"Should the Bible be taught in schools?"

There are two ways to teach the Bible. One way is as sacred scripture. The other way is as literature that influences our society and our world.

How would a Christian like for the Koran of Islam or the Rig Veda of Hunduism to be taught in public school as sacred scripture to their children? For that matter, how would a conservative Christian like for the Bible to be taught to their children from a liberal perspective? Or vice versa? Which version of the Bible would a school teach? How about the Jefferson Bible? Thomas Jefferson cut out all the parts he disagreed with, and created the Bible he wanted. The Jefferson Bible is available at many bookstores.

If I disagree with the interpretation of the Bible being taught my children at church, I can change churches as many times as I need until I find one I agree with. If I disagree with the interpretation of the Bible being taught my children at public school, I don't have that same option to switch schools as often as I need. I am stuck, and so are my children, with government imposed religious indoctrination in violation of my religious freedom.

For these reasons, the Bible should NOT be taught in public schools as sacred scripture.

Teaching about the ways religious literature influences our society and our world is a different matter, because this addresses the political and sociological realities our school children will face as they grow up. Such a class should teach the Koran, the Rig Veda, the Bible, and religious literature from other religions, because they all influence our society and our world, and we need to be literate about all of these important influences.

Jasmine

Myself, I see nothing wrong with the teaching of Gods Word in public schools, as well as the history of religion.It is something our children need to learn, the history of our world. They are taught the history, but how far back does the teaching go? When I was in school, I dont remember them teaching the Bible,but we also were not forbidden from reading the Bible or praying over a meal either.We could talk about what we did in sunday school and what we learned in services the night before without having to worry about being thrown out of school or being sued for having an innocent conversation. The Ten Commandments were posted on the walls,as well as saying The Pledge Of Allegiance every morning.The schools werent hauled into court for forcing anyone into anything. The problem with people today is that every one wants what they want and it dosent matter about the other person,everyone wants their own way. People today are so sue-happy ,you look at them the wrong way or even say the wrong thing and it`s off to court we go!!

Angel,
I have to disagree with you on this one...
There are certainly translations of the Bible that I would not agree with and would not want my children (if I had any) exposed to. I think that teaching is best left to the parents and the teachers at the family's church.
I agree with Jasmine, that it should be taught from the standpoint of how religions and their literature have influenced the world, but that is sufficient.

"Zoo said,,,,There are certainly translations of the Bible that I would not agree with and would not want my children (if I had any) exposed to. I think that teaching is best left to the parents and the teachers at the family's church. "

And I agree also that there are translations of the Bible I want nothing to do with nor do I want my children exposed to,I feel they have taken away from the true word of God.
But if you have a class on how the Bible and religion has influnced the world and how people have reacted to it,it will lead into a more indepth discussion of religion and the many different beliefs that are out there today. We have had this discussion before here and as I said then I will say again, have a world religion class.Not to endorce any one religion,but to learn how different people from all different backgrounds worship.
There are many children today who have no background in religion at all,school may be the only place they learn. I do agree that it is the parents place to teach the child about religion ,but a lot of parents dont do that,they leave it up to someone else to do.My opinion only.

quote:

Originally posted by ZOO:
Angel,
I have to disagree with you on this one...
There are certainly translations of the Bible that I would not agree with and would not want my children (if I had any) exposed to. I think that teaching is best left to the parents and the teachers at the family's church.
I agree with Jasmine, that it should be taught from the standpoint of how religions and their literature have influenced the world, but that is sufficient.

Nicely put.