Bible classes? As long as I'm paying for it - I'm game.
Personally, I want to get rid of all public schools. I don't want any bible classes taught by non-christians. And a Christian education is more than a daily prayer and a bible class.
Here's another ap story:
"ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) - The Rock Hill School Board will consider using a textbook on the Bible in district schools.
Board member Jason Silverman plans to research the textbook, "The Bible and Its Influence," and prepare a report for the board next month. The Winthrop University history professor said he was intrigued by the textbook because of the Bible's legal controversy.
"Students today have grown up in a world in which the Bible is controversial and prayer is outlawed," he said Monday. "They've seen the Bible used both pro and con on whatever issue. Religion and the Bible have become so politicized they shy away from it."
Silverman said "anyone who is an educator knows knowledge of the Bible is important." He cited allusions to Bible stories and excerpts that pervade our culture and literature.
As a parent, he said, "I would like my child exposed to it in an approach that is broad and fair to everybody."
The textbook, released last week, is said to take an academic approach to Bible study without bias to any particular religion. It presents narratives, themes and characters of Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, covering their influence on art, literature, music and culture.
It was created to fulfill the standards set by the Bible Literacy Project, a three-year study that concluded few teens are "Bible literate."
"I remember walking hallways in Ebinport Elementary to Bible class each week," said board chairman Bob Norwood. "It's hard to believe with the culture in our public schools today that ever happened."
He and two other board members supported Silverman's quest to study the textbook and pursue public comment.
The text has been reviewed by educators and scholars from Roman Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Eastern Orthodox and Jewish traditions.
On the Net: The Bible Literacy Project: http://www.bibleliteracyproject.org"
Interesting article.
I'll bet it don't have a discussion about the quote from John 14:6 in it.
First, I'm one of the strongest (or pig headed depending on your position) separation proponents you'll find on this forum. That said, the bible and more importantly the history surrounding it has incredible historical significance to western civilization. As long as it is taught in that context and in an objective way, it would be a valuable addition to the curriculum.
Actually I think the SCOTUS nailed it with "the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities'' if ``presented objectively as part of a secular program of education."
I have not seen this book in person obviously so I can't sign off on this specific example, I'm just speaking generalities.
"This textbook contains material on God. God is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of the Universe. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered."
Wonder who "owns" God in this textbook, that always does seem to start the feuds, who gets the "authority"?