Whether it's trying to put Bibles in classrooms or posting the Ten Commandments in the lunchroom, scores of bills have been introduced in state legislatures in recent years hoping to bring Christianity back to schools. A recent Idaho bill may have them all beat.
Pro-Christian activists in the Gem State recently introduced a bill which would require every public school district in Idaho to ensure the Bible is read to students, in its entirety, over ten years of their public education.
You’ve heard of Christianity in schools. What about all of Christianity in schools?
State-Sponsored Faith?
Penned by the Idaho Family Policy Center and sponsored by Idaho State Rep. Jordan Redman, House Bill 162 would create mandatory "school-sponsored Bible reading" in public school classrooms across the state.
“The Bible is the most important book in the world, molds public morality, impacts history, and contains unequaled literary value,” reads the bill. On those grounds, excerpts from the Bible will be read to students every day so that the entire Bible is read to them over ten years.
Instructors who object to reading the Bible may opt out, though the passage will be read by another instructor in the school. And students who object to hearing the Bible may exempt themselves from the readings – with a note from a parent or guardian.
Bill authors say Idaho’s history of public school Bible readings make the readings legal. The bill points to a 1925 policy requiring the Bible be read in public schools, which the bill says is part of “the historical practices of early Idaho and other American states."
It’s because of that historical precedent, bill authors say, which would also close the door to other religious texts being read in school, like “the Quran or the Satanic Bible.”
The Backlash Begins
The bill immediately prompted backlash both from politicians and secular advocates who say it goes way too far.
"This country was settled by people that weren't moving to religion, they were moving away from state-mandated religion," said Idaho State Rep, Jack Nelsen. "To me, this picks a particular religion's Bible, and I am not for advancing this."
“This is nothing short of government-mandated indoctrination,” stated Freedom From Religion Foundation’s Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “This bill tramples on the First Amendment, disregards decades of Supreme Court rulings, and would turn our public schools into religious battlegrounds.”
Tradition or Indoctrination?
Critics pointed out that the bill’s primary justification – that Bible readings in school are justified because it is part of state tradition – could put it on a potentially shaky legal foundation.
“I can’t speak for all Black people, but ‘history and tradition’ tests just really make me nervous,” said Idaho State Rep. Chris Mathias, pointing to historic mistreatment of African-Americans. And others pointed out that Idaho’s legislature also passed a “Board of Eugenics” in 1925 alongside the law to find and forcefully sterilize the “feeble-minded, insane, epileptic, habitual criminals, moral degenerates, and sexual perverts.”
Their argument is clear: just because something was commonplace in the past doesn't mean it was right (or worth returning to).
However, the bill’s proponents seem confident that not only will it pass, but that it will hold up to legal scrutiny. They say that Idaho’s lengthy history of Bible readings in schools, combined with recent pro-Christian rulings at the Supreme Court, provide ample legal cover.
What is your reaction? Should the future of public education include reading the Bible front-to-back?
116 comments
-
Tom Thackrey
I don't think it's OK to try to turn public schools into religious ones. The people who want this will be very unhappy if the religion pushed in public school doesn't match theirs. It is far better for everyone to let us each choose our religion and how to practice it.
-
James Mounts
Sunday School ... maybe. Public School ... NEVER
-
Chris
Absolutely not. You want your kid brainwashed into your religion, teach them at home. Take them to your church. My kid doesn't need to be listening to your religious propaganda. If you demand your kids be taught your bible in school, send them to a religious school, not a public one.
And if you believe you're acting as a good Christian, I would recommend you take a look at your book you keep thumping and see what Jesus said about such things.
-
Rev. BH
Here we go again.
Let the kids read the short and sweet Golden Rule, then get back to the Three Rs.
-
John Alex Paxson
Too bad humanity does not follow that.
-
-
Juan Rolón Rosario
Certainly the Bible is an important book that can guide us spiritually, but forcing students to read it is not healthy, why? Because first they would not have an objective approach to its teachings, let's see, how many versions of the Bible are there? Clearly many. If we start from the premise that the book comes from the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) it has definitely had many changes in its translation, by the way how many religions are there based on it? Many that in turn clash in teachings with each other. Its reading is definitely advised but no, absolutely not in an obligatory way. We follow God Almighty by our own will, not because we are forced to do so.
-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Teaching superstitions in schools is unacceptable. Period. Keep the silliness to yourself.
-
-
Merlin
Which version? KJV, ASV, NIV, NKJV, NRSVUE, ESV, NABRE, CSB, NLT, CEB,AMP, MSG,HCSB, NAB, NJB,TNIV, NCV, NLT, GNT, CEV, TLB ? At least they will teach them about porn, how to treat your slaves and when you can beat your wife.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
Version doesn't matter. Students have to be taught how to read first. Thanks to Lucy Calkins and her friends who made billions selling her BS method of teaching kids how to read over 60% are functionally alliterate.
-
ServantOfJudgement
Good question about the version merlin. Id choose none of the above for public schools.
That said, two liberal, woke lgbtqia++map chicks raping their drunken father really isn't porn, it's a picture of the sad state Sodom and Gomorrah was in and were in now. We got gas station boner pills and bathroom condoms for everybody around every corner and the sex diseases to prove it.
I wish we'd treat our slaves the way the bible taught the Israelites how to treat their indentured servants. I'll bet the slaves you rely on for all your junk wish it too.
The Bible's pretty clear on the treatment of a wife by her husband. I'm not calling you an idiot by any stretch but what you said about wife beating is something an idiot would say. Like an actual idiot. You've not read anything of the sort in the document and I expect your mouth is similar to that which Jesus described, that is an open sepulcher, putrid and vile. Sorry to quote the bible on y'all but it fits.
