A young student reading the BibleKentucky Governor Matt Bevin has signed a bill that will allow public schools in the state to teach Bible study classes. While these classes would not be mandatory, they are nonetheless proving controversial. Supporters of the measure say that the Bible is an important tool for teaching children good moral values, and structured courses will allow kids to best learn these values. Critics insist the classes clearly infringe upon the separation of church and state because they represent an endorsement of a specific religion.

However, support for the classes was broad across the state; the bill passed the state legislature with an overwhelming majority of lawmakers voting in favor. According to reports, multiple Kentucky schools are already offering Bible study courses. They tend to be very popular among students.

A Bible State

However, it's not just students who are embracing the teachings of the Bible Kentucky leaders are as well. Governor Matt Bevin declared soon after taking office that 2017 would be the "Year of the Bible" in his state. To mark the occasion, Kentucky held a statewide Bible reading marathon that began on January 1. People in all 120 counties across the state pledged to read the Bible out loud to kick off the new year.

Roughly 75 percent of the population in Kentucky identifies as Christian. Big cities like Louisville have a slightly higher diversity in beliefs, and tend to have sizable Muslim and Jewish populations. For the most part, though, Kentucky is Christian through-and-through.

Cultural Role of the BibleA passage from the Gospel

The Bible permeates American culture, and there are numerous examples of how it has shaped our society. We place a hand on the Bible in the courtroom, and "In God we Trust" is engraved on our currency. The stories of the Bible are also used as foundations for many of today's movies and television programs.

Many of our greatest leaders have relied on their faith to lead the nation. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "a thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education." President Franklin Roosevelt said "We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a nation without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic." More recently, President Barack Obama read Psalm 46 on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Kentucky Not Alone

The ACLU has come out strongly against the "Year of the Bible." They say it's a clear violation of law because Governor Bevin is using his official government position to promote a religious text. However, this is not the first time it's happened.

In 2009, a representative from Georgia sponsored a resolution to ask President Barack Obama to declare 2010 as the "Year of the Bible." The bill died in committee. Pennsylvania state lawmakers declared 2012 the "Year of the Bible" in their state, even though there was a lot of resistance from atheist organizations.

Kentucky to allow Bible study in schools Should the Bible Be Studied Outside of Religion?

There's no denying that the Bible was instrumental to our country's heritage. The question is what should its role be now, in our modern age? On average, Americans are less religious than they've ever been. However, places like Kentucky clearly still see value in Christian teachings.

What do you think? Should Kentucky be allowed to promote Bible study in public schools, or is this a breach of separation between church and state?

147 comments

  1. Ryan Suter's Avatar Ryan Suter

    1 Peter 4:7-11 New International Version (NIV)

    7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

    1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

      Praise be to the lord,in Jesus Christ ,you are already Blessed with the knowledge and wisdom to understand ,make the Lord Blessed your words ,and I pary a held of protection Thur the Holy spirit, he keeps people like you speaking the truth . For the truth sets us free, ?,cause in Revelation were at the six Trumpet, praise God Jesus Comes on the clouds,and calls us up!!!

      1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

        Sorry Rev Ryan, miss spell, didn't have my glasess on, But its Refreshing to her the lord men of god to speak the truth,, Jesus said in the last days ,they shall be a great turning away from the one true God, Jesus said in the last days ,The time would Be change,, The laws and morals of customs shall bechange, people should uunderstand, we have Gov mans law,Then we have God's Laws, when our Government goes stickly against Gods law, me and my wife will ho with the lords words he said his words will not come back void, I wish people could really see in there Heart the ten commandments,!!Then they should uunderstand what's a abomination, if we look at the united States ,The lord sees Sodom and Gamor, yesterday in Macon Ga, 3 Different churches were hitting the pastors For the truth, Satan started in the Roman empire through the churches, and he isin ala lot of our churches today, soon Bro you and i will not be able to speak of our God, in the USA, , there's places now its offensive to say Jesus name,, you know our lord said he went through something, and as his deciples, will go though stuff in these lasts days, we will be call radical Christian's, and when that comes we will be two groups those who worship the god of this earth,Satan, and those who worship the lord Jesus Christ, we will be persecuted, have to renounce the one true God or die, Be be to be absent from the Body is to be present with our Lord and Savior, Bro have a blessed night

      2. Joe Baker's Avatar Joe Baker

        The Buybull is fiction and so is the God in that fake book of Christian fables .... Get over yourself !

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Joe Baker, you need to document which sections are fiction, since huge portions of it are geographically, historically, archaeologically correct, factual. Not provable, but PROVEN. You can't say Jerusalem doesn't exist. You can't say Jericho didn't exist. You cannot say Egypt never existed, the River Jordan, the Pool of Siloam, Golgotha/Calvary, Hezekiah's Conduit. You cannot truthfully say the Babylonians didn't sack the city or that the Jews did not return from captivity to rebuild it. It is a flat lie and stupidity to say it is fiction. Watch the news.

          1. diggeriraq's Avatar diggeriraq

            And yet there is NO FACTS nor PROOF of any kind that jesus or god or angels or satan or any of that existed.

          2. Jay's Avatar Jay

            I can say one thing. When I was a kid me my brother and a friend of ours was miles in a swamp. We made it so far that we came to a dry place of land. We walked on the land thinking about how far we was and all of a sudden we stepped into a hornets nest. Not hundreds but thousands of bees swormed us as we ran for out lives with no where to go. My brother dropped to his knees and prayed that God and the lord Jesus would save us. In a blink of an eye we was in our neighbors back yard safe and never showed any signs of being attacked by the bees at all. When you say there is no God. I want you to explain this to me. I don't have to prove this to anybody. I know it's true and two other people as well. God saved us that day and I keep that in mind everyday. As I said I know it's true.

          3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Jay, I believe you. I've never been transported from one place to another but I have seen miracles and been a part of them. I have also been threatened by a demon before but prayer and fasting made it go away.

          4. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            QUESTION JOHN OWINS ??? IS THAT F O X news that U refer TO ???

          5. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Maher, why do you mention news? No one else did, at least not on this comment.

        2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          That's why I said, Digger, which sections are true and false. You can't honestly say the whole thing is fiction. What you ask about is unprovable, but the parts that ARE provable have been proven true, therefore, it is absolutely wrong to say the Bible is fiction. You can say parts are untrue (because they haven't been proven) but you can't say the whole thing is fiction. That is what I said.

          1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            CAN'T RESPOND w/o an INSULT EH F..KT..D, you REALLY SHOULD BREAK TWO ARMs so YOU CAN't TYPE JOHN OWINS, DUMP the IGNORAMUS tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

          2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            And to what insult are you referring, Maher?

    2. Robin Call's Avatar Robin Call

      I believe there is only one higher being and different cultures have different names for him....I believe if we mandate religion in schools then they can mandate the house of this higher being to be dismantled....I believe that religion in school should only teach the history or foundations of different religions not their actual teaching that should be left up to the churches and their families. ..I also believe if a group wants to make an after school study group, they should be allowed...Some children in the world want to learn but don't go to church because they have been ridiculed on their attire and they cant afford to dress up for church so they dont go and there are adults in the same predicament as far as attire goes so they just dont go....I also believe if a church would hold services on different days of the week and different hours of the day and night that more people would attend church services. If churches would allow ministers who were ordained online to learn under them and get proficient under them then those who are ordained online could hold some of those services on different days and times of the week so that all may enjoice in his home of worship

    3. diggeriraq's Avatar diggeriraq

      The bible and anything religious needs to stay in the church or the peoples homes. NOT in schools !!

