This course would be considered an elective. The book examines the Bible as an academic course about the Bible’s influence on literature, art, history, music, and Western civilization. The textbook, since its release in late September 2005, has been praised by both educators and faith organizations representing both Christian and Jewish faiths, for its in-depth research, accuracy and fairness regarding the influence of the Bible on our culture.
The textbook fulfills all First Amendment standards, which allows for the presentation of information and knowledge, but does not allow promoting a particular religion. Contributing author Marc Stern, general counsel for the American Jewish Congress said that “this text will serve as an excellent and even handed introduction to the Bible.” Dr. Leland Ryken, the Clyde S. Kilby Professor of English at Wheaton College, IL., (Rev. Billy Graham’s alma mater), called the textbook “an undisputed triumph in scholarship and presentation. I learned something new on virtually every page.”
Rep. Guin, the author of the bill, said “it is imperative that our children be imparted with the scholastic knowledge of the Bible that is being lost between our generations. While 98% of high school English teachers believe Bible literacy gives students a distinct educational advantage, and more than 60% of the allusions in a prep course for the Advanced Placement English Literature exam are Biblical phrases, only 8% of American students in public schools report that their school offered an elective course on the Bible,” said Guin.
The Bible & Public Schools: A First Amendment Guide, co-published by the Bible Literacy Project and The First Amendment Center, has been at the core of an education campaign by the Montgomery based, Redeem the Vote, Inc., the largest voter registration and educational organization engaging young people of faith in the country. They have been working with the Alabama Education Association to promote educational achievement in the state, particularly to the evangelical community. In the past few months, a number of Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, Building 429, Big Daddy Weave, Barlow Girl, Kutless, and Point of Grace, have been promoting Redeem the Vote’s educational message by public service announcements and concert events in Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham.
Founded in 2003, Redeem the Vote used Christian music, radio, television, and the internet to register thousands of evangelicals and motivate them to vote. USA Today credits Redeem the Vote as one of the top 10 most influential organizations during the 2004 election.
Jay Wolfe, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Montgomery, AL, has been impressed with Redeem the Vote’s effort to promote education across the state. “The American educational system has developed a nonsensical allergy to the Bible. The Bible is humanity’s most famous book. The world’s most famous art, architecture, music and literature abound with Biblical references, consequently, any educated and literate person needs to know the content of the Bible. Furthermore, the contents of the Bible provide the foundations for morality and law. The Biblical message inspired the emancipation of the slaves, the formation of the United States and the creation of a multitude of benevolent enterprises. To share the wisdom, history, an enlightenment of the Bible makes a great deal of common sense and would strengthen our educational system,” said Dr. Wolfe.
Sheila Weber, Vice President of Communications for the Bible Literacy Project, praised the efforts of Redeem the Vote to promote their textbook, saying, “We have been impressed with the energy and support which have been shown by the leadership of the Alabama legislature, Redeem the Vote and the Alabama Education Association.” Dr. Randy Brinson, founder of Redeem the Vote, points out that Alabama is the first state in the union to legislatively endorse the study of the Bible as an academic endeavor. “It is our hope that we can use this educational platform as a template to advance academic excellence and scholarship in other states throughout the US. As we enhance academic excellence, we can improve the lives of young people throughout America so they can be better prepared to serve and become involved in public policy."
