Bible literacy would be offered as an elective social studies course in Kentucky public schools under a bill passed by the Senate Education Committee Thursday. Grayson Senator Robin Webb, a democrat and the bill’s sponsor, says the measure’s implications are historical, not biblical.
Lexington Democratic Senator Reggie Thomas says people fear discussing religion and faith in school. “I do think it’s pertinent and important to talk about theology and talk about different religions and talk about the Bible," Thomas said. "The Bible isn’t something we should run away from. It’s something we should run away to.”
The measure requires the elective course to provide knowledge of biblical context, characters, poetry, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture.
Former state senator and retired high school English teacher, Jack Westwood, testified in support of the bill. “Senate Bill 278 does not teach the Bible and I think that’s an important distinction to make," said Westwood. "They’re not proselytizing or anything like that. But, what it does, it teaches about the Bible."
The bill won unanimous support and will be placed on the senate’s consent calendar. It will be included among several bills voted on together.