Oh how the Lord knows His critics does he not?
-
shiningwolf9
Stacy Owens, let your, or families children, be forced to read another FAITHS Holy Writings, and see if you say the same !!! Think not ! Can't have it both ways. The supposed "christ" never once taught his REAL disciples to FORCE anyone to believe in him.
-
Robert James Ruhnke
Good gods SOJ, you always have the most gangrenous garbage typed from your fingers. Do you have the same brain worms as RFK? I bet Merlin has a better understanding of the Bible than you do.
-
ServantOfJudgement
Lol, thanks Robert. If Merlin thinks there's porn the bible, it teaches men to beat wives and Israel's indentured servants were worse off than your or my slaves, then I doubt he gets it too much at all. Not only does Merlin know very little about the document, he also sorely lacks context of what he does know.
I apologize for quoting the Bible, I know y'all love to hate Christians for that sort of thing but here, this is out of Exodus:
"And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death."
There are slaves in the world and there are indentured servants in the world. Which are you I wonder. Which am I, I wonder the same.
-
-
Merlin
A small representation.
WIVES: Deuteronomy 22:22 – “If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.” Deuteronomy 22:23-24 – If a betrothed woman engaged in adultery willingly, both she and the man were to be stoned. Leviticus 20:10 – “If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
PORN: Ezekiel 23 – This chapter uses graphic sexual imagery as an allegory for Israel and Judah’s unfaithfulness to God, portraying their idolatry through the metaphor of prostitution.
SLAVES: Exodus 21:20-21:“Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.”
WOMEN EQUAL SLAVES Just as women are called to play a subordinate role (Eph. 5:22; 1 Tim. 2:11–15), so slaves are stationed by God in their place.
JUSTIFICATION OF SLAVERY Slavery is God’s means of protecting and providing for an inferior race (suffering the “curse of Ham” in Gen. 9:25 or even the punishment of Cain in Gen. 4:12).
-
shiningwolf9
Let someone force you into slavery, and we'll see how you feel then !!!!
-
ServantOfJudgement
Merlin,
Everybody knows there's a fundamental and immeasurable difference between a document teaching and encouraging spousal abuse vs one giving lethal punishment for breaking the law. You perpetuate a lie via belligerent disregard of facts and context while the willingly ignorant read your words and repeat them as if the document says what you say it says, like Kenneth Copeland and Paula White do. Pornography is specifically created for the purpose of sexual arousal. Read that again. You know I'm right when I say what you've tried to pass as pornography is nothing of the sort.
Now, if you or any lbtqia++map get aroused by reading Ez23 or any other verse in the Bible depicting mans complete depravity, well, it probably wouldn't surprise me but that don't make it porn any more.
You've made my point on the slaves. When the slaves that make your electronics, clothing, refrigerators, sugar, booze and shoes get beaten and worked until death, I bet they wish their masters would follow the doctrine set forth for the indentured servants of Israel. YOU use slave labor. WE ALL use slave labor. If YOU really care that much at all, you'd abandon modern living and head for the hills. Don't mind though do you, only when a 3,000 year old lost culture has slaves is when you mind, but never your own slaves, no sir, not then.
You know black sports dudes are still traded nationally right? Black Americans are willingly traded to different teams with different owners. White ones two by the way.
Of course there will be a hierarchy of a married couple, there always is. Either the woman wears the pants, the man wears the pants or the man wears'em but the woman tells him what he's wearing. Liberal couples are funny and sad at the same time. Them gals almost always got a wether(castrated goat or sheep) following them around. Sad to see a husk like that. To be fair, you'll find men like that in Christian couples too. The Bible says as much.
If you ain't got hierarchy, you ain't got a team and you ain't got a marriage.
-
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
Daddy couldn't have been THAT drunk or else there'd be no story.
-
-
-
James Riggle-Johnson
This bill is nothing more than government-mandated religious indoctrination, forcing Christianity onto public school students regardless of their beliefs. The First Amendment exists to prevent exactly this kind of state-sponsored religious coercion. Christians constantly complain about so-called LGBTQ 'indoctrination' in schools, yet they have no problem forcing their own mythical beliefs onto children. Public schools serve a diverse population, not just Christians, and no child should be compelled to sit through daily Bible readings as part of their education. If Christianity can’t stand on its own without government enforcement, what does that say about its strength?
Conveniently, this bill ensures that no other religion gets the same treatment—just Christianity. If this were about teaching religious history, we’d see equal time given to the Quran, the Bhagavad Gita, or other sacred texts. But that’s not the goal. Instead, it’s a blatant attempt to turn back the clock 50 to 100 years, forcing everyone into the mold of 'God-fearing' folk, as if we’re living in a theocracy. America is supposed to stand for religious freedom, not Christian dominance.
-
Cynthia Mandello
GREAT! Maybe this will educate students on the total hypocrisy of the Evangelical, White Christian Nationalist movements. Let students engage in debate on why Evangelicals cherry pick which "laws & rules" to follow and which to ignore. Let them refuse to eat pork (that will go over well with the Pork Producers). Let them read where JESUS said he came to replace the Old Testament. Yep, READ the WHOLE Bible and learn how Eve was Adam's SECOND wife, how godly monks begged God to take retribution on CHILDREN just because they were teasing his baldness, how "King David" was a peeping Tom and sent a woman's (he lusted after) husband off to war in hopes he'd die, how Lot offered his daughters to drunken men so they would quit banging on his door (so he could sleep), how Abraham slept with his maid then rejected their son. Sure, I think this is a GREAT idea.
-
Robert N. March
Adam had only one wife Eve. Lilith was Jewish folklore. Not in any place in the Bible or the Hebrew Bible do you find what you are saying about this.
