THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 4966, 21 February 1877, Page 3

THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sib, —Permit me to express my concurrence with the views expressed by your correspondent “ Teacher,” replying to “ Observer " on secular education. I think he has given the true reason why the clergy and their disciples advocate so vehemently the teaching of sectarian doctrines in schools, under the misnomer of “religious instruction,” viz., that the minds of the youth of the day may be moulded into the habit of blind acceptance of their dogma, which shall prove, as it has proved with themselves, a barrier against the progress of free thought and scientific teaching. The subject is well nigh worn threadbare, but I should like to offer an observation on “ Observer’s ” statement that the instruction given in the public schools is “ godless and irreligious.” He confounds religious and moral training with sectarian teaching. We do not profess to deal with the latter in our State schools, but every conscientious teacher is careful to take every opportunity to instil into the minds of his pupils the great moral principles which lie at the foundation of all creeds, and which shall bind society together when the whimsical and distinguishing doctrines of all existing sects shall be buried under the dust of ages. I venture to affirm that a boy who may be taught by his teacher that it is wrong to steal, lie, slander, be cruel, mean, and unclean, will, if he profit by such teaching, make a nobler, better, and more useful man than he who may believe that to know the catechism, the thirty-nine articles, and the Bible by heart constitutes the beginning and end of all godliness and religion.—l am, &c., X. Z. February 20.