Comments on: The Trouble of Teaching Biblical Content

By: Elissa C

Elissa C — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Having done quite a bit of research on this very subject recently, I can say that while the guidelines go a long way toward establishing what is acceptable and what is not, I would agree that it’s not specific enough. What must be included are examples of what would be permissible and what would not be. (The one I’ve used most often is: “Jesus Christ died for your sins” versus “Christians believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins.” One is proselytizing, the other is simply statement of fact.)The problem here stems not just from what guidelines have been established, but in actual implementation. While teaching about religion is Constitutional (see Abington Township vs Schempp), what generally happens is a lack of oversight and concern on the state and schoolboard level, particularly when there is definitely more of an agenda and less of a concern for the students’ welfare and education. (Really, more of these educators and community leaders need to keep abreast of the news and literature surrounding the teaching of religion before seriously sitting down to decide and develop any plans for implementation. The lawsuits stemming from the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools’s offered curriculum alone should have been warning enough to step carefully. Even if not, there is such a wealth of material out there that there is no excuse for them not to do some research first.)I personally would much prefer to have all religions taught; horizons are significantly broadened this way, and lend quite a depth to education. Unfortunately, it would appear that before that step can be taken, classes on the Bible will be taught first. It only makes sense, then, that they be offered in the way they’re supposed to be: without prejudice, either for or against.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:27:00 +0000

I think all beliefs should be treated the same and persons should be given equal time to worship or not worship as they please even in schools. a person has a right to believe as they please and should not be told they cant worship whether it be christian or Pagan.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:52:00 +0000

I personally think kids should be taught Christianity 24/7 – it’s the best way to make ‘em atheists (especially “penal substitution” theology)

By: Jason Pitzl-Waters

Jason Pitzl-Waters — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:11:00 +0000

The Perma-link for this page is:http://www.patheos.com/2008/07/trouble-of-teaching-biblical-content.htmlIn the future, all perma-links for my posts can be found at the bottom of the post where the time of posting is. So for this post, if you clicked on “9:22 AM”, it would take you to the specific page link. Cheers,- Jason

By: Morning Angel

Morning Angel — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Once again, you’ve posted a great editorial, but I can’t provide a specific link to it on my blogsite. If there is a way to reference individual articles, I’d like to know how.Thanks for your great insights and lucid style.-Morning Angel