-
Amber Fry
You do understand the Old Testament is literally taken out of the Hebrew scriptures, don't you? I would hope so if you insist on sticking to it that tightly.
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
Lilith's story didn't make the cut into what's now considered to be the current Old Testament. That doesn't mean that her story isn't every bit as valid as the Eve nonsense. It simply indicates that Lilith was omitted from the "official" version.
-
Thomas P. Davis
Amen
-
-
-
Keith D
A straight-up bad idea. Unconstitutional, and for very good reason.
This is how 'Conservatives' do a faceplate and garner animosity and the moniker, 'narcissistic,' and rightly so.
Public schools need to focus on respectatable academics and practical skills. Reading ANY religious text cover to cover is simply not within that description.
If parents want their kids in seminary, its quite available.
-
Daniel Gray
WRONG. SCOTUS has clearly stated that you have no idea what you are talking about. Teachers cannot lead religious studies, but they cant stop them either.
-
Rev. BH
Daniel, where/when/what does SCOTUS clearly state that Keith has no idea what he's talking about?
Secondly, I can't imagine kids gathering together and deciding 'Hey let's skip basketball and study the bible in the library!" Did you do that Daniel with your classmates?
-
Daniel Gray
1st is Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, where the SCOTUS said clearly that prayer CAN be held in a school or on school property as long as the school official does not lead it
- Engel v. Vitale says students can have bible study in schools on their own time
and these are just two of the over 30 different links located.
Heck even the US Department of Education clearly says this can be done https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/education-policy/guidance-on-constitutionally-protected-prayer-and-religious-expression-in-public-elementary-and-secondary-schools
So I can imagine you and Keith and others getting upset when its proved your opinions are completely and totally wrong.
-
Rev. BH
Nice try, Daniel. When does CAN mean must? And "on their own time" can't mean school imposed time, can it? And a silent morning prayer does not mean reading the whole bible.
PS. Opinions are not right or wrong. They are personally held beliefs - much like yours.
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
Not unless someone is a speed reader.
-
-
Michael Hunt
Daniel, this is about the state forcing students to read the Bible in school as part of their curriculum. This isn't about a kid bringing a Bible to class. This is the exact situation SCOTUS has ruled against.
-
Daniel Gray
Same reasoning. The SCOTUS said that a teacher or school official cannot force you, but cant stop you if you want to do this on your own. Why are you trying to make this more difficult then it is
-
Michael Hunt
I'm not, Daniel. This article is about the state of Idaho trying to pass a bill that would make reading the Bible mandatory for public school students. Nothing in this article is saying you can't bring a Bible to school.
We're saying that it's unconstitutional to force the Bible to be read in a public school. You're telling Keith that he's wrong and then saying SCOTUS says that teachers can't lead a Bible study in class, just like Keith is saying...
-
-
-
Keith D
I see that others have taken up the points that somehow Daniel missed. Thank you.
It's a little stunning the venom and complete misfire in Daniel's comments.
-
Daniel Gray
No keith, they are using smoke and mirror excuses and failing each time. So one has to wonder their mental capacity when they SCOTUS says this can be done by individual students but cannot be forced on the students by schools or school employees. Are you having difficulty with this as well?
-
-
Brian Scott Hoff
You sort of took the wind out of your own sails. Can't be lead by a school employee and Can't be done on school time. Gee.. that sounds like the school should rent itself as a church when school is closed. So.. just go to church. You have no right to expect me to pay for your religious desires. Otherwise you have to pony up for my lack of religious faith. Maybe I just want the school lights on and the heat running so that I can meditate and practice my wicked incantations?
-
Daniel Gray
Your understanding of facts and SCOTUS rulings seems to be in need of major improvement. SCOTUS has already said that individuals CAN read or study the bible on their own time meaning if a teacher says you have to read something, that teacher cannot refuse to allow you to read the Bible. You can do the same thing on your lunch break or in study hall or during the moment of silence that some schools have in home room. What part of the SCOTUS rulings are you intentionally ignoring or refusing to listen to since they clearly prove you are completely wrong?
-
Michael Hunt
Daniel, no one is saying that individuals cannot read the Bible on their own time at school. We are saying that the state of Idaho cannot force students to read the Bible for classwork. Is that not what SCOTUS has ruled?
-
-
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
So a Satanic "Bible" or the Quran or the Bhagavad Gita or (egad!) the Kama Sutra could be studied by students in school buildings as long as it wasn't official, that would be OK?
-
-
-
-
Axcella Maria Zed
As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and this community I am absolutely appalled at the things some religions and religious fanatics think that they can control others. In the past few months I have seen religious people talking about hating others based on their religious beliefs. I find it hypocritical to say that it’s okay to to remove protection of the LGBTQ rights and freedoms based on their book yet now you are not in favour of the bible being read in schools which is more control I think that the church needs to get it’s hands off of that which is not theirs to control If you are religious be so and show it by your actions I am one who believes that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is just as valid as the other religions Sorry but the purpose of religion is not to punish others but to care for them not to force others into doing what they don’t want to do
-
Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
Ramen!
-
-
Reverend Paula Copp
It seems to me that “render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s” is pretty much in line with Separation of church and state… the bible doesn’t belong in the classroom.
-
Daniel Gray
SCOTUS does not agree with you. While the teachers cannot require nor lead any religious studies, they also cannot stop a student from bringing in a religious book to read on their own time
-
Amber Fry
SCOTUS has a majority of zealots in it right now who are not following the constitution as strictly as all that. In fact three of them are under heavy investigation for not following the laws and rules of that construction.
-
Daniel Gray
How funny. When SCOTUS rules the way you want they are legal geniuses. But when they rule the way the Constitution requires them to, then they are zealots
-
-
-
-
Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
No religion should be forced in school, especially grade school. My senior year in high school, took an elective course: The Bible As Literature.
