The Bible Literacy Project
2007-12-28

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

The Bible Literacy Project is a movement to provide a Bible elective for public schools. Contrary to popular belief it is legal to study the Bible from an academic perspective. Devotional Bible study is not allowed in public schools. The Bible Literacy Project focus on the impact that the Bible has had on literature, art and our culture, however it does not seek to teach theology or moral issues.

There is a growing problem with honors students who are not able to understand Biblical references in Shakespeare and other literature. The premise behind this project is that a basic understanding is needed to understand much of our Western culture.

The Bible Literacy Project course is differs from previously available Bible courses in that it offers both a teachers manual and student text. The course uses to texts The Bible and Its Influence and a Bible translation of the students choosing. The Bible Literacy Project also offers on-line teacher training on how to teach the Bible in public schools.

While written for public schools The Bible and Its Influence would also be a good text for homeschoolers and Christian schools. This course specifically ties in the connection between the Bible and our culture. Studying the role the Bible the Bible has played in Western culture would enable teens to defend the legitimacy of their faith from a non-theological perspective. Why is this valuable? Due to the pluralistic nature of our society many people do even acknowledged the Bible as having significance. It would make an excellent senior level literature, Bible or elective course.