Posted on 02/23/2012 11:50:42 AM PST by massmike
The state House voted 42-15 Tuesday to allow high schools to teach elective courses on the influence of the Bible on Western culture and civilization.
Tuesday's vote came over the objections of House Minority Leader Chad Campbell. The Phoenix Democrat said limiting schools to using the Old and New Testaments "is going to run into a constitutional challenge."
But Rep. Terri Proud, R-Tucson, who wrote HB 2563, said she does not see a problem. She said the language allowing the use of the texts for non-religious purposes has been approved by others.
Proud did agree to several last-minute changes, including one that requires the courses to accommodate not only diverse religious views but also non-religious views. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Nothing in the legislation requires schools to offer the courses. And Rep. Doris Goodale, R-Kingman, said they are not designed to teach religion.
"This bill is a cultural exploration of how the Bible, as a teaching instrument, will aid in understanding the development of our country," she said. "It is simply a historical, cultural document to be used if a school district adopts this course of study."
(Excerpt) Read more at azstarnet.com ...
When I took a required course in college called Greeks and the Bible, the Bible part also included information on the authorship of various sections and the historical influence and context of what was written at that time. According to the linked story, this course will only refer to bible content, and influence on American culture.
I’ve taught similar courses to this at the college level— even the students who already knew a fair amount about the Bible appreciated the chance to study it more deeply and to apply it to their other studies. For centuries, no one had trouble with the fact that Biblical literacy does not presuppose any particular theological or doctrinal beliefs, so there’s no good reason why this would suddenly be a “separation of church and state” issue.
(And besides, at the rate Obama is going, our children will be required to read the Koran soon enough!)
Which, of course, is what Democrats like to see because then they can pretend they are better than anyone before them.
...Phoenix Democrat said limiting schools to using the Old and New Testaments "is going to run into a constitutional challenge."
How many other parts ARE there to the Bible?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.