Sir, – The Rev Patrick G Burke defends the right of parents to educate their children in a manner that accords with their (the parents, that is) religious beliefs (Letters, 29th May). It is high time that this right was seriously examined.
Beliefs of any kind should be adopted by the believer only after careful reflection – they should certainly not be foisted on innocent children who are in no position to make up their own minds on such matters. In any case, what exactly do parents believe in anyway? The vigorous defence of denominational education seems misplaced when one considers the empty pews in churches of all Christian denominations. How many parents could recite the Ten Commandments, list the Seven Deadly Sins, or explain the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception?
Some years ago, corporal punishment was rightly excised from our school system. Why is brainwashing still accepted? – Yours, etc,
KEVIN BUTLER,
Woodlands,
Philipsburgh Avenue,
Fairview, Dublin 3.