Georgia High School Students to Study Bible as Electiveby mcmama | More from this Blogger 28 Mar 2006 11:44 PM Vouchers are out and the Bible is in Georgia high school classrooms. The state legislature voted down plans for vouchers, and many lawmakers cited concerns about the effect of vouchers on the state's public schools. But this week, a plan to introduce a course in the history and literature of the Bible as an elective in high school was approved. The version of the Bible used will be determined by local school boards. The full year class will include Old Testament and New Testament. One senator expressed the thought that since Bible study is so much a part of many students' religious lives, and of the culture in many parts of the state, that it would be good for students to have an academic view of it available to them. I think this is a good point. Freedom of religion does not mean freedom from religion. By making the course academic, and an elective, it fits within the guidelines established for public schools on first amendment issues, and does not endorse the religion itself. There is some concern that teachers or students could take advantage of the situation to impose their views, but that can be monitored by the local board with the cooperation of students and parents. Having a course like this removes the invisible line that students tiptoe around - celebrating religion in their personal lives but avoiding any mention of it as an important experience in relation to school. Also, not all Christians have the same point of view, and students will be exposed to different interpretations of text through discussions with all students in the class, not just the ones they worship with. Add to the discussion the points of view of Jewish students, and those who use other holy books or who do not practice any religion, and you have a great opportunity to open young minds. Learn more about mcmama  I am a mother of two sons, and a former NYC substitute teacher. Relevanteducation tags User Comments  Nicole Humphrey (15757) 29 Mar 2006 12:10 PMThis is wonderful news! I agree with your comment "Freedom of Religion does not mean Freedom from Religion". I think it's wonderful that they are allowing it as an elective.  Heather Long (16954) 29 Mar 2006 12:42 PMActually, I find this to be a pretty reasonable addition to a curriculum based on the "By making the course academic, and an elective, it fits within the guidelines established for public schools on first amendment issues, and does not endorse the religion itself." My only concern would be the advantage some could take to use it as a pulpit. If handled correctly, I would love to see them add a basic religions elective to high schools. Educate students to the differences, the similiarites and to the cultural exchange to be found in the wide world of multi-cultural religions. Don't excluse Christianity, don't exclude anything. What better way to teach tolerance, forgiveness, compassion and understanding than to demonstrate the exercise of freedom through education. As long as they remain electives -- then I'm all for it.  Lisa Kennedy (4068) 29 Mar 2006 09:59 PMI think that this is great! When I was in high school, in my senior English class, we studied the Book of Luke as one of our texts. We studied Luke as a literary work and no belief system was enforced upon anyone. It can be done in a way that is strictly educational.  mcmama (51978) 29 Mar 2006 10:15 PMHeather, I think some people may try to use it as a pulpit, but that very likely will not work for very long. There would likely be too much disagreement with anyone who tried that. I think it is a great way for students to share their questions, perspectives, and learn together from each other. This can really open minds, not close them. One thing that my son has said being a non Catholic at a Catholic college is that many of his classmates who went through Catholic school or CCD and have never heard any other perspective have a lot of misconceptions about what other Christians believe or don't believe. This gives students a chance to learn and evaluate all the perspectives that are out there, within all types of Christianity and with non Christians as well. I also like the idea of a world religions elective. Maybe that will be next, once people wrap their brains around the idea that you can actually talk about God in a public school if you do it without coercion, pressure, or preaching - just discussion! Community Tags bible, religion, religion and public school Discuss this article
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