,
learn to know and enjoy the great religious oratorios and other forms of
musical expression.

The place of art in religion.--Art, like music, owes much of its
finest form and development to religion. Religious hope, aspiration,
and devotion have always sought expression in pictorial or plastic art
and in noble architecture. We owe it to our children to put them in
possession of this rich spiritual heritage. They should know and love
the great masterpieces of painting dealing with religious themes. They
should not only have these as a part of their instruction in the church
school classes, but they should also have them in their homes and in
their schools, and see them in public art galleries and in other public
buildings suitable for their display.

Wherever possible the church building should in its architecture express
in a worthy way the religious ideals of its members. It should first of
all be adapted to the uses expected of it. It should be beautiful in
conception and execution, and should allow no unlovely or unworthy
elements to enter into its structure.

We should teach our children something of the wonder and beauty of
religious architecture as represented in the great cathedrals and
churches of all lands, and lead them to see in these creations the
desire and attempt of great souls to express their appreciation for
God's goodness to men.

1. It will help you to understand the child's idea of God if you
will think back to your own childhood and answer the following
questions: Just who and what was God to you? Was he near by or far
off? When you prayed, to what kind of a Being was the prayer
addressed? Did Jesus seem more near and friendly to you than God?
What were (or are) the most outstanding attributes of God's nature
to you? Did you ever have any disturbing ideas about God?

2. Now, suppose you attempt to answer these same questions about
the children in your class. You will have to remember that the
child may not be able to explain just what God seems to
him--perhaps you can hardly do this yourself. Further, a child may
often have some notion that what he feels is queer or would not be
well received, and hence he will not fully express it to others.

3. Just what does religion seem to you to be? Is it largely a way
of living or a set of conventions and restraints? How did religion
appeal to you in your childhood? Are