BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1933, Page 3

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

To the Editor, Sir. —Replying to Miss Greville, I do not consider that religion as such should be taught in State Schools, but, without some knowledge of the Bible, call it ancient history or what you will, a boy or girl’s education can hardly be said to be complete. In reply to Mr Fisher, if the Bible does not teach eternal damnation, will ho explain what verse 10, chapter XX., of the book of Revelation means? Regarding Balaam’s Ass. etc., there are some stories that I find it contrary to reason to believe. I am not a member of any Rationalist Society, but I maintain that not only is it not sinful but it is one’s duty to submit such stories to a thorough invest! gation before accepting them as Holy Writ. There are a great number of people at the present day, well educated, and without any axe to grind, who say that the evidence of the authenticity of the Scriptures is not conclusive. Scientists can tell us quite a lot today about the earth and the universe and how life, etc., has been gradually evolved, but I think I am right in saying that the majority of them are unbelievers. Some, I admit, like Sir James Jeans, in ‘‘The Mysterious Universe” conclude that there is a God and that God is, a mathematician. Professor Eddington, Sir Oliver Lodge, and other physicists hold similar views but biologists like Sir Arthur TCcith who surely are better fitted to give us some sort of explanation of life,' are definitely atheistic. Whatever a man’s views are. if ho is genuine and a seeker after truth, he is, in my opinion, entitled to more respect than the man whose ‘‘beliefs” have been handed down to him ready-made. I am, etc., WAITED.