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Should bible classes be offered in local schools?
Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott recently asked Attorney General Gregg Abbout for an opinion about whether public high schools must offer a Bible course if requested by at least 15 students. Lawmakers passed the bill adopting the measure provided the class would focus on the history and literature of the bible and not proselytize any faith. {Associated Press}
I can hear the naysayers already: “Look at them radical conservative Christians wanting to turn our public schools into an extension of their Sunday school classes!” But all one has to do is look at all the possibilities of how a bible course approved by the measure might benefit the students. We’re talking about the #1 most selling book ever written folks! It could easily be taught from a historical or social-political perspective, or it could be taught by looking how Judeo-Christian values have influenced our government, its policies as well as our politics. What better way to analyze and make the connections to one of the greatest books ever written than from a literary viewpoint?
To all the naysayers who say it will never work, just consider that schools in South Carolina have been teaching these courses for years. And Texas is not the only state to approve such a course. Lawmakers in Alabama, Missouri and Tennessee are all considering similar plans. Deuteronomy 6:7 states that the bible is to be taught every where- could that not include our schools? And no one is expecting teachers to be theologians to teach this class, only that they know it literary value.
So, what do my fellow bloggers think? Is it a bad idea or a good idea? Can it work if we all gave it a chance?
Comments
By :)
March 23, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
We already teach the old and new testament in State funded college’s already so legally, I don’t think there is anything that can be done to prevent it. As long as its studied from historical perspective or a a piece of literature. This should be left up to each school district and maybe ask parents if they would mind it. I think its a great idea and teaching the bible neutrally is a good way to let people decide if they believe what it say’s is true or not.
By Fred
March 24, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
Nothing wrong with teaching the Bible in public schools. Only teach the other four major religions in school as well (Islam, Hundu, Buddha, and the Torah). Other paths lead to God as well.
By LFV
March 24, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
I believe that the Bible should get equal time.As for the other religions, only Christ died and resurrected for us. Since some parents don’t want to be responsible for their actions, maybe teaching the kids could bring some change to this world. Why are non-belivers and sceptics so afraid of this book.
By John
March 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I say go for it!
You know the sad part is one non-believing parent will challenge it and all the believers will tuck tail and run for the hills. Believers must either you stand for it with all their convictions or step aside… because they are not helping the cause. People will say, “this is just going back to the old days and God being in the middle of school!” Well, if that is what it takes to change our youth… do it. This new way isn’t working! Our world is corrupt. The criminals are younger and younger. Teach the Bible from a literary stand point… that’s fine, but the Word of God will not return void.
By :)
March 24, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
The court has already ruled that teaching the bible from a literary or historical perspective is not unconstitutional (I will find the case in my books). At first it was ok, then it wasn’t allowed, then it started to make headway again, and now it can be studied with certain guidelines. They can challenge it all they want, it can be done.
Fred: I like you man, really, you always keep us hopping here but, as for paths to God, there is only one way. Chistianity cannot co-exist with other religions like hinduism and buddhism can. One man, one faith, and only one path. Sorry if you don’t like that Fred but you know what… If I am wrong when I die well… I just go into the dirt and rot. But if your wrong when you die, you will be seperated from God all eternity. Hmmm… I’d rather gamble on it then not and not take a chance with the latter. Think about it.
:)
By GJ
March 24, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Based on a couple of these responses, it seems as though some Christains want a Bible class as a way of bringing a little religion in with their history. Surely Christians would not be so deceptive in their motives.
And “:)” - what if you are wrong and the Great Unknowable Being wants folks who think for themselves and reject Bronze Age superstition. You could be seperated from “God” for eternity. Think about it.
By :)
March 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Its not superstition… and I agree about some of the scare tactics that Christians attempt to use to convince us of our beliefs. You would be suprised about how I would critisize my own. But, if I am wrong, then I just die and go no where… if I am right then I go to heaven because I believed in Christ. I do think for myself, and some some that even share my beliefs do not agree with me because I am more of a new testament Christian and I don’t agree with what it has become.
By KDF
March 24, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Yes, Bible classes should be.
By Fred
March 25, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Dear :)
I like you’re reasoning. Kind of like….Fire Insurance for the afterlife. Not too bad of an idea. Accepting Christ to avoid the possibility of Dante’s Infernal Hell sounds OK to me. It’s a win-win situation; one accepts Christ as Lord and Savior and one does not burn and suffer in the pit of Hell. Sold. You’ve talked me into it. No need to gamble with one’s eternal soul suffering judgemental punishment. Thanks :)
By KDF
March 25, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
And the Angels sing…………..!!
By :)
March 25, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Fred: You laid on the sarcasm pretty thick didn’t you, LOL! Well, it does makes since..I do serve God because I love to do so, but also, your right, you can at least start with that. Your a funny guy.
:)
By Jeff
March 27, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Hopefully this post isn’t dead yet. Fred, other paths lead to other gods or nothing. Allah has no relationship with people and never mentions “love” in his book once, while Jesus has a very personal relationship and His book mentions love many times (apologies for not knowing the exact amount). Enlightenment (Buddism) means that you cease to exist, accepting Christ means you gain eternal life. Hinduism teaches that you are reincarnate in the form of a creature as a form of punishment or reward, the Bible teaches that everyone dies once, then is judged for eternal life, or eternal damnation. The torah is the first 5 books of the Bible, so I really don’t know how that is against Christianity. Either God has a major identity crisis and isn’t really supreme, or these religions do not lead to the same being.