  1. David R Rodriguez's Avatar David R Rodriguez

    I think it's a breach, but if they are going to allow it then they should allow any and all religions to do the same.

    1. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

      Hear hear! I'm glad to see these classes will not be mandatory, but frankly I don't believe that religion has a place in school at all. Faith should be a personal matter, and I am resolutely opposed to any form of indoctrination of children.

      1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

        As a pastor I would think you would've been better saying there's no better place besides our homes for the bible,than the school, cause some children are raise in hell at home ,I'm am a pastor as well, this is one nation under god. So I truly think that the bible belongs into the school system,

        1. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

          You assume I'm a Christian pastor.... I'm not. Christianity doesn't have a monopoly on ethical behaviour, and I find your scriptures frankly too contradictory, and I certainly don't approve of any form of youthful indoctrination of ANY kind, as I said previously, faith is an entirely personal matter, I think religious studies are important from an anthropological and sociological viewpoint, but I don't believe any faith should be represented as fact, particularly to children.

          1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

            Pete I hope god forgives you're way of thinking, when I went to school we said the pledge of allegiance, and thelords prayer,and we never had bombs in the schools are shooting in our schools,our dead children laying in class rooms, and if the lord was in front of you Pete he change you're mind,, I pray god really opens your eyes, and heart, cause you are deceive,

          2. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

            Thank you Randy, I know what you're saying comes from a good place, however I must disagree with you brother. I don't believe that the perceived upsurge in antisocial behaviour is due to a lack of religion, as a matter of fact I think we can lay many of our modern ills squarely at the feet of the modern religions of consumerism and media. I'm not, nor have I ever been a Christian, I have many close friends who are, not to mention Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, atheist, etc etc, all of whom are people of goodwill that I am pleased to call my brethren. I'm not at all interested in dispute concerning the nature of God, as a matter of fact I would advise against it, the situation is far larger and more extraordinary than a human mind can encompass, you have your truth, and I have mine, hope the sun is shining on you.

          3. The Doctor's Avatar The Doctor

            Randy you sound alot like one of those fools who think the world was perfect a few decades ago. when sexual abuse of children and women was kept covered up, where a child trying to tell would likely be beaten for being a liar.

            This nation is but a set of lines on a map, we are all people of this earth, no one faith is superior to another, and thinking that way leads to fear, fear leads to hate, and hate leads to crusades and inquisitions.

            You see my fathers step father was a pastor, who sexually abused my aunt. when she got pregnant by him she was forced to go to a half way home and then give up the child for adoption.

            Hell at home indeed and created by a fellow pastor like yourself.

        2. Sara's Avatar Sara

          Which god are you referring to? I don't think we can all agree on any one god that rules everyone. We are in the U.S. based on laws that were hard fought for religious freedom... including being free from someone else's religion.

          1. Tony Morrelli's Avatar Tony Morrelli

            I suggest you don't attend the class then, seems simple to me. I didn't take home-ec in school, didn't interest me but I had a friend that did?

          2. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

            I pray that you don't have children, if so may the lord bless them and touch you're heart

          3. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

            I Talking about the one and only true God and For who. My lord his ,he is the alpha omega, I'm the beginning and the in,, But its OK ? Because very soon you will and every eye will see The most High God, but First real soon you shall see his Son Jesus Christ in the clouds, its at that time ,every unbeliever!!! , will know the one true God,, I pray that the Holy spirit touches you in away in that your mind See's and you're soul feels the presence of the one true God, the lord also said There is on other God Before me, amen, praise be the name of Jesus Christ,our Lord and Savior!!!

          4. Sara's Avatar Sara

            Dear Randy and Tony, I do have lovely, well-adjusted children and grandchildren. My heart is filled with their presence in my life and it is a value we give to them to enjoy and respect all people and their beliefs. Please don't pray for them. Coming from you that would be the most negative and damaging thing I could imagine. If religion is an elective in schools then all religions should be taught with absolutely no coercion. However, I don't think that is what you have in mind. Your kind of tyranny of religion is responsible for tremendous hurt around the world for at least the last millennia.

          5. The Doctor's Avatar The Doctor

            Directed towards Randy. There is no one god, the entities you call gods are known to me as unseen extra dimensional entities, there is one for every variation of existence via multi verse theory.

            Jesus may well have indeed been an enlightened man but the fact is he simply did not fulfill the judaic prophecy of the messiah or we would have seen world peace in his life time. this is simple theological fact. Its why the jews cant ever really get along with christians who they see as perverting their own.

            Each of us is possessed of infinite energy we each are within ourselves the entirety of existence.

            Im sorry you are under the sway of cosmic parasites who feed off of your blind faith and are condemned to cease to exist once you die as your energy is consumed by the so called god you worship.

        3. Amber's Avatar Amber

          Randy I think you would be mistaken on all Christian pastors even thinking this be a good thing. Religion really is a personal matter and should never be forced on others. There is absolutely nothing wrong with posting invites to the local church for all those interested and leave it at that.

          I also agree with Pete and Sara. Christianity isn't a sole moral or ethical authority. In fact I'd even propose that if someone lacks moral or ethical attitudes and behaviors, it isn't a religious guide they need. What they really need is compassion and empathy training.

          1. Tom B's Avatar Tom B

            Amber, i agree with you...anything in schools, especially religion, is forced on children...if Randy and the others supporting him really want to do good for children in school, they will forego any religion, and have the children taught the one commandment that solves all problems: do unto others as you would have them do unto you...

          2. HeidiAnne Leon's Avatar HeidiAnne Leon

            I completely agree with you Amber Fry, Tom., askcandyce, Reverend Jedi Sky, all of you have the same mind set as I do. Much hugs.

        4. askcandyce's Avatar askcandyce

          Wow! I believe in keeping religion out of any public school. It's a slippery slope and not one that benefits our society. Teaching Love, Compassion, Ethical behavior in schools, yes. Christianity, no. A comparative religion class would be lovely.

          1. The Doctor's Avatar The Doctor

            I concur

        5. Barry's Avatar Barry

          Have you heard about the separation of church and state ?

        6. Rev paul's Avatar Rev paul

          I agree with you

        7. Minister Bill's Avatar Minister Bill

          I see both points here. I have chosen the title "Pastor BiLL" but in truth have little faith in any writings of man. If religion is in the school, as an elective, isn't that the proper place? Let minds think, question, act! Stultifying school legislation is what got us the common core nonsense that is graduating folks that cannot add 2+2 and continuously get the same answer! Let the schools teach! At one time a school curriculum included "bible time". Children could then question the works and readings at home! (Wow, ask a parent, what a concept)! The other view is all the extreme separation of church and state anxiety. Hum. I have seen Pledges, placquereds, prayers, flags, bibles etc in schools, government offices etc in my lifetime. Nothing has changed me. Now we have small groups screaming to get all of that changed! You cannot even have a small lords prayer in an office! STOP. So, with all that, lets go back to offering lessons such as religion in school and maybe, just maybe we will once again get a thinking population.

