The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-09-08
Jne BIsLE ~ rrBLIc scHooLs,
Rev, DIR. w. Landrum Opposed TO Iis Use
IN Atlanta.


TIE Atlanta Constitution OF Monday
prints an Interview with Dr Lancrum. f.
which he SAYS.
Public schools must be kept strictly
secular. They are supported 10y taxation
ana taxation IS a method OF force. which
pears upon men OF religion and ~ no re-
iklon. Religion must be The freest thing
IN the world Men anus. nave the right
70 received or reject he IabIc Though
they reject ~ az their peril. as l believe
wish
he decided views Of Dr. Landrum are
apropos Of the discussion now pending
IN The public schools relative 20 the intro
ductlon OF the Bible. lie takes the broad
hueral position as viewed by an Amerl-
can and not from the standpoint OF any
denomination.
- friend Of mine expressed great cur
prise few days ago." said DR. Iandfum
yesterday. that 1 .sas reported "a be-
ing opposed 10 The Introduction or the 81
hie IN TIE public schools. Ills SUI ~ .1e
was even greater when ! intC;Weo MN
that 70 was even So
"He proceeded 10 ask my reasons for
what seemed 10 him 20 be very strange
position 90 be held by CHRISTIAN MIN
lister I'm reply told him that | believed
both in the bible and In the punuc
schools but that I also believed IN the sep
ara fi0n of the church and the state
American theory. has no right TO prescribe
religion; civil government cannot uhdeI-
take 20 decide what Is the Bible You
know. / said 10 him. that we Prote5ta1ls
call the Bible the King James ttansit-
ton OF 1901. A. y. When we speak OF me
Bible wa ALWAYS mean our version or the
Bible Our Roman Catholic brethren,
however have their own version or the
Bible Their version includes the nuInoer
Of books which Ours exclude utlAe'-
more their version OF the Elole Us 20
translated as 10 promote their doctiln,,
lust as ours Is so translated. In their
judgmol {. to promote our doctrine.
Public schools are for the children or
citizens regardless Of scots OF creeaS,
AgnOstics and even atheists may be eood
citizens. and they, would 9olscI 10 Any
and every Bible. Ny friend had no +de-
quate conception OF religious ltoe ny. lhD-
ertv hp roufOuuIed with federation. Toll
GRAFTON means chat the majority have a
right 20 limit the liberty OF the minority.
Religious freedom IS a very 1lIeren1
thing which guarantees 20 men n any
religion or no religion the same riehts.
limiting them On no respect Whatever as
q kolIng. defending or DrOmulsd-lns an y
sentiments they deem right
Public schools must be Kept ltrlcty
secular. They are supported by taxation.
and taxation is method or force. Wnlch
bears upon men Or any religion or TO -c-
lgi0n. Taxation must not, therefore. use
fits tremendous power IN the interest OF
any creed Religion must be the free5t
thing I'm the world Men must have che
right TO receive or reject The Bible.
Though they NAV reject IL at their peril,
rs I believe. God gives them the right
20 DO so if they wish.
ION patriotic and on religious grounds
both as an American and as a Protestant.
7 am opposed 10 putting my Bible into the
public schools or allowing any other man
TO put in HIS Bible.
Religion IS 10 be taught In the home
IN the Sunday school. in the church and
in those institutions which are under
Christian control and are supported by
the voluntary offerings Of Christians
themselves. or course 7 would like 10
have Bible morality taught In the public
schools. but would be favor
only such a book on Bible morality as
would be wholly acceptable 90 amy repu-
table citizen.
"Christs KINGDOM IS o kingdom based
on love. and love which is not voluntary
IS no love at AN. Ny Protestant Bible.
believe. 10 De the only book which has
God for its author, truth for its matter
and salvation FOR IT'S end. My sincere
wish and earnest prayer is that all men
shall accept IL as such. but I would not
n I had all the power IN the world nc
my disposal raise my little finger 10 COM
pei anybody o accept it against his Will
COmpulsOn I'm religion makes tyrants Of
those who compel and hypOcrites of those
who accede 20 the cOmpulsiOn."