David Van Biema, TIME's senior religion writer makes the case for teaching the Bible as a topic of study in public schools. His point is simple - the Bible is the most influential book ever written and no education would be deemed comprehensive if students were left ignorant of its teachings.Sounds like a good idea? Bear in mind that teaching the Bible from a "secular" studies perspective probably means opening the door to teaching about other religions as well.
According to the article, some pastors like John Hagee have voiced concern about exposing students to "other origin stories [that] tell of ... gods who themselves are created." Hagee is also concerned that a student might conclude that polytheism is as valid as monotheism.
Other evangelical voices like Chuck Colson differ from Hagee's point of view and embrace the idea of improving bible literacy among public school students.
"Would I prefer a more explicitly biblical Christian teaching?" he asks. "Of course. But you can't do that in public education. What you can do is introduce the Bible so that people are aware of its impact on people and in history and then let God speak through it as he will."
I think Colson has it right. Teaching Bible in a public school setting isn't about converting every young, impressionable mind - it's about educating them on one of the major world religions and exposing them to the evident, self authenticated truth of the Bible. I would have no problems with the notion that other religions are taught as well. We live in a pluralistic, multi-cultural society and effective engagement means being willing to open two way conversations about the issues of faith, life, death and eternity.
We can enter these conversations confident that there is simply no god as holy, no god as loving, no god as wise as the God of the Bible who has made himself known in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ.
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Hebrews 1:1-3
