Wednesday, September 21, 2005

The Bible: Textbook travesty?

Probably not... but here's why I even wonder:
Can you really teach the Bible from absolutely no religious angle? That's what they're trying to bring into the public schools now. Everyone's gotta tiptoe around offending everyone else, so now, in order to "circumvent culture war," the Bible Literacy Project has invented a textbook to teach the Bible. How will it be taught? As simply a literary source, a writing that has "influenced" culture, no different than Shakespeare or J.K. Rowlings. What they're trying to create is a politically correct juxtaposition of the Bible and secular curriculum, and we all know how that'll end up. What will happen is that it will be closely and microscopically monitored by people who want to make sure that there is no Christianity being taught, and eventually they will deplete the entire meaning intended in the Bible.

I now draw your attention to quotes from a websites concerning this book:

It was written to respect, but not promote various faith perspectives. -http://www.bibleliteracy.org/Site/News/bibl_news050801_Distinctives.htm

The book... was designed to... teach about the Bible in public schools while not endorsing one religion's view and not offending people of faith... the book must not endorse any religious perspective. For example, it can't say that the story of Adam and Eve represents mankind's fall from grace. That's a Christian view. -http://www.timesleader.com/mld/timesleader/news/politics/12706340.htm

Yes, I'm a firm believer in the effectiveness of God's Word, but I question if we shouldn't keep this out of the school system, because there is a good possibility that it will make people lose the last little bit of respect they do have for the Bible. You can't teach that it's the infallible word of God if you are teaching it as simply a "non-religious literary work." The Bible unavoidably sets the standard of all Judeo-Christian religion. How then are you going to teach the Bible without teaching that there is a proper religious understanding? The answer is to teach it as indefinite in meaning, but God gave it to us so that we would be able to know Him better. Ultimately, however, this book must teach that the Bible is a work of humanity, not the word of God.

On the other hand, this book may usher in a huge revival among teenagers, who wouldn't have normally even glanced at the Bible a second time, and possibly parents, who might not even have a Bible in their home, who may see the textbook laying around. What do you think? Good or bad?

2 Comments:

Blogger Zorak said...

Well, you can't teach that the Bible is true in a public school. If you want it there, it has to be presented in a neutral light.
Plus, World Magazine says it's good:
http://www.worldmag.com/subscriber/displayarticle.cfm?id=11092

Fri Sep 23, 08:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your comment is well put Bonnie. I was saved, not by a someone sharing the gospel with me, but by merely reading the scriptures. As far as I'm concerned, the Koron (and all the other religious books) are shooting blanks. When I have encounters with Jehovah's witnesses or Mormons I ask for an exchange rather than a debate. I let them shoot blanks for 15 minutes or so, then I watch them dodge bullets for 15 minutes or so. The gospel message will bring people to Christ without my color commentary (though I often give it) and without my apologetical argumentation (though I often use it). I wouldn't be afraid to teach Koran if I got to teach the Bible alongside it.

Mon Sep 26, 10:12:00 PM  

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