The B I B L E: A Bad Idea for the Good Book BtP 7.7.2024

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At Issue: The Proper Context for Biblical Teaching

Oklahoma Bible Decision

Preliminary Thought(s)

Barmen Declaration point 5

“We reject the false doctrine, as if the state, beyond its special task, should and could become the single and total order of human life and thereby fulfill also the intended purpose of the church.”

Practical Issues

What about non-Christian religions in the classroom?

What about non-Christian teachers?

Why would we want a math teacher teaching scripture? Most who will be required are not qualified.

Is the state supplying the curriculum? Do we want the State telling us what Scripture means?

In a “Standards Based System” who will set the standard? (That’s rhetorical. The State will set the standard.) How would one teach to and evaluate the standard?

In higher grades who will be responsible for instruction (some schools don’t have a “home room”)

Will parents be able to “opt out.” (Catholics, Baptists, Church of Christ, and others will not wish to have their children instructed by members of other denominations)

Will the Mormons be allowed to do the same thing with the Book of Mormon in Utah?

Theological Issues

Christianity teaches the inspiration of scripture, not the “historical significance” of Scripture.

Christianity teaches that Scripture reveals God’s will primarily to His Church.

Historical Context is not the central issue in understanding Scripture.

“This is not merely an educational directive but a crucial step in ensuring our students grasp the core values and historical context of our country.”

At best this is disingenuous and at worst plain false. The Bible does not discuss the United States nor do any of its events occur in North America. There are many elements that contribute to the Founding Documents…it would not appear that John Locke or Jean Jacque Rousseau, both of which had a far greater impact on the Declaration and Constitution are being singled out for special attention.

The Church, not the state is responsible for teaching the Scriptures.

We don’t want or need the Bible taught in school. I certainly don’t!

This is incompatible with the Bible’s testimony to its own inspiration and authority. This decision demeans that authority and reduces it to another “subject” in school.

Logical Issues

Combative in conception

Written to pass the bar, not teach scripture.

Coercive for teachers.

Contradictory for Christians

Insulting to the Church and trained Bible teachers.

Sagacious Duplicity…”we are so much wiser than you that it is OK for us to lie in order to achieve a higher good”

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