Depends on how it's being carried out.
Is this a Bible study program where it's being taught in school as religious "truth", or is it part of a social studies course where students have the choice to study the Bible from an academic, historic, and cultural standpoint?
Is the Bible/Christianity the only religious text/religion being allowed to have such a program, or are other faiths allowed to be explored?
Or is this one of those extracurricular clubs that students can do through the school and if so, again, are other faiths and nonreligious clubs allowed to form?
I really don't care if Bible study programs are formed as extracurricular programs in public schools, so long as it follows the usual guidelines for church and state. As in, if the Bible is given a club, then they'd better be letting clubs for other faiths be formed. And if there's religious clubs, there'd better be nonreligious/secular clubs as well.
If one religion isn't being favored over all others and religion isn't being favored over nonbelief, it's legal, fair, and not a problem.
Likewise for religious courses being taught in school. If they're taught as part of social studies as a matter of what certain people believe and where they're practiced and the cultural impacts, that's fine. But if it's being taught as religious "truth" and favoritism is being played(in the same vein as extracurriculars), then no, it's not ok because not everyone is the same faith.
Long as it's within proper church-state guidelines, it's fine. It's only when it isn't that I take issue with it.
443 public schools in 37 states have adopted a Bible study program Atheists %26amp; others care to comment?
As long as
1- It is not mandatory.
2- It is not being taught as science
3- Other religions have similar programs (Including Pastafarianism)
I don't care, BUT since I am almost 100% certain these 3 conditions are not met, I am concerned.
Reply:If that is true and if the program is an elective, I have no particular problem with that.
Reply:It's nice that they're willing to study it along with the mythology of other religions too.
Reply:if its optional i don't see the fuss...unless you're an anti-religious zealot who can't tolerate other peoples views...
Reply:That just shows that there are too many fundies on school boards.
Reply:Obviously this is tard-happy country bumpkins getting together to, yet again, make this world an even worse place to live in.
I have had the displeasure of having to teach a girl from one of those schools, and I have to say, the class on the bible seems to be the only thing she payed attention to, because she really didn't know much about anything else. She told me that she learned that Dinosaurs are really just a conspiracy against Christ. I wanted to ******* slap her.
Reply:Yup. Looks like my beloved America is going to hell in a handbasket.
Bottom line: Teach science in science classes, teach religion in religion classes. The "God" question is OUTSIDE of science and thus religion and science are SEPARATE and INCOMPATIBLE.
Reply:WONDERFUL ^0^
Reply:What good can come out of teaching students about something that as a whole, has no relevance in life? as close as scientist can tell, the Bible was nothing more than a history book written by people who were known for stretching the truth to make their people look better. There has never been a shred of evidence produced that suggest anything " super natural" ever happened. religion is a faith, you either believe or you don't believe. people who follow religions are no better or worse than those who don't . They commit the same crimes, drive the same cars, have the same jobs etc.. Forcing someone to study the bible when they don't wish to creates more bad than good.
Reply:How ludicrous, are they gonna force all kids to read that crap, when they are supposed to be studying, why don't they teach about all religions, at least that is educational.
Reply:Those public schools should have their funding cut.
Reply:If it's not another thinly veiled attempt to push Christianity, it's fine. But they're going to have to be constantly on guard against anti-American teachers who believe that it's their role to promote Christianity to the kids.
Reply:It is vital to understanding western literature!
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What Leading English Professors Said When Asked: What do you think about the following statement? “Regardless of a person’s faith, an educated person needs to know about the Bible.”
“Absolutely. [Without the Bible] it’s like using a dictionary with one-third of the words removed.” Dr. George P. Landow, Brown University
“True. You’re simply ignorant of yourself if you don’t know the Bible.” Dr. Ina Lipkowitz, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“Definitely. Agree.” Dr. Robert Kiely, Harvard University
“Not to have that is almost crippling in students’ ability to be sophisticated readers.” Dr. Ulrich Knoefplmacher, Princeton University
“Oh, absolutely. Absolutely.” Dr. Thomas P. Roche, Princeton University
“Incontestable statement.” Dr. Ralph Williams, University of Michigan
“Absolutely necessary. [Bible allusions are] more concentrated and more specific and profound and revisited over and over again; more necessary than classics.” Dr. Stuart K. Culver, University of Utah
“Yes. A no-brainer.” Dr. Gordon M. Braden, University of Virginia
“Every educated person deserves to know the Bible.” Dr. Leland Ryken, Wheaton College, IL
Reply:In theology courses, along with other religious books, I hope.
Reply:Do you have a link to more information?
Reply:It's like an insight into the delusions of the masses.....a valuable journey into the psychology of human beings. A noble mission if ever I heard one.
Reply:I think it is good as long as it remains elective. The non-christian community would have lawsuits all over the place if it weren't.
Reply:Come one, come all... they should make it equal-opportunity... all religions should be able to offer that sort of study program for their individual books of scripture.
Reply:The government is desperate to justify the war in Iraq and elsewhere and so is wooing the supportive Evangelicals with this ploy.
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