Bill to allow academic study of Bible advances in Tennessee

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Updated: 6:10 PM May 14, 2008 Bill to allow academic study of Bible advances in Tennessee A proposal that would allow the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the academic study of the Bible in public schools has passed the House. Posted: 11:13 AM May 14, 2008

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal that would allow the state Department of Education to develop a curriculum for the academic study of the Bible in public schools has passed the House.

The legislation sponsored by Rep. Mark Maddox, a Dresden Democrat, was approved 93-3 on Tuesday. The companion bill unanimously passed the Senate last week.

Both chambers must now work out differences in the legislation before it heads to the governor for his consideration.

The bill would require school districts to teach the course with an approved textbook in a manner consistent with the state and federal constitutions.

The legislation prohibits the use of any religious test or association when assigning teachers for Bible courses.

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Posted by: Drakar2007 Location: Fairfax on May 17, 2008 at 06:21 PM

Unwisely, this article fails to mention that this bill describes an *ELECTIVE*, aimed at a (presumably) historical / sociological study of the bible. None of these things violate the "separation of church and state" [which, people often need to be reminded, extends only to keeping the government from compelling people to participate in a specific, or any, faith/religion]. For those with low reading comprehension skills, this means that they are not "FORCING" it on anyone, nor are they "TEACHING THE BIBLE" at school.
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Posted by: RealityCzech on May 16, 2008 at 09:19 AM

Nothing wrong with examining the Bible as a work of literature or for its role in shaping world history. But discussions of faith have no place in public schools. Your faith (or lack thereof)is a matter for home, family and church. Taking prayer out of public schools had NOTHING to do with the decline of moral values and the collapse of discipline. Blame parents abdication of responsibility, and their refusal to hold their children accountable for their actions. The First Amendment guarantees not only freedom OF religion, but freedom FROM it, if the individual so chooses. Evangelists already have PLENTY of opportunities and places to convert the heathen. Keep them OUT of public schools
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Posted by: Terra on May 15, 2008 at 11:25 PM

With our school systems out of money, how are they planning to fund this? Why cant the money they are going to use for this be used to help ALL students and not just the "select" few? I was in high school 10 years ago and out of 800 people a total of 15 give or take came to the Bible study classes that were held voluntarily. This is yet another fat waste of money.....
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