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Enforced Bible Reading in the Public Schools

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 27, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 13.

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Enforced Bible Reading in the Public Schools

RECENTLY there was introduced into the house of the Pennsylvania Legislature a bill requiring teachers in public schools to read without comment every morning at least ten verses from the Bible, the penalty in case of refusal being dismissal. When this question came to an issue, there were 149 votes in its favor, with 29 against it. Two years ago the same bill was rejected by the senate, and it remains to be seen whether or not the senate of the present session will indorse the action of the house. Among the reasons urged against a bill of this character, the Lutheran of March 6 gives the following:—
There is never anything gained by legislating religion into favor. The state should give the church the benefit of its support; but it has no right to force the Bible upon any one who does not want it. There are Jewish and Roman Catholic teachers and pupils in the public schools. The former do not accept the New Testament, and the latter have a version of the Bible different from the one in general use. To compel teachers to read the Bible when they either do not believe it or are opposed to a certain version is not in accord with the law of liberty which Christ preached. Christ never compelled any one to listen to him.
It is not the function of the state to prescribe in religious matters. It may frame laws that accord with Christian principles, and should always do so in this country where those who are in sympathy with Christianity are greatly in the majority. But it may not teach Christianity. That is the function of the church. As the church (blessed be God) is separate from the state in this country, it devolves upon the former to teach religion, and upon the latter to see to it that the church may do so unmolested.
The truth of the matter is, parents are thrusting upon the church and the state burdens that are placed primarily upon them. Religion and morals should be taught in the home. There is where the best foundation for citizenship is laid. Parents should cooperate with the church.