The statement was in response to another commenting not talking about the specific policy, but making a general comment that in order to understand US History and thought of early American Settlers you likely need to have some understanding of the bible. That has nothing to do with this specific teaching policy, and the comment you responded to calls out the commenter didn’t trust the superintendent:
With that said, I don’t trust Oklahoma to teach about the Bible in a manner appropriate for historical analysis rather than religious dominance.
Well understanding for a 5rh grader is different than high schooler, or graduate student, or historian. But because protestantism is such a critical historical theme in early America it makes sense to understand to some degree what those religious beliefs are. I’m not saying a fifth grader needs to dive into it, but for high schooler and college students, it’s a bit more important to have a general understanding of it. But I think that understanding also extends to learning about other religions.
Okay, but we’re talking about grade schoolers and, again, it has never been necessary for public schools to teach about the Bible in the past to give kids an education in American history.
So why you’re trying to justify Walters’ decision I don’t know.
Also, you can teach about Christianity without teaching about the Bible beyond generalities and without venerating it as a sacred document that was also primary founding document for the nation. Which it simply wasn’t. I’m not sure why the First Amendment alone doesn’t make that clear to you.
My statement was made within the context of the article I posted. I’m not sure why you think I would have made it otherwise.
The statement was in response to another commenting not talking about the specific policy, but making a general comment that in order to understand US History and thought of early American Settlers you likely need to have some understanding of the bible. That has nothing to do with this specific teaching policy, and the comment you responded to calls out the commenter didn’t trust the superintendent:
And yet this never has been necessary for public schools in the past. Which suggests there is no such need.
Well understanding for a 5rh grader is different than high schooler, or graduate student, or historian. But because protestantism is such a critical historical theme in early America it makes sense to understand to some degree what those religious beliefs are. I’m not saying a fifth grader needs to dive into it, but for high schooler and college students, it’s a bit more important to have a general understanding of it. But I think that understanding also extends to learning about other religions.
Okay, but we’re talking about grade schoolers and, again, it has never been necessary for public schools to teach about the Bible in the past to give kids an education in American history.
So why you’re trying to justify Walters’ decision I don’t know.
Also, you can teach about Christianity without teaching about the Bible beyond generalities and without venerating it as a sacred document that was also primary founding document for the nation. Which it simply wasn’t. I’m not sure why the First Amendment alone doesn’t make that clear to you.