Texas House Bill 1287: "Mandating" A Bible Course in High Schools

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01287F.htm

Just when you think Texas can't get anymore like Texas............

The original bill mandated a bible class in which the bible would be used as a textbook and the old and new testament would be taught with it's impact on western civilization. Now in theory there is credit to the fact the bible has played a large role in western civilization and should be studied along with other major religions.

But this is Texas, Evangelical mecca.......

Funny thing is what version of the bible to they want. Texas may still have it's ridiculously baptist culture, but Roman Catholics are now actually the biggest single group in Texas with around 30% of population and growing, including a much larger share of the younger population.

 

Doesn't "elective courses" mean kids can choose to do it or not?

 

You fail to take into consideration this is Texas, there are many ways to make an "elective" course required. Say you need 4 history credits for high school, and in 11th grade only the history of the bible class and say a world's religions class(which will be 90% Evangelical) are the only 2 main classes available.

Keep in mind the original bill did in fact mandate it

 

Another step back for Texas.

A few weeks ago, I watched a few videos of their local politicians and school boards and yea... this doesn't surprise me.

 

First they say elective, then later they say "offer as required curriculum"... Whatever that means.

I think Bible could be studied in school just as any other book can. It's when people start putting too much emphasis on their opinions of it and being pushy about it, then it becomes a hot button topic. It's actually a very interesting book. Just like a thousand others.

 

I'd say in the highly unlikely event of that occurring, I'd have serious words with who ever is in charge.

I'll look into it a little more...but do you seriously believe they will be forcing a particular religion down peoples throats - that's how you are making it seem, anyway.

 

Really, who cares?

It's amazing shit like this will get people up-in-arms, but when their freedoms are being taken away, that's apparently OK.

There are many bills in the House and Senate which are a lot worse than this, yet none of you seem to be too concerned about those.

 

None of us are concerned? Proof?

So we should just let this one go?

 

Heck, lose sleep over it if you want. Frankly, this is the least people have to be worried about.

 

It is, keep in mind this is the place where the 2 states above it now require creationism/intelligent design to be taught alongside evolution in science class

 

Ever heard of states' rights?

 

I hadn't intended on losing sleep over it but I won't just push it aside because it isn't as 'important' as other issues.

When I see things like this it is cause for worry
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Texas board of education&search=tag

 

Wtf does this have to do with state rights. Is everything a conspiracy to you? This is about the people of Nebraska and Oklahoma being nutjob evangelicals who use the bible as science in classrooms

 

Taught or discussed?

 

Taught as an alternative to Evolution.

 

Really? Wow.
I thought: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=6735357&page=1

 

That was in January though, this new bill has been signed into law just at the start of the school year in Texas to make sure creationism still has it's place in school, this time in the form of bible class

 

I think perhaps your horribly misrepresenting was is and isn't occurring, to be honest. I'll look into it though, might as well.

 

You need to come to America, you fail realize just how crazy conservative the mid-west can be.

 

I have no doubt they are...but i'm yet to be convinced about this. Sorry.