Bibles In School
QUESTION
What are your thoughts on Bibles being placed in school classrooms and teachers giving the lessons on Christianity? (Anonymous)
ANSWER
The subject of “bibles in school” is one that often generates a lot of controversy. My observation is that Christian people tend to be for it and non-Christians tend to be against it. That’s admittedly painting with a broad brush, but I think it’s broadly true if we allow for some painting outside the lines. Christians who support this notion, however, should recognize that there are some nuances to the matter that should be considered before rendering a hearty endorsement of the practice. How the plan for bibles in school is implemented could very much change one’s opinion on the practice, and the mode of implementation is by no means certain. That said, I’ll share some thoughts for further consideration:
The bible should not be banned from schools. There should be no prohibition on the bible in school. Irrespective of one’s opinion of the bible, the fact that it is indisputably among the most influential documents in the history of western civilization is sufficient to justify its presence in any educational institution.
The bible should be required reading in history classes. It is impossible to have a proper understanding of the history of the United State without some familiarity with the bible.
The bible is part of a proper understanding of English literature. There are so many English literary references that arise from the bible that familiarity with its text is essential to understand its contribution. I have often said that “No one who has not read the King James bible from cover to cover can be considered properly educated in the English language.” That’s a controversial position, but I believe it is true.
Teaching the bible in schools is potentially problematic. There is a distinction between reading and referencing the bible as a historical document and teaching the bible from a theological perspective. I won’t belabor this point, but it is one I believe is too little considered by the zealous and well-meaning promoters of putting bibles in schools. We should not presume that what someone teaches about the bible is correct. What’s more, many teaches are openly hostile to the bible and may take the opportunity to cast it in the worst possible light.
Bible doctrine is the domain of the church not the school. These lines are blurred in the minds of some, what with “Christian schools” and whatnot. The Lord’s church and in the home are the places where doctrine should be taught and discussed among God’s people, not in the school system.
Christian people should teach the bible to their children and involve them in the discussion of spiritual matters at home and in the church. This is too little done among professing Christians in our day, but I believe it to be far more important than “bibles in school.” What I mean by that is that we’re too comfortable with outsourcing the education of our children. We should be promoting “bibles in homes” as our first concern rather than using educational institutions as a “lean to” for the spiritual instruction of our children.
There’s more to say here, but I’ll leave it at that for now.
- Elder Daniel Samons