CUE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19475, 9 May 1925, Page 5

CUE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

By Amplius. “A nation that rides in automobiles should not permit its children to walk in ignorance.”

Tho next meeting of the Dominion Council of Presbyterian Sunday School Workers is to be held in Dunedin at Easter, 1926.

Mr A. Wilson, now in charge of the new Presbyterian Book Depot in Christchurch has been visiting Dunedin during the past week.

In connection with the Religious Education Section in tho forthcoming Exhibition, the initial mootings of the Church, School, and Bible class representatives have been hold. One member from each department, representing each denomination, will constitute a committee working in its own level.

Tho first mooting of those interested in tho intermediate section of the religious education display at the Exhibition was held last Monday evening, when Mr R. Blair made a preliminary statement and the possibilities of tho display were discussed generally. A publicity committee was set up and arrangements made to have definite plans submitted at the next mooting, to bo held on Monday week at the same time and place.

Tho teaching of the Shorter Catechism was discussed by the Dominion Council of Presbyterian Sunday School Workers, and tho Chairman (Mr J. Brook) moved — ‘‘That a selection of the Shorter Catechism bo made, adapted so far as is possible to the age and intelligence of the children of each class, and so arranged that tho whole of the catechism bo taught from the primary to the intermediate divisions. • .This was carried.

Attention is specially directed to the first of the tWo public lectures to be given in connection with- the School of Religions Education. The lecturer is the i Rev. Tnlloch Yuillo, and his address, which was to have been given last week, will be delivered in Stuart Street Hall next Tuesday at 7.30 p.m, Mr Yuille’s subject is the practical and .important one of _.e Minister and Religious Education.-”

Many of tho Sunday schools had a gratifyingly largo attendance last Sunday for the reopening niter the long period of enforced idleness. There is reason to believe that tho continued closing of the schools has drawn tho attention of many parents pointedly to tho value of the work they are carrying on. The Salvation Army in its five schools had a_ more than 100 per cent, attendance, owing to tho influx of a large number of new scholars. This result was not attained without previous planning and effort. -Each school arranged a rally on tho Saturday afternoon, where, with games and i efreshmonts, the youngsters had a good time generally. Each child received an invitation, and a Hally Day Badge. To nil parents a letter was sent inviting them to bo present at the Rally Day service on the Sunday afternoon.

After mature consideration, tho oxeculive of the Young Peoples’ Department ot the New Zealand Baptist Church has do cidod to recommend to all is* schools the adoption of the British International Lessons for 1926 and succeeding years. “Theta is no doubt,’’ says the report, “that these lessons, which are tho intermediate lessons of the British Graded Series, wai prove popular and stimulating to our teachers and scholars. We have darofully sought for tho best lessons, and, remembering our varying needs, we unhesitatingly commend our schools to order British International Lessons for next year. attractive, well-got-up Teachers’ Annual is procurable at a very reasonable price—at least half tho present price of Pelouhofs Notes.”

Tho promoters of the School of Religious Education are finding much encouragement from the enthusiasm with which tho Solvation Army has this year joined in with its activities. The Army hero has five Sunday schools, with something over 600 children in attendance. Major Burton, who is in charge of tho Salvation Army here, says they have entered into the work of tho school eagerly because they see its value. Their teaching staffs, as in so many other schools, consist largely of working people, who have had few educational advantages. Tho advantage of the School of Religious Education is that there they can commence at tho very foundation principles of child education and bo qualified with tho knowledge that leads to efficiency. Already a dozen of the Army teachers are taking classes at the school, and it is hoped that more yet will join up. New plans and principles learned there are already being “tried out” in actual practice.

EDUCATIONAL EVANGELISM

ADDRESS BT REV. E. P. BLAMIRES. Last Tuesday evening the Otago School of Religious Education was favoured with a most helpful visit from the Kev. E. P. Blamires, Methodist young people’s secretary for New Zealand. During the dove tional period Mr Blamires addressed the student body upon educational Evangelism. We cannot do more then suggest the general line of thought.

Woodrow Wilson said that nine-tenths of what a teacher gives to n class is personality. The'best thing we can do for our young people, therefore, is to live the Christian life in their midst. Because a Chinaman with crude equipment could catch more fish than some people better equipped we were not to argue that all fishing should be done in this primitive way. We must seek better equipment--self-complacency is a great enemy. By the aid of simple diagrams it was shown that we should have a definite target, and take definite aim in order to realise the personal objectives of knowledge, character, service, and life, and that in addition there should be the social aims reaching out through the school, church, and nation to the whole world. Thus we have an individual aim and a social aim. Educational evangelism is not education in stead of evangelism In these days education is a large term, and might be defined as the whole process by which life is led to its goal. God through Jesus Christ is the great Educator, and His ways are manifold. Two features of religious education must be constantly borne in mind by those aspiring to teach and lead. (1) We must take cognisance of religious laws and work in harmony with them. (2) The child and youth must be in the foreground. Our method for the upbuilding of youth life is threefold, cultural, natural, a‘nd social. (1) Cultural. We must take of the. religious nature of the child, and man was made in the image of God, and consequently has a tendency Qodward. “More original than original sin is the imago of God in man.” Our children are already on the way with all their potentialities, and arc candidates for character. (2) Natural: The god of the supernatural and the natural is one. If we stand aside ami “suffer the little children to come,” the spiritual life will awaken and develop in the most norma! and natural ways. By this process what wc cab “Conversion,” “Decision,” or better, “The Awakening,” should take place in early adolescence by-the age of 14. Conversion at 16 or 18 years of age Is an effort to catch up. (3) Social; This is a recognition of the social principle in life. Life must be expressed in worthful service, and this in turn will lead to a New World order. Hence, wc must join together for that purpose in order that the Master’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” might be realised.