| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 10:20:22 AM | Here's the article:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060125/ts_usatoday/publicschoolslookingatbibleliteracyclass
So my question is this: If a school were to offer a Bible literacy course...than it would be fair for no one to complain if they inturn offered a Koran Literacy course or a Buddhism Literacy course, etc..correct? | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 4:54:34 PM | If, as they say, it's to offer insight on how the bible influenced Western literature and art through the ages then no problem. I didn't read it as an elective that would prosleytize on the beliefs of Christianity.
And yup..sure. Having an elective on the Koran would be an excellent idea! | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 7:05:05 PM | I hope not, but I'm a little concerned as far as the opposite extreme. I read the article, and I'm not quite sure what to think. I mean, let's think about this for a moment, yes? The focus of the course is a religious book. Yes, it's an elective, but who takes those? The kids who want an easy credit, and they're not exactly infamous for critical thinking (at least we weren't when I was in high school). So, I'm thinking to myself, what exactly is wrong with history and literature classes as they are that there has to be a curriculum dedicated to the Bible? In public schools? Don't get me wrong, here, I'm not denouncing this as the proverbial "end run" they cite in the article, I'm just curious why anyone thinks it's necessary, or even a good idea beyond promotion of biblical awareness. And, I'm wondering at the half-assed attempt at a news article that basically says little more than, "there's this new class out there. It's not bad, it's not about religion, no one's complained, and they even talk about some of the bad stuff." Oookay. Yeah. Not judging, here, but I'll just wait and see. One interesting thing, though. I loved this point:
"They've done a Herculean effort to make it as constitutional as they could."
CYA, anyone?
Not to mention the lame excuse that it "could help kids understand Shakespeare" being a point in favour. Not a bad idea, just a weak argument. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 10:12:38 PM |
That is correct. Fair is fair. It think it is great to learn about other faiths.
I entirely agree with this. My only real question, beyond the opinions I've already expressed, is why, in a country that prides itself on not having a state religion, and when there are already perfectly workable foundations for curricula that deal with comparative religion, does it appear to be either necessary or desirable to single out the holy book of a single religion in order to teach (at least according to the article cited) two subjects (history and literature) that are already supposedly covered in public schools? To my mind, it's not that much of a stretch for some folks (the opposing groups mentioned in the article) to reach the conclusion that specifically singling out the basis of one religion to be taught as course material in public schools just might be the result of an agenda. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 10:15:04 PM | | Why Feral, I am surprised at you. Are you not the owner of a bookstore? As western literature contains constant references to the Bible and Shakespeare, a literacy course in both makes perfect sense. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 10:38:29 PM | "Owner of"/hardcore worker in... Whatever. I don't recall having claimed to own one.
As far as the "Western literature" angle goes, I agree.
a literacy course in both makes perfect sense.
In college. Maybe I'm out of the loop, but to my recollection, Shakespeare is covered in literature courses in high school, not the subject of a class. I'm only asking why the Bible (or any specific religious text, for that matter) should be any different. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 10:44:40 PM | | For the very reason that I gave. A familiarity with the Bible is necessary to understand references in writers such as Steinbeck. Western civilization writers have constantly mined the Bible for ideas and topics. Buddhism and Islam are basically Eastern faiths and have been used much less frequently. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/26/2006 11:14:27 PM |
So my question is this: If a school were to offer a Bible literacy course...than it would be fair for no one to complain if they inturn offered a Koran Literacy course or a Buddhism Literacy course, etc..correct?
The Bible, as literature and mythology, is at the center of western civilisation. I would actually go as far as to say that you really can not understand the history of the last 1000 years of European/Western history without a cursory knowledge of the Bible. That an elective course in understanding the Bible is offered not in a religious context, but a philosophical, literary or historical one is nothing to fear.
If there was a course on Buddhist/Confucian/Taoist literature etc offered in the context of Asian history or philosophy that would be great IMO. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 12:26:53 AM |
For the very reason that I gave. A familiarity with the Bible is necessary to understand references in writers such as Steinbeck. Western civilization writers have constantly mined the Bible for ideas and topics. Buddhism and Islam are basically Eastern faiths and have been used much less frequently.