-
Robert Gagnon
First off that is a violation of religious freedom. Second, social media has shortened kids attention spans to a minute. If King James it is in an English format most can't follow. Sounds like an excuse to purchase 50.00 Chinese bibles with tax dollars.
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
I have to giggle! So true.
-
-
Religion as a Weapon is Wrong
Idaho has lost its mind. It's a great place to live if you are a fan of the Inquisition. To those residents that don't go along with what is happening in their state, you have my condolences. Florida and Texas are not any better.
-
Nicholas J Page
I have said before religion of any type should never be forced onto anyone let the children or adults choose religion not what other states want
-
Colleen McAllister
NO. Absolutely not. As a Christ-following, white, Evangelical, woman I am totally against this. The Bible (whichever version) does not belong in public schools except as part of a specific Religious Studies course. And that should be an elective at College level. Freedom of Religion is to give us the freedom to practice the religion of our choice and not a government mandated one.
-
Rev. Roe
Let it be in the school library if a student wish to readi it . NOTHING good comes from forcing one to read.
-
Amber Fry
Yes but if it's allowed it shouldn't be the only religious materials the students have access to in the library. Whatever materials are allowed should be written from the perspective of that religion, not an outsider who might misrepresent either by mistake or on purpose.
-
Amber Fry
Yes but if it's allowed it shouldn't be the only religious materials the students have access to in the library. Whatever materials are allowed should be written from the perspective of that religion, not an outsider who might misrepresent either by mistake or on purpose.
-
-
Rev. BH
The Bible contains many descriptions of violence, including war, murder, animal sacrifice, rape, stonings and genocide, to name a few. And of course, crucifixion. Sounds like some fine book larnin' for the younguns!
-
Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
Religion comes from the family. NOT from the school boards!!!!
-
Patricia Sydney Solis
Stop degrading Christ by merging him with The State! Let what is Caesar’s be Caesar’s for Christ is not of this world. Teach kids not Christian mythology but Latin and Greek instead, as Thomas Jefferson said, so they can understand the roots of western civilisation, learn English better by understanding the roots of words like democracy and economy, and speak with others of other languages and cultures.
-
Deborah Jane Vogel
Respect for the religious practices and beliefs of others?
“…no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public trust under the United States.” (Article VI, The Constitution of the United States of America)
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” (Article III, The Bill of Rights)
“Everyone has the right to the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; …” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, General Assembly of the United Nation)
“Most men, indeed, as well as most sects in religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that whenever others differ from them, it is so far error.” (Benjamin Franklin’s speech in the Constitutional Convention at the conclusion of its deliberations)
Separation of church and state, anyone?
-
Rev Samantha Counihan
religion has no place in public school, and if it hits my state i will pull my kid out of school and i will teach them myself since i graduated, and any christian teachings they want me to teach my kids i will tell them "thats not going to happen, im not going to teach my kids christianity, i will teach them Paganism and Wicca" because thats my religion, pushing christianity and forcing that religion on everyone is harmful
-
Timothy C Stone
We may not have to worry about it anyway. tRUMP is bent on destroying our public education. He 'loves the poorly educated'.
-
Richard Faust
Hmm. we spend $$ the most ( more per pupil) and get the least and yet people want more money which almost always goes to the staff and administradoras.
-
-
-
Timothy C Stone
This is BS and unlawful.
-
Henry Anderson
I highly do not recommend any child before the age of 18 even read the old testament. When I was a child in the 5th grade, I latched onto my parents Living Bible that they had just bought and started reading from the beginning. I was told it was true. As a result, I was mentally conditioned to be like a person from the 1st Century BCE. I still struggle with the conditioning today. For example: When the Palistinians invaded Isreal and took the hostiges, my first thought was that Isreal should invade and kill every male over 20 and make the rest slaves. I quickly let that thought go, but just want people to understand the impact of mental conditioning. I’m a practicing Buddhist and believe in peace, but sometimes these thoughts still arise and have to be let go. If you’re going to teach anything Bible related, let it be the sermon on the mount.
-
Michael Arthur Lueras
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's." (Jesus in Matthew 22:21) This was the ORIGINAL source of The Doctrine of The Separation of The Church and The State. But Tommy Jefferson bought more slaves and stole more land after writing "All men are Created Equal." And MANY of those Slaves were offered Christianity or Death. Idaho House Bill 162 was written by the same Evil Spirit that Tommy Jefferson and The Founding Fathers followed as they began to build a Nation called The U.S.A. based on Black Only Slavery on Stolen Land Protected and Served by The Police and The Military. TODAY the name of that Evil Spirit is Jordan Redman. "Let there be no compulsion in Religion..." (Quran 2:256) AGAIN this IS The Separation of the Church and The State. If you take The People's Money in the form of taxes and build and fund schools where the students have to listen to the reading of The Bible or go somewhere else or get permission from their parents to go outside of the classroom so that they cannot hear it THAT is coercion which is a VIOLATION of The Doctrine of The Separation of The Church and The State. You cannot FORCE someone to BELIEVE. You CAN exploit someone's FEAR OF PAIN AND DEATH in order to FORCE THEM to SAY they believe. But THAT is not LEGAL. But MANY in U.S.A. History and the Prehistory of The U.S.A. were offered PAIN and/or DEATH if they would not give up their Land and/or their Religion and/or accept Slavery to a human being. This is an example of Satan at work in The World according to the The Reprieval that he got from Allah 6000 years ago.This is HISTORICAL FACT not a Theory Critical or Otherwise. This Evil Coercive Spirit that MADE AMERICA GREAT is the same Evil Spirit that authored this work of Satan called Idaho House Bill 162. "Kill Infidelity wherever you find it." (Quran 2:191)
-
shiningwolf9
I like your post, but for one detail; I know many who grew up muslim, not in the U.S., and they say the same about that forced religion, as well say about christianism. Really no difference.
