Member of Parliament and Teaching of Bible in Schools.
Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith, Unionist Member of Parliament for Hillhead, Glasgow, at the Scottish Grand Committee at Westminster on Thursday, 12th July, opened a debate on certain aspects of Scottish education. He made timely, and, no doubt, much needed criticism respecting the teaching of the Bible in Scottish schools. Probably the areas covered by Mr. Galbraith’s strictures are in the South and especially the cities, where he is conversant with the prevailing state of affairs, and it was dutiful on his part to speak out as he did. He, according to press reports, pleaded that, “Bible knowledge ought to be the subject of examination in schools.” This is a question in which we have been deeply interested in the North of Scotland, and we heartily support Mr. Galbraith. Examination of schools as to the Bible instruction being given, used to be performed by local ministers as arranged by County Education Committees. In one North of Scotland county, that of Caithness, this has been stopped, following the policy of the Educational Institute of Scotland, supported especially by Church of Scotland ministers. Ministers now act as chaplains throughout the year in each school; but the teacher’s instruction of the children in Bible knowledge is never brought under personal review, nor are the scholars examined. One argument against ministers of religion being permitted to examine the children is that they are not trained or qualified for this work. Of course, there is in view the training of personnel who will devote their whole time to Bible instruction and examination in the schools; but this is a long while in coming. Mr. Galbraith also declared that the teaching of the Bible in Scottish schools was not as thorough as it ought to be. This undoubtedly applies to many schools, although not all, and Mr. Galbraith is to be commended for exposing this deficiency in the costly education of Scottish children. Scottish History and Shakespeare are not neglected by any means. This Member of Parliament also rightly asserted, “Now that there were so many destructive forces attacking our faith, it became more important than ever that the Bible should be studied in its original form, and not in children’s story books, as suggested in the Advisory Council’s Report.’ It would be well if this advice will be followed in schools where necessary. It is in effect, ‘Back to the Bible narrative itself.’ It is to be hoped that other Members of Parliament will follow Mr. Galbraith’s example and speak out publicly and fearlessly on the side of what concerns the religious and moral good of our country and children. The press reported that Mr. Malcolm MacMillan, M.P. for the Western Isles, accused Mr. Galbraith of exaggeration in his criticisms of Scottish education. This was not amplified, but taken in the light of the context, it appears to us that this criticism was levelled at Mr. Galbraith’s observations on Bible teaching. If this was so, Mr. MacMillan could be better employed.
Service Grants for Unmarried “Wives.”
The following appeared in the press on 20th July, 1951:—
“SERVICE GRANTS FOR UNMARRIED ‘WIVES.'”
“A member of the R.A.F. Reserve or Auxiliary Forces called up for three months’ or eighteen months’ service may apply for a National Service grant for an unmarried dependant living as his wife, said Mr. Arthur Henderson, Secretary of State for Air, in a written reply yesterday. Applications will be considered on their merits.”
Any member of H.M.’s Forces living in the relationship described above, is living an immoral life in violation of the Seventh Commandment; and yet in certain cases the woman is recognised as a bona fide dependant by the Government, for whom application may be made for a National Service grant. Thus the Government of a professed Christian nation condones heinous sin and uses the money of the taxpayers to sustain a relationship condemned by God and His holy law. This procedure is, to say the least, most reprehensible, whatever human and ill-directed charity may judge to be right and proper.
America Approaches Spain for Bases.
During the month of July last, the American Government approached General Franco, the ruthless dictator of Spain, for naval and air bases in Spain, to assist in the defence of U.S.A. and Western Europe. The British Government intimated objections to these intimate approaches to Franco, not on military, but political grounds; and they were right in this attitude. One does not need to be a Communist to abhor the unbending rule of the dictator of Spain, who is the willing servant of the Pope and the Roman Church in that country where religious liberty and democratic freedom are conspicuous by their absence. Liberty there may be of a kind for Roman Catholics, but not for Protestants who dare to publicly profess their religious faith. American senators with Irish names, have been loud in their denunciation of what they have called “British interference in the negotiations at Madrid between the American and Spanish Governments.” The fact is, that influential Roman Catholics in the U.S.A., as elsewhere, are all out to strengthen Spain as a remaining stronghold of the Vatican, said to be religiously more Romish than Rome itself. Admiral Sherman, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, who was conducting the negotiations with Franco from their beginning, died suddenly at the age of 54, aboard a warship at Naples, on Sabbath, the 22nd July, the day he was to have again flown to Madrid for further talks with Franco. And so the Most High by such providences, speaks solemnly to families, nations and governments.