RE: To include the Bible in curricula is a religious decision, just like not including the Bible in curricula is a religious decision
Let’s say it is — how does it violate the first amendment?
The First Amendment starts with: “Congress Shall Make No Law...”
If a local public school decides to include studying the Bible in its curricula ( like what many schools have done historically ), how is that an act of Congress?
What the First Amendment in fact tells us is Congress ought to butt out.
“...or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” means just that -— FREE EXERCISE.
The question then becomes — what if an atheist’s child is in that local school and he sues the school to stop teaching the Bible?
Well, the same question applies for Christians. What if a Christian has a child in school and the Christian parent refuses to let the child be indoctrinated by books like “Heather has two Mommies” or “Daddy’s Roommate”?
The solution is this -— let the LOCAL school board decide what they want. Congress and the Feds should not be involved.
” how is that an act of Congress?”
Federal Money = Establishment. And, through Incorporation, State Money = Establishment.
I would not want my kid to be taught ANY religion in school. Certainly not in a state with compulsory attendance.
And I think the argument that not teaching religion is a religion itself is ludicrous on its face.
That said, most public schools DO teach a form of religion. From Global Warming/Climate to Homo Normalcy and those should be considered when assessing Establishment.
The most the religious can hope for in our system of government is tax deduction for the cost of religious schools, and/or the freedom to home school. And the elimination of state pseudo religion.