NO RECOGNITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23649, 5 November 1938, Page 5

NO RECOGNITION

TEACHING IN THEOLQGY UNIVERSITY DEGREES "DISCUSSION BY PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY • . '> • ——-—* The intention of the Presbyterian Church, in co-operation with other churches, to approach the Senate of the University of New Zealand in February with the object of urging on it the necessity of instituting degrees in theology was announced by the Rev. D. C. Herron, convener of the Theological Hall Committee, during yesterday's session of ihe Presbyterian General Assembly. The view that the time was more than due for recognition of divinity students was warmly expressed, and unanimous support was given to a resolution urging that recognition. The Rev. P. G. Hughes said all members of the assembly would agree that the diseases of to-day were due to the fact that people were moving away from a spiritual centre, and he thought the action proposed should make it possible to have a series of lectures in .the university centres to show that the church was prepared to support any movement leading towards a reintegration of life around a spiritual centre. That was the thin end of the wedge, and he hoped that, if the resolution were adopted, it would lead to something much better. Dr lan Fraser- said the question was not a new one, but it was felt that the time was opportune for another approach. The University of Sydney now granted degrees in divinity, so that New Zealand was now about the only place where divinity—the queen of sciences—was not recognised in university circles. The Rev. J. T. Steele said that the New Zealand University refused to give any recognition to the knowledge in Hebrew that a man might gain at Knox College, but if, during an arts course at the-university.he took Hebrew and managed to satisfy the examiners they '.; would give him an M.A. degree in Hebrew. That was an indication of the ridiculous spirit that existed. The church had the right to expect recognition, and as long as that was not given it was suffering under a grave- injustice. Mr Herron said the Senate of the University of New Zealand would meet in Christchurch in February, when it. was hoped, in co-operation with other churches, to urge upon it the desirability of instituting theology degrees. - .. ;