TBD on Ning
Texas has made teaching the bible mandatory (Texas, when are you going to cecede?)
Does the Bible belong in a public classroom?
Starting this year, Public high schools in Texas will be required to teach students about the Bible.
Even though the courses are elective, not mandatory, and are supposed to focus on how Christianity has influenced American history and society, some parents are furious.
"I don't want anybody teaching their religious beliefs to my child unless they want to send their child to my house and let me teach them my religious views," one parent told Texas news station KLTV. "There is no difference."
But does one have to be -- or become -- a believer in order to study the Bible?
USA Today columnist William R. Mattox says no. "You can't effectively explore American history without teaching about the Rev. King," he points out, "and... you can't teach about the civil rights leader without helping students understand the meaning and power of his frequent references to 'the Promised Land' and other scriptural metaphors, verses and concepts."
Texas House Bill 1287, which passed in September 2007 but was not enforced because of problems with training and funding, stipulates that the Bible must be taught in an objective way and "would neither promote nor disparage any religion." The goal, according to bill, is to "teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture," as well as familiarize students with the contents, history, literary style, and structure of the Old and New Testaments.
The problem, I'd argue, is when instruction steps over the line into indoctrination. While the bill sets up some stark parameters to prevent that from happening, the curriculum will be left up to individual teachers, and a precedent has already been set: A review of Bible courses currently taught in 25 Texas school districts found that most of the courses were "explicitly devotional" and taught by people with no academic training in biblical or religious studies and who were not familiar with the issues of separation of church and state.
"Some classes promote creation science. Some classes denigrate Judaism. Some classes explicitly encourage students to convert to Christianity or to adopt Christian devotional practices," Mark Chancey, associate professor in religious studies at Southern Methodist University, told The Associated Press. "This is all well documented, and the board knows it."
I think it's fair to say that American history, politics, and even pop culture has been informed by Christianity and the Bible. But in today's multi-cultural, global society, where's the push to teach students about other religions? As a commenter at Reddit.com wrote: "I look forward to Texas schools offering classes on the Talmud, Q'uran, Tao Te Ching, LaVey's Satanic Bible, Dianetics, Eastern Orthodox Bible, Wicca, and Atheist/Agnostic texts as well. Wait, they're not doing that? Hmm."
That might be pushing it a bit, but still: Isn't it equally important that high school students in Texas have an understanding of how other religions have shaped the rest of the world?
Starting this year, Public high schools in Texas will be required to teach students about the Bible.
Even though the courses are elective, not mandatory, and are supposed to focus on how Christianity has influenced American history and society, some parents are furious.
"I don't want anybody teaching their religious beliefs to my child unless they want to send their child to my house and let me teach them my religious views," one parent told Texas news station KLTV. "There is no difference."
But does one have to be -- or become -- a believer in order to study the Bible?
USA Today columnist William R. Mattox says no. "You can't effectively explore American history without teaching about the Rev. King," he points out, "and... you can't teach about the civil rights leader without helping students understand the meaning and power of his frequent references to 'the Promised Land' and other scriptural metaphors, verses and concepts."
Texas House Bill 1287, which passed in September 2007 but was not enforced because of problems with training and funding, stipulates that the Bible must be taught in an objective way and "would neither promote nor disparage any religion." The goal, according to bill, is to "teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture," as well as familiarize students with the contents, history, literary style, and structure of the Old and New Testaments.
The problem, I'd argue, is when instruction steps over the line into indoctrination. While the bill sets up some stark parameters to prevent that from happening, the curriculum will be left up to individual teachers, and a precedent has already been set: A review of Bible courses currently taught in 25 Texas school districts found that most of the courses were "explicitly devotional" and taught by people with no academic training in biblical or religious studies and who were not familiar with the issues of separation of church and state.
"Some classes promote creation science. Some classes denigrate Judaism. Some classes explicitly encourage students to convert to Christianity or to adopt Christian devotional practices," Mark Chancey, associate professor in religious studies at Southern Methodist University, told The Associated Press. "This is all well documented, and the board knows it."
I think it's fair to say that American history, politics, and even pop culture has been informed by Christianity and the Bible. But in today's multi-cultural, global society, where's the push to teach students about other religions? As a commenter at Reddit.com wrote: "I look forward to Texas schools offering classes on the Talmud, Q'uran, Tao Te Ching, LaVey's Satanic Bible, Dianetics, Eastern Orthodox Bible, Wicca, and Atheist/Agnostic texts as well. Wait, they're not doing that? Hmm."
That might be pushing it a bit, but still: Isn't it equally important that high school students in Texas have an understanding of how other religions have shaped the rest of the world?
Views: 18
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sarge! on
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No doubt there will be those who will ding me for this. The main reason Texans will have the Bible taught in their schools is they believe in the Bible and wish to include it as part of the curriculum.
