Texas district adopts new Bible curriculum

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — A high school northeast of San Antonio will begin offering a Bible literacy course as an upper-level elective beginning next year.

Trustees of the New Braunfels ISD school board voted 6-1 on Jan. 16 to offer the class, which will cost the district $60,000 for new textbooks for juniors and seniors electing to take the course.

The board was approached about the class in December after three community members recommended that New Braunfels High School offer the course, which is based on a recently released textbook, “The Bible and Its Influence,” offered by the Bible Literacy Project.

I was unaware that a (Bible) textbook could be taught and meet First Amendment standards,” citizen Barry Williams said in a news release on the district Web site.

He added he was surprised to come across the Bible Literacy Project.

During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Rosalyn Bratcher told the board she had been researching the textbook and said it did a good job of incorporating how the Bible has influenced history, literature, art and music. She said the authors of the book worked hard to develop a textbook that focuses on the academic teaching of the Bible. The textbook, she said, is not intended to promote or discourage religious belief.

The Bible Literacy Project uses the text, “The Bible and Its Influence” and includes broader discussions of other faiths. A teachers guide and other supplemental materials are still being developed.

According to the news release, Deece Eckstein, director of the Texas Chapter of the People for the American Way Foundation, spoke to New Braunfels trustees and said that, as a matter of principle, a Bible literacy class must comply with the First Amendment.

“We think the Bible can be a very good addition to the curriculum, but it needs to be done right,” Eckstein said.

New Braunfels High School teacher and social studies chair Leslie Akeroyd was equally cautious, saying the Bible Literacy Project could create a politically-divisive atmosphere, when viewed in conjunction with current practices among various students groups.

“While we in the social studies department agree that a working knowledge of the Bible is important, we feel that we would be remiss in the mission to create cultural literacy if we did not include other religions and beliefs in the studies of our students,” Akeroyd said. “Therefore, we propose an alternate class in comparative religion which would address all major religions active in our world today.”

Trustee Paul Fisher, who agreed with the comparative religion approach recommended by Akeroyd, offered up the only dissenting vote.

Also opposing the plan, was Bob Krueger, who warned about divisiveness.

“The wall between church and state should stay firmly built,” he said.

Trustee Jorge Maldonado said he didn’t believe the course will be divisive.

“The intent and purpose of this course has been clearly defined,” Maldonado said. “It has already been established that a course such as this is well within the First Amendment. The purpose and intent is truly academic and not devotional. The author of this book is not an author of religion but rather of teaching unity. I would very much doubt it would cause division.”

Robert Arnold who, along with Luke Speckman, made a presentation about the Bible Literacy Project, said it was the best instructional material available for an elective class.

“There is a distinction between teaching religion and teaching about religion,” Arnold said.

Speckman said he believes the content addresses the subject matter without controversy.

“This is a great resource and appears to meet all guidelines,” Speckman said. “This removes the issues and the potential for having issues.”

While finding a home in New Braunfels, another school district near Midland, Texas passed on the Bible Literacy Project materials.

The Ector County Independent School District opted for another curriculum offered by the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools that uses the King James Bible as its textbook.

For more information about the project, visit bibleliteracy.org.

Published by Keener Communications Group, February 2006

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