And, here, I thought I had been clear. I'm not disputing that, in the context of a unit on Shakespeare or Steinbeck or any other specific use of biblical reference, it would be helpful to have some reference to passages quoted or alluded to. What I am saying is that I am unaware of public school courses in high school curricula devoted specifically to Shakespeare or Steinbeck (to use the examples given). However, were they provided, it would make sense to me to cover in that context the biblical influence. Likewise with history. It seems to me to be unnecessary to provide a course specifically on the contributions to Western civilisation that can be ascribed to the Bible. I'm sure I may be coming off as opposed to the idea, and it does rather trouble me that my own neice was sent to the principal's office this past year for having displayed a pentacle and carrying on school grounds a book on witchcraft, while there is what some might view as an effort to make it perfectly legitimate for anyone who chooses to take the course to call the Bible "required school reading." Further, should it be deemed necessary to include this course as an appropriate one for schools (as, apparently, it already has), I'm curious why there aren't more philosophy classes in American high schools. Would not the works and thoughts of the great Greek thinkers be considered to count as "at the center of Western civilisation?" How deeply can young minds truly understand the history of the last 1,000 years without a firm grounding in psychology? Again, I'm not saying the course is a bad idea, I'm only questioning its necessity, and should there be no true necessity for the Bible to be specifically addressed as the main contributor to Western society (and I've no doubt that, statistically, it could be shown to be so), then I would question the validity of putting forth time and effort (to include revenues taxed from myself and others who don't necessarily see the need for this) in an effort to bring the basic underpinning of one specific religion directly into the mainstream educational system. I'm sure, again, that this makes me sound paranoid and that I'm implying an agenda. Maybe I am. I know people. However, I believe it's a valid question. If, when schoolkids have been, for some time, learning both history and literature without benefit of a Biblical Literacy class, why is it suddenly important that this be made available? | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 12:42:33 AM |
Would not the works and thoughts of the great Greek thinkers be considered to count as "at the center of Western civilisation?"
I completely support the teaching of philosophy and classical literature. This is not an either/or situation in my mind. There should be a high school elective on Homer if they can find enough students interested in it.
I would hope that people understand that one can be taught about religion, without being taught religion. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 1:11:14 AM |
Sweettreat, you could answer this yourself. You insist to be interested in Buddhism, but spend more time ranting about the Bible. Case closed.
How does this address the OP question?
Rd it seems that you are on attack mode when it comes to anything Sweettreat might write that could possibly be taken as anti Christian, but don’t’ note anything she says positive about the relgion.
The Bible, as literature and mythology, is at the center of western civilisation. I would actually go as far as to say that you really can not understand the history of the last 1000 years of European/Western history without a cursory knowledge of the Bible. That an elective course in understanding the Bible is offered not in a religious context, but a philosophical, literary or historical one is nothing to fear.
Depends on who is teaching it and what kind of agenda they might have in teaching it.
And, here, I thought I had been clear. I'm not disputing that, in the context of a unit on Shakespeare or Steinbeck or any other specific use of biblical reference, it would be helpful to have some reference to passages quoted or alluded to.
When I was in High School, (admittedly a long time ago) when given an assignment it was necessary for us to go outside the classroom to use reference materials.
It was not necessary for me to read an entire dictionary when looking something up, or a complete encyclopedia. I also didn’t need to take an entire class in how to use these reference materials.
it does rather trouble me that my own neice was sent to the principal's office this past year for having displayed a pentacle and carrying on school grounds a book on witchcraft
I think I would be looking to see if other children are allowed to wear their religious jewelry. And have books of their faith | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 6:30:17 AM | Sweettreat, you could answer this yourself.
In attack mode again rd? My answer is simple: If you are going to allow them to teach christian literacy in public schools, than you can't complain if they want to teach Koran Literacy, Buddhist literacy, etc. However, I have a great suspicion that alot of christians would be upset if their children were being taught from the Koran...in a public school.
You insist to be interested in Buddhism, but spend more time ranting about the Bible.
I am interested in Buddhism, however unlike some close minded people, I'm also interested in other faiths. Why is that so hard to comprehend? I also have studied the bible many times over and an quite aware of it's contents. And further to that...who was ranting about the Bible? I sure wasn't. But yes...you must have it right Rd.. I rant about the Bible constantly, and have it "out" for christians. Afterall, I started a thread about The Book of Daniel being cancelled, I support the show, signed a petition to get it back (now if you see the show as Blasphemis than you see it as "part of my agenda" no doubt) I think that Phelps guy gives christians a bad name and I would sing the praises of The Rev. Billy Graham until I'm blue in the face. But..I guess looking at all of that you are right..I have SUCH an agenda aganist christians..and I just continue to rant about the bible. Silly me.
Case closed.
