President Donald Trump praised the efforts of several lawmakers to push for Bible literacy classes in public schools, reports Premier.
In a tweet on January 28, 2019, Trump said, “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!”
Lawmakers from at least six states–Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia, want Bible courses to be available to students who wish to learn the Scriptures and deepen their faith. The course will be an elective and schools have the option whether to include it or not in their programs.
Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great! —U.S. President Donald Trump
“The concept of forgiveness, the concept of recompense, these are things that all come from the Bible,” said North Dakota state Rep Aaron McWilliams, co-sponsor of a Bible literacy bill. “If we don’t have a good foundational understanding of this, we’re not going to understand how the founding fathers of our country and other countries put it together to have the world that we have today.”
Critics are quick to point out that the bills do not support the constitutional line between the Church and State, according to USA Today. Bible classes in public schools violate the First Amendment which prevents the US government from making laws that prefers one religion said Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Alabama, Iowa and West Virginia were considering Bible literacy bills in 2018 but none passed. However, Kentucky was able to pass a law creating the standards to be used in teaching Bible classes in public schools. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin approved the “Bible Literacy Bill” which allows schools to provide lessons on the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the Old and New Testaments, reports Christian Post.
Sources:
Premier
USA Today
Christian Post
