There's a push for classes on the Bible in public schools. And there's also a pushback

There's a push for classes on the Bible in public schools. And there's also a pushback

Legislators across the country have reignited the fight for, and debate over so-called "Bible literacy classes" -- elective courses in public schools about Scriptures' impact. Alabama, Florida, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia are among the states that have seen Bible literacy bills so far in 2019.

'In God We Trust' could be required reading in Missouri schools

'In God We Trust' could be required reading in Missouri schools

Missouri could soon join a wave of other states requiring local schools to display the words “In God We Trust.” In a House education committee Tuesday, lawmakers debated a proposal by Rep. Dean Dohrman that is modeled on legislation already adopted in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Arizona.

The plot against America: Inside the Christian right plan to "remodel" the nation

The plot against America: Inside the Christian right plan to "remodel" the nation

There’s a whole other story to be told about the organizing of extremist religious conservatives, whose political mobilization, as I’ve noted in the past, played a crucial role in electing Donald Trump.

A 'copycat' bill would allow adoption agencies to deny Tennessee gay couples. Here's who's behind it.

A 'copycat' bill would allow adoption agencies to deny Tennessee gay couples. Here's who's behind it.

Today, there are no Tennessee laws prohibiting or allowing private foster care groups to reject LGBTQ couples. But if a new bill passes the General Assembly, their discrimination would be condoned by the state, as long as it conforms to "religious or moral convictions or policies."

Compared to other states, Missouri's Bible elective bill is not one of a kind

Compared to other states, Missouri's Bible elective bill is not one of a kind

Efforts to promote teaching the Bible and posting “In God We Trust” in Missouri schools mirror policies promoted by national Christian legislative organizations. The Missourian reviewed a 148-page document called the “Report and Analysis on Religious Freedom Measures Impacting Prayer and Faith in America” created in 2018 by the National Legal Foundation, Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation and the WallBuilders ProFamily Legislative Network. One of the model bills in the document, the “Bible Literacy Act,” is similar in wording and structure to Missouri House Bill 267, introduced this session by Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho.

People Question Trump’s Biblical Literacy After He Touts Bible Classes

People Question Trump’s Biblical Literacy After He Touts Bible Classes

President Donald Trump praised the idea of introducing Bible literacy classes into public schools on Monday, naturally sparking questions on Twitter about Trump’s own knowledge of the Bible. Critics on Twitter thought the president should expand his own grasp of Scripture on immigrants, the sick and the poor.

Why is Donald Trump Praising Bible Literacy Classes?

Why is Donald Trump Praising Bible Literacy Classes?

President Donald Trump has tweeted his support for efforts to introduce Bible literacy classes in public schools. "Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes, giving students the option of studying the Bible. Starting to make a turn back? Great!" Trump said in a tweet.

Bible classes in public schools? Why Christian lawmakers are pushing a wave of new bills

Bible classes in public schools? Why Christian lawmakers are pushing a wave of new bills

A wave of “Bible literacy” bills emerging in state legislatures would allow more students in public high schools to study the Old and New Testaments. Proposals from lawmakers in at least six states would require or encourage public schools to offer elective classes on the Bible’s literary and historical significance. That’s a more narrow focus than what’s typically covered in courses on world religions.

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