The Texas State School Board’s decision to mandate Bible stories for all public school students reflects a push for Christian nationalism, seeking to assert the dominance of a specific Christian identity and marginalize others. This move, advised by discredited historian David Barton, relies on a distorted view of American history and uses scripture out of context to reinforce political agendas. Ironically, forcing exposure to biblical texts, particularly in a classroom setting where critical thinking is encouraged, may lead students, including Christians, to question fundamentalist interpretations, potentially causing a backlash against the very movement it aims to promote.
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Texas’ education board has approved a statewide required reading list for public school students that includes Bible stories, a move critics argue is an attempt to inject Christian teachings into classrooms. The list, set to take effect in 2030, mandates reading passages from the New Testament for students as early as fourth grade. While supporters contend these texts are foundational to American culture, educators and parents have raised concerns about the exclusion of diverse voices and the potential for alienating students from different religious or non-religious backgrounds. This decision marks Texas as potentially the first state to implement such a religiously-infused mandatory reading curriculum, furthering its recent efforts to incorporate religious themes into public education.
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Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses Bible lawsuit after education leader declines to enforce mandate
So, here’s the deal: Oklahoma’s highest court has essentially punted on a lawsuit challenging a mandate to keep Bibles in public school classrooms and teach from them. The court, in a 6-2 decision, said the whole issue is now “moot.”
The reasoning is pretty straightforward. The newly appointed state Superintendent of Education, along with the new members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, have stated they intend to nullify the 2024 mandate regarding Bible usage in schools. Not only that, but these new education leaders aren’t pursuing any of the other mandates issued by the previous superintendent, which would have used taxpayer money to buy classroom Bibles and “biblically-based character education materials.”… Continue reading
During a White House address, President Trump referenced the Bible’s emphasis on caring for vulnerable children, sparking immediate criticism. Critics highlighted the administration’s legal efforts to halt payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to over 16 million children. These efforts included appeals to the Supreme Court to block SNAP funding, actions that were eventually dropped after the government shutdown ended. Following the temporary funding bill, the USDA has directed states to ensure full November benefits are promptly distributed to SNAP recipients.
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Oklahoma’s new education head, Lindel Fields, has removed the unconstitutional requirement for schools to teach Bible-based social studies lessons, a policy implemented by his predecessor, Ryan Walters. This decision follows a state Supreme Court ruling that deemed the initial requirement unlawful due to its violation of state policy-making rules and the First Amendment. Prior to leaving office, Walters sought to purchase Bibles for schools and initiated controversial curriculum changes promoting inaccurate historical narratives and the inclusion of right-wing propaganda. Furthermore, the state is considering rescinding other policies implemented by Walters, including the partnership with PragerU and the mandated inclusion of politically charged statements in social studies texts, as well as investigating the Department of Education’s finances during his tenure.
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President Trump’s second inauguration oath deviated from tradition; while the Constitution mandates an oath or affirmation, it doesn’t prescribe the use of religious texts. Although nearly all officeholders utilize a Bible, Trump uniquely swore his oath with only one hand raised, foregoing the two Bibles presented. This action is notable given his public assertions of Christian faith. The reasons behind his choice remain unexplained.
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The Texas State Board of Education narrowly approved a new elementary school curriculum incorporating Bible-based lessons, despite concerns about the separation of church and state. This decision, incentivized by funding for participating districts, sparked debate and legal challenges, mirroring similar controversies in Louisiana and Oklahoma where mandated Bible inclusion in schools faces lawsuits. Legal experts highlight the distinction between teaching about religion objectively versus promoting a specific faith, emphasizing the potential for constitutional violations if public schools endorse a particular religious doctrine. The ongoing legal battles and varied state-level initiatives underscore the increasing tension between religious expression and public education.
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The Texas State Board of Education approved optional Bible-infused lesson plans for elementary schools, with schools receiving additional funding for adoption. These plans, supported by Governor Greg Abbott and created by the Texas Education Agency, will potentially be implemented as early as next year. While proponents argue the Bible is integral to American history and enriches learning, critics express concerns about alienating students of other faiths and potential First Amendment violations. This decision follows similar, though legally challenged, efforts in other Republican-led states to increase religion’s presence in public schools.
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Oklahoma’s Republican schools superintendent Ryan Walters, a potential education secretary pick for Donald Trump, has advocated for a national mandate requiring Bibles in classrooms. Walters, who already implemented this policy in Oklahoma, believes the Bible is essential to understanding American history and argues that left-wing activists are attempting to suppress Christianity. He supports Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education, believing it would curb federal overreach and leftist agendas. Walters’s controversial stance has drawn lawsuits from educators and parents, propelling him into national attention.
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As an Oklahoman parent and a concerned citizen, the recent news of top education officials attempting to mandate the Bible in public school classrooms is not only outrageous but a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. The attempt to bypass the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment under the guise of academic necessity is laughable. Ryan Walters, in Oklahoma, is pushing for the integration of the Christian Bible into core subjects like math and science, claiming it’s for historical context. But let’s be real, this is a clear attempt to indoctrinate children into one specific religion under the guise of education.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood