Ministers, Teachers, Parents Vary on Bible Reading in Memphis Public Schools

Widely divergent views have been expressed by ministers, Parent-Teachers’ Association officials and teachers of this city in regard to the proposal of the Protestant Pastors’ Association that the Bible be taught in the Memphis Public Schools.

“Public schools are not the place for religious discussion,” said Rabbi H. W. Ettelson. “One of the fine things about the school system is its unity, and to introduce religion would destroy this. It is not right to have an element of religious differences in schools which are paid for by the taxes of all the people. Bible teaching is the work of the sabbath schools and churches. It is a confession of weakness on their part to make the public schools do their work. It is best that church and state be kept separate.”

Rev. Cox, pastor of Central Baptist Church, says: “I would oppose any plan for having the Bible taught as a religious book by tax-paid teachers, but I cannot see any objection if the course is elective and the teachers are paid by the churches.”

Miss Elizabeth Horton, of Central High School, says: “There are too many denominations in the schools to have Bible teaching. It is better to leave that to the home and church.” Mrs. A. P. Wilson, president of the Snowden Parent-Teachers’ Association, also opposes the idea. Mrs. David W. Marks, president of the Bruce Parent-Teachers’ Association, says: “If it is going to be taught in the schools, it should be without emphasis on any doctrine.”

“Schools are the only place where the Bible can be successfully taught,” thinks Rev. W. L. Gilmore, pastor of Court Avenue Presbyterian Church. He says: “The fundamental principles of civilization are in the Bible, and a generation that is lacking in knowledge of the Bible is lacking in moral principles.”