          1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

            You are so right,and may the lord bless you and you're family always, and you are write, just a prayer in the morning, sure wouldn't hurt,

          2. Minister Bill's Avatar Minister Bill

            Thank you Randy. I just state what I see. I hold no proof that I am right. However, what we have now in this world is not working.

        8. The Doctor's Avatar The Doctor

          No this is a nation of freedom, and in pushing religious doctrine on the developing mind of a child taints the faith and turns it into brainwashing.

          Jesus possessing divine wisdom was fortunate enough to have a mind that could question and challenge the hebrew doctrine of the chosen people have the sense that it was exclusionary and divisive.

          He wished for all to be able to grow up free to learn and think for themselves. If what they learned lead them to the path of the divine then that was as it was meant to be.If not then so be it.

          True christian of the ancient way understand this, those who follow corrupted teachings based on intentional mistranslations and editing of his message lead to thinking as you do.

          And why point out your a pastor? do you think that makes you inherently wise? Sounds alot like the old hebrew scholars that tried to use that line of reasoning to tell jesus to shut up sit down and read the torah like a good little jew.

          1. Sara's Avatar Sara

            The precepts that Jesus taught were Jewish ones. If you have respect for Jesus then you shoul have respect for Jews. You can start by capitalizing the words Hebrew, Jews and the Torah. Incidentally, there are no "good little jews" waiting to be told what to do or think that you derisively refer to.

          2. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

            Reverend Jedi, Very soon you and ever other,shall see Jesus standing on the clouds, and at that time he call up the ones ,who believe in him. And so you know sir,the Holy spirit of the Lord tells me what to say, and the lord says for the people in the USA ,to get there House in order, this Generation shall see Jesus come back to get those who believe in him,, Lol Soon very soon Jesus is coming back in all his Glory. And you can assume what Jesus thought, wow, I can tell you what Jesus said. .that he is the way and the truth and the life, and know one shall see the lord unless the believe in my name Jesus,

          3. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            NOW that IS an AWESOME COMMENTING REV. JEDI SKY, a TRUE WELCOME to MY MIND,

        9. smeyer's Avatar smeyer

          This is one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all...as it was originally written.

          1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            smeyer, W T F do U LIVE, WATCH the FAKE NEWs WILL YA, DUMP the tRUMP god is GREATso is the US of A

        10. diggeriraq's Avatar diggeriraq

          The bible and anything religious needs to stay in the church or the peoples homes. NOT in schools !!

      2. Bill Robinson's Avatar Bill Robinson

        Agree!

      3. Tony Morrelli's Avatar Tony Morrelli

        I would assume, or hope, that any student attending this class is either a believer on Christ, or wants to know more about it. I see no fault in making it available. They teach socialism and liberalism, they are as religiously zealot as any church I know of.

      4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Children should be indoctrinated by their parents. Not the news, not the school, not the cartoons, not Sesame Street, not SpongeBob, not even the church. The fact is, though, EVERYONE is ALWAYS trying to indoctrinate children.

        I personally think the Bible can be taught AS THE MOST PROFOUNDLY INFLUENTIAL COLLECTION OF WRITINGS OF HUMAN HISTORY, without teaching indoctrination. The problem with teaching it, though, is TEACHERS. They can't just teach the text. They have to interpret it so they can inject their own beliefs into it.

        It WAS used as a textbook for around a century in this country, primarily to teach people to read, since books were scarce and most families had one or had access to one. Of course one cannot read in that particular book day after day without it having an affect on the person, generally a GOOD effect, through the didactic lessons contained in it. Occasionally, unbalanced people will seize on a scripture and use it as a pretext for some kind of oppression, but to the point--- If EVERYTHING else is going to be taught, then the Bible should receive fair treatment. If that means the Quran must be taught, and the Talmud, the Book of Mormon, and the Kama Sutra, etc, then NONE of them should be taught, since you cannot possibly give fair treatment to all, because they conflict with one another. You just can't teach everything, anyway.

        If the people of a given area want Bible to be taught as a class, just to learn what the book says, I don't think anyone outside of that area has any say in it, nor should they. If people in Kentucky want their children to study Harry Potter, people in California and Alabama and Canada and the UK and wherever else have no say in it. We can think it's great, or think it's stupid, but we have no say.

        1. The Doctor's Avatar The Doctor

          Children should not be indoctrinated by anyone. Anyone who has studied the actual history surrounding Jesus should understand this. Educate the young, let them choose the path of faith themselves when they feel that time has come in thier hearts.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Jedi, education IS indoctrination.

          2. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

            Not unless mathematics and science and reading and literature and French and Spanish and other language classes and home economics and football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and other sports and classes in school are "indoctrination". Then, what would you substitute for them, leaving students illiterate and unable to solve math problems or speak in other languages, etc., so as not to "indoctrinate" them?!!

        2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

          JOHN OWINS, FINALLY I MUST ADMIT I AGREE w/U, I CAN'T BELIEVE my EYEs HAVE SEEN the ARRIVAL of JOHN OWINS, W E L C O M E !!! DUMP the IGNORAMUS tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            Gosh Maher, I'm all verklempt! I'm speechless! I wrote that almost two months ago, but it is still relevant. Truth is truth, if it comes from you, or me, or Bro. Still truth. I salute you.

    2. Rev. Elizabeth Baldwin's Avatar Rev. Elizabeth Baldwin

      We enjoy our freedom of religion due to speration of church and state. If you want religion then by all means go to a religious school I did. Please don't force your religion on other people. We must respect what we have as a country. A great country!

      1. Sara's Avatar Sara

        Thank you!

    3. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      David, I don't even see how you come to that conclusion. That would be like, if you let one homeless person room at your house, you'd have to let them all room at your house. Or, if you adopt one stray dog, you have to adopt every stray dog. That doesn't even make any sense at all.

    4. Martha Range's Avatar Martha Range

      I think it should be allowed.

      There is a lot of wisdom in the Bible and many children will never be exposed to it at home. They are already teaching Islam in school, so there should be no problem teaching Christianity also. Once that door has opened, it should be left open. Maybe it will save a few children from a life without God.

    5. diggeriraq's Avatar diggeriraq

      The bible and anything religious needs to stay in the church or the peoples homes. NOT in schools !!

  1. Guairdean's Avatar Guairdean

    How much of the bible will be taught? Will the genocides be discussed? How about the story of Lot and his daughters? The Songs of Solomon? Will it just be the fluffy feel good parts? Will it be an indoctrination into the sufferings of Jesus and guilt about how "He died for your sins"? As for not being mandatory, do you realize how much peer pressure can be applied to make sure all students sign up? "I see you didn't sign up for Bible class, maybe you need more homework to occupy your heathen mind." and "You're not signed up for Bible class, we don't allow atheists on our football team/cheerleading squad." Religious studies should be handled at home and at a place of worship. Schools should be there solely for secular studies. If the parents and churches are unable to teach their chosen faith, schools are a poor substitute.

    1. Minister Greg Harden's Avatar Minister Greg Harden

      I entirely agree with Guairdean. Respectfully, Reverend Gregory Harden

    2. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

      The government took prayer out of our schools, wow the devil then put guns and bombs, and the body's of our children, and you should have to stand in front of god and tell him that his word has no place in a school ,, you are a idiot, and you're helping Satan,saying things like keep bible out of school, some children don't get carry to church. And school might be the only place there souls could be change, keep gods word in the schools

      1. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

        Perhaps our children would be more usefully educated in spelling and grammer....

