The Morning Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1919-1927, 1922-06-07
Barometer of Public Opinion
Answering Robinson,


Editor World; In the Barometer OF Public
opinion OF June !, ! saw an article written by
j. A. Robinson, Tulsa in which he discusses the
matter of teaching the Bible in the public
schools. into this discussion he brings tho
teaching Of the Bible in tho University OF Tulsa,
introducing his remarks pertaining thereto by
saying: I'VE have n fragrant example OF the
failure or such teaching In prominent insti-
tuition or learning In the east end OF town." Hav-
ing been student In the University OF Tulsa for
about four years. feel that may be az well
informed on this subject as Mr.. Robinson claims
to be. What have to say comes from my own
personal experience well from that Of
many OF my classmates
quote further from Mr.. Robinson's letter:
bible is taught by the standards OF interpreta-
ton ms construed by the tenets OF the faith OF
the denomination fostering the institution. Yet
they solicit patronage from all denominations
Those not OF the faith are at the disadvantage
or having to accept the instructors interpreta-
tion In order to make grades, at the same time
having these same interpretations contradicted
by the folks at home. II they are lucky enough
to have n Bible loving home"
Mr.. Robinson In wrong. He claims that the
failure OF the teaching OF the Bible in this in
stitution is duo to the conditions set forth in
tho preceding paragraph. l know that the
Bible ls not taught by the standards OF inter-
pretation as construed by the tenets of the faith
OF the denomination fostering the institution"
Other students of various denominations have
often remarked to me about the unsectarian
manner in which the Bible is taught in this
institution. i know this to be fact, at least
since 1915, when I first enrolled in the school,
for neither Doctor McMurtry, Doctor KIM
brough, nor Doctor Dill tthese the only
Bible instructors since 1870 have ever in any
way favored, much less insisted upon. any de-
nominational doctrines or beliefs either in lee
lures or In classroom discussions. The teach
Ing OF the Bible In the University of Tulsa is
free from any UNCONVENTIONAL favoritsm what
soever.
The statement that some students not Of the
PRESBYTERIAN faith having to accept the instruc-
tors Interpretation in order to make grades is
also wrong. One OF the girls In my class who
was not of this particular denomination, did
not accept some OF the instructors views either
In class discussions or in examinations yet this
same girl received the second best grade in the
course. the teaching OF Bible in the Univcr-
slty or Tulsa is certainly not sectaran. Such
a statement Is without any reasonable support.
The teaching OF Bible in the University Of
tulsa Is success. The professor OF Bible Is n
Christian gentleman. He IL thoroughly trained
lilo Is sympathetic. He IL very considerate OF
the students ideas and beliefs. His teaching is
constructive, not destructive. He teaches a phi-
losophy OF life, philosophy that points toward
higher ideals. nobler efforts and a broader
vision OF life and its duties and joys
yet they solicit patronage from all denom-
nations" Certainly. And why not?
Iush June e HUGH c. GRAHAM.