Texas mandates teaching the Bible in public school. Thoughts?

I am a staunch believer in the separation of church and state, and this crossed the line like no other. Actively teach religion, one religion, in public schools certainly violates the Constitution, but with this Supreme Court, who knows.

Demand that what they say is fact checked.

If true, this would surely violate the separation of church and state. If I had kids in a class where this happened, I’d tell them to walk out. Suspension and expulsion be damned.

This offends me not only as an American, but as a Christian.

Because the people who want to force this shit on schoolkids are usually trying to teach a twisted, blasphemous version of Christianity, not Christ’s actual message of peace, love, tolerance, compassion and forgiveness. I’m so sick of His beautiful teachings being perverted by people who are at best misguided, and at worst full of hate.

We don't even have formal separation of church and state in our Constitution, just freedom of religion, and I don't think it would fly here in 2026. That said, we do have publicly funded Catholic schools here in Ontario who do have religion classes but that's a special case (there's a story, it's a legacy of our founding). Public schools are now religion-free, at least in formal curriculum (but in the 19th century, that system was basically the Protestant counterpart to the Catholic system and we were still saying the Lord's Prayer in opening exercises up until after I graduated). Christian and sometimes Muslim students do have associations in some schools and boards, but that's extracurricular.

Now, that said, non-doctrinal teaching about (not "of" but "about") the Bible would have a place if you're studying Western and Middle Eastern history. It's been an extremely influential set of documents. But that's a whole different kettle of fish from what Texas is proposing.

When I was in high school (the 'protestant' version Seeker mentions) I took a class called "Mythology" which included learning about Greek mythology, the Bible and various other religions which is pretty much what I thought about the whole mess of religions and still do. Strangely though I got in all kinds of crap for refusing to stand for the Lord's Prayer each morning assembly. (I was like 'WTF? Is it mythology or not dear school?' I did win in the end.

A single religion has no place in schools as a mandated subject although kids might benefit from a more general world religions class. Personally I'd probably prefer an anti-religion class.

Quote by LYFBUZ

A single religion has no place in schools as a mandated subject although kids might benefit from a more general world religions class.

If religion is going to be taught in public schools, then a class like you suggest - world religions - makes some sense. That’s a learning experience. The other is an indoctrination experience and doesn’t. belong in public schools—just my opinion.

I don't mind teaching the bible in school if we consider it literature. Like it or not, it's been a major influence on Western (i.e. European and Euro-diasporic) civilization and culture. Omitting it seems like a pretty major gap in understanding how we got to this point in history. However, to introduce the bible as a subject for study in school is to treat it like a text that is open to interpretation and critique like any other text. Put it alongside Romeo and Juliet, Catcher in the Rye, or Brave New World and treat it as equal. Let's see how it stands up when students are encouraged to question it on logical and aesthetic grounds. On the other hand, if you don't like your religion being dissected and all of the bullshit being closely scrutinized by every rebellious teen in America, then maybe you should leave it out of school and keep it in church where critical thinking is more actively discouraged and taboos are easier to maintain.

That is fine, if you not only have that one book, but also other religion's texts to read, so as not to put one ahead of the other.

In fact, I would love for there to be an honest discussion of these texts, so that students can both learn about other religions, but also see the critic of their own religious texts. Treat the books just as you would any other book and let it stand on it's own merits.

There is sure to be a backlash when the students start questioning stories like Jonah and the Whale, Noah's Arc, Adam & Eve, etc. Also, point out where science has proven parts false, such as the earth is NOT the center of the universe. Right there kind of blows the whole thing out of water. There is no disputing that, though there are people who think the earth is flat, so...

I believe the Bible absolutely should be taught in schools, it is the foundational text of our literature. The question is about how it is taught. It could be taught as a collection of deep myths, for it's moral code, or as literal factual history. Theres a big difference!

Quote by MC1982

I believe the Bible absolutely should be taught in schools, it is the foundational text of our literature. The question is about how it is taught. It could be taught as a collection of deep myths, for it's moral code, or as literal factual history. Theres a big difference!

We studied the bible in a college Humanities class. It was treated as an allegorical text and we were open to queston and criticize it. I doubt that’s what the legislators in Texas had in mind.

I don't think it should be taught at school. Religion is just a matter of belief, not factual. If parents want their children to be taught religion they have plenty of time to teach them at home, in the evenings, weekends, holiday time etc.

I think Texans have the right to decide what their taxes pay for.

Quote by Ls63563

I think Texans have the right to decide what their taxes pay for.

I think people have the right to have their Constitution honored, regardless of voters' whims. That's literally why the Founders created the Bill of Rights.

The fact that I even have to point this out is a good example of why we need to teach more Civics and not a state-sponsored religion. Hands off my Bible, gummint! Oh, and speaking of the Founders, most were Deists, not Christians.

So, basically, fuck the voting majority!

Quote by Ls63563

So, basically, fuck the voting majority!

Yes, when they trample the rights of others. Fuck them. Or maybe you don't believe in constitutional rights?

Keep in mind, the Nazis had majority support in Germany, too.

Quote by Ls63563

So, basically, fuck the voting majority!

Wow. I think I have put this to you at least two different ways in recent threads. It's astonishing to me that someone arguing in a political forum would be so unaware of this foundational principle. Do I have to say it a third time, like how we have to ask Mustafa a question three times in Austin Powers before he'll answer? Okay, fine. Here's my third try:

A majority vote may not invalidate the Constitution or violate the Constitutional rights of a minority that they dislike.