Should the Bible be used as a textbook in schools?

Short answer... why not.

As long as it can be peer reviewed and critiqued like all other text books.

If it is going to be taught as fiction...... No examination needed.

If it going to be taught as non-fiction ...... The authors need to verify any claims. As I think " I believe it is true" is not a high enough standard for such heavy and definitive claims in this case.

Originally posted by thedeadtruth
Short answer... why not.

As long as it can be peer reviewed and critiqued like all other text books.

If it is going to be taught as fiction...... No examination needed.

If it going to be taught as non-fiction ...... The authors need to verify any claims. As I think " I believe it is true" is not a high enough standard for such heavy and definitive claims in this case.

Ummm, yeah, that's why I suggested you should include every time of revision, from the Council of Nicea around the time of Rome......

No, not at all. The bible is not a textbook. It is a religious book and does not belong in the classroom. Does this mean no one can read the bible on their spare time? No! But it shouldn't be taught because it's not science or educational.

reply to post by tetra50


Spot on.

How big is that book gonna be. It would end up looking like the old school encyclopedia set.

Break a few backs. I bet even the religious kids would skip that class.

Originally posted by thedeadtruth
reply to post by tetra50

 

Spot on.

How big is that book gonna be. It would end up looking like the old school encyclopedia set.

Break a few backs. I bet even the religious kids would skip that class.

How right you are, dude. Cracking me up......thanks...
Tetra50

reply to post by jupiter869


I'd be in favour of Life of Brian being compulsory viewing...

But I'm kind of divided on the Bible itself. On the one hand, that thing can seriously f@*k you up, especially young impressionable minds.

On the other, though, a great many Christians don't seem to read the damn thing either. Perhaps if they were made to read it, all of it and discuss it dispassionately and critically and honestly that might actually make a lot of them become atheists.

So maybe... for the older kids with a religious bent, make them read it. All of it. And analyze it, critically. Yeah. That might be good for a start.

Makes about as much sense as making The Hobbit a mandatory text reading.

Except The Hobbbit is less violent and the morals dont contradict eachother.

Also, children might actually have will to do their homework if it was from a work of fiction that is actually interesting.

Sorry but The Bible is already in schools in the area where it belongs; in an elective course for religion. Forcing people to read it would only result in more Atheists. Take it from an Atheist who was forced to read it twice growing up.

The bible should be used in a religious studies classroom when world religions are being studied. Otherwise, it has no business being taught in public school. Christian schools are fine ...

reply to post by jupiter869

It may teach atheists a little about religion

Most atheists and agnostics are far and away more versed on the Bible than your average Christian.

There are some good things to take from the Bible. But, there are things to leave also.

Do you kill someone for being gay? According to Leviticus, you should.
Do you eat meat from a pig? Again, Leviticus (the Lord's biggest buzz kill) says no, no, no....

If someone really wants to learn about other religions, school curriculum will not prevent it. They will learn it on their own. Also, it's the PARENTS' job to instruct their children in matters of faith, not the school's. If you want it, there are several religious school options available....where the Bible will indeed be used as a textbook, but you can't honestly propose doing so for ALL students, can you? Or, are you just that much of an evangelist?