-
ServantOfJudgement
Michael, in 1747, members of my clan along with other Highlanders of Scotland were sold as indentured servants and slaves to the 13 Colonies. They were quite white, shockingly white.
If the nation Of USA was built on black only slaves, I guess that makes me black.
-
Michael Arthur Lueras
Accept Islam. Abandon your "White" (or Black) identity for Muslim. Get Supernatural Mercy and Compassion from Allah. "White" people are not "White" because they were taken out of Black. Get on the Nation of Islam website and read all about what happened on Patmos Island 6600 years ago. "This message is for all humankind." (Quran 14:52)
-
-
-
Joseph Grieco
Idaho seems to be Ground Zero for stuff like this. Especially Northern Idaho, where many White Christian Dominion movements are headquartered. The sad thing is the political party in power there will likely pass this, and it will be immediately challenged. Given the nature of who is sitting on the Supreme Court, I see this as another example of them throwing out the 1st Amendment.
-
Amber Fry
He belongs in the hearts of his followers, and not everyone is. Forcing bible teaching in a religiously mixed public organization like public education or public health is about as far from being in the heart as it goes. Keep it in the home and in the church. Churches are everywhere. If people want their kids to be in bible study then it should be through the church and the home or they can flip for a private school that has the right not to be secular. This should be the individual family choice, not forced on everyone.
-
Walter Abington
I pay homeowner taxes to the state, not tithing. Not every so-called Christian teaching in school should be teaching children at all. I do not want their version of Christianity. Preach to my child! Fascism is what’s preached across America, including in public schools where it’s allowed. I say no to fascist instruction of my child paid by my taxes. If they want to teach their version of their so-called religion, they can do it in their own church and not in my public school system!
-
Jessica North-O'Connell
I started school at six and loved it. We read the bible every day and sang hymns every morning. I went to bible class every other week. Loved all the stories. By the age of seven, I left the church because I thought that any god which would treat his "children" the way I saw humans being treated was either insane, a broken machine that was too complicated to fix, or fake. Also, I couldn't understand how the ADULTS could believe that stuff and try to impose it on us children. Years later, I learned about and began to study mythology...it helped me to put the bible in its proper context.
I was nine when I had my first numinous experience and it had nothing to do with any of that stuff. It was divine. I realized that WE are divine - most of us have just have forgotten how to behave...
When I asked my five year-old son (many years later) what he thought about "god," he answered "god is everything everything everything!" No one had ever told him that and he had never touched a bible. Children are not stupid, and being exposed to the bible may have the same effect on some of them that it had on me. Meanwhile, I hope that the schools have adequate counsellors to control the bullying that will occur when the children feel justified doing so because it is "in the bible."
-
Walter J. Holbrook
This is indoctrination. Forcing children to read the bible will only insure their hatred for it. God gives you a choice. And its no one else decision on how you make that choice. The faith of God is freedom and not paganism, control or threats.
-
Brian Scott Hoff
Does religion belong in public schools? Never. Not ever.. should a religion or a religious text be a planned part of the class room? Never. Any religious text is seen as someone's "truth". But to others it not. And.. religious texts make claims about supernatural events without actual evidence. Thus.. as best.. it is historical fiction. Once again, if you wish to raise your kids in religion.. you are free to do so in your home, a neighbors home, a local church, or a parochial school. This I shall never, ever pay for at all.. you have no right to ask my money be spent on your faith now do I have the right to expect you to pay for my faith (or lack of).
-
Zekester
Why can't f*cking christians just leave the rest of us alone? Why do they feel it necessary to convert EVERYONE to their hokey, made-up religion? GO AWAY!
-
Yanel Jay Laroche Jr.
I am Archbishop Yanel Jay Laroche Jr.. Students should not be required to read the Holy Bible entirely while in school. Lord Jesus Christ and LORD God his heavenly Father wants people to decide on reading the Holy Bible daily and to meditate on it according to Psalm 1:1-3. It should not be mandatory to read the entire Holy Bible in school in 10 years. Lord Jesus Christ wants Christians to love reading the Holy Bible. He will never force Christians to read the Holy Bible daily. It should be in your heart to love reading the Holy Bible.
-
Stacey Owens
The thing about the schools forcing children to read the Bible may not be bad. The state will find out they don't honor what the Bible says when the child learn from God the spirit of truth in Jesus Christ. What will the state do then, force the children to stop reading it. It's a win win situation. God knows exactly what He is doing. The state will see the manifestation of the glory of God. Watch, God's will being done.
-
shiningwolf9
Stacy Owens, let your, or families children, be forced to read another FAITHS Holy Writings, and see if you say the same !!! Think not ! Can't have it both ways. The supposed "christ" never once taught his REAL disciples to FORCE anyone to believe in him.
-
Brian Scott Hoff
Ah... Stacey.. Just.. no. Keep your stuff at home and at church. You'll be fine there and you can pay for that all on your own. You have no right to my money. Ever. Let alone wasting the time of other people's children.
