THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 165, 14 July 1910, Page 6

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I see it is likely that another attempt will be made by the clergy to tamper with our educational system, by forcing religious teaching into our State schools. Bishop Wallis would even go so , far as to join issue with the Roman Catholic Church, as well as other sects that differ from his own, so that he may attain this purpose. He admite that the people do not want thi* change, saying they did not care •enough about this matter, and that resolutions, petitions, and plebiscites were no good; yet he ihopes to force it on the'people by a combination.of all the differing sects, pulling the political wires-together. Now, Mr. Editor, it may be desirable that our children should receive religious teaching, but ought not such teaching to be imparted by the parents or by" the ministers of our various denominations? The lessons in our public schools are quite many and hard enough for the majority of children, without adding to them such matter as is largely beyond their comprehension. The late President Grant, of the-U.S.A., in Congress, said: "Lea.ye. the matter of religion to the family altar, the Church, and to private schools, supported entirely by., private contributions^. keep the Church and State forever apart." There is difference of belief even amongst ministers of religion in regard to what the Bible teaches; euch differences have existed since the beginning of the Christian era, and have increased our sects until they are now numbered by hundreds. If the people of this Dominion are true to themselves and to their children, and have ordinary wisdom, they will be careful to avoid letting religious discords enter their public schools.—l a"m, etc., A. JOSEPHSON.