THE BIBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 12, 1 September 1884, Page 10

THE BIBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.

(DUNEDIN ‘ EVENING STAR.’) The following fragment was picked up to day outside of the Stuart street Oddfellows’ Hall, where the Educational Institute is to meet to-morrow. [We did not know till now that there were Seers amongst the Dominies. —Ed. E.S.] Time, 1800. Scene. State School, not a hundred miles from Dunedin. Bible Lessons being given by the Headmaster. Pupil reads Matthew xxii., verse 21: “They say unto him ‘ Caesar’s.’ Then he saitli unto them, ‘ Bender therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s ; and God the things that are God’s.’ ” Master (examining the class) : What is meant by Caesar’ and Caesar’s ?

Pupil A : Ca>sar was a Roman Emperor. Master : But what is meant by rendering unto Ctesar the things that are Caesar's ?

Pupil B : Giving to him all that belongs to him. Master : What belonged to him ?

Pupil A : A coin, with his head on it. Master : That may have once belonged to him. But this verse has a particular meaning. Cajsar here stands for Government, and in some things we must recognise the Government. What things do the Government do ?

Pupil D : They look after the Railways. • Pupil E : They look after Schools. Pupil F : The policemen are Government men. Master : Can you tell me some things that we are not to look to Government for

Pupil A : Food. Pupil G : Religion. Government, papa says, should never meddle with Churches and Religion. Master : Yes, boys, our Religion is a matter between us and God alone ; and that is what is meant by rendering unto God the things that are Cod's. °

Pupil G holds up his hand. Master : Well, Gilbert, what is it ? Pupil G : Please, sir, is this a Government School Master : Of course it is.

Pupil G : Is the Bible a religious book ? Master : Profoundly so ; but what makes you ask these questions' Pupil V- : - 1 lease, sir, papa says that the Government should not teach Religion. Master: Well, boys, that is a question I cannot say anything about. All I know is that some years ago some people thought that folks would get mad if the Bible was not taught in schools Pupil G : Please sir is that fulfilling the verse ? Master : Well, boys, I connot say. Pupil H: Please, sir, why docs Thomas Jones not "come to Bible lesson? He is out in the shed now, and it is cold and wet Master : His papa objects. Pupil H: Is it naughty not to read the Bible? We all like Thomas Jones, and his father is very good to us. Master : Boys, it is time for writing lesson.