Georgia Senate Democrats propose Bible class for public schools

[RubyDuby in GA]

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/local/13655223.htm

Senate Democrats propose Bible class for public schools

DOUG GROSS
Associated Press

ATLANTA - Georgia public school students would be allowed to study the Bible under a plan proposed by Democrats in the state Senate on Wednesday.

The bill authorizes the state school board to approve an optional course that would teach about the Bible's influence on literature, art, culture and politics.

"As a history major, I understand very clearly the impact the Bible has had on society," said Sen. Tim Golden, of Valdosta, chairman of the Senate's Democratic caucus and the bill's sponsor. "It's had a huge impact."

The bill would allow for "nonsectarian, nonreligious academic study" of the Bible and would require it "be taught in an objective and nondevotional manner with no attempt made to indoctrinate students as to either the truth or falsity of the biblical materials."


Opinions? I'm in a heated debate on a blog regarding this matter and would like to know what the people of Democratic Underground think?

[rodeodance]

1. if done well, it will be a good course--

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. willful ignorance is a horrible think.

I enjoy studying the bible, if only for the wars it had created, the strife, the pain, the suffering and the torture it caused.
If one were to research the Hitittes and other tribes the preceded the old testament, AND if they did a serious look at how the NT was concocted and changed for political reasons, AND if they covered the numerous translation problems, I would be in favor of it. But you have to keep the fundie teachers away from that class.

[hwmnbn]

3. Yeah right, the fundies are going to be willing to.....

....allow for "nonsectarian, nonreligious academic study" of the Bible and would require it "be taught in an objective and nondevotional manner with no attempt made to indoctrinate students as to either the truth or falsity of the biblical materials."

They'll never agree to that. And how would that standard be enforced? It's the fucking Bible!! Word of God, remember?! One "true believer" student is all it would take to derail this class.

Have you ever tried to have an objective, nondevotional discussion with a fundie on ANYTHING, much less the bible? I rest my case.

I personally don't want the bible within 300 feet of a public school, same as drug dealers.

[BooScout]

4. I just saw this in the AJC....

I'm against it. I don't think they can keep the preaching out of the classroom if they do this.

Hubs is an athiest.....(I stop just short of being one myself these days) and he thinks it's a good idea......go figure.