The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-02-22
PEOPLES FORUM
The Bible in the Schools.

Editor of The yirginian:
Sir,--I am sure there is misunderstanding
In regard to the stand of some Christian min
listers and others opposing the Bible In the
schools There are good reasons for this OPP
position, and, however strange 1t may SEEM we
cannot be consistent and do otherwise. Two
fundamental principles are involved We must
preserve the principle of religious liberty This
is not TO be construed as UNCONVENTIONAL liberty
We not only guarantee to citizens the right
Of the choice of denomination, but also the
choice of religion. One can be q Mormon. Mo-
hammedan, Buddhist anything else, and still
be a protected American citizen. Every one is
given the right to worship God as he wishes
and to do unmoested. We have right
to force any form of religion upon anyone or
to oppose their wishes in regard to this matter.
Suppose take the stand that the majority
rules and force the reading of the Bible into
the schools. what will be the result? VIII not
the Mormons have just good right to read
the Book of Mormon in public school where
they are in the majority? Do you who SO
earnestly contending Cor the Bible in the schools
want your children taught the Koran or the
Book of Mormon or Tom Paine's Age OF Reason
Don't let us make the old and sad mistake Of
legislating religion into people, Keep the
Church and State separate This is princi-
pie that every Christian should endorse. If all
knew the history of the Baptist Church as DR..
Mcdaniel does he would be perfectly under
stood and heartily sympathized with in his OPP
position to demanding the reading of the Bible
In the pubic free schools
DR.. Mcdaniel remembers with sadness the
persecution and suffering the Baptist endured
because of their Interpretation of the Word of
God We not only demand the right to use
should be. We do believe in religious schools.
We believe in the great work of UNCONVENTIONAL
schools But the free school Is not intended
to teach religion. The Church and Church
schools are for this specific purpose The Bible
may be taught in the home, and should be.
Family prayer should not be neglected. Church
schools should be supported. but the public
school never was intended to convert anyone
to Christianity. We must remember that he
public school is a State institution and is for
the instruction of the public
Why read the Bible in the schools? For
what reason but to instruct in the principles
OF Christianity? Suppose there are some who
oppose this forced instruction by the State
what then? Override their wishes. Is that the
way OF Christ? Does he teach US to force men
to hear the Scripture? Again. / ask would
you want to be forced to send Your child TO
a school where the Book of Mormon or the
Koran was read daily? Oh, beloved I beg let
us be fair and stand firmly for religious liberty
and the separation of Church and State. DR..
Mcdaniel is of God, respected and loved
by the people of Richmond, and L am sure
ne loves Gods holy Word and Is a true pastor,
and, as "a Methodist, / am glad to endorse his
stand for our constitutional religious liberty.
on pause and look back to that little COM
pany landing at Plymouth Rock, hanished or
driven from home. Why? Religious persecu-
ton. Do we want such to recur. or shall the
Star-Spangled Banner ever float over the home
of civil and religious liberty?
E. w. FELTNER.
Highland Va