Bible Study in Public School

A Georgia public school student sits in class listening to a story recited by the teacher. His faith and beliefs are reinforced and strengthened by the story. Each day this student goes to class he feels more connection between his church, school and community. Another student in the same class listens to the teacher. This student knows that her peers have a very different perspective on this story than she. She feels isolated and preached to as the teacher continues. Each day this student goes to class she feels more distance between her faith, school and community. This scenario is likely to be played out in public high schools across Georgia very soon. Last week Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill allowing the Bible to be taught in Georgia high schools.
The Bible and its lessons hold a strong influence over the American conscience. The more educated we are as to the contents of the book the more thoughtful and informed our conversations and debates can become. The more we know and understand of the text the more value it can hold for all of us. The difficulty becomes in implementing such courses. What stories should be included and which excluded? The Bible is not a short book by any measure and the time students will have is very limited. Educating the general population on the spiritual source of the majority of this nation’s population is only sensible. However, finding a way to separate informing from indoctrinating is only the beginning of the challenges teachers will face. Can those that take that Bible as spiritual authority be comfortable with the book being taught as simple literature? What of the student that doesn’t share the beliefs of his peers? “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Can that powerful statement be taught to believers and non-believers alike without creating deeper rifts between us than what already exist? I agree that a knowledge and understanding of the Bible is valuable for everyone, believer and non-believer alike. The question is whether or not public schools are the best forum for such a class. Will believers from different Christian denominations agree on which translation of scripture will become public cannon? Can the bible be taught within a bubble without context, comment or perspective? If the answer is yes than what value would such a lesson really have? If the answer is no, then these lessons can’t function in an inclusive public setting.
There are many important ideas in this world that our young people should be exposed to. Many of the most important things to learn however, go beyond the ability of the public school system to teach. It is up to us as parents and roll models to fill the gap and teach our children well. Faith is a struggle that we all confront in a slightly different way. Separately we are capable of teaching our children faith, the context of understanding and belief. Only then can we come together with different ideas as one community.