Meaning: The quote, "If we take science as our sole guide, if we accept and hold fast that alone which is verifiable, the old theology must go," by John Burroughs, encapsulates a significant shift in the intellectual and philosophical landscape that occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Burroughs, an American naturalist and essayist, was a prominent figure in the movement that emphasized the primacy of scientific inquiry and empirical evidence over traditional religious beliefs and theological doctrines. His words reflect the growing influence of scientific thought on society and the challenges it posed to established religious institutions.

During the period in which Burroughs wrote, the scientific revolution had already brought about profound changes in the understanding of the natural world. The discoveries of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and others had undermined the geocentric view of the universe and established the foundations of modern physics and astronomy. The Enlightenment further promoted the idea that reason and empirical evidence should be the basis for understanding the world, leading to the emergence of a secular, rationalist worldview.

Burroughs' assertion that "the old theology must go" reflects the tension between traditional religious dogma and the increasing authority of scientific knowledge. As science advanced, it called into question many tenets of religious faith, such as the literal interpretation of creation stories, the existence of miracles, and the nature of the divine. The rise of evolutionary theory, in particular, presented a direct challenge to the biblical account of the origins of life and human beings.

The quote also captures the spirit of skepticism and empiricism that characterized the scientific mindset. By advocating for a reliance on "that alone which is verifiable," Burroughs aligns himself with the principles of the scientific method, which prioritizes observation, experimentation, and reproducibility as the basis for establishing knowledge. This epistemological stance implied a rejection of faith-based claims and revealed truths in favor of a more provisional and contingent understanding of the world.

Burroughs' perspective was part of a broader intellectual and cultural movement known as secular humanism, which sought to promote a worldview based on reason, ethics, and the scientific method, rather than religious authority. This movement questioned the privileged status of religious institutions and sought to redefine morality, meaning, and purpose in purely humanistic terms. The rise of secular humanism paralleled the decline of traditional religious influence in many spheres of public life, including education, politics, and ethics.

It is important to note that Burroughs' position does not necessarily entail a wholesale rejection of spirituality or a denial of the transcendent. Many proponents of scientific naturalism, including Burroughs himself, maintained a deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the natural world, often expressing a sense of wonder and awe that paralleled traditional religious experiences. For them, the scientific exploration of the universe did not diminish the sense of the sublime, but rather enriched it by revealing the intricate complexities of nature.

In conclusion, John Burroughs' quote reflects the profound impact of the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It encapsulates the growing tension between scientific inquiry and traditional religious beliefs, as well as the rise of secular humanism as a prominent alternative worldview. Burroughs' words continue to resonate today as society grapples with the ongoing dialogue between science, religion, and the search for meaning in an increasingly secular age.