        1. Amber's Avatar Amber

          As well as history, including Constitutional law and far more on how our forefathers felt about religious indoctrination. There are plenty of letters out there from those who were involved in the construction and signing of not only that but also the Declaration of Independance. Natural sciences and basic psychology would even be a lot more prudent.

        2. JOHN MAHER's Avatar JOHN MAHER

          AMEN< PASTOR PETE, AMEN !!!

      2. Liz Wilcox's Avatar Liz Wilcox

        This statement is not true, "The government took prayer out of our schools". MANY people pray in schools. There is NOTHING to prohibit that. What is prohibited is staff/administration leading prayer.

        1. Guairdean's Avatar Guairdean

          Quite true. If you think there are no prayers in school, just let the teacher announce a pop quiz. Many prayers are inspired by that one simple act.

        2. Martha Range's Avatar Martha Range

          You forget the atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hare. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madalyn_Murray_O%27Hair

          She was responsible for taking prayer out of the public schools. In the lawsuit (1963) she sited "separation of church and state" and objected to her children being exposed to prayer.

          From that time on prayers, even periods of silence were outlawed. Any mention of Christ, or God in speeches or addresses at school have been punished.

          Since that time many kids have become unruly, violent and responsible for bullying other kids. We would never have done any of those things when I was a kid in school.

          It is only since Obama became President that Islam was began being taught in schools and children made to kneel and pray to Allah. All of this was done in spite of the 1963 lawsuit, subsequent rulings on prayers in schools, and against parental wishes.

          Now that a door to religious education has been breached, it is only natural that the Bible be brought back into the classroom. Children should be educated in all manner of religions so that they can make a judgement on their own how they want to approach this subject.

          To keep them ignorant is to invite those who use religion as way to bring them into a cult like Jim Jones. The truth is better coming out than being hidden. "For the sake of the children."

      3. Minister Carey's Avatar Minister Carey

        Matthew 6:6 KJV - "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly". What is this need to publicize your spiritual disciplines and have others do the same? To disobey Matthews 7:1-2? At what age are children able to discern wolves in sheep clothing? You trust your children to go in a closet with a public person to pray with them and/or to teach them how they interpret their version of the "Word"? Really? If you are a true Christian, your God has already told you (in the Christian holy scriptures) that his word has no place in the public, and that includes secular schools. When do you obey?

      4. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        Mr. POWELL, WRONG,WRONG,and WRONG AGAIN, DUMP the IGNORAMUS tRUMP GOD is GREAT @ HOME, so is the US of A

    3. D. Howe's Avatar D. Howe

      I agree completely with Guairdean, as well. All I was taught as a child were the same "fluffy, feel good parts", and then as I got older and was considering a career in the ministry I was shocked to read all the stories, such as Lot and his daughters. I especially agree with the peer pressure comment. To paraphrase a comment by Archie Bunker, "NO I do not want sex-education in the schools. Let 'em learn it on the streets like I did". There IS a place for religious education,......it's called Church (OR Synagogue, Mosque, etc.)

    4. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      As to how much will be taught, I'm sure it will be MOSTLY taught. Can't teach school kids all the long boring genealogies and stuff. The genocides, adulteries, murders, treason, all are very good evidence that the Bible is true, since if it was strictly written by humans, it would leave out its heroes' sins and crimes, as human historians and fiction writers do. The Bible bares all.

      As to peer pressure, there SHOULD be peer pressure to learn about good things. There is plenty of peer pressure to lose one's virginity, use drugs, vandalize, etc. I think you're blowing this all out of proportion to the point of paranoia. This hasn't even taken place at all yet and you are imagining all kinds of sinister little scenarios. This shows that your opinion of well-intentioned Christians is very very low. It is not my place to tell you that you are wrong, but I think maybe you might want to consider that it could be UNREASONABLY low. I mean, without the real evidence, it might be just another form of bigotry. I'm not saying some Christians don't behave terribly toward non-Christians or Christians of a different faith--I know they do. I'm just saying they aren't more likely to do so than anyone else, and contrary to popular belief, the Bible is not a "Christian" book. Its lessons, over time, will cause people to become more responsible, better neighbors, better humans than they were, ASSUMING they don't become too self- righteous. Still, even a self-righteous person is not likely to steal, kill, rape, use drugs, or lie (other than to themself).

      1. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

        "Still, even a self-righteous person is not likely to steal, kill, rape, use drugs, or lie (other than to themself)". Oh, really?! What about the Inquisitors and witch hunters who were as self-righteous as any people who have ever lived (and far more than most!) and who killed and tortured people, often just so that they could steal their property, and who lied about their true motivations to other people, not just themselves. If there had been LSD or marijuana or crack cocaine or heroin around at all for them to use, I'm certain that they would have, at least, tried them and probably continued with them to help them carry on with their work, since they had no problem with doing anything else that they did. What about the self-righteous Pharisees who believed lies and told lies about Jesus, so that they could get him killed by the Romans and maintain their power over the Jews? If they didn't outright rape any women, it wasn't because they didn't even think about it, but only because it would have been bad for their image of themselves and inconsistent with others' view of them as "holy" men and they wanted to keep up appearances, but as Jesus said: "If you look with lust upon a woman, you have already committed adultery with her in your heart" and he called the Pharisees "whited sepulchres, all clean and good on the outside, but inside full of dead men's bones and all corruption". So, that lust and desire to rape women was probably part of that corruption inside the Pharisees.What about the Crusaders and Conquistadors, who said that they were "fighting for God" and felt pretty self-righteous about that, but were actually only fighting for their own glory and to steal land from the Arabs and natives of Mexico and South America and take their gold and other possessions?! What about all the self-righteous people throughout history, who were and are liars to themselves and others, murderers of truth (and, very often, people!), thieves, rapists of countries and women, and all other kinds of evildoers behind their pretensions about and to themselves?!! This person is wrong in his post once again. The Bible hasn't made people better for the most part, but has only helped them to cover over their rottenness with a very thin veneer of "love and Christianity". It has no business being taught in the public schools, which are supposed to be for truly educational subjects, since there are already plenty of churches and other places where people can lie to themselves and others and fill their heads with nonsense!!

    5. Minister Bill's Avatar Minister Bill

      The story of JOB is a tale from the bible isn't it?

  1. Galin Pheylan's Avatar Galin Pheylan

    It matters not if this is broadly accepted, how many families are on board, or which public officials are behind it, if it goes against OUR Constitution of "Congress shall make no law respecting (Oxford Dictionary: due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of; avoid harming or interfering with) an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof....", then there may be an issue.

    And here is the ISSUE: christianity was not the established religion of the United States- "...as early as 1797 the government specifically said that it is not a Christian Nation. The occasion was a peace and trade agreement between the United States and Muslim leaders in North Africa. The negotiations were conducted under the authority of George Washington, and the final document, known as the Treaty of Tripoli, was approved of by the Senate under the leadership of John Adams, the second president. This treaty states, without equivocation, that the

    "...Government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion...."

    Contrary to the claims made by some from the Religious Right, America was not founded as a Christian Nation which was then later undermined by godless liberals and humanists. Just the opposite is the case, actually. The Constitution is a godless document and the government of the United States was set up as a formally secular institution. It has, however, been undermined by well-meaning Christians who have sought to subvert its secular principles and framework for the sake of this or that "good cause," usually in the interest of promoting this or that religious doctrine.

