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1. Is it legal to teach the Bible in public schools?
2. Does Bible in the Schools promote any specific religion or denomination?
3. Are taxpayer funds used?
4. Who employs Bible History teachers?
5. What role does Bible in the Schools have?
6. What qualifications must a teacher have?
7. What courses are taught?
8. What determines if Bible History is offered in a school?
9. How are teachers hired?
10. What textbooks are used?
11. Can other school districts have a Bible History program?
12. Is Bible History like Sunday school or other religious education?
13. Are students required to take Bible History courses?
14. How many Hamilton County, Tennessee schools currently offer Bible History as one of their electives?
15. How do teachers deal with controversial Bible topics?
16. What do students learn by taking Bible History courses?
Q. It is legal to teach the Bible in public schools?
A. Yes. In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected consistently with the First Amendment.
Q. Does Bible in the Schools promote any specific religion or denomination?
A. Since public school Bible classes first started in 1922, the teaching has been non-evangelistic and non-denominational. Bible in the Schools does not promote or denigrate any religion.
Q. Are taxpayer funds used?
A. Bible in the Schools is fully supported by contributions. No tax funds are used.
Q. Who employs Bible History teachers?
A. The teachers are employed by the Hamilton County Department of Education.
Q. What role does Bible in the Schools have?
A. Since no tax funds are used, Bible in the Schools raises the money to support the program. We reimburse the Hamilton County Department of Education for Bible history expenses. These expenses include the teachers' salaries and benefits. Also, all Bibles are donated to the schools by Bible in the Schools.
Q. What qualifications must a teacher have?
A. They must have state certification or be state certifiable. They must also have a minimum of 12 semester hours of college-level Bible classes.
Q. What courses are taught?
A. Five courses are offered: Genesis, Exodus, the Life of Jesus, Old Testament Survey, and New Testament Survey.
Q. What determines if Bible History is offered in a school?
A. School principals inform the Hamilton Country Department of Education's central office if they are interested in adding Bible History to their curriculum. The HCDE, in turn, consults with Bible in the Schools to inquire if funds are available to pay the teacher's salary and benefits.
Q. How are teachers hired?
A. Prospective teachers may contact Bible in the Schools for information on this process.
Q. What textbooks are used?
A. The Federal Court has ruled that the only textbook that can be used is the Bible. The specific version used is left to the discretion of the teacher.
Q. Can other school districts have a Bible History program?
A. Yes. We would be happy to discuss with you the Chattanooga Bible History program so that you may know how it may be included as a course in your school.
Q. Is Bible History like Sunday school or other religious education?
A. Bible History courses are typically part of a school's Social Studies curriculum. All courses are for credit and count towards the student's graduation requirements. Because of this accountability, courses are challenging. Projects, papers, and exams are used to measure a student's successful completion. Doctrine and theology issues are not taught.
Q. Are students required to take Bible History courses?
A. All courses are electives. Students select Bible History as they would any other elective such as music and art.
Q. How many Hamilton County, Tennessee schools currently offer Bible History as one of their electives?
A. Nineteen.
Q. How do teachers deal with controversial Bible topics?
A. When a student has a doctrinal question, they are encouraged to speak with their clergy.
Q. What do students learn by taking Bible History courses?
A. They learn such things as the history and organization of the Bible. They study early Middle Eastern history as detailed in the Old Testament. They examine the life of Jesus and study history as detailed in the New Testament. They gain knowledge of what the Bible says about the nature of God and the nature of man.
If you have a question about Bible in the Schools, click here.
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