OF THE PHILIPPINES Their Religious Progress and Preparation for BY FRANK CHARLES LAUBACH, PH.D. With a Foreword by DANIEL JOHNSON FLEMING, PH.D. UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEW YORK ILLUSTRATED NEW GDH YORK GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY Wahr 3A FOREWORD The Philippines afford Americans their most obvious opportunity as well as obligation to escape from provincialism. It should be esteemed a privilege to understand these islands, for there are some very noble pages in the record since 1900. It should be our duty to know them because Americans are responsible for making a truly important decision concerning the independence of this territory, and we cannot know too much about the attitudes and aspirations of the peoples involved. Historically and geographically the Philippines can serve as a window through which we can think out to India, the Far East, and the islands of the sea. The author of this book is exceptionally well qualified to lead us in such a survey. He is a graduate of Princeton University, Union Theological Seminary (New York), and holds the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Columbia University. He is recognized as one of the ablest representatives of American churches in the Philippines. His service there since 1916, as a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, has been of the finest quality, both spiritually and intellectually. He has shown himself to be a man of deep sympathy and vision. He was first stationed on the island of Mindanao, which brought him into direct touch with the Moros, the significant Moslem population in the south. Later his work has been in the capital, Manila. Travel, work, and temperament have brought him into vital touch with outstanding leaders among Americans and Filipinos. This comprehensive study has been a labor of love. Back of all his researches into old manuscripts, contemporary documents, and vernaculars has been a keen appreciation of the Philippine genius and a prophetic belief in the vocation of this people. Nevertheless, Dr. Laubach has been able to give a balanced picture. Whether one's interest is in history, politics, education, missions, or religion, this book will have to be consulted in regard to this area. Seldom does one find so comprehensive a treatment in a single volume. Director of the Department of Foreign Service, Union Theological Seminary, DANIEL JOHNSON FLEMING. |