VOTE OF CENSURI

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21064, 8 April 1943, Page 3

VOTE OF CENSURI

N.S.W. ASSEMBLY PROFESSOR’S SPEECH VIEWS ON RELIGION (By Ttlearaph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) 1 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, April 8. The New South Wales State Legislative Assembly, by a unanimous vote, has censured Professor John Anderson for his statements on religion and education. Professor Anderson is professor of philosophy at Sydney University. Speaking at a meeting of the New Education Fellowship, Professor Anderson said: “The teaching of religion has an important political character because it promotes an extension of credulity which is a very desirable thing from the point of view of the ruling order. It spreads the habit of submission which induces people to accept authority without questioning. The child is conscious of God as a policeman that he cannot dodge.” Professor Anderson’s statements have been strongly challenged by educational and religious leaders, and the motion passed by the Legislative Assembly sets out “that Professor Anderson’s statements are a travesty of Christian religion and are calculated to undermine the principles of the constitution of the Christian Slate, and that this House should bring the statements under the. notice of the University Senate.” The Sydney University Senate has already asked Professor Anderson to submit a full account of his statement.