News & Views - January 2006 - May 2007

Chuck Norris Speaks Out About Bible History Classes

Known more for his action movies and his television series, Walker: Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris is also an adamant proponent of public school Bible history classes. In a recent World Net Daily column he writes, "Anyone who has studied early American history knows that the Bible has always been embedded throughout our culture, from classrooms to congressional halls. This was especially the case in the origins of our nation." More.

Texas Freedom Network Attacks Bible Programs

Over 1300 schools in 37 states currently offer an elective course using the Bible as a textbook, and the State of Texas is currently considering a requirement that all of its 1700 school districts offer history and literature courses using the Bible as the primary textbook. However, a few months ago, the Texas Freedom Network (TFN) issued a report claiming to have examined various courses offered on the Bible in Texas high schools, and TFN wasn't very pleased with any of them. More.

Texas Considers Requiring the Bible to be the Textbook

According to an AP story filed on Foxnews.com, A Texas state House committee is considering recommending that the Bible be the textbook used in public school Bible history classes. The Greensboro, N.C.-based National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools promotes its curriculum as the only one that uses the Bible as its primary textbook. Supporters include the conservative American Family Association, Eagle Forum and Plano-based Liberty Legal Institute. More.

 Why We Should Teach The Bible in Public School
Time Magazine - March 22, 2007

David Van Biema illustrates the case for the importance of the Bible being taught in our public schools: Miss Kendrick came ready, with props. The day's topic was the Gospel of Matthew. "You can divide all the Beatitudes into two parts," Jennifer Kendrick explained to her teenage audience. "The 'Blessed are the whatevers,' like 'the meek,' and then the reward they will get. So I've made some puzzle pieces here." She passed out construction-paper sheets, each bearing either the name of a virtuous group or its reward, in black marker. "And you've got to find the person who has the other half. What's the first one in the Bible?" More 

Ancient Biblical Waterworks Found in Israel

Reuters reports that archaeologists in Israel have unearthed an ancient water system which was modified by the conquering Persians to turn the desert into a paradise. The Persians, who took control of the region around 539 BC from the Babylonians, renovated the water system and turned it into a thing of beauty. More

Bible Class Supporters Say It Is Not Religion

In the first of a three-part article, Amy Sherrill of the Ft. Springs, Arkansas Times Record writes, "Three Fort Smith men who want the public school district to add a Bible course as a high school elective said their venture is not about religion.

David Cordell, Richard Peer and Bill Freeman ? who all have previous ties to the Fort Smith School District  asked the Curriculum Committee of the Fort Smith School Board to consider adding the course, The Bible in History and Literature, taught from a secular aspect beginning in the 2007-08 school year.

"No matter what your belief is, even if you're an atheist, even if you're not a believer, there's still a lot of good things in the Bible," Cordell said. "There's educational value whether it's literature, history, culture or background in our legal system. There's still positive things to glean from the study of the Bible."

Part One: Bible Class Supporters Say It's Not Religion
Part Two: Bible Class Can Be Difficult, But Legal
Part Three: Bible in Classroom Has A Long, Volatile History

Biblical Atlas Meets Google Technology

Biblemap.org has integrated Google Maps with the Bible. Biblical cities, regions, people groups and geographic features are linked from Bible passages to present day satelite world photographs. Additional information on each location is linked to the International Bible Encyclopedia. Check it out here.

The Manga Bible

This isn't for everyone...but Siku's provocative, edgy style brings a whole new dimension to the most important book in history.

The Manga Bible has been created by Siku, the conceptualist and illustrator described by David Bishop (ex-2000AD & Judge Dredd Megazine editor) as "One of Britain's best young comic book artists."

Just remember - this isn't for everyone! More...

South Carolina Approves For-Credit Bible Courses

Signed into law on June 2, 2006, Gov. Mark Sanford finalized giving South Carolina public school students the opportunity to elect Bible courses.

Free Online Course Offered

Beginning August 7, 2006, Leland Ryken, Ph.D., will be teaching The Bible as Literature through the Barnes and Noble University.

According to Dr. Ryken, this free online course "will examine the Bible specifically from a literary perspective. We'll take a look at how universal stories, themes, metaphors, and characterizations surface in the Bible, and explore the many literary forms and genres that can be found there: poetry, narratives, epistles, proverbs, parables, satire, and visionary writing. The course is designed for anyone interested in a literary approach to the Bible, regardless of how well acquainted they are with Scripture." More...

Wilson County, Tennessee Considers Bible Courses

According to the Wilson County school board is considering adding Bible history classes to its high school curriculum. At the November 6, 2006 board meeting, voices of support for the class came from three Wilson County school board student members and from the man who proposed the idea weeks ago, Terry Redmon, who made the pitch again.

"The National Council's curriculum has been around for 11 years, time tested and time proven," he said. "The curriculum should be implemented; otherwise, there will be a lot of disappointed students."

Audio "Bible Experience" a Big Hit

According to James Prichard, Associated Press writer, "It's an epic telling of the life of Jesus - an ambitious production featuring an all-star cast. But it's not a movie or miniseries. "Inspired By ... The Bible Experience: New Testament" has been at or near the No. 1 spot of Wal-Mart's best selling books.

Cultural Issues: Is the Bible Literally True

According to a recent Rasmussen Report, a national survey conducted this past summer found that 54% of all adults believe the Bible to be literally true. Which states were the highest and which were the lowest? Read on...

Tennessee Debate over Bible Use

Though legislation either stalled or was abandoned in Tennessee, the debate centered around using the Bible as the sole student text book.

Claudette Riley, writing for Tennessean.com states, "Tennessee has a long history of allowing public high schools to offer Bible-related elective courses but, with no requests for new courses in the past three years, some wonder why this state has become a new battleground in a national war over how such courses should be taught." Read on...

Georgia Legislation on Bible Courses in Public Schools

According to Tonisha Johnson of WRCB-TV Chattaoonga, "You might expect this from Republicans, but in this case Georgia Democrats are lobbying for legislation that would allow high school students to take Bible classes as an elective. Although it's a touchy subject, Democrats say this legislation if passed would do two things. One, protect schools that already have such classes and two help students get a greater understanding of English Literature, government and culture." Read on...

National Council on Bible Curriculum in the News