Agreed. If your posts are personal attacks against me, I won't further respond because it's childish on your part. If they pertain to the OP's in question, I'll be more than happy to.
~*SweetTreat*~ | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 6:56:59 AM | | I would rather see a course offered that contains different religions so that people get more aware of different religions and know about them. In religion class I had taken in high school, I would constantly enquire about different things and finally was warned. I don't believe this is how it should be taught. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 8:41:15 AM |
Sweettreat, you could answer this yourself. You insist to be interested in Buddhism, but spend more time ranting about the Bible. Case closed.
This sound a bit bolshie to me RD, I think for someone as intelligent as sweettreat it is mean and uncalled for. There are plenty on here that come under the bolshie category but Sweet isn't one of them... an apology is called for don't you think? | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 9:53:56 AM |
The Bible, as literature and mythology, is at the center of western civilisation. I would actually go as far as to say that you really can not understand the history of the last 1000 years of European/Western history without a cursory knowledge of the Bible
Fair enough...but..I *think* it's safe to say, that unless you've lived under a rock..you probably have a basic knowledge of the bible. And personally..I don't think you actually need to understand the bible to understand history.
That an elective course in understanding the Bible is offered not in a religious context, but a philosophical, literary or historical one is nothing to fear.
Definately nothing to fear. But my Original Point was just simply..if biblical literacy can be taught...than others should be as well. Actually I should have posed it as: If you are ok with Biblical Literacy being taught in your public schools, than it's safe to assume you'd be ok with other religious Literacys to be taught as well, correct? Maybe that is more to the point Im trying to get lol
If there was a course on Buddhist/Confucian/Taoist literature etc offered in the context of Asian history or philosophy that would be great IMO.
I think if they are going to touch religion in anyway, than it should be on a broader scale and studying several religions, not just one. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 4:38:45 PM | Personally I would love to see a class taught that compared the religions to each other.
With a lean towards the fact that they are more alike then different. I think it would be a great step towards teaching religious tolerance. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 5:50:50 PM | If people learn to read the bible,
They're going to lose faith in christian leadership
Who lie to the faithful on a regular basis.
I believe the schools should leave well enough alone
and let the preacher tell the flock what the bible says.
Please don't delete this. I'm being sincere. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 7:02:26 PM | I think many of you are assuming that the suggestion of teaching a course in the Bible would be teaching the morals and ideas of the Faith. I would assume that it would be a "Bible as Literature" course and I am sure it would be an elective course not a mandatory one. As Robert and I both alluded to, it would be impossible to fully understand and appreciate the arts, literature and culture of Western Civilization without a basic knowledge of the Bible. In fact I had a comparative religions type of class in high school that did indeed teach us about other faiths, and that was in the 70s. They were pretty boring actually.
Now as far as mean old RD picking on poor innocent little Sweettreat goes, I said nothing that was meant to offend. I stated what I thought to be true. I see nothing that I said that needs apologising about and I have apologised on this forum in the past. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 7:25:22 PM | I took 2 elective half year courses in Shakespear back in High School instead of 12th grade english. We studied the works, the life, and the history of William Shakespear. I found it quite interesting.
Also I've been told that in the UK there is a mandated religious studies course that gives students a general idea of what each major religion believes, how they practice, and some brief history. Personally such a class would go very far here in the US twards religious tolerance. After all, we often hate what we fear and we fear what we don't understand. | |
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| Public Schools looking to offer Bible Literacy course..
Posted: 1/27/2006 7:46:50 PM |
Sweettreat, you could answer this yourself. You insist to be interested in Buddhism, but spend more time ranting about the Bible. Case closed.
Now as far as mean old RD picking on poor innocent little Sweettreat goes, I said nothing that was meant to offend. I stated what I thought to be true. I see nothing that I said that needs apologising about and I have apologised on this forum in the past.
Rd, even it you believe it to be true, as I said, you seem to note what you seem to "think" is bible/christian bashing, yet totally ignore any positive comments she makes about Christians or Christianity.
Your above statement...the first one had really nothing to do with the topic, and everything to do with the poster.
As Robert and I both alluded to, it would be impossible to fully understand and appreciate the arts, literature and culture of Western Civilization without a basic knowledge of the Bible.
Personally I see no reason to have to study the reference book (using the bible to understand shakespear) If the student it as a level where they are studying Shakespear, then I assume they are also old enough to get a Bible and study what they need out of it while doing homework, just as one would do with any other subject. And elective or not, I can see schools making it a prerequesit for advanced literature classes.
As for a comparative religion class I have no issue with that. | |
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