After reading a recent Time magazine article on the topic, I was curious to know what others thought about this controversial issue. 'Should United States public schools teach the Bible as a part of their curriculum?'
Growing up in the U.S. citizens are constantly referred to the phrase 'separation of church and state'. This article challenges conventional thinking by rationalizing the need for teaching the Bible as a work of literature due to it's significance in Western (and United States) culture.
Steven Prothero is quoted, "I think the academic study of religion provides a kind of middle space between those two ways of talking. It takes the biblical truth claims seriously and yet brackets them for purpose of classroom discussion....It works in a way that feels safe to both the believer and the unbeliever in the room." The article differentiates between teaching the Bible and preaching the Bible, and there definitely is a difference. However, in my opinion, the distinction is not black and white it is largely gray. The article's author writes, "Concerns about whether a Bible Belt Christian teacher could in good conscience teach a religiously neutral Bible course also plagued me." That is the concern that I have with regards to this issue...and frankly, I couldn't blame that type of teacher. Anyway, let me know what you think.
Thanks.
Pete
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I think that knowledge of the Bible is a wonderful way of instilling moral and character in students. However, it creates a shaded region in the thinking process. Teachers are like preachers. When teaching the bible they could only explain it the way that it is laid on their hearts or how they perceive it. As adults it is easy to hear someone interpret a scripture and know that you are going to believe it as you understand it. Depending on the level, children are unable to walk away knowing that they have to form their on opinion of what was taught. Children are very impressionable. They tend to believe without out researching and inquiring to see if others have the same perception. With this in mind, I believe that the scriptures in the bible should be taught at home. This ensures that children are on one accord with their parents. Some religions interpret the bible in different ways. If parents and teachers are on different playing fields as it relates to the bible, this would generate confusion for the child. The parents’ understanding of the scripture would be that of the teachings of their parents. This would be best until the children grow to formulate that own perceptions of the bible and what lies within it.
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