The Bible Coming to Public Schools

My first reaction: a classic case of fatuous public school learning. But after a little reflection, I think this might be a good thing. The Bible is rich in stories and literature. Most youngsters are ignorant of it and, therefore, never have a reason to pick up the Bible and read. Maybe this will pique their interest.

As lead attorney for the American Jewish Congress, Marc Stern has been at the forefront of keeping religious activities out of public classrooms. But now he is singing the praises of a new textbook to introduce public school students to the Bible and its influence on culture.

"I think they've done a very good job, and surprisingly so. It is very difficult to write a neutral textbook about something as freighted with meaning as the Bible," he said.

If The Bible and Its Influence is used as recommended by its publisher, there will be no grounds to sue, said Mr. Stern, who critiqued early drafts. . .

The Bible and Its Influence is intended to introduce high school students to the Bible and show its impact on literature, art and social movements. It delves into biblical references in Shakespeare and "promised land" imagery in the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. It can be used for an elective course or to supplement English or social studies.

Its editors argue that it is impossible to understand Western culture without knowing the Bible. They cite a guide to the Advanced Placement literature exam in which 60 percent of allusions were biblical, including "cast the first stone" and "Lot's wife."

"This is not about religion. It's about understanding a book that has influenced Western civilization more than any other book," said Chuck Stetson, chairman of the Bible Literacy Project, which produced the book.

Link.