Bible Study in Public School

Is it possible for the Christian Bible to be taught in the public school system without having religion enter the equation? The state of Arkansas seems to think so. The House Education Committee approved HB 1032, opening the door to allow Bible study in the Arkansas public school system. This bill permits local public school districts to develop a Bible study curriculum to be taught as an elective.

An Overview of HB 1032

Arkansas HB 1032 is entitled "To Allow School Districts To Adopt Curriculum Standards As Directed By This Act For An Academic Study Of The Bible Course That May Be Offered As An Elective Course In A Public School District; To Set Requirements For Teaching An Academic Study Of The Bible Course In A Public School As Directed By This Act; And For Other Purposes."

The bill, introduced by Representative Denny Altes, attempts to clarify that any course of Bible study will be done in a nondevotional and nonsectarian method. An approved course will study the Bible as a literary work and not as a religious text.

Previous attempts to allow Bible Study in the Arkansas public school system were struck down by the courts as unconstitutional.

Religion versus Literature

Can anyone teach the Bible as a work of literature without bringing religion into the discussion? This is a very difficult question to answer. The Arkansas bill states that any course involving the study of the Bible must only deal with it as a work of literature or it can discuss the impact of the Bible in relation to culture, society, music, art and science. The course cannot attempt to indoctrinate or teach religion to the students.

Used as a work of literature, the Bible becomes a rather racy tale. It includes violence, murder, adultery, polygamy and incest. It can be used as a launch pad to discuss moral issues without talking about religion. On the other hand, if the Bible is taught as a literary work, can this be looked upon as teaching atheism?

Who would teach a Bible study course void of religious doctrine? The bill introduced into the Arkansas Legislature says it must be a certified teacher. Some certified teachers are also ordained ministers or pastors and this might cause the course to be taught in a less than objective manner.

Teaching any religion in the public school system was ruled as unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. School systems have been circumventing this ruling by allowing elective courses in creation, intelligent design and now Bible study. Although students are not required to take these elective courses, sometimes schedule conflicts and students entering the school system midterm are left with no other choices. If HB 1032 passes the Arkansas Legislature and becomes law, it will no doubt pave the way for other states to enact similar legislation.

HB 1032 has the potential to open a huge can of worms. I fear that if it passes, school systems will jump at the opportunity to teach the Bible from a religious standpoint. Anytime religion is brought into the public school system it causes more problems than it solves. Although it may be possible to teach the Bible in a secular manner, it is better to leave Bible study to the church, parochial schools, or the parents.

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Sources: Arkansas State Legislature House Bill 1032