Should We Teach About the Bible in Our Public Schools?

[Grace Assassin]

Texas thinks so.
Texas public schools required to teach Bible this year - KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |

The act in question:

H.B.�No.�1287
�
�
�
�
AN ACT
� relating to public school elective courses providing academic study
� of the Bible.
� �������BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
� �������SECTION�1.��Subchapter A, Chapter 28, Education Code, is
� amended by adding Section 28.011 to read as follows:
� �������Sec.�28.011.��ELECTIVE COURSES ON THE BIBLE'S HEBREW
� SCRIPTURES (OLD TESTAMENT) AND NEW TESTAMENT AND THEIR IMPACT ON
� THE HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION. �(a) �A school
� district may offer to students in grade nine or above:
� �������������(1)��an elective course on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old
� Testament) and its impact and an elective course on the New
� Testament and its impact; or
� �������������(2)��an elective course that combines the courses
� described by Subdivision (1).
� �������(b)��The purpose of a course under this section is to:
� �������������(1)��teach students knowledge of biblical content,
� characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to
� understanding contemporary society and culture, including
� literature, art, music, mores, oratory, and public policy; and
� �������������(2)��familiarize students with, as applicable:
� �������������������(A)��the contents of the Hebrew Scriptures or New
� Testament;
� �������������������(B)��the history of the Hebrew Scriptures or New
� Testament;
� �������������������(C)��the literary style and structure of the
� Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament; and
� �������������������(D)��the influence of the Hebrew Scriptures or New
� Testament on law, history, government, literature, art, music,
� customs, morals, values, and culture.
� �������(c)��A student may not be required to use a specific
� translation as the sole text of the Hebrew Scriptures or New
� Testament and may use as the basic textbook a different translation
� of the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament from that chosen by the
� board of trustees of the student's school district or the student's
� teacher.
� �������(d)��A course offered under this section shall follow
� applicable law and all federal and state guidelines in maintaining
� religious neutrality and accommodating the diverse religious
� views, traditions, and perspectives of students in their school
� district. A course under this section shall not endorse, favor, or
� promote, or disfavor or show hostility toward, any particular
� religion or nonreligious faith or religious perspective. Nothing in
� this statute is intended to violate any provision of the United
� States Constitution or federal law, the Texas Constitution or any
� state law, or any rules or guidelines provided by the United States
� Department of Education or the Texas Education Agency.
� �������(e)��Before adopting rules identifying the essential
� knowledge and skills of a course offered under this section, the
� State Board of Education shall submit the proposed essential
� knowledge and skills to the attorney general. The attorney general
� shall review the proposed essential knowledge and skills to ensure
� that the course complies with the First Amendment to the United
� States Constitution, and the board may not adopt rules identifying
� the essential knowledge and skills of a course offered under this
� section without the attorney general's approval under this
� subsection.
� �������(f)��A teacher of a course offered under this section must
� hold a minimum of a High School Composite Certification in language
� arts, social studies, or history with, where practical, a minor in
� religion or biblical studies. A teacher selected to teach a course
� under this section shall successfully complete staff development
� training outlined in Section 21.459. �A course under this section
� may only be taught by a teacher who has successfully completed
� training under Section 21.459.
� �������(g)��For the purpose of a student earning credit for high
� school graduation, a school district shall grant one-half academic
� elective credit for satisfactory completion of a course on the
� Hebrew Scriptures, one-half academic elective credit for
� satisfactory completion of a course on the New Testament, and
� one-half academic elective credit for satisfactory completion of a
� combined course on both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New
� Testament. �This subsection applies only to a course that is taught
� in strict compliance with this section.
� �������(h)��If, for a particular semester, fewer than 15 students at
� a school district campus register to enroll in a course required by
� this section, the district is not required to offer the course at
� that campus for that semester.
� �������(i)��This section does not prohibit the board of trustees of
� a school district from offering an elective course based on the
� books of a religion other than Christianity. In determining whether
� to offer such a course, the board may consider various factors,
� including student and parent demand for such a course and the impact
� such books have had on history and culture.
� �������(j)��This section does not prohibit a school district from
� offering a course, other than the course authorized by this
� section, in the academic study of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New
� Testament, or both for local credit or for state elective credit
� towards high school graduation.
� �������SECTION�2.��Subchapter J, Chapter 21, Education Code, is
� amended by adding Section 21.459 to read as follows:
� �������Sec.�21.459.��BIBLE COURSE TRAINING. �(a) �The commissioner
� shall develop and make available training materials and other
� teacher training resources for a school district to use in
� assisting teachers of elective Bible courses in developing:
� �������������(1)��expertise in the appropriate Bible course
� curriculum;
� �������������(2)��understanding of applicable supreme court rulings
� and current constitutional law regarding how Bible courses are to
� be taught in public schools objectively as a part of a secular
� program of education;
� �������������(3)��understanding of how to present the Bible in an
� objective, academic manner that neither promotes nor disparages
� religion, nor is taught from a particular sectarian point of view;
� �������������(4)��proficiency in instructional approaches that
� present course material in a manner that respects all faiths and
� religious traditions, while favoring none; and
� �������������(5)��expertise in how to avoid devotional content or
� proselytizing in the classroom.
� �������(b)��The commissioner shall develop materials and resources
� under this section in consultation with appropriate faculty members
� at institutions of higher education.
� �������(c)��The commissioner shall make the training materials and
� other teacher training resources required under Subsection (a)
� available to Bible course teachers through access to in-service
� training.
� �������(d)��The commissioner shall use funds appropriated for the
� purpose to administer this section.
� �������SECTION�3.��Section 28.002(a), Education Code, is amended to
� read as follows:
� �������(a)��Each school district that offers kindergarten through
� grade 12 shall offer, as a required curriculum:
� �������������(1)��a foundation curriculum that includes:
� �������������������(A)��English language arts;
� �������������������(B)��mathematics;
� �������������������(C)��science; and
� �������������������(D)��social studies, consisting of Texas, United
� States, and world history, government, and geography; and
� �������������(2)��an enrichment curriculum that includes:
� �������������������(A)��to the extent possible, languages other than
� English;
� �������������������(B)��health, with emphasis on the importance of
� proper nutrition and exercise;
� �������������������(C)��physical education;
� �������������������(D)��fine arts;
� �������������������(E)��economics, with emphasis on the free
� enterprise system and its benefits;
� �������������������(F)��career and technology education; [and]
� �������������������(G)��technology applications; and
� �������������������(H)��religious literature, including the Hebrew
� Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament, and its impact on
� history and literature.
� �������SECTION�4.��The provisions of this Act pertaining to a school
� district do not take effect until the 2009-2010 school year.
� �������SECTION�5.��This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
� a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
� provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.��If this
� Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
� Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

