Is Bible study at a public high school constitutional?

The Supreme Court appeared generally sympathetic today to an evangelical group’s argument that it had a constitutional right to offer Bible study and prayer as an after-school activity for young children on the same basis as any other activity held on the premises of an upstate New York public school.

Why is prayer not allowed in schools?

The U.S. Supreme Court banned school-sponsored prayer in public schools in a 1962 decision, saying that it violated the First Amendment. Trump said the government must “never stand between the people and God” and said public schools too often stop students from praying and sharing their faith.

Why do we study Bible in schools?

Studying the Bible helps students to formulate questions about themselves, their communities, and the texts that they read. The Bible continues to be an important part of American literature, art, and music. Let’s let public school students engage this important work.

Why don’t they teach the Bible in school?

First, while it is constitutional for public schools to teach children about religion, it is unconstitutional to use public schools to advance particular religious beliefs. Unfortunately, some people promote “Bible education” as a disguised way of advancing their particular religious beliefs in public schools.

Should religion be taught in schools?

If students are to function as globally competent citizens, they need to understand religion’s profound impact on history, politics, society, and culture. They should know basic religious facts and principles and recognize the diversity that exists within each belief system across time and place.

How many schools teach the Bible?

Proponents of Bible instruction — such as Chuck Stetson, who publishes a textbook that he says is already in use in more than 600 public schools across the nation — are thrilled.

When was the Bible taught in public schools?

In 1949 Bible reading was a part of routine in the public schools of at least thirty-seven states. In twelve of these states, Bible reading was legally required by state laws; 11 states passed these laws after 1913.