Let the debate begin.

by SamCogar Thu Apr 23, 2009 5:56 am

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- The Wood County Board of Education has voted unanimously to allow an elective course at all three county high schools teaching the Bible as literature and history.

School board members say they're aware of fears about government mixing with religion, but stress the class is an optional academic course.

Board member Tad Wilson says it's a chance for students to get exposure to a broader range of literature.

Resident Karen Campbell, though, says the course is a mistake. Campbell says the Bible shouldn't be part of a school's curriculum.

According to the course description, students will study the origins and translations of the Bible, and how the book has influenced culture and literature.

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200904220244

by Keli Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:13 am

Sam,
I am actually undecided on this issue. The Bible is literature; however, for many it is more than just literature. Is the course elective? Would students be allowed to carry and study the text at school? What curriculum would be used? Who would teach this class? Would other religious texts be offered as "literature?" Including texts about Winter Soslticysticism?

by Aaron Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:44 am

I actually think it's a good idea and would fly except somewhere, a fundamentalist will catch hold of this and attempt to use it to prostylize.

I would also like to see multiple versions of the 'bible' taught, as well as other religious text. I also think books not included in the bible like the gospel of Thomas and Judas should be considered as well.

by SamCogar Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:47 am

TH, all good questions ..... which I don't know the answers.

But the one that worries me the most is ...... "Who would teach this class?"

Just getting the SB to approve of hiring someone would be a major problem. There is a big difference in a certified/degreed preacher/minister and a degreed Biblical historian. And I seriously doubt there are any currently employeed Teachers that are even remotely qualified to teach said.

And you know as well as I do that if someone actually attempts teaching "the origins and translations of the Bible" that all hell is likely to break loose.

.

by SamCogar Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:52 am

Just read Aarons above post and

I also think books not included in the bible like the gospel of Thomas and Judas should be considered as well.

"that dog won't hunt".

Very few people actually know those gospels exist.

.

by Keli Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:08 am

SamCogar wrote:Just read Aarons above post and

I also think books not included in the bible like the gospel of Thomas and Judas should be considered as well.

"that dog won't hunt".

Very few people actually know those gospels exist.

.

The Pseudepigrapha, Apocrypha, The Book of Mormon, The New World Translation (Jehovah's Witnesses), Dyanetics (L. Ron Hubbard's Scientology), etc. should be taught separately as literature--since none of them are in the canon of Scripture.

by **Stephanie** Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:38 am

Wouldn't it be better to have a course on religious literature including not just Christian lit but Buddhist and Muslim etc?

I saw on the news about a week ago how some high school (I think in Ohio) was offering college level classes taught by college profs. Some classes had "co-teachers". I think if they want to get into this perhaps a college professor would be a more qualified choice.

by **ohio county** Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:30 am

I would have to take umbrage with using the material to proselytize for atheism, too. I say let the kids make up their own minds.

by wvsasha Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:12 pm

But the public education system - preK-12th grade in most states and it is here in WV - is mandatory. When it is required by the government to attend something then it is especially incumbent upon that government to follow its own rules - i.e. separation of church and state.

WHO gets to make the decision about WHO is or is not qualified to teach this class? WHO gets to make the decision(s) about which books are or are not included for study?

These are decisions that take away from resources that are already strapped and wastes time by those individuals who should be focusing on helping strengthen our math/science programs so we can maintain and increase our standing in the world. It will take away an elective slot that could be better used by offering more math or science related electives or more fine arts electives - depending on what is needed.

It is a complete waste of time to be taught in the public school system. Let the parents/churches teach Bible history/literature/whatever -- if the students chooses to learn more then let them do so on their own nickel after mandatory education is over.

When there aren't enough teachers to offer AP and honors courses and counselors are having to teach courses in order to provide enough electives because of teacher cuts - this is a waste of time and resources. I hope the principals choose to not offer the class. Nothing in the news stories reflect that it will be a mandatory offering.

by **Stephanie** Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:30 pm

Sasha,

Good to see you!

You do bring up valid points regarding funding, space and time in the schedule for AP courses etc.

However, "world religion" type classes are core classes for most liberal arts colleges and universities. I could see it as an AP class, if that is currently being done or in the works.

by **SheikBen** Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:42 pm

Keli wrote:Sam,
I am actually undecided on this issue. The Bible is literature; however, for many it is more than just literature. Is the course elective? Would students be allowed to carry and study the text at school? What curriculum would be used? Who would teach this class? Would other religious texts be offered as "literature?" Including texts about Winter Soslticysticism?

I'm leaning against it, although Illinois is 'safe' from anything remotely pro-Bible really happening here.

I would love for kids and adults to be reading the Bible and listening to its great and practical wisdom for this world and the next.

I don't trust public school teachers for one second with the Holy Scriptures. Satan quoted the Bible when tempting Jesus. It can be misused. As the old chestnut goes "Judas went and hanged himself" and "go thou and do likewise" are both in the Scriptures!

by SamCogar Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:17 am

wvsasha wrote:I hope the principals choose to not offer the class. Nothing in the news stories reflect that it will be a mandatory offering.

Sasha, I agree 100% with what you stated in your post.

One question though, do you not think that the whackos would show up in mass at Board meetings demanding his/her replacement if he/she didn't offer said?

That SB ruling gets their foot in the door, ya know.

.

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