David Harsanyi of the Federalist argues that biblical literacy is too important to entrust to public schools.
Critics claim that teaching biblical literacy is a violation of the separation of church and state. “Anything that might send a message to our children that you have to be a Christian to be a full American is extremely problematic,” explained Amanda Tyler, executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, a group that that opposes prospective laws.
I’m not crazy about the notion of public schools teaching biblical literacy classes, because those institutions tend to politicize every topic. A far better solution is to allow parents to send their kids to the schools of their choice. But does anyone genuinely believe that teaching kids some basic history about the most consequential book in history is tantamount to the “establishment of religion?” …
… Fortunately, there is a solution to all our problems. If you’re put off by the thought of your kids being captive to the state-run school that is at the mercy of the majority of the voters who show up or the teachers unions, you too should support more school choice and more vouchers.
This way, if you’re interested in classes about “restorative justice” and scaremongering about the weather, you can send your kid to the local public school. And if you want your children to obtain a classical or religious education, there is a school for you, as well. It’s the only answer in an increasingly divided nation.