    (ThoughtCo., Humanities, Religion & Spirituality, America a Christian Nation-Is the United States a Christian Nation?, by Austin Cline, internet)

    1. Minister Norman's Avatar Minister Norman

      shiningwolf9, I agree entirely!

      And "In God We Trust" was only added to our MONEY by FDR, not by the Founders. Prior to FDR tacking that on to all of of our FEDERAL RESERVE (fiat currency) "MONEY", and proclaiming it's "Christian Ethic", that didn't exist!

      ...And what a place to "Praise God & Mammon" together, right? Just as JESUS and the BIBLE so absolutely, FORBID!!!

      ...And along with "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's", I guess Jesus held those views, and made those statements, and overturned the tables of the "Money Changers" outside the Temple, because he wanted (dirty) MONEY to reflect a deeper "Religious Meaning" and he also wanted the STATE to somehow "Authorize Religion & Religious Beliefs".

      Pure nonsense, and INSANITY!

      Before FDR we were considered a Secular Nation of LAWS, respectful of "Religious FREEDOM", and never a government by "Religious Decree"; as per our Constitution.

      Christian Zealots promoted and inflicted the concept of this being a "Christian Nation" on all of us, and exactly in defiance of what the Founders intended, and of what the Constitution so clearly states.

      Yes, "Christianty has informed our society greatly", but mostly by individuals abusing their power.

      If Christianity was meant to supplant all other religions, and become any kind of "State Sanctioned Religion", and especially be taught in PUBLIC SCHOOLS, then the Founders would have stated that very clearly. Instead, using the Constitution as leverage, they unambiguously state, that is NOT what they intended, but instead, that all Religions should be respected EQUALLY!

      FREEDOM OF RELIGION goes out the window, once the STATE begins preferring, recognizing, or even allowing any one Religion to have a voice above any others.

      This is an attempt to indoctrinate children and bring about "Christian Bible-Based Law", ala "Sharia Law" that so many so-called Christians so disdain; but would gladly replace with their own brand of religious piety, corruption, and insanity.

      The Founders never intended that!

      Thomas Jefferson was such a "Good Christian" that in defiance of God's Law to "NOT CHANGE one jot or phrase" (with Hellfire as punishment to anyone who did), Jefferson RE-Wrote his entire Bible (See: "The Jefferson Bible"); and he threw out all of the dogmatic parts he found repugnant, or that he personally disagreed with.

      The rest of the Founders, likewise, believed only in "Enlightenment"! Most were Freemasons (before it became so dogmatically corrupt, infiltrated by foreign operators, and otherwise compromised), and they would scoff at this, then they'd adamantly fight against any "Religious State" or show of "State Sanctioned Religious Preferences", with all of their might!

      "We The People" began as a Religious Nation indeed: But "In search of religious tolerance", and freedom to Worship, or not!

      Benjamin Franklin was a staunchly non-dogmatic FREE THINKER!

      And Lincoln, a great Bible Scholar, upheld secularism and religious Freedom in public his entire life, even though he personally expressed his beliefs and included Biblical references (such as, "A house divided..."), in his political speeches. But he famously said, "As someone with no official church" (and he took a lot of heat from conservative "Christians" over that), "Show me a church that says ALL ARE WELCOMED, without qualifications, and I may join that Church"!

      Other leaders have expressed their views likewise, and made similar statements of faith toward their ideas of "National Unity", but that is a far cry from officially recognizing or "Sanctioning" any one religion over any other.

      This is all nonsense, perpetrated by scared little (small "c") "christians" intent on trying to take over religious discourse in this country, while force-feeding first, all of US, and secondly the entire World, their insane ultra-conservative take on, "The One and ONLY WAY to Salvation" as only they see it; and how dare them!

      This is not a "Christian Nation"! The courts must intervene!

      1. D. Howe's Avatar D. Howe

        If you will pardon the colloquialism, Rev. Norman, "Preach It, Brother!!" One of the points made by one of the other posters was that some children come from a hellish home-life and would greatly profit from religion in school. BUT, would they not profit more from the guidance and caring of someone outside the home who could show them that their home-life is NOT typical, and they can reach for something to comfort them? I work in my community with literacy programs, but all the volunteers I work with KNOW those of the youth who need a little something extra, and we try to nudge them toward help.

      2. Vonley Chamberlin's Avatar Vonley Chamberlin

        I agree with you completely. "CHURCH & STATE SHALL REMAIN SEPARATE". I will never understand why people can't seem to grasp this. This is not a Christian country. Freedom of religion means ALL RELIGIONS, not just yours.

        1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

          SO BE IT Mr. Chamberlin, SO BE IT, DUMP the IGNORAMUS tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

      3. minister james's Avatar minister james

        Amen, Rev., amen.

    2. Minister Carey's Avatar Minister Carey

      Yes! Teach.

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Missing the point. Congress shall pass no law... This isn't Congress. There is no STATE church, besides the anti-church. They can do it if they want.

        1. Minister Carey's Avatar Minister Carey

          So which specific point did I focus on that you think I missed? Ok, this was the teachable moment for me:

          "FREEDOM OF RELIGION goes out the window, once the STATE begins preferring, recognizing, or even allowing any one Religion to have a voice above any others.

          This is an attempt to indoctrinate children and bring about “Christian Bible-Based Law”, ala “Sharia Law” that so many so-called Christians so disdain; but would gladly replace with their own brand of religious piety, corruption, and insanity". I assure you, I didn't miss this point.

          There are, however, STATE schools. And I am of the opinion (whether I live in Kentucky or not) that the teaching of religious materials should not be taught in STATE secular schools. Just think - the church of cannibus, church of satan, church of snake handlers, church of the have and have-nots, and so on and so on. Wow, what an education learning about some of those rituals! I mentioned in a post earlier, regarding Christians - spiritual disciplines are to be private not public. Now, I could speak to 501c3 churches, which fall under certain IRS rules and where some have had to bow down to STATE direction due to law suits. But you go check that yourself, since you don't trust my thinking.

          By the way - I never heard of an anti-church, but if that's what's in your world so be it. Take care.

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            You and many others here and elsewhere are the anti-church. You want laws that are anti-church and anti-god. That's not a criticism, just an observation. Congress shall NOT pass any law regarding the establishment of religion means pro- or con. Congress is not constitutionally allowed to PROHIBIT the establishment or free exercise of religion. That means it also cannot pass a law REQUIRING equal treatment of different religions in an institution that is not under its (Congress') purview. I'm not saying it is such a good thing that Kentucky is doing. It's not going to hurt anyone either. If they were teaching how wonderful abortion or homosexuality is, no one would be talking about it here, but since they are talking about that awful BIBLE, it's making a big stink, to a lot of people who don't have kids in Kentucky schools, so they really don't have a dog in the hunt, skin in the game, an ante in the kitty, whatever. You guys are getting bent out of shape over something about which you can do nothing, so no argument you can possibly make will mean anything.

  1. Galin Pheylan's Avatar Galin Pheylan

    No, unless ALL RELIGIONS are taught in the same way, being the United States is not, and has never been established as a christianism Nation.

