The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-04-03
Religion ia the London Schools.


the public schools. so long bone Of con-
tention here, has given rise to violent con-
troversy in the London School Board also.
extending over months OF stormy sgita-
ton. 1t was settled for the moment few
weeks ago by the adoption by the Board OF
a scheme for such instruction. but as the
vote was close. "a against 81, and as the
strong opposition lie bitter In the extreme.
and regards itself as unjustly beaten. the
decision Is by no means final. Doubtless
the contest will be carried into the election
OF new Board when 1t occurs. and thus the
field OF battle will be greatly enlarged.
The plan of religious education adopted
by a majority 30 narrow is defined In a
circular addressed to the teachers Of the
schools. In brief. 1t directs that the Bible
shall be used as text book" from which
the teacher should give such explanations
In the Christian religion and morality as
are suited 20 the capacities OF children OF
various ages attending the schools OF the
Board" This instruction must not" dlverge
from the presentation OF the Christian re-
ligion which Is revealed In the Bible;" and
the teacher ts at liberty to elucidate and
enforce Christian principles by referring to
any part OF the Bible.
These principles the circular defines as
including "A belief In COP the Father as
our Creator, in GOD the Son as our Re-
deemer. and In COP the Holy Ghost as our
Sanctifer." II says. further. that the
Board cannot approve OF any teaching
which denies either the Divine or the HUI
man Nature OF the Lord JESUS CHRIST. or
that leaves on the minds OF the children
any other impression than that they
are bound to trust and serve Him
as their COP and Lord" It also
gives liberty to the teacher to use
hymns In the religious exercises. conclud-
ing with the Doxology or prayers other
than the Lords Prayer. Finally. 1t forbids
any attempt whatever to attach the
children to any particular religious de-
nomination" and declares that the relig-
ious opinions OF candidates will influence
neither their appointment nor their promo
ton. and that thoy will not be subjected to
any questions rs to their religious belief.
Very naturally and reasonably the oppo-
stion to such u scheme was powerful and
intense. Neither did 1t como wholly nor In
chief part from members Of the Board who
might be accused OF religious infdelity.
Included In the minority Of q were seven
ulUlbJcTSs WHO OpDOoou LILO vi lilo
ground that It justified dogmstic teach
ing. or at least opened the door for 1t. or
course the objection is we'll founded. for
the teachers will be almost irreeistbly
tempted to give such bias to their relig-
ious instruction. according to their own be-
lief. owing to the large liberty allowed them
In the Interpretation Of the Bible and 1t Is
the difference In such Interpretation that
causes the difference In the dogmatio teach
ings Of the Churches.
1t ia this irreconcilable controversy which
makes impossible religious instruction in
schools which are supported by the public.
and In which children OF all religious beliefs
arepupils. The opposition. too. comes from
parents OF a Arm religious belief rather
than those who are infidels. The aRnosti-
cism OF this day Is Indifferent TO dog
matte religion. rather than hostile to 1t.
Very many parents. more especially the
fathers. who are usually the agnostics.
make no objection to the religious educa-
ton OF their children. deeming 1t generally
useful to them because Of its moral Guilt
walton, by reason of which. desirable
reverence and elevation OF sentiment are
encouraged. Where the parents are relig-
ious believers. with q definite creed. they
are fearful OF any religious instruction by
which dogmatic tinge offensive to them
may be impaired.
1t Is obvious that the fight over religious
education In London is not decided by the
adoption OF this report in the School
Board That result Is rather the signal
for renewed hostilities In the Board itself.
which will arouse public agitation when a
naN ROard Ia 10 be eleetAd