I'm not trying to make another Hate on Texas topic.
Just was alarmed reading this.

[Tenyasyugan]

I'm alarmed too. I used to go to school before in Texas and they had their own flag and pledge. I got in trouble once for refusing to say it because I thought it contradicted the U.S. pledge. Texas likes to consider itself it's own country every now and then which can sometimes lead to repercussions. If they do start teaching religions in school, they're going to end up with lawsuits from angry mothers.

[Lonbilly]

Eww. I don't wanna have to learn about the bible.
This is one of those times I dislike living in Texas.
I don't mix with religion.
Plus, the Bible just seems like it was editted by man and everything they didn't want in it isn't
And everything they want in it is, with also some false truths in it as well. :/

[PLR]

I'd refuse to take that course if it had to be taught at our public schools.
So, no, the bible shouldn't be taught in school. Learning about religions is cool and all but not having an entire course dedicated to JESUS LERNAN.

[Nozomi Ai]

Ive never heard of this and im in texas.

Although i am Christian i dnt think religion should be taught in public schools because not everyone is of that religion and its not fair to those with different views and opinion.

[Forever Atlas]

I really wonder a lot of times about these debates. It seems that, while many hold the Bible as a religious book, others view it as pure fiction and mythology.

Fiction and mythology is already taught in public schools all across the nation with no problem. So what's the problem when it comes to teaching the Bible?