    1. Rev Ned's Avatar Rev Ned

      Exactly! All religious books, Bible, Quran, Torah, Necronomicon, etc., should be allowed to be taught, if one is.

      1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        RIGHT U R REV.NED, ONLY N O N E is REALLY MUCH,MUCH BETTER in ALL RESPECTs

      2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        Again, if enough of the people of Kentucky want the Bible taught, they can and should have it taught. If you are not in Kentucky you are entitled to an opinion, but no one is going to pay attention to you. People are worried about indoctrination, but if you teach ALL religious books, that IS indoctrination. If you teach none, that ALSO is indoctrination.

        1. Vonley Chamberlin's Avatar Vonley Chamberlin

          Like hell. No one has the right to force anyone to do anything. Especially to be force fed DOGMA

          1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

            You don't mind if they're being force-fed social dogma, or scientific dogma. As I understand it, it is an elective class. The Bible itself is not dogma, anyway. Dogma comes from oral traditions and institutions, like doctrine. I'm sure you love certain kinds of dogma, just not the godly kind.

        2. Rev. John D. Partin's Avatar Rev. John D. Partin

          If it were really the case that "enough people anywhere wanting something meant that they should have that thing", then we would still have slavery and racial discrimination in the South (and some racial discrimination in the North, too), since those things were wanted by many people and so "they should have what they want" and the Civil War and Civil Rights work, which stopped them from having what they wanted, would never have happened. This person doesn't even follow suit with the idea that "people should have what they want" with being in favor of abortion, which many people also want and was ruled to be Constitutional by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, but only arbitrarily restricts "people's having what they want" to Christians having that and imposing their will on other people and Bible studying in a public school environment, which is actually for truly educational and secular studies, since more than enough churches and other places exist already for conducting Bible studies without every place's needing to be used for that purpose. Some people want some pretty strange and unreasonable things, such as the Nazis' taking over Germany or children wanting to "live just on cake, ice cream, and candy", and so "people's having just whatever in the Hell they want" can't possibly be the rule that we should practice in this society, as even this person agrees is right about things that he doesn't approve of. What is happening in schools in Kentucky DOES!! concern people everywhere, just as slavery and discrimination did, because it shouldn't be happening there and school is only for secular and truly educational studies, not for Bible studies!! If it happens in Kentucky, as a test balloon, where will it be tried next and will it get around to all of us in time?!! That does concern all of us and so let's just nip it in the bud right now and keep Bible studying in churches and the secular and religious institutions separate!! We should have what we want and have it our way at Burger King or McDonald's or some other restaurant or public service or in our sexual practices, such as homosexuality, so long as they are consentual and truly affect or hurt nobody else who isn't just poking his big nose into our business, but not this Bible studying in public schools, which does adversely affect other people and sets a dangerous precedent and is overstepping the bounds of religious expression, practice, and freedom!!

  1. Carla C Kerr's Avatar Carla C Kerr

    Leave the Bible to the teaching of the churches and if you can't get them to come to church, perhaps you should look at what needs to be changed to get them there. Schools should be for secular education. We have many religions in our country and they don't all use the Bible as a guide. We are not nor have we ever been considered a "Christian" nation. That's why it says "Freedom of Religion" folks. Rev. Carla C Kerr

  1. Susan's Avatar Susan

    While it is absolutely correct that the Bible has had a profound effect on world history and literature, so have the Koran, the Vedas, and countless other texts. Perhaps a course based on the influence on religion on politics would be more beneficial.

    1. Amber's Avatar Amber

      That would be far more prudent but you really don't need any holy books in such a class. It might even give the students a spark of interest to go out and find out more about different religions themselves. When they are motivated and given the freedom, they learn much better anyway.

  1. Beth K's Avatar Beth K

    The problem is that if you let in one religion, you have to let them all in, or you're playing favorites. There are about 30,000 sects of Christianity alone, and tens of thousands of religions practiced throughout the world over time. We cannot have public schools be nothing more than a religious bazaar.

  1. Francisco's Avatar Francisco

    God help them‼️

  1. rabbi jim's Avatar rabbi jim

    I would like to see the the Gospels taught in public schools, but, on a non-denominational and unbiased point of view. With all of the absurdities, such as, miracles ignored. There are many moralistic lessons to be learned from the gospels for students of all ages. The material would need to be presented in a logical, meaningful, and interesting format, with much discussion and insight. I welcome the idea. Let's get this society back on a moral track. May God bless all and bring forth this positive and much needed action.

  1. HeidiAnne Leon's Avatar HeidiAnne Leon

    I have a few thoughts on the matter. One is that the Bible is a religious text and t is to be taught in Churches and Sunday schools or a Church school. Anther idea, which I admit I like is for students have the option of taking a course on the major religions, and their texts, so the students could become more aware of of other religions other than their own. I think if the students understand Judaism ,Buddiaism there will be less prejudice, because bigotry is not just based on fear, but ignorance of the other people's beliefs.

  1. HeidiAnne Leon's Avatar HeidiAnne Leon

    i forgot to include Islam in the religions that should be taught as well.

  1. John A Anderson, CD, CIF Mons ON's Avatar John A Anderson, CD, CIF Mons ON

    While not directly affected (I'm a Canuck), I think that those who want their children to learn about the moral and correct thing to do need to teach them themselves. It is far easier to instill these things when the children are younger. When they are in school, they are already too old to learn these things properly. This breaks down into an attempt to put Christianity preferred status, unless they allow other faiths to teach about their books as well.

  1. Sara's Avatar Sara

    If Kentucky wants to teach the Bible in school it should be with the perspective of all religions. Otherwise they are breaking the law of the United States. There's a good reason why there is freedom of religion and FROM religion in America based on centuries of bloody imposition of one religion over others. Religious majority should not turn into religious tyranny.

  1. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

    Well, the overall position at this point seems to be a resounding rejection, I wonder if there are any church members from Kentucky who have an opinion? Love light and peace all round.

  1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

    WELL if YOU GET UNLUCKY, Y O U CAN WIND UP in KENTUCKY. {NOTHING in this WORLD is MORE DANGEROUS THAN SINCERE IGNORANCE and CONSCIENTIOUS STUPIDITY.....................

  1. Rev John's Avatar Rev John

    Let's face it. Jesus didn't even know Kentucky existed as far as he was concerned, when you went past Spain you fell off the edge of the world. He only knew about Spain because the Romans had it, and we only knew about him because of the Romans. If it wasn't for the Italians wandering off like they did nobody would have ever heard of Jesus and possibly Kentucky. It is bad in these days that people still read it. It was written by people who knew very little about the world around them i.e.. Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It's all about an invisible superman (The 1st Marvel character). Madness!

  1. James Mounts's Avatar James Mounts

    Where were all you self-proclaimed constitutional scholars when we learned that many schools had mandatory classes Islam?

    1. D. Howe's Avatar D. Howe

      What school,....what school district,....are they in the U.S. or overseas. Make me aware of these things and I promise I will act, and galvanize others TO act.

  1. Ryan Suter's Avatar Ryan Suter

    I repeat:

    1 Peter 4:7-11Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

    Be Good Managers of God’s Gifts 7 The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins. 9 Open your homes to each other and share your food without complaining. 10 God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other. 11 If your gift is speaking, your words should be like words from God. If your gift is serving, you should serve with the strength that God gives. Then it is God who will be praised in everything through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

    Easy-to-Read Version (ERV) Copyright © 2006 by Bible League International

    1. Pastor Pete's Avatar Pastor Pete

      You must accept sir, that not al of us are of the Christian faith, to attempt to force your views on others is frankly monstrous.

