Legislature considers Bible curriculum for state schools

Legislation calling for elective Bible courses in public schools has captured the attention of the religious community but not necessarily because it is supported.
   
Dan Ireland, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program, said the bill, House Bill 58, initially sounds like a good thing, but he is concerned about the textbook that is tied to the legislation. The legislation is sponsored by House Majority Leader Rep. Ken Guin.
   
“I’m supportive of the concept of this bill. We need Bible teaching in schools,” Ireland said. “I have a problem with the textbook in the bill.”
   
The textbook, “The Bible and Its Influence” (Bible Literacy Project Publishing), has some good things but also has “plain garbage,” he explained. “It made a tabloid out of the Bible with some of the material,” Ireland said, noting nude pictures of Adam and Eve and references to God that he believes are offensive. For instance, he said God is referred to as a midwife when the book explains the creation of Eve.
   
But some disagree with Ireland.
   
Joe Turnham, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, said in a news release, “The curriculum that Rep. Guin has offered is a constitutionally sound way to teach students a textbook that has been proven to be constitutionally allowable and has broad support from conservatives and liberals as well Christian and Jewish scholars. 
   
“It gives historical and cultural perspective of the Bible without advocating or establishing religion,” he said.
   
Ireland said if this bill is passed, then the Bible should be the textbook and any other material that may be approved by the state and local school boards instead of the state Legislature naming a specific book other than the Bible. 
   
Still he contends the legislation is not needed at all. “The courts have already ruled on this issue,” Ireland said. “It is a hard fact that schools can have Bible teaching.”
   
He suggests the Legislature pass a resolution reminding the school boards that this is permitted. 
   
The resolution could urge local school boards to provide an elective school course in Bible curriculum and let them know the Legislature supports that action, Ireland said.
   
At press time, the bill had passed out of the House of Representatives education committee with a substitution, which adds “or an approved text book” after the named textbook. 
   
It now goes to the full House for consideration.