THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15433, 20 April 1912, Page 9

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Thk topic of the Riblo in the State school is not discussed to-day in our midst with the vehemence which was once wont, to characterise every debate turning on tho subject. The controversial possibilities attaching to the question are just as great as ever, but (Hirhaps those who arc most zealous in their advocacy of religious instruction in tho public schools realise more fully than before that it is easy to have too much dilFeronco of opinion. What may be described in a general way as tho lliblc in Schools party might have exerted more influence in the past had there been a greater measure of unity and agreement among its members as to the precise end to bo striven for. It may be assumed that- recognition of this fact has led to the movement in the direction of denominational coalition which culminated in the conference held in Chiislchurch this week. Tho conference seems to have been fairly representative of the Protestant churches—from the viewpoint of numerical strength the Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist communities claim probably over 70 l>cr cent, of the population—and in such a respect may be fairly spoken of as marking a forward movement in the llible'in schools campaign. The conference clearly points to the attainment of a greater degree of unanimity among the churches which it represented than they had hitherto been able to attain concerning a ltible in schools platform, and they arc entitled to congratulation on having been able at last to arrive at a basis of agreement as to what- shall be their objective, The immediate outcome of the conference has been the formation of a Rible in State School League of New Zealand, which is to work in pursuance of the resolution--" That this conference approves of the general principles of religious instruction which obtains in New South Wales, Queensland. Tasmania, and Western Australia, and commends such as the only practical solution of the problem of religious instruction in the Suite schools of New Zealand." The conference may In l congratulated with open mind not only on the fart that the churches represented have been able to

iind a basis of agreement concerning what they want, but that they have . been able to decide upon a definite line oi action. Tho joliey of the I'ible in State Schools I/oaguo is to consist in r.n appeal to the Legislature for a referendum on the (|iiv'stiou at issue. To such a policy ohjoetinn cannot reasonably be taken. The referendum has iU peculiar uses. ; and these should include the decision by : the electors oi just such a (wint as I whether or not, in their opinion, the ' religious element should be introduced I into the public schcot curriculum. There are cogent: reasons at die back of the Ivliof ontfvtaim-il by many that tho present s-eculavily of our educational system ought n<n to he disturbed, hut an appeal to public opinion iqon the whole question would ciear the air. and, whichever way the verdict sliould the people should be quite capable of interpreting tli* judgment that might be expressed. If tho treat maioritv of tho

people of New Zealand had really been in earnest in desiring the llihlo In schools they would probably have gained their end ere this. In contrast, however, with the equanimity with which the public as a whole has .seemed to accept tho present conditions, there is an outcry in certain quarters against the purely secular character of our national system of education, and it would be well to have some more reliable evidence than has yet been afforded of t'ie extent of the feeling that lies behind that protest.