      1. Amber's Avatar Amber

        And I second Pete, on both counts. There are many non-Christians here who don't appreciate such a thing, especially when their own religious convictions are so harshly judged and denied.

  1. William w. George's Avatar William w. George

    Students and learned people should have access to all materials available, so as to be able to form there own mind's as to what is or is not,the bible and religion fall into this category .

  1. Brother John's Avatar Brother John

    In all likelihood those designing and teaching the curriculum will be Christians. Several posters have suggested that an all encompassing course on world religions would be more appropriate than the exclusive use of the bible in the classroom. Below is a link to a series of essays that should be incorporated into the school curriculum to provide education instead of indoctrination. It's also an excellent resource for truthseekers who aren't afraid to have their beliefs challenged.

    http://godisimaginary.com/i7.htm

  1. Amber's Avatar Amber

    I don't believe this is a good idea, even as optional. However I don't see a problem with announcements for such a thing at a local church be put on the bulletin board in the hall or at the office as long as ALL religious announcements are allowed, providing this becomes the norm. Schools are government funded (for now) and until that changes it shouldn't be mixed with any one specific religious leanings. Leave the bible study in private schools.

  1. Michael Koontz's Avatar Michael Koontz

    As a Kentuckian, I am against religion in public schools. I was raised Catholic and Catholic schools. I attended public schools from 7th grade on. Relgion should be in Church.

  1. Gene Frye's Avatar Gene Frye

    I have Christ in my life, in my home and I believe Christ is everywhere and should be allowed in our schools.

    1. D. Howe's Avatar D. Howe

      I have Buddha in my Life; my home and I believe He is everywhere and SHOULD be allowed in our schools. Do you at ALL see the point of view of the other side?

      1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

        I'd say, if you want to raise your kids as devout Buddhists, don't move to Kentucky.

    2. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

      Amen Bro, the bible is really part of our history, when god word is taken out of anything it will not stand, but all these negective comments, one day they will wish they had known the one and true God, and Jesus and the holy spirit, but may the lord blessed you and your Family Always???

    3. JOHN MAHER's Avatar JOHN MAHER

      GENE FRYE, IF CHRIST is EVERYWHERE then HE JESUS is ALREADY THERE !!! JESUS !!!

  1. Anne 'Arie's Avatar Anne 'Arie

    This is an interesting controversy at best. I don't really have an opinion about whether or not certain things should be allowed or not allowed but I do have an opinion about whether or not the taxpayers in a certain area should have a voice in what is being taught to their children. If the majority wants it, then it should be so. However, that would open an entire Pandora's Box because if one is allowed, then others should be as well. What will these people do if an enclave of Muslims decide to open an Muslim school in their neighborhood? My personal solution, if I had kids in school, would be to home school my children to keep them from being exposed to the things I felt might put them in danger as part of their learning experience. The first thing that I would teach them is that not everyone thinks the same way and that's OK.

  1. Sean's Avatar Sean

    The wall of separation between church and state that is always being referred to is not in the Constitution, and with regard to government is the only law that matters. I believe the government should stay out of religion for obvious reasons, and that elected officials should not be harassed for practicing the religion they have in their own personal life, even if it extends into their decision making process. If the local government and people vote to allow it, no tax money is spent on it, no tax money is spent on it and participation is entirely voluntary then I see no laws being broken, although there could be a case made for using public property.

    It's a tough call, we want the government to stay out of our lives and also to protect our religious liberty at the same time even when they can't actively support it. We have the right to pray when we want to as well as salute the flag, less government is the answer not more.

  1. diggeriraq's Avatar diggeriraq

    The bible and religion should only be in the home or in church. NOT in schools. Next the Muslim and other religions will want classes in schools to teach the Qur'an and all other religions.

  1. Jim D.'s Avatar Jim D.

    There is no constitutional law that mandates a separation of church and state. In fact, the supreme court has waffled on the whole concept since Jefferson put it in writing in 1802.

    That being said, the idea of taxpayer dollars funding a religion class in school might fly in Kentucky, but it would crash and burn in just about any state on either coast and a few others in the middle. So, if what they are doing cannot be declared as illegal, and a majority of taxpaying citizens in Kentucky are in favor of this, and the classes are not mandatory, can this be argued, and who is going to argue it? If anti-religion-in-schools groups from New York or California or wherever are going to stomp there feet and scream it's not right, the folks in Kentucky will simply invite them to pound sand (and probably a few other choice actions that are anatomically very challenging).

    I think the s#!t will hit the fan when a Jewish family in Kentucky wants Hebrew classes taught, and then a Muslim family wants classes in Islam, and then Scientologists, and Buddhists, and Wicca. And then we have to divide the Bible classes into the 31 flavors of Christianity, because the Protestants are different than the Lutherans are different than the Catholics, and so on. And what kind of classes do you offer to Atheists?

    Honestly, it would be better to have a bus take students to church after school.

  1. alencon's Avatar alencon

    This sounds like a clear violation of the 1st Amendment.

  1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

    AND if YOU GET UNLUCKY YOU CAN WIND UP in KENTUCKY,

  1. CW's Avatar CW

    The church was removed from schools because it was abused in the past. The Bible has nothing to do with science, math, English or history. Your religion is you religion keep it the fuck away from my children and at home as it should be. It is bad enough the almost every teacher now teaching you should not think for yourself. Then you going to throw in a IQ sapping book of belief and make the kids even more conditioned to just believe the lies they hear from anyone they consider an authority, like the news or a fucking moron movie star. Keep the church and state separate. The law is there for a reason.

    1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

      You are a idiot, and I pray for you're children, cause with a dad like you,they will need everyone's prayers. Sir you so deceive, by Satan, you should be ashamed of your vocabulary, all the hat in you're words, we don't use words !!! With the Fu, you just lost, I feel sorry for you're children, but one day you will see I pray its not to late,

  1. Bob Anderson's Avatar Bob Anderson

    ALL religions are inherently evil, with the possible exception of Buddhism and some of the American Indian beliefs. Christians are narrow-minded, bigots whose never ceasing quest is to shoe-horn everyone else into their narrow-minded belief system and to condemn those that refuse. A pox on all your houses.

    1. D. Howe's Avatar D. Howe

      Bob, I have long felt a little like you, (although I say that ALL "organized" religions are inherently evil, especially the more bureaucratic they get) but to label ONLY Christians as the narrow minded bigots you believe them to be is missing the fact that some humans of ALL religious backgrounds can and ARE narrow-minded bigots. Blessings

      1. Randy powell's Avatar Randy powell

        ???☺?

  1. Steven's Avatar Steven

    Schools are a state matter. Religion is a family matter. The state has NO right to impose religion as the family has No right to impose education. The two items are clearly separated in the Constitutuon. Church and State need to be separate, individual, and distinct from one another. People need to aware of the difference.

  1. Dave's Avatar Dave

    Promote Bible study? No way. Include the Bible in a study of religious texts? Sure, but there should be a lot more than one book to study.

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      I don't know why we're even discussing it, unless we're in Kentucky.

  1. Ben's Avatar Ben

    If Christ can be there, then so should Buddha, Apollo and the Flying Spaghetti Monster. For public schools ... all or nothing!

