The Atlanta Board of Education has a vote at its door to include two new classes in its optional curriculum. The key word here is “optional.” The classes proposed are “History of the Old Testament Era” and “Literature and History of the New Testament Era.” I don’t like the sound of those big “Era” words. Sounds like they’re going to retell some history through the wisdom of the Bible. As an elective, I can’t be terribly offended by the offering. It’s up to the student body to determine whether or not they’ll take it. However, some good points were brought up. In a public education system, it’s the public that pays for the curriculum. By way of the government, is it Constitutional to have the tax payers afford a diminished line of church and state? And if it’s going to be part of the Board of Education’s program, I’ll bet the teaching methodology and material gets scrutinized at a daily rate. The system would get so bogged down in social interest that nothing could ever be taught effectively. You’ll also inevitably have those that rally for additional elective programs to be offered; pagan, Buddhist, Judaic, Muslim, and every other dogma (and anti-dogma) out there would have something to say. Personally, I’d recommend my son go for the Flying Spaghetti Monsterism elective when he gets the option.
So in the end, instead of worrying about our children’s souls falling into the wrong hands (read: anyone but his mother or father), I’ll instead bank on the fact that a totally polarized issue like this being thrown into a totally public space will inevitably fall to utter chaos and demise. Maybe I’m naïve, but I’m betting on the general public’s indecisiveness to get me through this one.
God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son”
Abe says, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God say, “No.” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’ you better run”
Well Abe says, “Where do you want this killin’ done?”
God says, “Out on Highway 61.”
I propose a new course: “All I know about the Old Testamnet, I learned from Bob Dylan Records” OOH, and we can do a brief late seventies follow up course on the New Testament as well: “Gotta Serve Somebody!”
Man, I’m old…
I dont see what the big deal about doing this is? Its an elective, I can remember being forced to take French in High School as an elective because they wouldnt let me take spanish, I thought it was ridiculous, maybe offenssive but I did it nonetheless. If they want to have Pagan electives and Jewish electives or even Scientology electives thats fine its a free country and people/kids should be presented with options (well presented ones) to make their own choice. In the bible it says that Jesus only wants those that come to him willingly, so im not sure what you’ve heard or experienced but nobody can force Christianity upon you and expect you to prosper from it. Actually I dont even know why Jehova’s witnesses do the high pressure ministry, only 144,000 of them (i think thats the number – 12 tribes of Israel) get to go to heaven so the more they convert, the less their chances of getting in are 🙂 And by protestant faith none of them are getting in, lol.
I used to be an empirical thinker for most of my life and I know how most of these bible thumpers are so I hear you, on many fronts. I have to tell you at times its just annoying but religion comes from man and along with it loads of flaws come including lying, cheating, deception, etc. You’ve no doubt met many of these folks that try to pass off religion and spirituality to further themselves while only trying to sell you some motiviational lessons. Nowadays most ministers are motivational speakers, and not bible based.
Back to post since Im getting side tracked, I believe all these religions have a place in some forum to educate people on what they are about and allow the individuals to make their own choices by empowering them with knowledge. Dont be a fool man, were in Georgia, right smack in the middle of the bible belt, if there isnt any bible education here, even elective at that somethings wrong.
my .02
Here, now. Old Testament ERA encompases all the “religions of the book”-christianity, judaism, and moslem. It ought to be a history course that is covered in ancient history courses and should be fairly interesting. Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Africa, Middle East. It shouldn’t really be connected with any particular religion, but more regional. New Testament should cover Middle East, Greece, Rome, and Egypt as well as upper Africa. I think I’d be interested in it, unless it covers the exact same ground as in Sunday school. The social issues during those times, especially New Testament era gives a lot of insight into what is happening in the Middle East today.
Love,
Mom
Smarty-pants