The Bible in State
Academic Standards
T
HERE IS A COMMON MISCONCEPTION that,
while teaching about various world religions may be
acceptable for cultural awareness, teaching about the Bible
and Christianity is not allowed in public school classrooms
because of concerns over the establishment of religion.
However, quite to the contrary of popular perception, state
academic standards across the nation provide ample oppor-
tunity for educators to teach about the Bible, Christian
beliefs, and Christians who were influential in history.
At Gateways to Better Education, we studied every state’s
academic standards and compiled a report, The Bible in State
Academic Standards, to help educators and the public under-
stand that teaching about the Bible and Christianity has not
been banned from public education. In fact, teaching about
these topics is expected in more instances than most people
might believe. The Christian community in every state
needs to bring these standards to light and help educators
gain confidence to exercise their academic freedom to teach
to the full extent of their state’s standards.
Detailed Standards
Some states provide educators with detailed standards for
what students should learn about the Bible and Christianity.
For example, in California, sixth-grade students are expected
to: “Note the origins of Christianity in the Jewish Messianic
prophecies, the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as
described in the New Testament, and the contribution of St.
Paul the Apostle to the definition and spread of Christian
beliefs (e.g., belief in the Trinity, resurrection, salvation).”
(2005)
In Massachusetts, seventh-grade students are expected to:
“Describe the origins of Christianity and its central features.
A. Monotheism; B. the belief in Jesus as the Messiah and
By Eric Buehrer God’s son who redeemed humans from sin; C. the concept
By Eric Buehrer
of salvation; D. belief in the Old and New Testament; E. the
lives and teachings of Jesus and Saint Paul.” (2003)
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