THE CHILDREN OF AGNOSTICS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:I Sfa,—In an article in the Spectator of February 17th, on "The Children of Agnostics," you use the words,—" A con- clusion which one rejects for one's children is either a conclu- sion one doubts, or a conclusion of which one is ashamed ;" and you end without pointing out any prudent course for' agnostics to adopt in reference to a position admittedly diffi- cult. Writing not as an agnostic myself, butt as one who has had ample means of knowing the feelings of agnostics, I would ask that the words quoted be reconsidered, and also that some more positive or constructive advice be tendered as to what a genuine agnostic is to do with regard to the teach- ing of his children. The simple remedy of ceasing to be an agnostic is, of course, out of the question to such a man. But I submit that the real reason why he does not impart his entire views to his children, or perhaps any part of them, is not because he either doubts such views or is ashamed of them.
There would be nothing to call for shame in accepting a conclusion pointed to by facts, whatever it were. His reason is that the question is one of such complexity that it does not admit of being presented adequately to the mind of a child ; while if put barely, in bald, unqualified language, it ceases to represent the mature views of the sceptic himself', so that he
prefers to leave the inculcation of it until there exists culture enough for its reception. Of course be knows that opinions and ideas on such subjects will be sure to reach the child's mind from other sources, because such ideas are, so to speak, in the air, and will inevitably be imbibed. He may therefore set himself quietly to counteract them, or he may leave the whole question to settle itself. But, so far as I can see, your counsel has "added nothing unto" him in his perplexity, since he can hardly be prepared to impart teaching in the name of truth which he is fully aware will have to be untaught
later on—I am, Sir, &c., W. ROUTH,
Chaplain of Scrope Castle, Bedale.
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