-
-
John J Goodwin
I believe there is value in educating students about the role of religion in human history. However, it needs to address our entire history where many religions have existed at different times and had both negative and positive impacts. America was deliberately NOT formed as a “Christian” country as that is understood today. Three of our first six Presidents did not accept the notion of Jesus as a manifestation of God. Jefferson wrote his own version of the Bible - the Jefferson Bible - with all references to miracles removed as he strive to find what he viewed as the extraordinary life and morals of Jesus, the man. Both John and John Quincy Adams were Unitarians, rejecting the deification of Jesus. Jefferson was the force behind the “separation of church and state” demanded, in particular, by the Baptists who feared suppression of their religion. My mother urged me to read the Bible cover to cover since it was an essential aspect of English literature, but she also urged me to read the Koran, the Hindu Vedas, and to learn about all religions to understand the cultural context of different peoples of the world. We lived, at different times of my childhood, in the shadows of both Roman and Greek religions as well. The more one studies, the more apparent it becomes that the foundations of almost every religion are an amalgam of public health laws (if you don’t have ways to refrigerate or cook, pork and shell fish can be deadly), reinforcement of social hierarchies, and pre-science efforts to explain the unexplainable such as how all that surrounds us was created.
-
Maria Elisa Koch
Church and state were always sperate, why start now? In the 70's we went to CCD, every Wednesday, (now on Sunday) With different religions how are you going to teach them all in public school?
-
Ari Joseph Bertine
This is just rude, aggressive, and presumptive. Pushing religious beliefs on other people's kids is just as bad as spanking other people's kids, and try that in a public school these days and see how long you keep your job.
-
Mary France
I believe that unless there is a religious studies course, which covers several religions, or an elective Bible as literature course, the reading of a Bible in public schools is promoting one religion over all others, in a nation composed of many faiths, and public schools and religion should remain separate. I would also ask which version of the Bible do they propose using? Besides the difference between the Roman Catholic and Protestant Bibles, the translations and editors' choices on which manuscripts to use differ. Would they use King James, NIV, NASB, NRSV, REV, New Jerusalem, MEV, CSB, LSV, NABRE, Douay-Rheims, etc.? I suspect if this passes, a decision on which version will never be agreed upon. If they propose reading the entire Bible, those children are going to hear stories about incest, genocide, adultery, fratricide, a master impregnating a servant, which usually are not deemed appropriate for the younger ages. Or, do they mean the "entire" Bible censored?
-
Rudolph M Garza
If the voters like it? I guess they'll be happy with it. And if not? They'll know how to vote next time.
And the world goes on. Hmm. It hasn't really changed much. It's just one squabble after another. I really liked that Roman fella, Caligula. He caused quite stir! Then some religious war started by the Vatican. And Moors just had to show up with their opinion.
I hear Asia is nice place. Buddhists and Taoist don't fight about anything. But I don't like the food. So, I will just stay put and sit outside watching the squirrels play.
Take care!
-
Roy S. Thorpe
Most politicians do lack intelligence so they make up for it by being LOUD in action or deed! Free will endowed by our Creator allows us thought to spend as much or as little time as we like with the Bible. Forcing anything on anyone is a felonies act! Gentle persuasion accomplish so much more!
-
Janet Baskett
Yes, God , the Bible, The American flag, The pledge of allegiance &. Prayers should be put back in our schools. It was like that when I went to school & should be like that now
-
Al Jones
Yep, and when I was in grade school we had water fountains for "coloreds" and better, colder, fountains for whites. In no case, in my opinion, did that make the situation good or right.
I should hope Rev Janet that you were being facetious. -
Tecla Caryl Loup
I attended parochial school through 8th grade, and I recall when the "under God" crap was added to the Pledge of Allegiance. To this day I will not repeat that portion of the Pledge. It was wrong.
-
-
Rev. Roe
Yes, if the Bible is placed in school libraries other religious material should also be allowed. There should be no descrimanation. If this cannot be done let ALL religious material be placed in public libraries, homes and places of worship. We may NOT always agree with one another, but let’s try and show some respect for one another. May God bless you all.
-
JT Sunrise
Beloved in Christ,
This is Rev. JTSunrise of Celestial Nexus Church in Seattle, WA. I come to you today with a message of both love and warning: True faith cannot be forced. It never has been. It never will be. Any attempt to do so is not of the Divine, but of those who do not yet understand the freedom that the Holy One has given to all.
There is great danger when earthly governments take it upon themselves to mandate the things of the Spirit. For the Divine does not sit upon the throne of human institutions—these are the creations of people, not the realm of the Eternal. When Jesus stood before Pilate, the truth was made clear: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting… But my kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36). The ministry of Christ did not advance through force, and neither should ours.
History has shown what happens when faith is mandated by the state—it breeds rebellion, not devotion; resentment, not revelation. The religious rulers of Jesus’ time sought to impose faith through legalism, and Jesus rebuked them, saying: “Woe to you, teachers of the law… You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13). Faith, when dictated by law, becomes a tool of power rather than a path to truth.
The separation of church and state is not an enemy of faith—it is a safeguard against the corruption of faith. When religion becomes entangled with political authority, it compromises its true purpose. The Eternal does not need human law to sustain truth. The Spirit moves where it wills, transforming hearts in ways that no government decree ever could.
The Bible is sacred, but it must be approached with a willing heart. What good is it to force a student to read every page if they do not experience the Divine in the lives of those who teach them? What good is it to demand the presence of Scripture in schools while removing the presence of love and justice from our actions?
If we desire a world where young people engage with the Word, then let us live in a way that makes them hunger for it. Let our love be so undeniable, our peace so unshakable, our joy so radiant, that they come running—not because they are required, but because their souls are thirsty for something greater.
Do not place your hope in earthly rulers to do the work of the Gospel. Their power is fleeting. Their kingdoms will fall. But the Word of the Divine endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). The truth of the Spirit does not depend on human laws or institutions. The church must always remain distinct—not because faith should be absent from public life, but because the Eternal is beyond all human structures, above all nations, all governments, all laws.
So let us stand firm, not as enforcers of faith through legislation, but as living testaments to the love and truth of the Divine. For the only law that will ever bring salvation is the law of love, freely given, never imposed.
