“The King James Bible is considered one of the two or three greatest works of literature in Western civilization. Anthony Sabatini, a fellow Republican co-sponsor of the state’s Bible literacy bill, told CNN that classes would focus on the Bible as a work of literature, specifically the King James Bible, an English translation used in Protestant churches. “I don’t think anyone could deny that we so desperately need wisdom in our public schools right now.” Mike Hill, co-sponsor of Florida’s House Bill 195, told CNN last month. “One thing that the Bible does teach is wisdom,” Rep. Legislation filed in Florida – which recently died in committee – is typical of the debate over the Bible and public classrooms. Several of the Bible literacy bills have already been struck down or are no longer being considered in current sessions. Starting to make a turn back? Great!”įlorida and the King James version of the Bible

The pastor-superintendent said that many of the Bible’s core moral teachings are already ingrained in the way that we teach children.īut backers of bills that promote a “Judeo-Christian framework” for classes were buoyed earlier this year by a January tweet by President Donald Trump, “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. “Why not open it up to world religions and all different faiths, then you’re not trying to proselytize anyone into any particular religion or denomination,” he said. Jacobson – who has officiated at weddings of former students and is asked to pray for the families of students – agrees with those who say a comparative religion class could be a less controversial route for educators, rather than emphasizing the Bible. Missouri’s House Bill 267, nearly identical to other states’ drafted legislation, allows and encourages public high schools to adopt elective classes focusing on the history, writing style and influence of “the Hebrew Scriptures or New Testament.”ĭoug Jacobson has a unique perspective on the matter: He’s pastor of Eureka Baptist Church in Richland, Missouri, and elementary superintendent at the small public Swedeborg R-3 School District. While advocates for such classes believe students ought to be able to learn about the Bible’s influence on world history, culture and language, opponents tout separation of church and state and their concerns that teachers might possibly stray into proselytizing. Several of those efforts have fallen along the wayside. Legislators across the country have reignited the fight for, and debate over so-called “Bible literacy classes” – elective courses in public schools about Scriptures’ impact.Īlabama, Florida, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia are among the states that have seen Bible literacy bills so far in 2019.

Bible discovery 2017