Oklahoma releases guidelines for schools on Bible teachings

Following backlash over Oklahoma's mandate that the Bible be incorporated into public school teaching plans, State Superintendent Ryan Walters has released guidance for teachers.

The new guidelines say educators should only look at the Bible's “historical literary and secular benefits by highlighting the influence on Western civilization.”

They stipulate that the Bible is "not to be used for religious purposes such as preaching or indoctrination." The Oklahoma Education Association has criticized this mandate, saying it forces teachers into a position that potentially violates the constitution.
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[NeighborhoodOfBlue]

How any why is this even legal? Investigate Ryan Walters.

[Kimm.J]

Any parents who want their kids to have religious teachings IN school, have the freedom to enroll them in any religious institution they choose.

[kgblankinship]

What exactly is the role of the Bible in Western civilization? Thales of Miletios had a far bigger influence. The early Christians of the 4th-7th centuries destroyed 99% of classical literature and was a theological buttress for absolute monarchy. I wouldn't call that constructive.

[utopianna]

They're going to need to scrub the title and remove "Holy" from "Holy Bible" and define it by some other means. Otherwise, it is indoctrination.

[hematophage]

Bible has no place in public school. Separation of church and state.

[teachrespect]

The founding fathers believed that God gave man free will and they will as well.

[elloowu]

Now this is actual child grooming. How gross.

[MM-sfrl]

Please, do not teach my children your indoctrination. They, and I, do not share your biblical beliefs.

[agresseur]

'Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects?' - J. Madison.

[Bastmode]

It's time to go to the old testament 😂

[murdlep]

The Bible should be taught with as much vigor as all other major religious books. This does not need to be a rule for all teachers, this needs to be a history standard which includes all major world religions and views it solely as developers for world ethics and it's impact on history.