Eric Reece
I am always grateful for my third grade teacher, Mrs. Edwards – who read to us before school started each morning.
At times, it was a morality tale; and sometimes, it was a story from the Bible. I remember her reading the story of David and Goliath. She used the door frame to describe Goliath’s height.
Under a new Texas law, elementary school students will be required to read the story of David and Goliath.
The Bible and our nation’s public schools have made the news again. First, it was Oklahoma – where the superintendent of public education wanted to supply each student with a King James Bible to be included in the school’s curriculum. The budget request for $6 million was turned down. Donations are being accepted (note: Gideons will supply a Bible for free to anyone who asks).
In June, the Texas State Board of Education approved a list of mandatory scripture readings for grades in their public schools. A dozen or so scripture passages are included, along with portions of the writings of the founding fathers, Dickens, Shakespeare, MLK Jr. and Margaret Thatcher (on the life of President Regan).
Wanting to teach the Bible in school is nothing new. In high school, I took "Bible as Literature" as an elective.
Here is the problem: if you make religion mandatory in school, it violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution – which bars the government from establishing a state religion. Courts have upheld the U.S. Constitution prohibiting mandatory or state sponsored Bible reading or prayer.
In the Texas law, the concern is that Bible reading is mandatory. Parents who object to the required reading can have their children opt out if it conflicts with their beliefs.
How can you teach the Bible in public schools? I was always taught it was permissible if student-led and did not interfere with other school activities. Students can have Bible clubs, and meet before and after school. They can bring their Bibles and read and discuss passages.
In addition, they can pray in assembly – as long as they are not coerced. The difference is it is not state sponsored or a requirement.
In 2025, a bill was introduced in the North Carolina Senate, with the working title, “Released Time Education Act.” This law would allow public school students to be released during the school day, to go off-campus to attend religious or moral instruction.
With the School Board's approval, an organization may take students off-campus for 1-4 hours a week. Parents give permission and the school is not held liable in any way. Students make up for any lost schoolwork. If the school board agrees, students may receive elective credit for the off campus instruction.
Diverse as we are, America will continue to struggle to teach religious values and morals in a way that does not promote one faith. We want our youth to have strong morals and values.
When it comes to teaching Biblical values, I have always been partial with the words of William J. Toms, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.