[CatoRenasci]

Perhaps so. Regardless of how one views the Bible, it seems to me that anyone trying to understand the history of western civilization, western art or english literature absolutely has to be more than passingly familiar with much of the Bible. Regardless of the translations used in church/hebrew school, students need to read the Authorized Version (King James) in the same way that they read Shakespeare, with annotation to explain the words whose meanings have changed and inscrutable obsolete spellings.

[Zeroisanumber]

Even as an Atheist strongly against mixing church and state, I would support the idea of reading the Bible and studying Christianity's important contributions to Western culture. However, no one can manage to just do that, there's always some busybody culture warrior (either from the left or the right) that perverts the original intent of the class to their own ends. Add that to the arguments that would break out between kids from different religions (not to mention different Christian denominations) and meddling by the parents.

*ugh* Better just to kick it further up the line and make it a college elective and spend more time on the three "R's".

[mlc9852]

And sometimes they even ask Bible questions on Jeopardy!

[newcats]

students need to read the Authorized Version

Authorized by who?

[Mr. Blonde]

If you don't know much of the bible you miss many references in any western art. I wonder if the ACLU will sue on general principles? I doubt there are too many in Odessa who would go to court over this. Especially since it is an elective and no one is forced to take it.