Georgia moves closer to approving classes based on Bible

[ulysses]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/EDUCATION/03/08/bible.classes.ap/index.html

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- Georgia is poised to introduce two literature classes on the Bible in public schools next year, a move some critics say would make the state the first to take an explicit stance endorsing -- and funding -- biblical teachings.

You have to admire the fundies for their tenacity...

[danalytical]

1. I would consider a theology/philosophy class

I would consider a theology/philosophy class to be OK for schools, as long as other ideas and religions are discussed. And as long as the bible doesn't peek it's nose into the science class and it would have to be optional.

[ulysses]

2. they're elective literature classes

but somehow I doubt that they'll be using the Qur'an.

[bluerum]

3. I suppose that you also think that they WILL keep away from the

sciences and that they WON'T try to make these classes mandatory.

[danalytical]

6. Did I write that?

Why so combative? You already lost whatever argument you wanted to have with me when you started with argumentative assertions.

I'm not a religious man, but I recognize religion as a philosophy and I see no reason why religion can't be discussed in a classroom granted restrictions apply, such as varied religions as topics, a clear distinction as a "literature" class and not as science, and it would have to be an optional course.

[bluerum]

18. Combative? Interwesting. All I was saying is that you give them an inch,

and they take a mile.

IMO, if religion is philosophy, then it can be covered in philosophy class.

But I think that any serious bible thumpin xtian would object to their beliefs being relegated to world of philosophy. They won't be happy until the clocks are rolled back 500 years.

[H2O Man]

4. That's a step

in the wrong direction, and a dangerous one at that. I say that as a religious person, and one who has a favorable impression of the bible. The classes are clearly not "comparative studies," but rather "bible studies." That is something that should only be taught in a religious school. It violates the US Constitution.

[ulysses]

5. a friend of ours is a lawyer with the GA ACLU

I need to call her and find out if they're planning anything.

[H2O Man]

13. Good.

This is the kind of thing that needs to be confronted immediately. This should be of great concern to those who honor and respect the bible, as well as those who have a very different view of it.

I think courses in comparative religion are fine, though I would think that for public schools, they should be started in a student's college years. I think having them in private and/or religious schools is fine. But in a public high school, there are too many potential problems: some parents are going to want a teacher who shares their views, and have issues with a teacher who holds different views.

The most obvious problem is the radical right, Christian conservatives. We see their inability to accept topics such as evoltion and sexuality being taught in public schools. More, teachers with those same rigid views are not capable of teaching other views. Is it reasonable to think that a teacher who believes that all Jews and Muslims are destined to burn in hell for eternity, is going to do a swell job in comparing the three closely-related religions? No, of course not. Nor is it likely that those with rigid belief (or non-belief) sytems would be any more capable. It is something that doesn't belong in public schools.

[stray cat]

7. I'ld rather people actually know what the Bible has in it

Instead of taking the word of people life Falwell and Dobson. Its harder to mislead an informed populace.

[ulysses]

10. you have a point.

Let *me* get in there and teach a Bible class. :evilgrin:

[leftofthedial]

8. I've got one word for the fundies in the South

"toothless rednecks"

[ulysses]

11. just saw a bumpersticker the other day:

"Paddle faster, I hear banjo music"

:rofl:

[etherealtruth]

15. "Paddle faster, I hear banjo music"

My father (who was generally a good parent , but experienced a MAJOR lapse in judgment) let me watch that movie as a young child ... it scared and scarred me.

With that said, I would love to have that bumper sticker!

[ulysses]

16. yikes!

Yeah, I can't see watching Deliverance with a child.

So...go rafting much? :D

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

9. "The bible is a book with some beatiful poetry,

a blood stained history, a wealth of obscenity, and upwards of 10,000 lies." - Mark Twain

[H2O Man]

12. Great line! n/t

[stonebone]

14. bump just for that

[PassingFair]

17. I'm assuming this is high school level.

Even so, this should be fought sooner rather than later.

If it is a "philosophy" class, it should be part
of a comparative religion class, with at LEAST
the Koran, Taoism and the writings of Confucius
included. Anything else absolutely VIOLATES church/
state separation, IMO.