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Again, the people of Kentucky should decide. The rest of us are just expressing our opinions, which do not matter in Kentucky. I doubt the Madrassas allow Christianity or Judaism to be taught, and I'm sure the Hindus do not teach them. If Kentucky wants to teach the Bible, that's Kentucky's business.

  1. Lee's Avatar Lee

    The bible is the book of life and if there were enough people in the world qualified to teach it in public schools then It should definitely be taught. If this could be, then all the problems in this world would go away because all people would turn away from the foolishness that religion brings along with it. According to Jesus that will never happen because the multitude will always do what they have always done, such as those in the city of babble, who took a great deal of pride in wasting their life building a temple to nowhere because that is what everyone else was doing. God saw a problem when all men were of one mind, but the people there just knew they were doing the right thing until God gave each man his own mind and then they turned away from it when they saw how foolish it was. When a child is twelve years old they should be able to read and understand the bible when it is presented to them in an educational setting by a teacher that knows and understands the book of life. When a child asks a teacher "why is it important for me to know that God created the world in six days", and the teacher does not know the answer to that question, then that teacher is not the one that should be up there talking about it. We do not have enough teachers for that book to be taught in school and so it should not be there.

  1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

    The controversy is hilarious. I saw one person who said they're from Kentucky. The rest of us just want our opinions to be heard, and hope they matter.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      JOHN to JOHN, YER ABSOLUTELY CORRECT...........................

    2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      WELL if YOU get UNLUCKY YOU can wind UP in KENTUCKY, DUMP the IGNORAMUS tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the UA of A

  1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

    HAS K E N T U C K Y made any COMMENT as to TRUMP STATING on TV that POPE FRANCIS is a BIRDBRAIN, YEAH HE believes in CLIMATE CHANGE, put that in your SCHOOLs, GHOULS......................

  1. Minister Carey's Avatar Minister Carey

    This communication is in response to: John Owens, who stated on May 5, 2017 at 1:15 pm, "You and many others here and elsewhere are the anti-church. You want laws that are anti-church and anti-god. That’s not a criticism, just an observation. Congress shall NOT pass any law regarding the establishment of religion means pro- or con. Congress is not constitutionally allowed to PROHIBIT the establishment or free exercise of religion. That means it also cannot pass a law REQUIRING equal treatment of different religions in an institution that is not under its (Congress’) purview. I’m not saying it is such a good thing that Kentucky is doing. It’s not going to hurt anyone either. If they were teaching how wonderful abortion or homosexuality is, no one would be talking about it here, but since they are talking about that awful BIBLE, it’s making a big stink, to a lot of people who don’t have kids in Kentucky schools, so they really don’t have a dog in the hunt, skin in the game, an ante in the kitty, whatever. You guys are getting bent out of shape over something about which you can do nothing, so no argument you can possibly make will mean anything".

    John Owens, I would like to know which church and which god am I opposed to based on your "observation"? But, since I feel in some way that you are very sensitive about this subject, I am going to let this go and make a few suggestions. Please recall that this is a blog and is open for ALL comments. And yes, some of the comments may not, do not, and will not agree with your thinking. Thus my suggestions to you are to put on your big boy boxers. Gird your loins so that you do not require validation from others. Become strong enough to stand firmly on your square so that you won't cause yourself to breach KJV Matthew chapter 7, verses 1 and 2.

    1. JOHN MAHER's Avatar JOHN MAHER

      RIGHT on Min. Carey, WELL SAID, WELL TAKEN on MY PART, if"n u wanna gives it, u better B able to TAKEs it..................

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Oh yeah, you're such a big person. Twerp.

      1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        HEY JOHN OWINS !!! YER SISTERS a TWERP !!!

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          You left out the apostrophe. Just saying.

  1. Nisim's Avatar Nisim

    What very few realize of Abrahamic Religion, including Judaism, Christianity and Muslim, besides the illegality of religion being taught in U.S. Public Schools as law separates Government from Religious teachings. This law has value by protecting children from learning untruths that promulgates from Clergy, Rabbis and fron every other religious Scholar as no person has perfect knowledge of the facts and even the Pope doesn't know everything and though my knowledge is lacking like others, what is of this knowledge that everyone doesn't teach or know all the facts is a fact.. Religious Scriprure is guidance with guidance explaining we are to value living and forgo by exclusing having wickedness or evil in our thoughts, minds and lives. As the Scriptures are filled with stories that detail wickedness and evil of the historical stories and events, God and Lords as are difficult to know who is he and you and me are or are not the same as I or El or HaElohim or Ela or Eli and what is a suspicion of possible larger snare is that a Goddess is missing from mention and as God said "Let Us make man in Our image after Our likeness and they will rule ...." male and female being next mentioned shows by sliding this gracefully it gives reason to believe Male and Female created man. To further this revelation the sentence directly before Adam and His wife are first mentioned being together in the Garden of Eden, the wording directly before says, Hence a man leaves a Father and Mother and clings to his wife..." and this alludes that Adam had a Father and Mother. The Torah 5 law on The stones given to Moses says to - Honor your Father and your Mother. Though we weren't there to factually be witness, the The Father is Lord and the Mother is God. RealiE that a Female is could also be Lordess but technically Lord is a Male distinction.. My personal recommendation is to show the kindness of care of heart to free Yehoshua (Jesus) from being displayed to the public, especially for children not to be in presence of death and. A torture scene as the Cross itself was a cruel torture device that Jesus has been displayed for over 2000 years for a 3 day event and as the Pope made it clear Jesus as an idol of metal or wood doesn't save us, our apologys by taking responsibility for our own iniquities is the way to at least say to God that we're sorry. The idol display is a snare of misguidance and to not save Jesus as people were only thinking they were being saved had never thought to save Jesus off the Cross and had their Lord who some call their god or the Son of God and keep him on a torture device in sight of his Father God is the snare of highest mistake in my opinion. My intention has bee to save the savior as Jesus deserved care and respect to his Parents and children of the Christian congregation. Though my importance is but not need of publicity,, it is so that saving Jesus has not been successful as of yet, but the Spirit that keeps me company is also adamantly of agreement to relieve Jesus from being displayed as death in the presence of children. I'm not a ruler or a dictator so just a messenger of God that is being truthful and concerned. There's more to be aware of but this is already a big beginning. Thanks for listening. Nisim Shalom, I'm Peace.

  1. Brother John's Avatar Brother John

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pwwvBygoFA

  1. Cindy's Avatar Cindy

    In 2007 the Order to test every single item that the Atheists had claimed as their "proofs" were completed and it is Science that discovered ALL the Atheists had used are FAKES! Most that the Atheists had used were New BONES with dried blood still in them! A Federal LAW was passed that now requires all states to remove all Atheism from there public schools! Add ALL the confirmed History in the Bible into All public schools! There was one day last July, on two different TV stations, that announced three states that had completed this at that time. One was Tenn. The other two were in the mid west. Why have you not Obeyed this federal law?

  1. Secretary3rd's Avatar Secretary3rd

    Who printed that Bible and by who was the original manuscript did it come from. It is just another belief that seeks to keep it students with a narrow understanding of morels and values. It only works for so long. With the Internet the students get their beliefs from it. Since a student has the Internet that Bible will collect more dust on its cover.

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