V

Some remarks are necessary here regarding the homogeneousness of matter,
or the idea that the various elements are composed of primordial units
which are themselves alike, mere duplicates of each other. If this
should prove to be really the case, as seems to be quite likely in the
light of the facts given above, would it not be a veritable triumph for
materialism? By no means. On the contrary, I think I can show in a very
few words not only that this homogeneousness of matter is the only
rational view of the composition of the material universe, but also
that it is the only view consistent with Christian Theism and with the
doctrine of Creation.

The theory of the atoms with their inherent and unchangeable properties,
which prevailed during the greater part of the nineteenth century,
naturally led us to look upon these properties as inherent in the things
themselves. This was indeed materialism. This view, however, constantly
impelled us to find out the essential differences between the various
kinds of atoms, so as to "account for" their varying behaviors. And no
matter how far we push such inquiries, this materialistic attitude of
mind will control us so long as we think we are dealing with substances
which are intrinsically different. If the differences are innate or
inherent in the things themselves, we must naturally endeavor to find
out why and how they are different; and no matter how far we go along
this road we are always headed in the direction of stark materialism. On
the other hand, to say that the "properties" of the atoms are not
inherent in themselves, but are imposed on them by an external
ceaselessly acting power, the will of the Creator, would be in full
accord with Biblical theism; and then we might naturally say that the