The document above clearly says -

understanding of how to present the Bible in an
� objective, academic manner that neither promotes nor disparages
� religion, nor is taught from a particular sectarian point of view;
� �������������(4)��proficiency in instructional approaches that
� present course material in a manner that respects all faiths and
� religious traditions, while favoring none; and
� �������������(5)��expertise in how to avoid devotional content or
� proselytizing in the classroom.

So it's not that they are promoting a religion or preaching. It's a purely educational course.

In addition as far as I understand, this is an elective class. In other words, not mandatory. I've been to public schools that have Bible clubs and the likes. So I see no problem with them teaching it. Would I opt to taking the class? No.

[Zion]

Originally Posted by Forever Atlas

I really wonder a lot of times about these debates. It seems that, while many hold the Bible as a religious book, others view it as pure fiction and mythology.

Fiction and mythology is already taught in public schools all across the nation with no problem. So what's the problem when it comes to teaching the Bible?

The difference stands as one who see's the book as mythology, another would take offense. If it is of course an elective,
it shouldn't be taken so harshly. Bible teaching is okay even if not at the church. Schools are a place to learn and study. Why
not make it a bonus opportunity for those who would actually like to learn about the Bible within school.

[Aucune Raison]

If it's optional, and the class(es) cover all major religions, sure.

[stephaknee]

It's just an elective course, who cares. We read Some bible stories in English and analyzed them. I also took a greek mythology course. Some students are interested in studying religion, so an optionto do so is good.

[Forever Atlas]

Originally Posted by Zion

The difference stands as one who see's the book as mythology, another would take offense.

Well how it's being planned to be taught, neither side should be offended.

Those who view it as mythology shouldn't care if it's taught because they learn about mythology and fictional works with no problem. Protesting this one would be a bit hypocritical.

For those who do believe in the Bible as factual, this class wouldn't offend either because it's not trouncing religion. It's simply teaching what is within the pages of the book.

It's not a religious class, it's a literature class.

[Aucune Raison]

Originally Posted by Forever Atlas

Well how it's being planned to be taught, neither side should be offended.

Those who view it as mythology shouldn't care if it's taught because they learn about mythology and fictional works with no problem. Protesting this one would be a bit hypocritical.

For those who do believe in the Bible as factual, this class wouldn't offend either because it's not trouncing religion. It's simply teaching what is within the pages of the book.

It's not a religion class, it's a literature class.

It is a religion class, unless you meant religious.

[stephaknee]

Originally Posted by Aucune Raison

If it's optional, and the class(es) cover all major religions, sure.

I didn't see this until after I posted, but like i said earlier, I took a Greek mythology class. Should that not be offered if we don't learn about Norse and Roman and Asian mythology, too?

[Zion]

Originally Posted by Forever Atlas

Well how it's being planned to be taught, neither side should be offended.

Those who view it as mythology shouldn't care if it's taught because they learn about mythology and fictional works with no problem. Protesting this one would be a bit hypocritical.

For those who do believe in the Bible as factual, this class wouldn't offend either because it's not trouncing religion. It's simply teaching what is within the pages of the book.

It's not a religion class, it's a literature class.

i would agree with you if it weren't for the fact that it only teaches one religion
specifically, which is the Christian Religion via the Christian Bible. It may be a
literature class, but if it wanted to be more than a class trouncing religion, it would
be a class, or school that gives the opportunity to teach more than one religion.
You call it a literature class, I call it bible study, which in turn teaches a religion.

[Aucune Raison]

Originally Posted by Ecstasy

I didn't see this until after I posted, but like i said earlier, I took a Greek mythology class. Should that not be offered if we don't learn about Norse and Roman and Asian mythology, too?

None of those belief systems are still significantly practiced. But it would be nice to have more schools teaching those.

The point is, Christianity is being given special treatment in this situation. It doesn't matter whether or not it's taught as the word of God or mythology, it's still being taught over other religions.

[Forever Atlas]

Originally Posted by Aucune Raison

It is a religion class, unless you meant religious.

Yeah, I meant religious more so.