Members of the Texas Board of Education have approved broad guidelines for Bible courses in state high schools that align curriculum standards for the elective with those of high school English and history classes.
Honestly, it shouldnt just be a bible course - the cirriculum should cover (broadly) other religious texts too. We are in a time when it's Bible-based Christianity, Quran-based Islam, spirituality-based Buddists, Veda-based Hinduism... the list goes on. If we're spending billions on a war that involves Muslim extremists, shouldn't it be a priority in school to understand the basis of their beliefs? It is like a double dose having this course, and really unnecessary since religion should really be outside of the school. I think we should encourage our kids to learn and understand other religious texts too, not just Christianity because it is the most popular in the United States.
Shrdlu42
Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:17 am
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First of all, pburwell, evolution is not a religious doctrine but a scientific principle. Thus it can be taught in schools. The fact that atheists or Secular Humanists may believe in it does not make it religious anymore than the fact that religious people believe in democracy makes studying our Constitution a religious act. (Besides, plenty of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., accept evolution - does that make it part of their religion?)
Second, the issue is not ‘keeping the Christian world view’ out. Government is free to teach about religion, but it is not free to teach what people should believe. The problem with the proposed curriculum is that it was a thinly disguised attempt at proselytization, which is forbidden. (Which is why the curriculum Star2 references probably won’t be used. It’s proposed use was what started the lawsuit in the first place, and if an attempt is made to ‘sneak it back in’, the plaintiffs will simply go back to court.)
pburwell
Tue Apr 01, 2008 3:26 am
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Any curriculum is allowed in our nation's public schools, even the religious viewpoints of Secular Humanism (US Supreme Court determined Secularism is a religion in 1962 and 1968) are allowed (evolution among many others) but not the religious viewpoint of Christianity. I'm confused, I thought the government cannot determine our religious views!? And seeing you cannot keep any world view out then why are they preventing only one, Christianity?
Oh wait, I remember why. Christianity is the only world view Securalists take SERIOUSLY! :)
Patrick J. Burwell / OnlyJesusSaves.com
jesusfreakgal
Tue Apr 01, 2008 1:26 am
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I am not sure I would want bible classes taught for the reason of so many different religions there could be decrpencies...........but having our JESUS, LORDand SAVIOR brought back into the schools is really great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though I do not live in Texas I WISH ALL MY BEST to those who do.
mcfbc
Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:36 pm
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I have no desire for the public schools to teach the Bible to my child or any other child. I have no idea who the teacher is and what beliefs they have that might creep into the class. There is no way to teach a course on the Bible objectively. One of the things I look for when I chose a church was first, one that fit my theological beliefs,and two, that had a good Sunday school program for my child. I don't want my chilld receiving any other Bible instruction than from my wife and I and the church we go to.
star2
Mon Mar 31, 2008 12:40 pm
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I don't know what exactly will be taught in the Texas Public Schools but it is probably similar to this school Bible curriculum:
http://www.bibleinschools.net/The-Curriculum
Click on "Unit 9" to see the outline of what is taught about the Bible in a high school class.
The Bible is mainly looked at from an historical and literary point of view. Since it is an elective most students who take it are probably already a Christian and want to know more about the Word of God or a person who is interested in religion in general.
The curriculum helps develop the student's critical thinking skills.
TerryH
Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:52 am
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Praise God!!!
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Comments
Second, the issue is not ‘keeping the Christian world view’ out. Government is free to teach about religion, but it is not free to teach what people should believe. The problem with the proposed curriculum is that it was a thinly disguised attempt at proselytization, which is forbidden. (Which is why the curriculum Star2 references probably won’t be used. It’s proposed use was what started the lawsuit in the first place, and if an attempt is made to ‘sneak it back in’, the plaintiffs will simply go back to court.)
Oh wait, I remember why. Christianity is the only world view Securalists take SERIOUSLY! :)
Patrick J. Burwell / OnlyJesusSaves.com
http://www.bibleinschools.net/The-Curriculum
Click on "Unit 9" to see the outline of what is taught about the Bible in a high school class.
The Bible is mainly looked at from an historical and literary point of view. Since it is an elective most students who take it are probably already a Christian and want to know more about the Word of God or a person who is interested in religion in general.
The curriculum helps develop the student's critical thinking skills.