Should the Bible Be Studied in School?
A Harris poll in April found that the Bible was the favorite book of all American adults no matter what gender, ethnic group, geographical area or education level. So, should the Bible be studied in school?
Both houses of the Tennessee legislature have said YES to that question. A bill allowing the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the study of the Bible passed the House of Representatives in Tennessee 93 to 3. A similar bill passed the Senate last week.
There are some differences between the bills so a joint committee will have to work them out before the final version is sent to the governor for signing.
The bill allows school districts to develop a nonsectarian, nonreligious course that focuses on the Bible’s influence on literature, art, music, culture and politics.
The bill states that the course has to be taught in a non-devotional manner with no attempt to persuade students about the truth or falsity of the content. No religious interpretation of the Bible will be allowed, and no set of religious beliefs will be either encouraged or spoken against.
The bill also states that only certified teachers will be allowed to teach the course and that a person’s religious affiliation will not be used to determine who teaches the course.
Finally, the bill requires districts to teach the course with an approved textbook.
Source: Education Week
BLOG QUESTION
Do you think the Bible should be studied in public schools?
Both houses of the Tennessee legislature have said YES to that question. A bill allowing the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the study of the Bible passed the House of Representatives in Tennessee 93 to 3. A similar bill passed the Senate last week.
There are some differences between the bills so a joint committee will have to work them out before the final version is sent to the governor for signing.
The bill allows school districts to develop a nonsectarian, nonreligious course that focuses on the Bible’s influence on literature, art, music, culture and politics.
The bill states that the course has to be taught in a non-devotional manner with no attempt to persuade students about the truth or falsity of the content. No religious interpretation of the Bible will be allowed, and no set of religious beliefs will be either encouraged or spoken against.
The bill also states that only certified teachers will be allowed to teach the course and that a person’s religious affiliation will not be used to determine who teaches the course.
Finally, the bill requires districts to teach the course with an approved textbook.
Source: Education Week
BLOG QUESTION
Do you think the Bible should be studied in public schools?
2 Comments:
As a teacher I think that the Bible should be studied in school under the heading of literature. I also think that the Vedas, Koran and other holy texts should be accessed by our students. In so many areas of culture, such as, poetry, novels, movies, paintings and music there are references to the stories of the Bible. Our students are culturally deprived to not have any knowledge of these historic and rich stories. In most independent schools the Bible is taught as literature. It is imperative that teachers do not impose their own religious views on students. Many teachers are capable of teaching without preaching. Just because it is agreed that Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is taught,does not mean that teachers advocate intense adolescent relationships that end in suicide.
I think that the Bible shouldn't be taught in public schools. Even though the article says it will be for a nonreligious teaching, I still don't like it. Just the word Bible sparks different ideas, and those ideas can SOMETIMES be hurtful to others. If the Bible can be taught, then the Torah and Veda (Hindu) should be taught as well. The article says it will allow for an influence on literature, music, politics, art and culture. Can't other things be used to teach students these values or concepts? So, my answer is no, the Bible should NOT be used to teach students, regardless of what is being taught from it.
Post a Comment