Mr. Price replied, “Government is satisfied with the present arrangement and so long as the churches con tinue to meet the expanding needs, has no intention of altering it. The present government cannot of course speak for any subsequent government, or for the future, but so far as I can foresee the present relationship has stood the test of time so well, and is so well accepted by the people, that any radical change is unlikely.” Re minded of the situation in the early days of the U.S. and the progressive secularization of schools from that time to the present, the Premier did not think such a change would come about in British Honduras, for “ any change would involve very large sums of money on the part of government.” He added, “ The heritage of sound Christian education to my mind provides a real bul wark against the inroads of communism.” People in such a religiously-oriented country as Brit ish Honduras tend to cross denominational lines very easily. I asked the Premier what was the reason for parents sending their children to schools other than those of their own faith. He replied that often there is no school nearby of the parents’ particular faith, or it is more convenient, or that it is felt that the school of
serve the right to satisfy itself as to the educational standards in every school, whether an aided school or not. Beyond this need, Government is not anxious to impose other conditions or to interfere beyond the minimum that is necessary.” Government support of churches is not limited to education. It is generous in allowing church announce ments to be made free of charge over the government station, Radio Belize. The Belize Times, the daily news paper of the Controlling political party, carries adver tisements of our Baptist meetings weekly, refusing offers of payment. Billy Graham's column, “My An swer,” is run daily, and the “Hour of Decision” reaches the public every week. Radio time is allowed the minis ters of the major denominations, in proportion to their size. Land grants are given to religious bodies to build churches and schools on a free basis, subject to avail ability of Crown land. Although Mr. Price and many of the high officiate of the government are Roman Catholics, their attitude seems to be that of the Premier, who told me, “While I am a practicing member of the Catholic Church, I re spect the rights of others to their own religious beliefs.” He added, “ I think the churches are doing very good work in educating the people socially and culturally and I shall do everything to help them.” When questioned on his own personal beliefs regard ing Jesus Christ, the Premier stated, “ I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. I believe that He will come to judge the world at the end of time, and if we are saved, we shall be with Him in happiness forever.” Such a favorable religious climate in a Latin Ameri can country (or anywhere in the world, for that mat ter) seems like an anachronism in a secularized society. Can it last, and is it completely desirable? Certainly it makes our work as missionaries easier in many re spects. We are recognized by government, given spe cial invitations to government functions, granted the use of the parks in which to hold meetings, and gener ously given the use of the radio, press, and other pub lic facilities. We have even been loaned the use of building construction equipment from time to time. One would think that with so much consideration given to religion in the schools, the children would grow up to be God-fearing indeed. In a sense they are, yet there is a formal religiosity rather than committed, genuine Christianity. The moral state of the country is low, with promiscuity tolerated everywhere, and the na tional lottery avidly patronized. Thievery is wide spread, and machete murders not uncommon. Preaching is platitudinal and worship services formal. Evangeli cal missions have made inroads in the last few years, but an easy “ believism” makes it difficult to ground professing Christians in the Scriptures. A “ form of godliness” seems to satisfy most British Hondurans. After the devastating hurricane of 1961, we expected to see a looser hold on material things and a desire for the things of God, but the reverse has taken effect. With the political future insecure, the economic pic ture not very bright, and the threat of natural catas- trophies often present, there seems to be an attitude of “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” As Christian missionaries, we are in a unique position, having the blessing of government upon us. History has proved that this is not an unmixed blessing. The future will reveal whether the favor of God will be upon the emerging nation of British Honduras. Arnold W. Pearson is serving his second term as a missionary to British Honduras under the Conservative Baptist Home Mission Society. Hs is a graduate of the University of California and California Baptist Theological Seminary.
The author presents Premier Price, as well as 16 other top government officials with a copy of "Peace With God," by Billy Graham. their choice offers a better education. This brought up the matter of discrimination, so I asked Mr. Price how the schools teach their beliefs, yet avoid indoc trinating a child. He indicated that there is no compul sion in any of the schools for the pupils to take religion or attend any prayers or religious session. The child can be excused by a note from the parent, and the nor mal practice is for the child to engage in silent study during the religious period. The Premier tactfully avoided any comment on the Supreme Court’s decision against prayer, but pointed up the difference between the U.S. and this country by stating, “ The reading of prayer in schools here is a long-accepted and established practice. In addition, the law provides for the school day in the two government schools to begin with collective worship on the part of all pupils.” Concerned as Baptists about our own beliefs on the separation of Church and State, I asked the Premier if he could foresee any change in government policy regarding control of religious doctrine. He stated, “ Since education is compulsory, Government must re
12
THE KING'S BUSINESS
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online