want to serve the Lord Jesus Christ? If you can answer that in the affirmative, you need not worry."
Named the first non-minister president of Princeton University in 1902, Wilson moved to modernize the university, installing Roman Catholic and Jewish professors as well as expanding the science curricula. He made up for his lack of a theology degree by adhering to a daily practice of Bible study before bed and embarking on a lifelong study of Christian history and belief. In 1911, he spoke of his personal views on the Bible: "[The Bible is] a book which reveals men unto themselves, not as creatures in bondage, not as men under human authority, not as those bidden to take counsel and command of any human source. It reveals every man to himself as a distinct moral agent, responsible not to men, not even to those men whom he has put over him in authority, but responsible through his own conscience to his Lord and Maker. Whenever a man sees this vision he stands up a free man, whatever may be the government under which he lives, if he sees beyond the circumstances of his own life."
Elected president in 1912, Wilson served two terms. In 1915, he spoke with a friend about his faith: "My life would not be worth living if it were not for the driving power of religion, for faith, pure and simple. I have seen all my life the arguments against it without ever having been moved by them. ... [N]ever for a moment have I had one doubt about my religious beliefs. There are people who believe only so far as they understand -- that seems to me presumptuous and sets their understanding as the standard of the Universe. ... I am sorry for such people."
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