Skip to content
Deacon Keith Fournier Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

Report says Christianity should be taught

Free World Class Education
FREE Catholic Classes
Beliefs central to history and social studies

It is commonly, though wrongly, accepted knowledge that public school teachers are not allowed to teach the Bible, biblical values, or Christian history in public schools. It is a debate that dominates every part of life, from a single household to the federal government. The countless legal battles over the issue have caused many to believe that faith has no place in education.

We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.

Help Now >

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
4/15/2014 (9 years ago)

Published in Politics & Policy

Keywords: World, Christianity, religion, teachings

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - A new report from nonprofit organization Gateways to Better Education, an organization dedicated to advocating expressions of faith in public schools, seeks to change that.

In a 230-page report titled "The Bible in State Academic Standards," the organization looked at numerous states and what their education standards are, and showed that there is leeway to teach students about Christianity.

In a press release, the organization stated that the report "highlights state-by-state, academic standards indicating ample opportunity for educators to teach about the Bible, Christian beliefs, and Christians who were influential in history."

The president of Gateways to Better Education, Eric Buehrer, argues that there are misconceptions among teachers when it comes to religion. "There is a common misconception among many educators that teaching about the Bible and Christianity is not allowed in public school classrooms because of concerns over the establishment of religion," said.

California, for instance, recommends that sixth graders know about the origins of Christianity, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the contributions of St. Paul to spreading the religion.

Massachusetts has standards for seventh graders in history and social studies, which include knowing a variety of facts about Christianity, including theological beliefs and the nature of Jesus Christ as viewed by followers.

Furthermore, students should understand the origins of Christianity and understand monotheism, and the Christian interpretation of salvation, the Old and New Testaments, and the lives of central figures.

Some may worry that the report is advocating pushing Christianity on those who wouldn't believe it, but the report calls on teachers to remain objective.

"The lesson should not be designed to prove the story is true, nor question whether the story is accurate. The goal should be to introduce students to the story and help them understand the influence it has had on history, literature, art, and music."

---


'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'


Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online

Deacon Keith Fournier Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.

Prayer of the Day logo
Saint of the Day logo

Catholic Online Logo

Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.

Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.