Georgia schools may offer approved courses on Bible as 'literature and history'
ATLANTA -- Georgia is poised to introduce two literature classes on the Bible in public schools next year, a move some critics say would make the southern state the first in the U.S. to take an explicit stance endorsing —- and funding —- biblical teachings.
The Bible already is incorporated into some classes in Georgia and other states, but some critics say the board's move, which makes the Bible the classes' main text, treads into dangerous turf. The U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion is often interpreted as implying a separation of church and state.
On a list of classes approved Thursday by the Georgia Board of Education are Literature and History of the Old Testament Era, and Literature and History of the New Testament Era. The classes, approved last year by the Legislature, will not be required, and the state's 180 school systems can decide for themselves whether to offer them.
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The Bible already is incorporated into some classes in Georgia and other states, but some critics say the board's move, which makes the Bible the classes' main text, treads into dangerous turf. The U.S. Constitution's guarantee of freedom of religion is often interpreted as implying a separation of church and state.
On a list of classes approved Thursday by the Georgia Board of Education are Literature and History of the Old Testament Era, and Literature and History of the New Testament Era. The classes, approved last year by the Legislature, will not be required, and the state's 180 school systems can decide for themselves whether to offer them.