In Eternal Truth and Boundless Love, Rev. JTSunrise Celestial Nexus Church, Seattle, WA
-
Wayne L Christensen
No, he belongs at home and followed at home or in your church. Public schools representing a broader base of those who have different faiths and they should all be respected. If you need or want to go to a religious school because you or your parents are not capable of teaching you at home, go to a private religious school and pay for it. They are non-profit. Public schools receive and under funded rate for education now, and need more than they receive.
-
CJC
No.
-
Blake Andrew Tallman
u cant force others to read the bible especially kids this bill is stupid every individual in the school has a right to step out of the classroom if it is being forcibly read to them and if they r going to force the christian text on them then the satanist bible can be read to them too and all others texts so since the state of idaho has chosen this ignorant path then so be it they just need to know that the parents of the kids and the kids have a right to opt out of it or they have a right to read any other texts they want
-
Shai Shahar
Much as I can understand the impulse and good intentions I feel this is a step too far and in the wrong direction. Listing Bible study as an elective for which you get credit is the best option, IMHO. Otherwise you end up imposing a State religion, even on unbleievers, or believers of or in a different deity...as administered by beaurocrats and taught by..whom, exactly? Would ULC Ministers go along with, perhaps, institutiing a standard study of Comparative Religion for Juniors & Seniors? In any event, I shudder to think of how damaging to "the Faith" it would end up being if the State mandated what, whom and how to worship. Everywhere theocracy has ruled the people have suffered. Enough, Oh Lord. Enough.
-
Stewart Newall
Jesus Christ will bring his sheep without forcing them to read the Bible we are not Muslims who push our beliefs children will come praise be to God amen.
-
Reverend Paula Copp
I hope you’re not insinuating that Christians do NOT push their religion! If you are, then you are sorely mistaken. As far as I can tell, christianity is among the pushiest of religions.
-
-
Steven Ferrell
We have seen a steady decline in education, in morality, in respect for others since they removed the Bible from schools. The basic teachings of scripture have gotten lost.
But if they can require children to read books on LBGXYZ/trans sin, then the Bible should also be required.-
Amber Fry
There has been a steady decline in education because of educational cuts in funding, not because they removed the bible. Same goes for morality and respect. When you remove teachers in those cuts and the teachers that are hired or not the best because of those cuts, you are going to have a decline. Because wages are not being kept up with inflation we also have parents working more and spending less time with their kids to teach them morals and respect. Studies have come out time and time again that it is the religious sect that seems to have a bigger problem with those things than the more secular sect. Take some time to look into that as I don't want you to take my word for it. Just look into the studies yourself.
-
-
Rhonda L Grubb
I believe that the Bible being read a good king James version or comparable in the classroom is a requirement this country is founded under God and when we move away from God, God moves away from this country so yes, I believe 100% and I know that the Holy Spirit is on me and in me, when I say this children should be required to read the Bible from front to back teachers principle anyone in a department of education and educating should be I believe that everyone should read the Bible to have a understanding without you. No one really does. Amen. Amen.
-
Jeanine Southall
If they are going to mandate reading the bible, they should be reading the whole bible (a Catholic Bible), They should not be reading a political book (KJV) that was ordered by King James I of Scotland and England to “prove” (among other things) the divine right of kings to rule! Personally I think this law is misguided and is not what is needed. We’ve already seen the uproar caused by schools “indoctrination” of students into the Islamic faith. How is this any different?
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
So which god is God? My concept of God is very likely not the same as yours. He+She is not a person, and certainly not just a guy. The Jehovah depicted in the Old Testament sounds like so many other patriarchal religions' Big Dude with all his failings. I have come to believe God is larger, much larger and more essential (of the essence) than this--not even an entity but indeed the very stuff of the cosmos.
That God really doesn't give a rat's ass about Christian (or any denomination's) holy books in classrooms. Teach your kids charity. That's all.
-
-
Jannetje Eleanore Van Went
Children need to learn what interests them and faiths are taught in the home and community so their don't oblige themselves power over other faiths practice and are directed by the family or community based on Legacy practice, to ensure it is not corrupt.
A leadership, media or education obscuring other faiths in order to use a mass force of status (that apears more male dominated and white) to distort the Christian faith is blasphemy of a religious status and is never to be forced. Using children who are not the right of government lead industries like education is corruption of the innocent....
I want to point out, that the monistaic systems of religion do not do what the Christians do.
They are altruistic to just their faith, they do not pursue, nor punish, nor push others to believe their traditional faiths and in fact don't allow other faiths to participate in their practice, they veiw them as having a faith of their own and are only obstinate of practices that judge or sit in criticism of their faith.
So where exactly do Christians fit into the monistaic faiths....
Christian's are meant to serve a God, fill themselves up with the knowledge of their God and serve the people by example not force.
The Christians today appear to be much more a status of white liberation or supremacy. Where force to observe their faith is allpied liberally with the help of governments and media.
Why are Christians looking like a dominating male, white race forcing their logic on the public when that is not a truth to any spiritual faiths practice...and who is running a spiritual faith as an oppressive society with status above the human race?!
Fellow ministers of a faith open to all I ask... How do we rein in a false profit and control it to protect the people from something that is using one of our best faiths in political and media influenced powers and control, if the Christians won't see themselves as being used as a force this way and are enjoying the increase in congregation and power it avails them and not being true to a faith...a faith like Christianity should be protected from this type of currption of government and media influence.
In Gods I pray we can resolve this with peaceful efforts of our combined faiths.
-
Paul Johnson
Why does race, color always have to be the central focus Unless some folks just can't get over they didn't have anything to do with what color you are. Why not take it up with the creator are would that be asking to much? Let's see how that works out. Learn to forgive, love and feed your neighbor. Then we all would quit trying to be better than the next person. Man (dirt) you chose they are both the same when it comes to God and thats where you will return. Get a Grip and Love one another and learn to forgive.
