FREEDOM OF THE AIR

New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 338, 14 December 1945, Page 5

FREEDOM OF THE AIR

Sir-Most of the correspondents in this discussion have failed to notice my original protest, which was against the ban on broadcasting of any anti-religious matter. In the House of Representatives, when the Estimates for Broadcasting were under discussion recently, a ‘strong plea was made by more than one member for a change of policy to allow controversial subjects to be broadcast, and I did not hear exemption of religious matters asked for. The members declared that controversial subjects of all kinds were permitted by the BBC, also the ABC, therefore why not New Zealand? To my Biblical friends I would say that I still place my confidence in modern medical science in preference to the instructions to. be found in Leviticus, and feel that the theory of evolution, which fits the known facts, is more acceptable to me than the positive assertion of a miraculous six-day creation of less than 6,000 years ago. To-day the urgent need. of the world is peace and understanding between nations, and it is quite obvious that, since the Christian churches cannot agree among themselves as to the interpretation of the Bible, they cannot hope to offer a sure and sound basis for international brotherhood. I feel that superstition in any form, whether it be Hindu, Mohammedan, Jewish or Christian, must be voluntarily abolished before a true world brotherhood and’ permanent peace can be established. To this end I think children should not be taught subjects containing devils, angels, miracles, hell, lakes of fire, purgatory, etc. Psychologists tell us that irreparable harm is done to the young mind by such teachings and I am inclined to agree. So let’s have a free discussion of thin entuiart cover the air.

R.

HULBERT

(Waipukurau).

(This correspondence is now closed.-Ed. )