Then as the conception of law became more prominent, and scientists became more and more inclined to explain all things as the result of natural laws, the idea of a personal God in constant communion with, and supervision over mankind, fell into disfavour.
And the study of history has caused questions to be raised.

Some historians have endeavoured to show that the idea of an overworld is merely the characteristic of a certain stage in the evolution of mankind, and that the ideas of religion are, after all, little more than the mental construction of a God upon the image of man's own self.
History has attacked the doctrinal form of religion, and has endeavoured to show that religions have been very largely coloured and influenced by the prevailing ideas of the time; and the question naturally arises as to whether there is anything more in religion than these temporary elements.
And this is not all.

In the present age the current of human activity is strong.

Man is beginning to accomplish things in the material world, and is becoming anxious to accomplish more.

His railways cover the lands, his ships sail the seas, and his aeroplanes fly through the air.