New Britain herald., 1930-05-23
Canvass of New England
Institutions Shows Feel
ing That Bible Study
Should Not Be Neglected
- Presidents Give Rea-
sons.

Boston, May % (UP)-Rehgious
courses in some form should be in
cluded in the curriculum of every
college, in the opinion of represen-
tative New England educators.
In connection with the recent
temporary abandonment of Biblical
literature courses at Amherst coll
lege, resulting in a vigorous protest
by the student body, the United
Press sought the views of college
presidents in Massachusetts,, Maine.
New Hampshire. and Rhode Island.
Religion is such an important
factor of life that it cannot be omit
ted from education without loss
President Franklin w. Johnson OF
Colby college declared today.
Subjects Deal With Religion
PHILOSOPHY, psychology, ethics,
and history cannot fail to deal with
religion. Courses more specifically
related to religion have definite vo-
cational value for those preparing
for the ministry and other forms OF
social service. Indeed, such courses
may be attractive and profitable to
many students from other than voca-
tional motives"
Most colleges think it essential
to offer courses in the Bible and in
the field of ethics and the philoso-
ply of religion" said President Ada
l.. Comstock of Radcliffe.
Opposes Technical Courses
President Ernest Martin Hopkins
Of Dartmouth declared he did not
have much confidence in the tech
nical courses in religion in the un-
dergraduate curriculum, but added
that IF education holds true to its
purpose of making all Of its pro-
cesses a search for truth, all courses
viii necessarily be in the last analy-
SIS religious
Both President Clarence A. Baf-
bour of Brown university and Viii
liam Allan Nelson Of Smith college
agreed that a college curriculum
should include religious courses in
some form.
Considering another educational
problem-over-p population of col
leges-most Of those interviewed
favored limitation of enrolment.
IN my judgment" said President
Barbour. some colleges and uni
versities have an enrolment beyond
the capacity Of such colleges and
universities rightly to care for their
student population. In such cases,
OF course, reduction in the number
OF students would be an improve
ment. l believe that the placing of
a limit or enrolment is as a rule
useful and helpful. We need an in
sistence upon constantly better
methods in education rather than
upon numerical enlargement"
No Limit to Chances
President johnson thought there
should be no limit TO the opportu-
mites for education above the sec
ondary level for those who could
profit by it. but added that ANY
college should limit its numbers to
those whom it can serve effectively"
The colleges are very largely
ove.-populated for accom- piishing
their best work, but they are not
over-populated from the point of
view Of the number who need edu-
cation" said President Hopkins, who
favored limitation of enrolment.
The presidents were asked what
Nhey considered the paramount needs
of the present day education. They
replied as follows:
President johnson - "A more
scientific study of individual ca
pacities and aptitudes followed by
efectite guidance of students into
schools and courses adapted to their
needs"
Increasing Rewards
President Neil.on-"Increasin the
rewards Of teachers"