THEOLOGY DEGREES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 85, 11 April 1933, Page 11

THEOLOGY DEGREES.

CHURCHES' REQUEST.

APPEAL TO COLLEGE COUNCIL.

'■« REMOVE A REPROACH."

. Support of a.proposal that the University of New Zealand should grant degrees in theology, so that academic recognition should be given to one of the oldest of. the sciences, was asked by a deputation representing various Protestant denominations interested in theological learning, which waited on the Auckland University College Council iat its meeting yesterday afternoon.

"We believe that it is a reproach to the University that graduates should he forced to leave New Zealand to obtain academic recognition of their theological studies," said the Rev. B. J. Tipler, who acted as spokesman for the deputation. It -was also a reproach to the University and did violence to the University ideal that the study of subjects related to theology should 'be'■•barred. That recognition of theological subjects which was given by the oldest and greatest of the universities in the world- was not given in New Zealand. The Universities of Australia and New Zealand remained the Bnly national. universities of any standing which refused to recognise that particular branch of learning and culture.

"A Test of Knowledge.'' Mr. Tipler said that the supporters of the proposal were- aware of the arguments that were commonly used' against the admission of • theological degrees in the university system, arguments inspired by fear of denominational rivalry and bitterness. . They were certain that' the* charge of sectarianism broke down under the test of experience. The subjects to be examined and reported upon could be dealt - with scientifically. The examinations would ,be a test of knowledge and not of belief, as was the' case in_ philosophy, history and economics. The 'deputation did not ask for support of any proposal that theological subjects should be taught, for it was desired that the teaching should be left to the theological colleges. What the deputation did ask was that examinations should be' conducted by examiners appointed by the University Senate, as in all other subjects, and that degrees should be awarded thereon. It was -believed, that, at least in the initial stages, the examiners would be honorary, so that no extra expensa should be imposed,on the fluids.

"Any such proposal as this must stand or fall upon its own merits," he said. : "We firmly believethat the request should receive the support of educated and informed opinion throughout the country. Our University • system will never-be fully representative of the life

of the country until it recognises the great pa,rt played by the denominational colleges, such as St. John's and Trinity Colleges in Auckland, and Knox and Selwyn Colleges in Dunedin. The curriculum of studies will never be complete until those great enterprises of the mind' and soul of man, reaching out into the indefinite and obeying an instinct that makes man so incurably religious, are studied in tlieir movements and in their literature as they ought to be studied."

Unanimity Question. Mr. T. U. Wells said that he. took it that the deputation were aware that the matter had previously been before the University Senate and that probably action would have been taken if there had been unanimity among the churches.

• Mr. Tipler said that the churches believed that the lack of unanimity was on the part of the Senate.

• The president, Sir .George Fowlds, said he believed that Mr. Tipler was correct in saying that the lack of unanimity had been on the part of the Senate. He had no doubt that the matter would again be brought up, and he believed there was a chance that on the next occasion the Senate would fall in line with the suggestions made by the deputation.

After the deputation had withdrawn it was decided that Dr. H. Ranston should be given the opportunity to frame a suitable motion to be submitted to the next meeting of the council.