Why study
the Bible in
the classroom?
Teaching Bible to Hamilton County public school students in grades 6-12 offers numerous academic and social benefits, which contribute to a well-rounded education for students.
The Bible is one of the cornerstone texts of world literature.
The Bible is the world’s best selling book.
The Bible has shaped literature, visual arts, and the theater. It is quoted in hundreds of thousands of pieces of literature, and it is important that our students understand these references so they can have broad cultural awareness.
The Bible has influenced some of the greatest works of literature, art, and music, including Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, Handel’s Messiah, Shakespeare’s Othello, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Flannery O’Connor’s The Complete Stories. In studying Bible, students gain an appreciation for how the Bible has affected all aspects of culture.
Biblical language permeates our cultural conversations. Deep knowledge requires cultural literacy. Without the study of the Bible in our schools, we run the risk of creating an avoidable deficiency in American education.
The Bible is an integral part of American history and its founding documents. From the genesis of our country, the Bible has been a fundamental text that has both inspired and guided our nation’s leaders. Men such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are all credited with incorporating biblical principles into their leadership decisions. Ideas such as democracy and equality under the law were influenced by the Bible.
“The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention is the Bible.” – JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (6TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES)
“The Hamilton County public school Bible program has been a daily dispenser of hope in this community and reflects the generosity of so many committed partners. We believe that a knowledge of the Bible is a key component to a well-rounded education that encourages students to not just be passive observers of society, but active contributors in a global world. Thank you to all who have donated generously to enrich our public schools with a text that crosses all cultural, socioeconomic, and racial barriers, while still touching lives each day.”
Mrs. Cathy Scott, President, Bible in the Schools
“We very much appreciate the support we receive from Bible in the Schools that provides an elective course opportunity for many of our students in grades 6-12. Thanks to the generosity of the group and its supporters, our unique partnership has been in place for 100 years, and we look forward to continuing our joint work to serve Hamilton County students in the future.”
Dr. Justin Robertson, HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT
