Christianizing Public Schools: Bible Courses, Social Studies Standards, and Why the Texas Controversy Matters

This lecture was by Mark A. Chancey, the Associate  Professor of Religious Studies at SMU (Southern Methodist University). That's the great thing about going to college is the constant host of lectures and amazing programs they offer. This one was hosted by the Religion Department and discussed the growing movement of christianizing public schools. It was particularly relevant considering that the Texas Board of Education is on the verge of passing a bill that changes the social studies standards as well as incorporates conservative-protestant views in text books. This is an issue since Texas is the second largest buyer/publisher(not sure?) of textbooks, thus other states will be impacted since textbook companies take into consideration Texas as there major audience.

Professor Chancey was a convincing and excellent lecturer on this topic and brought to our attention that not even the government knows how many bible courses are being taught in public schools. By bible courses, Prof. Chancey often found that meant, bible history courses--teaching the bible as true and literal historical events. The argument for teaching bible courses is cultural literacy since American history does have significant Christian influence and presence in its foundation. However, these bible courses being taught in school districts that are predominantly Conservative-Protestant, minimize the contribution of ethnic minorities. Cultural and religious literacy are important things to have in ones education, however they should not be limited to just Christianity.

Arguments for bible courses and change in social studies standards include:
--> promoting the US Christian heritage
--> cultivating particular notions of American identity

Implementing religion into education can be a positive outcome if done correctly. Unfortunately many of the organizations, state boards and legislative governments that Chancey discussed have an ideological and theological agenda. No one needs to be further convinced that this growing trend needs to be acknowledged and addressed. New York Times has run multiple articles in the past couple months on this issue.