NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A state attorney general's opinion approves of public schools offering classes on the Bible as long as the lessons don't include endorsements of a particular religion.

The opinion released Tuesday also says a pending legislative bill that would allow the state to create a nonsectarian Bible elective curriculum is constitutional.

Four Tennessee counties currently offer such classes as a special course that counts as an elective. Such courses are designed to look at the Bible's impact on literature, art and politics.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Roy Herron, D-Dresden, says he requested the opinion in hopes of gaining support for the idea that academic, nonreligious Bible classes have a place in public classrooms.

Neither chamber has taken any action on the bill, which would have to be approved by the state board of education if it passed.

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