Schools nix request for classes on Bible

[The Straight Story]

Schools nix request for classes on Bible

By Natalie Jordan, Rocky Mount Telegram

Saturday, April 30, 2005

A school board member wants Nash-Rocky Mount Schools students to see the Bible not just as a religious fixture, but as a source of historical and literary value as well.

Two elective courses — Bible as Literature and Bible as History — are being offered in Wilson County high schools, and Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education member Doneva Chavis asked the district if they can be offered here, too.

But the request was put on hold after school administrators said they don't have room for more electives.

"At this time, the courses are not being considered to be offered as an elective in our curriculum," said Leorita Hankerson, assistant superintendent for instruction. "(The presentation of the courses) was just for information purposes for the board since Ms. Chavis asked us to find out about them."

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/hp/content/news/stories/2005/04/30/05012005rmtbible.html;COXnetJSessionIDbuild73=C0n2G3XY99dO22AQBNXRqLXFukPagI5zzHDnbtphyJh5yd4Op1ze!1516194286?urac=n&urvf=11149249262970.854018517766237

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. 20 years ago, the school where I taught had a

"Bible Club" for elementary students. Used schoolrooms for their club and even had their photo in the yearbook. Always bothered me, maybe because it was run by the Baptist minister's wife, who was also a teacher, and she was always asking me if I was "saved". She, in turn, probably thought I was nuts because when I taught my fourth graders world history, I'd tell them about Hindu kirtans and explain what I knew about Islam (which at that time was basically that it was a monotheistic continuation of the Judeo-Christian tradition).

Personally, I think a study of ALL sacred texts in relation to regional history and culture(at the high school/college level) could be very helpful in understanding other people. My concern would be that, if only the Bible were taught, only one concept of the Bible would be brought into focus.