SECULAR EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE
"SPECTATOR."]
Srs,—Can you not lend all the influence of your paper to stem the current which in Nonconformist circles is being made to flow in the direction of secular education for elementary schools ? The outcome of this passive resist- ance campaign will naturally be the easy solution of no religion in our scholars. This will be a lamentable result to have been brought about by Free Churchmen. Is there no possible compromise ? We do not want, and should not be compelled to have, denominational teaching, but all Holy Scripture and our sanctified common-sense tell us that the education of our children should be upon a religious basis. The London School Board arrangement for Bible instruction appears to be what most Free Churchmen and many Estab- lished Churchmen would accept, providing there were some guarantee as to the fitness of those who give the Bible lessons. Would it not be possible to compromise on some such lines as these ?-
(1) That there be no denominational teaching in elementary schools during school hours.
That a Bible lesson, with singing and prayer, be given between 9 and 10 a.m. (with Conscience Clause).
That the lessons, hymns, and prayers be selected by a Com- mittee appointed by the educational authority; and that only such explanation of the Bible lesson be given as shall be necessary for the understanding of the selected passage.
That this Bible lesson be given only by such teachers as shall sign a statement of their belief in (a) the being of God ; (b) the atonement of Jesus.
That teachers who cannot conscientiously sign these simple statements of belief be accepted for all positions in the schools, but shall not be required to attend the opening religious exercises.
I know all the objections to religious tests, and I also have had cause to find out how under the present London School Board system a whole class has been contaminated by the Bible lesson being given by an atheistical teacher. Do not let us be nationally disgraced by the setting up of godless schools; but if we have Bible teaching, let us, for heaven's sake, have the teaching imparted by those who believe in the Holy Book. DO, Mr. Editor, at this crisis endeavour to educate your thousands of Free Church readers so that they may not be guilty of forcing the Bible from our schools.—I
[We Sympathise deeply with our correspondent's desire that the Bible shall not be forced out of our schools; but we fear that unless some change comes over the attitude of the lead- iing Nonconformists, all hope of a compromise is vain. We greatly regret that Dr. Horton could not see his way to enter upon a free and open conference, and would only consent to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury if the chief matters in dispute were ruled out of the discussion.—En. Spectator.]
Previous page
