SCHOOLS: Bible's place

Referring to Mr. Marsh’s letter, Bible: The law says…

It seems to me that there is one very important point that is being missed.

Our country was founded on a Christian basis. People of other faiths came later. Now that those of other faiths are a larger percentage of our overall population does not mean that the Christian basis of our country needs to be minimized.

Mr. Marsh states that “…until 1963, every school in Idaho was required to have daily Bible reading. Therefore, it could not have been unconstitutional.”

My belief is that the mere fact that it was required does not, in and of itself, mean that it was, or was not, constitutional.

I am Jewish, and graduated from a Catholic university. All students at that university were required to take at least one theology course. I chose one that studied the Bible as a work of literature. There was no religious context and it was a very interesting class.

My point is that required Bible study should not be taken in a religious context, if the student does not wish to do so. And, if the student (or their parents) find such a class objectionable, they should be allowed to “opt out” of taking such a class.

Bottom line, such a class should not be barred just because some may find it objectionable or offensive.

The curriculum in our schools should reflect the origins of our great country.

LARRY TANZER

Spirit Lake