WHY STUDY THE BIBLE IN THE CLASSROOM?

WHY THE BIBLE IS RELEVANT IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM

All Bible lessons link to the state standards, as established by the Tennessee Department of Education.

LINKS TO TENNESSEE LAW AND BIBLE STANDARDS

Bible Home Page from Tennessee Department of Education - https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/bible-courses.html

TN Law (T.C.A. § 49-6-1026)   - https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2015/title-49/chapter-6/part-10/section-49-6-1026

TN High School Bible Standards - https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/standards/ss/TennesseeBibleStandards.pdf

“Hamilton County Schools is committed to providing students with a world-class education, which includes making sure they develop a broad understanding of the events, writings, and ideas that have shaped Western society and culture.” – Dr. Bryan Johnson, Former Hamilton County Schools Superintendent

"The Hamilton County public school Bible program has been a daily dispenser of hope in this community and reflects the generosity of so many committed partners. An academic study of the Bible in our schools helps ground and awaken students to the rich cultural footprint that the Bible has had in the world. We believe that a knowledge of the Bible is a key component to a well-rounded education that encourages students to not just be passive observers of society, but active contributors in a global world. Thank you to all who have donated generously to enrich our public schools with a text that crosses all cultural, socioeconomic, and racial barriers, while still touching lives each day." – Mrs. Cathy Scott, President, Bible in the Schools

Teaching Bible to Hamilton County public school students in grades 6-12 offers numerous academic and social benefits, many of which contribute to a well-rounded education for students.

Why Study the Bible in the Classroom?

• The Bible is one of the cornerstone texts of world history, and it is the best-selling book of all time.

• The Bible is the most widely known book in the English-speaking world.

• The Bible has shaped the arts, literature, and humanities. It is quoted in hundreds of thousands of pieces of literature, and it is important that our students have a broad cultural awareness.

• The Bible has influenced some of the greatest works of literature, art, and music, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Handel’s “Messiah,” Shakespeare’s Othello, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Flannery O’Connor’s “Revelation.” In studying the Bible, students gain an appreciation for how the Bible has affected all aspects of culture.

• The Bible has influenced culture. “Bible knowledge is essential to comprehending the art of Giotto and Chagall, Bach cantatas and African-American spirituals, Shakespeare’s plays, countless allusions in novels and poems, historical events like the Protestant Reformation and the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements, the rhetoric of U.S. presidents, populism and pacifism, and on and on.” Source: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/11/the-bibles-influence-the-bible-public-schools-a-fi/

• Biblical language permeates our conversation. Without the study of the Bible in our schools, we run the risk of creating an avoidable deficiency in American education. Deep knowledge requires cultural literacy. When the schools of a nation fail adequately to transmit the literate national language and culture, the unity and effectiveness of the nation will necessarily decline.

• The Bible is an integral part of American heritage and its founding documents. From the genesis of our country, the Bible has been a fundamental text that has both inspired and guided our nation’s leaders. Men such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are all credited with incorporating biblical principles into their leadership decisions.

IMPACTING OUR STUDENTS