THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 April 1910, Page 2

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

To the Editor.

Sir,--! have no wish to prolong the discussion beyond answering a few questions, Tho Rev. S. G. C.'<im])t(m 1 has written a short letter in which he says "the Scriptures are too sacred to be bandied about by secularists in the public press." May I ask: Are they not too sacred to be taught- to the children in our schools by secularist teachers? 1 wrote plainly, and (|noted Scripture to show that the original account of the expulsion of Adam from thu Garden oi EdiMi was deliberately excluded from the Scripture Text IJook. Mr Contpton dees not deny this, but quotes St. Raul as saying, "Hv one man's disobedience many were made sinners." This doctrine of "imputed sin" is not taught in the Old Testament narrative.

fiut L must .hasten on, for "Inquirer" is asking questions. In answering him let me say 1. am not anxious to pose as a champion, in this newspaper fray. I would lather be as the mouse that nibbled the net to let the lion free. I have lint consulted the party who are adverse to Bible lessons being taught in schools; 1 know not if tho party has a- ticket for next Monday night's voting, and in writing as 1 have done it is to prevent, if possible, any trouble arising in our schools by introducing lessons that are not endorsed by all classes. "Inquirer" asks if I am in favour of the Lord's Prayer being read. Well, what version is to be used? Tn the early church the version is different to the one now used. I have the prayer •is used in the year 1258; in 1300 it was differently worded: in 1802 it appears with further alterations. Tn Kill it appears considerably lengthened. and this is the prayer the church uses to-day. Who had the right to alter and .add to the Lord's Prayer? And why does the church hold to a corrupt version? Anyone who turns up the "Revised Version" of the Scriptures will see that the I'raver has been badly tampered with. What prayer are the children to recited Then as to the " Tell Commandments." The Bible in Schools party have been diligent in getting these posted in every school. When tho Great Teacher was here among men He said, "A new commandment J givo linto you, that ye love one another; as .1 have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall .all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." Why is it that this new commandment, which covers everything mentioned in the Decalogue, is ignored by the Bible in Schools party when posting it in the public schools? ! need not enlarge. Let me say in conclusion that we do not want our children to- bo taught how many foxes' tails Samson tied toge-the: and sent adrift among the corn o!" the Philistines ; of the sun standing still while Joshua- vanquished his enemies; of Jonah in the whale's belly; or that 100 gallons of water were turned irto wine for a marrintre least. Many think 1 object in toto to Hid teachings of Serin lure. Oli. no. 1 would take the

nam of its te-chr:e: ; '- !t ll that in uleatss pmiiv cud rability of life

and that points the soul upward. ' we'll 1 like t-> see the "new com nviudnmnt'' of love to humanity pit 1 op in bo! 1 letters in every room This short (•'"• m 1 t"indmen ( is be^on-' 1 all that is taught in tho "Ten." " Tliou s'> It not kill;" "Thou shalnot ss-al." etc., is alreadv tnnsrht in the ordinary school lessons.—Yours, etc., W. C. NATfON.