Proposed optional bible classes in Georgia public schools are a bad idea. The intent is to look at how the Bible has influenced literature, art and culture. This might be termed the "inside-out" approach, but I prefer "outside-in." There's plenty of literature, art, politics, history, and even science and epistemology topics - including the controversial notion of "intelligent design" versus pure, insufficient Darwinism - which highlight religion without the overt cultural missionary agenda.

Additionally, the choice of this particular holy book smacks of exclusivity. Once a precedent is set with voluntary public school classes on the influence of the Bible, are not the state, and local school districts then compelled to also authorize voluntary classes on the influence of The Koran, The Old Testament, The Talmud, the teachings of Confucious, and Wiccan texts?

I'd sure be all for a comparative religions class, though, as an advanced placement offering in high schools.

TECHNORATI TAGS: GEORGIA, BIBLE CLASSES, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INTELLIGENT DESIGN, DARWINISM

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at January 18, 2006 04:13 PM

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