24 APRIL 1947, Page 16

SIR,—Your correspendent, John Rowland, raises an important question. The solution

of the problem he presents is one that confronts those of us who are convinced that the emphasis today in religious education should be placed on the education of the adult. The answer appears to be, and this is borne out by those who have had experience of religious education in H.M. Forces, that we need to return to religious dogma, but this should not be presented dogmatically. The adult is not a school- boy, and he should be helped to use his reason to arrive at the dogma through frank discussion, provided that discussion is an aid to, and not a substitute for, sound teaching. The method of approach should also be inductive. It should start from where men are, and their interests and emotions should be linked gradually to the ideas and habits that lie at