The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-11-24
THE ENcRoACHnENrs OF BIGoTRY

Tne Woman's Educational union and
a coterie OF ministers in Chicago have
started movement TOR the reintfod uc-
tion of Bible readings in the public
= schools. They are procuring signatures
60 a petition asking the city board of edu-
cation 10 make a religious exercise COM
| pulsory in the educational institutions
| which are supported alike by Christians
| i0tlels, free thinkers, Jews spiritualists
aa1 rsope who might be elias Ied as roth
ingists 50 far as any religious profession
or belle is concerned.
Several years ago. in accordance with
demanJ from an overwhelming majority
of the people of Chicago. the reading of
the Bible in the public schools was dis
pehsed with. There was no room for
doubt then that public sentiment was
against the custom. 1t is not at all likely
that the prevailing sentiment of the peo-
pie on that question has since been re-
sersed. But there are those everywhere
who, not content with the uninterrupted
enjoyment Of thsir own religious opin.
ions, faiths and church associations,
are always alert to improve an opportu-
nifty fJs obtrudlng their seotarian hgotry
and bArrowness into secular institutions.
Every well-balanosd mind must know,
and if candid, will acknowledge tina: tn
public school is not the proper place for
the Bibs to be read. Opposition to the
practice OF Bible reading in the scho i
room does not imply disbelief in or hos.
tility TOWARD the cool book" Thou.
sands of ardent church membe and
many ministers OF various denominations
are opposed to the practice and have
said so publicly. The public sch COL is
pnrsly secular institution, established
and maintained for the sole purpose OF
educating the rising generation IN the
various branches of science. history and
IN such other fields of knowledge as are
calculated to fit the pupii for success IN
life, wnother he be religious or otherwise,
and entirely regardless of his belief con-
corning theological mysteries. The Bible
is book for the church, the Sunday
SCHOOL, the theological institute and the
home circle. Then why should the read
ing OF it be an exercise in the public
school? Those who wish to have that
custom prevail must certainly be
prom pied by spirit OF bigotry that is IN.
worthy Of an American citizen. They
may and do often protest that they are
opposed to the union of church and
state, but they know that the incong.uous
practice of b., Bile reading in a public in.
stitut!on devoted to secular education is
step, and dangerous step in the III.
Ieution of religious interference with civil
rights. 1t is contrary to the Split of the
federal constitution, and to the progress.
sive, enlightened sentiment OF the nation.
A novel feature of the Chicago move
m ont of religious bigots Is proposition
on their part TO have com N ittee, con.
s'stiag chiefly of ministers. who will Sc.
lect from time to time such portions OF
as they in their superior wis
dom may deem suitable to be read in the
schools. This is as cool and refreshing
as a northwest breeze sweeping down
from Manitoba upon the worlds fair CITY
at the close of a sweltering summer cav.
1t also indicates degree of modesty that
is almost sublime. We cannot, however.
help wondering what the Bibl+-in-the.
school Sieots would think should the 3D.
posers of their proposition agree 10 &C.
cert it on condition that thsy in turn
Ingersoll, select portions OF scripture to
be read py the ministers TO their consre.
cations.
With due respect for thu Billie, the
church and the ministers of the land, we
must suggest that Il the clergy sincerely
desire u do the greatest posi- ole good to
mankind they can mploy their time to
far better advantage than by inter-
medal with the public school.
There are important economic pri 1ciples
underlying social conditions which few |
seem to understand, their edu- |
cation, surroundings aai trend of thought
being in an entirely different direction.
The pie of the United Stat. IS are 10.
day confronted BY great social problem |
which must he solved. and solved Justly.
b fore harm ny, prosperity and happiness |
can become general aud permanent No !
clergyman sh Iuld be afraid to learn |
netting of political economy, correot |
of which is essential TO wise
discharge OF the duties of citizenship. !
NJ lnistsrs of all denominations, acting !
not Is religious teachers. but as citizens |
IN !eve! with all other gond citizens,
could, If they only would, greatly facil. |
Ita = Il progress OF true reform in our |
distracted social conditions, and thus !
gave tina way for much greater success for |
the church itself. The Bible in The pub. |
lie scho i is ont of place What the nation |
mast needs is wlSdon in the public mind !
4 nj 1gStIcp n tle puhiic ropsniaoca