MY TURN: A respectful response to Bible reading in public schools
The recent letter advocating for reintroducing Bible reading in public schools raises important questions about morality, education and religious freedom. While I respect the author’s deep regard for the Bible, I believe it’s equally important to consider the constitutional and societal implications of school-sponsored religious practices in a diverse and pluralistic society.
The Bible is undoubtedly a significant historical and cultural text, but public schools are not the right venue for its promotion. The First Amendment protects both freedom of religion and freedom from religion. This ensures that public schools, as government institutions, remain neutral spaces where students of all faiths — and those of none — feel equally respected and included.
While the author cites figures like Fisher Ames and Benjamin Rush, their views were shaped by a vastly different cultural and societal context. Our nation today is more diverse than ever, encompassing a wide range of beliefs, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and secular philosophies. Promoting one religious text in public schools risks alienating students from other traditions and undermines the inclusive environment that public education is meant to foster.
Moral and ethical development is essential, but it is not the sole domain of any one religious text. Values such as kindness, integrity and accountability can be taught through secular lessons and inclusive literature that respects the diversity of our communities. Public schools should focus on teaching critical thinking and fostering understanding among students of all backgrounds, rather than endorsing specific religious beliefs.
The author’s assertion that Bible reading in schools is not about imposing religion fails to consider how students from different religious or non-religious backgrounds might perceive it. Even if participation were voluntary, the power dynamics within a school setting could lead to feelings of exclusion or coercion for those who opt out.
Rather than revisiting debates about school-sponsored Bible reading, let us focus on creating a curriculum that draws on universal values, respects individual rights and equips all students to contribute meaningfully to our shared civic life. We can honor the Bible’s historical significance without compromising the principles of religious freedom and equality that are foundational to our democracy.
• • •
Tonya Jean is a Coeur d'Alene resident.