-
-
Lion on the Beach
Way cool. 1 state down 49 to go.
-
Paul Johnson
As usual some running away and some running too. The Bible is not about religion it should be the word of God which should be the Truth. Religion is nothing more than man being tricked by the Devil wanting to take the place of God. Sound familiar? If religion was of God then there would be one religion not , 5 or 6 thousand different religions If in school they only read the bible and have discussion about what they read if need be:; then what would be the problem? However if man is trying to manipulate children into some religion then you do have a problem. Let the Bible speak for its self and let God be God and know that it is God the Creator whom you are trying to understand. Things will probably work out pretty good. However as before someone want have their way and will raise hell. Just sit and watch.
-
Richard Faust
The government forced DEI into the schools, was that right? Now they want the Bible back in school, is that right? Put it to a public vote in the state or school district affected. If your side looses, shut up sand deal with it. God has spoken
-
Michael Hunt
Should we not be incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into our classrooms? To me, that sounds like a good way to make sure we're doing our best to assist all of our students regardless of their backgrounds.
Putting the Bible in schools doesn't improve the quality of education for anyone. If anything, it will just alienate non-Christians and make them feel less welcome at their school.
The first amendment reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." and passing a law to teach one religion over others in a public school setting goes against that amendment.
-
Tecla Caryl Loup
Nope, doesn't signify God has spoken. Signifies that a bunch of bigots have spoken.
-
-
Bishop William Dusenberry, DD
As far as I’m aware, I’m the only ordained Universal Life Church minister actually able to empirically prove the existence of God; and before devoting the remainder of my earthly existence to being a full-time missionary minister, for my denomination in the Universal Life Church, I taught Comparative Religion (Sociology of Religion) at a State university. Therefore, in this regard, Jesus is as noteworthy as is Thor, Zeus, the Buddha, Muhammad, Jupiter, Zarathustra, and all other meme-generated historical notables. In order to profess to be educated, one must be as aware as much as possible, of the man-made deities of the past, present, and the future,
-
John P Maher
NO RELIGION in GOVERNMENT, NO RELIGION in EDUCATION/ SCHOOLS if YOU NEED RELIGION LET IT HANG OUT THE BACK of YER UNDERWEAR,PANTs, and GO ALONG LIKE THE GOOD LITTLE TRAINED ANIMAL YOU ARE, WE ARE HUMAN BEINGS and MUST THINK FOR OURSELVES, WE THE PEOPLE !
-
Jennie McKenzie
I read the comments until I was crosseyed. I see we all agree to disagree. That's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I, myself, was raised in church and on the bible. The bible was also in the public schools at the time. It was considered part of our history lesson. After all, it is how we got started. I believe EVERYONE needs to know what the bible says so they can make their own mind up. I don't believe the bible should be forced since God does not force himself on anyone. However, I do feel keeping the bible from children is controlling what they believe as well. The bible is part of life and how we began. Yes, the old testament was pretty brutal, but after Jesus came the new testament. A better way because Jesus showed us how we are supposed to live. Everyone should know the bible because EVERYONE has a right to choose. Without that knowledge, there's only the way of the world. I feel much better knowing there is a much higher power watching over me. Please don't bite my head off. That's just my opinion. God bless EVERYONE!!!
-
Deborah Jane Vogel
As per my 2 cents on this topic on 3/13/25, my strong belief is that public schools and local/state/federal government have no place promoting any particular religion, much less using public tax dollars to do so.
Each religious sect has the right, if not the obligation to their congregations, to provide ongoing education opportunities to their children, teens, young adults, and adults regarding that religion’s origins, important texts, notable leaders. I also believe they have the obligation to their members to describe and demonstrate how their religious tenets can be translated into action in their daily lives and in their communities. Their failure to do so by no means suggests that it suddenly becomes the responsibility of the government and public schools.
On the other hand, I have no objection to allowing public schools to offer an elective course in “World Religions” or “Comparative Religions” by qualified instructors at the high school level. I believe that such electives could offer teenagers the opportunity to better understand the cultures of all members of their community and work toward diminishing (can we ever eradicate?) antisemitism, anti Muslim, and “anti-Other” hate and violence.
Perhaps this would be a reasonable and constitutionally valid compromise?
-
That is the BEST way to create atheists!
So called christianism has never held up their supposed christs' teachings of Love, Kindness, Gentleness. Someone strikes your cheek, give them the other one. So called christianism is quick to shoot and kill, steal, beat up, maime, etc., rather to practice what their supposed lord spoke. And, they interchange the words make disciples with force disciples; to the point of torture. Christianisms history upholds my words. No one can refute this without lying, which, again, would be against their own "lords'" teachings. Forced christianism in NOT christianity !!!!
Can you define a Christian/Christianity? Is it someone who calls themselves a Christian? Is it someone who calls themselves good? Is it someone who attends church? Is it someone who says they believe in god?
and what do you mean by Christians are qiuck to shoot and kill, steal and maime? You definitely do not know what Christianity is.
A Christians is a self proclaimed label. Anyone can can say they are a Christian. There is agreed upon definition.
Christians most certainly are quick to shoot and kill, steal and maim as well as rape women and molest children.
I've noticed atheists do however follow their own creed shiningwolf. Whatever it may be, they'll follow it. When an atheist follows his creed we get people that are quick to shoot, kill, steal, beat up, maime and even worse. They'll kill millions upon millions in only a couple years.
It's a human problem shiningwolf. As long as there are two of us there'll be strife.
SOL: Examples, please! I want to see group name, affiliation and stated belief.