BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 258, 30 October 1926, Page 17

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It was with keen interest I read Dr. Averill's letter in the Auckland "Star" on the question of Bible reading in public schools. I have noted what he believes to be sound spiritual building. I believe, though, that it does appear to the average non-churchgoing man that the bill, if passed, constitutes the thin end of a wedge to bring in further religious teaching. There are thousands of parents throughout New Zealand who view the introduction of such a bill into legislation with considerable alarm, in spite of clauses to cover those who do not desire their children to attend the Bible hour at school. And, too, sir, there are thousands of honest, Bible-loving Christians apart from the Roman Catholics who view the bill as a menac<- to religious liberty. The grand and glorious principle of the Gospel is liberty—loo per cent liberty—and freedom from embarrassment of any sort. People are not compelled to go to church, nor are children to Sunday school, but children are compelled to attend school. It will be seen if the bill passes, which I sin : cerely trust will not eventuate, that the children of objecting parents will be under great embarrassment when leaving the classroom at the Bible hour.

■ 'his will have a dual effect on tlje school: (1) It will divide the school into two classes; (2) It will embitter the children who cannot attend, and will fill the pupils remaining with rest lessness and doubting. And will the community be _ny better off spiritually * No, decidedly -no, for it will make the Bible a sort of humbug in the school curriculum, and thus help to destroy the desire of parents and children to attend church services and Sunday schools; and it is evident that the Church is the place to read and teach the truth unencumbered by prejudices and bitternesses. Let the Church do its work as in apostolic times, and go out among the people, visiting from house to house, praying with and teaching the people, and there will be no need to introduce Bible reading into the schools. Then, too, look at the injustice the bill will heap upon the teacher who objects. There is a class of religious bigots in every community who will make it hot, too hot, for an objecting teacher to remain long anywhere at one place, and such teachers will be kicked from pillar to post until they are forced out from teaching altogether. Let us write it on our hearts and impress it indelibly on our minds, sir, that religion and State must be kept separate, and that we must keep, too, from our laws all religious leavening that would to the most infinitesimal degree restrict, harm or menace the religious liberty of any citizen or citizens of our youthful nation.—l am, etc., W. BIIODES SCRAGG.