The RenewaNation Review 2016 Volume 8 Issue 2 | Page 23

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) 23 23