Board debates Bible course
Some members say elective class can't be taught objectively
BY HARRY FRANKLIN
State Editor
Whether the Bible should be taught as an elective in literature and history at Columbus public high schools drew strong but mixed reactions Monday night from the Muscogee County School Board.
"I'd like to see us say we want to create an elective in such a course," said board Chairwoman Mary Sue Polleys, who had the issue put on the agenda for discussion Monday during the board's committee meetings. "The legislature passed a law to approve teaching the Bible as literature and a foundational course."
But some board members questioned the need for it and how the district could find someone who could teach it without injecting their personal beliefs.
"I don't see how you can separate teaching and preaching," said board member Pat Hugley Green.
"What can we do that churches and other religious institutions can't do?" asked board member Joseph Roberson, pastor of South Columbus United Methodist Church. "I know it's a constitutional right."
But he said teaching the Bible could create constitutional issues and that other religious groups might expect the same access. And, he said, it could create issues in the classroom when a question is raised that cannot be resolved.
"What is the point?" Green asked.
"The state will tell us what we can teach," said board member Fife Whiteside. "They will see that it passes the constitutional requirements."
Superintendent John Phillips Jr. said the State Board of Education is to adopt by Feb. 1 the curriculum for state-funded high school courses in the history and literature of the Old Testament era and of the New Testament era, if it meets that deadline.
But Polleys said the board needs to decide soon whether it will make the courses available in the Columbus schools if they are to be prepared to do so in the fall 2007, noting that Democrats and Republicans in the Georgia Legislature came out in favor of it.
Board members questioned what kind of teachers would be capable of teaching the courses.
"I envision English or social studies teachers could do it," Phillips said.
"I'm not going to be comfortable with someone I can't choose teaching this to my son," Green said.
"How do you teach the Bible without teaching faith?" Roberson asked.
"If we're concerned we'll get into dogma or proselytizing, the state won't let us do that," said Whiteside.
Roberson asked if parents have requested the course.
"I've had parents ask me," Polleys said.
"The Bible is for various groups the cornerstone of their faith," Roberson said. "How do we get around all the proclamations without debate?"
"Other school systems have done so," Polleys said.
Board member Naomi Buckner asked what happens when a teacher has to give an opinion or give a response. "Can a teacher legitimately say how she feels?" she asked.
Phillips said the new state law prohibits the courses from being taught as devotion or indoctrination or to encourage or discourage a set of religious beliefs.
"We lose our protection when they do that," Green said.
Board Vice Chairman James Walker said, "What is there to discuss about it? We can offer it or not offer it."
"I'm not in favor of it," Roberson said. "Let the churches teach the Bible. I appreciate it as literature and history."
The matter will be brought back to the full school board as an action item in September. Meanwhile, officials will search out other school districts in Georgia that offer Bible courses.
Board debates Bible course
Author