RELIGION IN SCHOOLS Sia,—The letter from Mr. Anthony Philip Kiely
on this subject contains statements and suggestions of which many of your readers will strongly disapprove. Referring to the alleged need for the strengthening of the ethical framework of Christian society, Mr. ICiely does not accept the suggestion that the remedy is the teaching of specifically Christian doctrine in the schools. Among the reasons he gives are that belief in Christian doctrine has ceased to be a widespread social bond, and that many churchgoers do not believe in official doctrine.
If we are to achieve world co-operation, Mr. Kiely's remedy is a synthesis of the religions of the world, to include the teachings of Con- fucius, Buddha, &c., to which he would add Communism.
Can anyone imagine that a syllabus for schools compiled in such a manner, and without any Divine authority, would in any degree "strengthen the ethical framework of Christian society "? Mr. Kiely appears to overlook two yery important points. Firstly, the alleged. falling-off in the belief in 'thristian doctrine, even if true, is no proof that the doctrine is either false or unsuitable as a remedy for our present ethical deficiencies. Secondly, Mr. Kiely fails to distinguish between Christian doctrine and institutional (or denominational) religion. He also makes no reference to the Divine origin of the Christian faith.
I have previously suggested in your columns that accredited repre- sentatives of the Christian denominations should at once come together for the purpose of compiling an agreed syllabus of Christian teaching for use in the schools, such syllabus to exclude all denominational bias and to include an agreed presentation of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The time is ripe for such a syllabus, and an opportunity such as the present may not occur again.
I should have no fear for the future of Christian society if our boys and girls receivein the schools adequate instruction under such a syllabus, for such Christian teaching would not be without Divine authority.—
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