I live near DC and have had many opportunities to visit our national institutions in that city. Engraved on many of the buildings are references to God either by inclusion of his name of the quoting of scripture. Regardless of whether a select few wish to excise God and the Bible from our nation and it's history America was founded on the Godly principles contained in the Bible. No where in DC or in the historical record do I see where any other religion has had the profound effect in our government, our laws, and in our judicial system than the Christian religion and the Bible.
It is interesting to see the virulent hatred that many have for Christianity and the Bible all the while embracing other religions. -
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Permalink Reply by Grace Linda on
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this is the very excuse that will be used as to why we don't need to expose our children to other thought. I am sorry Sarge, but Christianity has ridden on the back of other Religions, many if not all the stories we learned a children have roots dating back further than Judaism. So, for instance, there is quite a lot of Egyptian religious symbolism mixed into the Christian in D.C. as well, but is that exposed or taught nope.
We are no longer the country dominated by a single religion, despite the Christian numbers, many are not practicing. Also, somehow other religions don't go out trying to convert others.
For this first time in my life, I turn people away when they came to my door trying to spread the word. I simply said, "I am Buddhist", they were so shocked, that was all it took. i have decided I won't listen anymore, I won't humor anymore. I won't be rude, but I don't feel that I need to play into the narrowmindedness i feel come with Christianity -
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Permalink Reply by Judi on
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Did you know that the God of Abraham has been around since, well, eternity past, and will be around until eternity future? Christianity is an extension of Judaism and has not ridden on the back of a turtle or any other religion. It quite stands alone in every possible way.
I have no idea how the Bible will be taught here in Texas, but I do agree with Sarge in that the Bible was the first book used in American schools, and it seems that it ought to at least get a historical hearing by the students. I don't think theology will be taught, if that is what is making everyone fearful, and if the Bible is to be taught, I have no qualms about other religions receiving attention. It just depends on what the objectives of the course are to be.
I also wonder if this has anything to do with Chuck Norris and his wife helping to push the Bible being taught in schools. I just now thought of that, especially since I've seen a recent commercial with the two of them re: how to get the Bible into the school curriculum.
BTW, I've never seen a "shocked" Christian when someone else tells them they happen to have a different religion. Your being a Buddhist was probably more excitement than they were likely to have seen in their "visitations". Yes, Christianity is a narrow belief system that is for anyone who wishes to join. To say it, or any other monotheistic religion, was inclusive of anything anyone wanted to believe about God, despite its lack of veracity, would be heresy, to say the least. Anyway, as long as they treat the Bible as a historical book in public schools, as opposed to teaching theology, has my vote. -
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Permalink Reply by Madhatterat60 on
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No doubt there will be those who will ding me for this. The main reason Texans will have the Bible taught in their schools is they believe in the Bible and wish to include it as part of the curriculum.
No they don't. They believe in THEIR version of christianity...and are quite willing to cut the throat of anyone who crosses them.
It is interesting to see the virulent hatred that many have for Christianity and the Bible all the while embracing other religions.
It is MORE interesting to me to see the virulent hatred MOST "christians" have for other Christians...and to watch them parse the Bible, gleaning only those things that justify their bile. -
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"Most" Christians (only one main 'version') do not have any hatred toward other religions, virulent or not. Yes, many that don't know the Bible or the God they purport to love, will "parse", but that is no fault of God's or the Bible. Even atheists will misquote and misrepresent the Book. What is interesting to see is where non-Christians get their bad information, maybe from sites like this one, and the inordinate amount of time they waste on dissing something they don't even believe exists. Amazing.
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You just have to watch where you step, Marj. I was in Galvaston before the hurricane and discovered many great things IN Texas...other THAN Texans. 1) We don't know chit about cooking shrimp in the North West. 2) Saucy beaches exist in the same general neighborhood as Thumper Central. 3) Most people go to church in Texas to be seen...and your social standing can depend a great deal on which MegaChurch you attend. 4) Being a "pastor" in Texas pays VERY VERY well.
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Permalink Reply by P.A. on
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Hutchinson is not as crazy as Perry and by Texas standards she could even be called a moderate but she is a pretty hard right winger. She at least has some sense though.
I think we Tennesseans should take back the independence we won for Texas they have not turn out well. -
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If I get wind of any of you entering our borders, I'll send out the border patrol and Texas Rangers, okay? Will you go for that? Funny how such venom can come from so much ignorance. If anything, paganism influenced people to turn toward Christianity, so yes, it probably should be given a mention.
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but Ton Delay is going to be on Dancing With the Stars. How could anybody in any possibly way think of him as a star. Why is he not in jail?
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I guess he is not Baptist cause as wee all know, dancing would be a sin for him.
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