THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1911. DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15050, 25 January 1911, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1911. DEGREES IN DIVINITY.

The discussion by the University Senate of Sir Maurice O'Roiirke's proposal concerning degrees in divinity shows that the collective- mind of that body, as established by preponderance of opinion among its members, has not altered in its attitude towards this question. The divinity degree is now quite an old friend of the Senate, whose perseverance, despite discouragement, in recommending it to the favourable consideration of the Legislature deserves to bo crowned with ultimate success. Parliament has been guilty of more than one error of judgment in the paet in rejecting a proposal to sanction the recognition of divinity ae a* subject in which degrees may De conferred by the University of New Zealand. The discussion of the subject by the Senate calls for comment only in so far as. it discloses the kind of misconception upon which objec tions to the establishment of a Faculty of Theology may be based. Professor Macmillaji Brown, for instance, based his opposition to the proposal upon his predilection for undenominational education. But once again the point cannot be too strongly emphasised that support of the proposal to add divinity to the subjects in which the University confers degrees is perfectly consistent with opposition to anything that is likely to interfere with the undenominational character of our educational system. On the other hand, the idea that a modern university cannot with propriety .grant degrees in theology is quit*! inconsistent with the ascertained facie- in the case of such modern institutions as the Universities of London and Manchester. If precedent were to decide the point, it would tell, indeed, in favour of tho new degree, The notion of theology considered as a science capable of being studied and made the subject of cxamma- ' tion umvarped by emotional preposscs- j sions i=. perfectly vaasonable. The estab- I lishment of a Faculty of Theology at Manchester University dittos only a few years back, and it is laid down as a fundamental principle of the university that " there shall be no theological tests for cither teachers or students, and that no question will be asked in any examination in such a form as to call for any expression of personal religious belief on the part of the candidates." We read further in the prospectus of the institution that, in accordance with rule laid down by tho founder of Owen's College, "nothing will bo introduced in the matter or mode of education in reference to any religious or theological subject which shall bo reasonably offensive to the conscience of aaiy student," and that, " subject to these conditions, it is believed that the scheme now adopted will provide a thorough and systematic course of instruction for those who wish to become ministers of religion, as well 06 for others who wish to pursue theological studies for their intrinsic interest and importance." If we come nearer home we find an illustration in Victoria of our point that the subjects in lespect of which candidates for degrees in divinity would bo examined are such as may be described as common to all religions, and, therefore, as undenominational. Archbishop Clarke, of Melbourne, explains., in an interview that is reported elsewhere in this issue, the steps that nave been taken towards the establishment, with legislative sanction, of a College of Divinity m Melbourne. And he informs us that "it is expressly provided that no religious test shall be imposed upon any of the candidates for degrees, and that the degrees will be bestowed for knowiedge only, without regard to the denominational views of the candidates." The feasibility of the idea of an interdenominational Faculty of Theology Iβ well shown, too, in the case of Manchester

University, where the- Advisory Committee of the faculty includes among ils members the principals, or other representatives, of Independent:', Unitarian, Moravian, Baptist, and Wesleyan Colleges, as well as representatives of the Anglican community, and no fewer than eight different colleges attached to as many different denominations are recognised by the faculty for external lectures. It eeems quite conceivable that the University of New Zealand could enlarge the .scope of its educational usefulness on lines and with aims similar to those which have animated the authorities of Manchester University without fear of the pitfall of denominationalism in education which soino of its friends are «o anxious lo point out to it. In commenting on the appointment last month of the Rev. Henry Scott Holland, Canon of St. Paul's, as Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford, The Times obscvvcs that m recent years theology has come to base its appeal not less on Biblical grounds than on those of philosophical truth, and, after describing Dr Holland as above all tilings a penetrating Christian philosopher, it refers to his devotion to the work of the Universities' Mission airtl his keen interest in the summer camps of students of all denominations as serving among other activities to keep him an inspiring loader o[ young men. Ii theology affords a desirable field for study, it is reasonable to argus that an injustice is done New Zealand students in denying thorn the opportunity of securing in their own country the distinction, in the form of a degree in this subject, whicn they would be able lo secure if they specialised in the piuwiit of some othoi path of knowledge. Tlie aim of the University is to test knowledge, noi to test belief, and to ascertain a student's capacity and attainments rather than to make the least inquiry concerning his personal convictions. It is a defective system which sends the most talented students for the ministry in New Zealand to the universities of other countries in order to prosecute their studies and obtain academic degrees in divinity. It is about time that the Legislature recognised that it is not sufficient to dismiss offhand the reasonable request of the Senaite of the University of New Zealand for power to undertake cxamiua-

Tions and confer hall-marks in theology, and that no mere objection raked by any section of the community, or any vaguelyexpressed fear as to the issue, based on amisconception of what is intended, should be deemed sufficient pretext for rejecting the proposal.