BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2215, 30 July 1914, Page 4

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Sir,—-Tlio discussion ou tho Bible-in-Schools question that is interesting 60 niany people in New Zealand now re-, minds ono somewhat of tho story of the two goats who met in a narrow way.' Only there is, to my mind, another road out of the difficulty, and that is to make attendance at Sundayi schools compulsory and to allow ono half day during the week for all school children to attend "Sunday- schools of their own denomination. These Sunday schools are already established, in most cases in buildings of their own and within easy distanco of t'ho schools. The children whose parents conscientiously object to Bible-teaching could bo given other, lessons to do in school, much in the same way that "conscientious objectors" to military training aro dc-alt with. It would moan largor congregations in the churches in the future if tho teaching be as' fruitful of good.l-result as t'he advocates of Bibleteaching in schools believe, and it would do away with tho objections of Roman Catholics and school teachers, and would not interfere with tho present satisfactory educational system. If the clergj and others interested in tho churches are alivo to their own interests they will seo at onco that this is a practical solution of the comparatively empty churches and Sunday schools tliat are constantly being deplored. If the .chili drcn are given a clear half-day for religious instruction t'hoy will have a hotter chanco of really learning something about tho Bible and its teachings thai, if thoy go into Biblo classes with tbeit' minds full of other subjects; and it will give their religious instructors a bettor opportunity of influencing their minds.—l am, etc., ONLOOKER. . Tub 27. 1914.