Systematic Theology (Vol 2) - Hodge - VI - Chapter 4 (Unity of the human race)

Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 2) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 4 (Unity of the human race).

My summary
Today Hodge tackles the question of the unity of the human race.

Firstly he examines different theories for the definition of a species.

Then he identifies the immaterial principles which constitute and determine a species:
(i) the organic structure;
(ii) the physical nature;
(iii) the psychological nature;
(iv) the capability of indefinite propagation.

Next Hodge applies these immaterial principles to man and concludes that humans are their own species.  He then also adds philological and moral evidence to isolate humanity as its own species.

What grabbed me
I'm not sure Hodge dealt sufficiently with the Bible's assertion that man originated from one man and one woman. 

Even Hodge possibly admits this in his last paragraph and makes an attempt to rectify his oversight: 'Our attention has thus far been directed specially to the unity of mankind in species. Little need be said in conclusion as to their unity of origin. (1.) Because in the opinion of the most distinguished naturalists, unity of species is itself decisive proof of the unity of origin. (2.) Because even if this be denied, it is nevertheless universally admitted that when the species is the same the origin may be the same. If mankind differ as to species they cannot be descended from a common parent, but if identical in species there is no difficulty in admitting their common descent. It is indeed principally for the sake of disproving the Scriptural statement that all men are the children of Adam, and to break up the common brotherhood of man, that diversity of species is insisted upon. If therefore the latter be admitted, the former may be easily conceded. (3.) The common origin of the languages of the vast majority of men, proves, as we have seen, their community of origin, and as an inference their unity as to species. And as this community of origin is proved as to races which the mere zoologist is disposed with the greatest confidence to represent as distinct, the insufficiency of the grounds of their classification is thereby demonstrated. (4.) It is, however, the direct testimony of the Scriptures on this subject, with which all known facts are consistent ; and the common apostasy of the race, and their common need of redemption, which render it certain to all who believe the Bible or the testimony of their own consciousness as to the universal sinfulness of humanity, that all men are the descendants of one fallen progenitor.'

I think there's enough meat in those ideas for much more than a few remarks in a final paragraph.

Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 5 (The original state of man) by reading up to the heading '5. The doctrine of the Roman Church'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.