Gov. Matt Bevin publicly signs bill allowing Kentucky's public schools to teach the Bible

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- Public schools in Kentucky can soon teach reading, writing and the book of Revelation.

At the Capitol on Tuesday, Gov. Matt Bevin gave his public “Amen” to a bill allowing Bible courses in public schools.

The bill's sponsor says students need to understand the role the Bible played in American history.

“It really did set the foundation that our founding fathers used to develop documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights," said Rep. D.J. Johnson (R-Owensboro). "All of those came from principles from the Bible."

Yeah I'm going to go ahead and disagree with them here.

The ACLU of Kentucky said it’s concerned about how the law might be used in schools.

“A Bible literacy bill that, on its face, may not appear to be unconstitutional, could in fact become unconstitutional in its implementation,” said Advocacy Director Kate Miller.

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As someone who is (sadly) a product of Kentucky schools, this makes me a little angry. I don't believe any religion should be taught in our schools, especially when the money used to fund an entirely new class could be spent on better things. Like a normal education for everyone already there.

I left high school in Kentucky my senior year, and I couldn't even subtract two digit numbers on paper. I had to teach myself everything from subtraction through calculus in a 3 month span before I took my placement exams for college.

I remember after I got out in the world talking to friends, and hearing them talk about their high schools. Some went on foreign trips, a friend of mine from New Mexico even had a rocket program at his high school. I can't imagine where I'd be if my high school had outlets like a rocket program, or any type of science beyond what people learn in FFA.

It's nice to know they have money earmarked to teach religious fundamentalism for everyone that wants to learn it though. If I sound a little angry, it's because I am. The BS schooling I received as a kid has always been a sore point for me.

Now, to the religion part. I don't think any religion should be exclusively taught in schools. Be it Christianity, Islam, or the flying spaghetti monster. If people want to have a religious studies class that educates and touches on all religions, I don't think that's a bad idea at all. But when you exclusively offer to teach one particular religion, that's going to far.

And this being Kentucky, I guarantee you that the type of Christianity being taught in most schools will be the southern Baptist, Ken Ham, 6,000 year old earth hellfire and brimstome version I grew up hearing.

I thought there was supposed to be a separation between church and state? When did that change?

a reply to: underwerks

I object entirely to the passage of this measure.

Christs message should not be dirtied by being attached to an education establishment of any nature.

a reply to: underwerks

“It really did set the foundation that our founding fathers used to develop documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights," said Rep. D.J. Johnson

So they're changing history to suit their agenda...

Stupid. Separation of Church & State, is that so hard to understand?

a reply to: FamCore

Its an elective class, it is not required.

While on the one hand I disagree with the sentiment and feel religion has no place in the class room besides in an abstract way during history class...

When certain parts of the country start making room for extended classes covering Islam... under the guise of providing context to history.. this was inevitable, especially when you creep into the middle of the country.

Least thats my nickles worth of opinion.

a reply to: underwerks

They will quickly be force to allow satanic , Muslim and Buddhist courses as well..


So I'm kinda cool with it as long as it is sold as theology.

Plus let's be real a voulentary bible class in highschool is gonna be empty.

originally posted by: FamCore
a reply to: underwerks

“It really did set the foundation that our founding fathers used to develop documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights," said Rep. D.J. Johnson

So they're changing history to suit their agenda...

Stupid. Separation of Church & State, is that so hard to understand?

That's pretty much the core of the entire "Christian nation" rhetoric is. History revisionism.

originally posted by: TrueBrit
a reply to: underwerks

I object entirely to the passage of this measure.

Christs message should not be dirtied by being attached to an education establishment of any nature.

I didn't think about that, but you're right. I'm sure most schools that implement this will teach their local flavor of Christianity, which in Kentucky, can get kind of weird.

a reply to: underwerks

Maybe if they have both Christian theology class and a history class that Christianity..

a reply to: underwerks

We already have Sunday Schools and Bible camps. This is just another attempt to try to creep Christianity into public schools.

I have no issue with schools teaching the impact of religious texts on the cultures and politics of our history.
The texts should not be taught, only their influence on society.

originally posted by: FamCore
a reply to: underwerks

“It really did set the foundation that our founding fathers used to develop documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights," said Rep. D.J. Johnson

So they're changing history to suit their agenda...

Stupid. Separation of Church & State, is that so hard to understand?

My thoughts exactly.

Well this is gonna find its way to court pretty quick. The only question is will it be the ACLU or the Satanists that make the first move.

originally posted by: Bluntone22
I have no issue with schools teaching the impact of religious texts on the cultures and politics of our history.
The texts should not be taught, only their influence on society.

I agree. In fact, I think learning about history without including the religions and other power structures that helped shape it is leaving a big chunk out.

originally posted by: Xcalibur254
Well this is gonna find its way to court pretty quick. The only question is will it be the ACLU or the Satanists that make the first move.

Being dramatic aren't we? Satanists are pretty cool.

a reply to: Deaf Alien

How is it being dramatic? Satanists have a history calling out bullsh*t laws like this.

a reply to: underwerks

The schools in Texas won't even hire non Christian teachers and the administration checks your social media to see if you
"measure up"

I think it's pretty standard teacher hiring practices thru out the South.

a reply to: olaru12

Fantastic! Do you have a source? Because this seems unbelievable from the outside..

originally posted by: Skorpy
a reply to: FamCore

Its an elective class, it is not required.

It's still public funds, in a public school.

originally posted by: olaru12
a reply to: underwerks

The schools in Texas won't even hire non Christian teachers and the administration checks your social media to see if you
"measure up"

Every major company/employer on the planet will check social media now a days, you would be a fool not to, so while you are not wrong... It is not just texas by a long shot.