Lervia - I am in no way asking you to apologize for your faith. I do disagree with you though on the issue of constitutionality. One, this elective class is being paid for by taxpayers. Two, the same classes for other religions are not offered. The Bible is a religious text, so how can this not be a school promoting (establishing) one religion over another? Granted, I'm sure a class could be taught on the Bible without bias, but its a subject that evokes so much more in people, I question how long it can stay unbiased...

@Jimkata, as a Christian, I grew up in my faith and church learning of respect. The names of God and Jesus always begin with capital letters, as do words acknowledging things of honor and respect, such as "God's Word". This not a sign of bias. It's a sign of my faith and upbringing, honor and respect. I'll not argue the rest of your comment because we could argue until we're both blue in the face and still get nowhere. I'm sorry for the experiences of your youth, as well as for all those so many others that walked in the same shoes. I'll not apologize for my belief and faith. And, there is a horrible misunderstanding of what the Constitution says. Offering faith based classes in schools does NOT go against the Constitution if they are ELECTIVE courses, as this is. I do wish you well, and I really do understand where you're coming from. And, remember, I'm saying "teach the course without commentary and interpretation". From the Constitution, Amendment I: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Offering an elective course does not violate the Constitution, yet prohibiting the free exercise of attending an elective course put into the system at public desire and request would violate the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.

@Lervia - not that i feel like going into a lot of detail, but those that I were involved with called themselves "no-denominational" and "fundamentalists". The beliefs were basically Baptist, but gone way off the deep end. And as far as "reading things into your comments that aren't there", I stand by what I said, which was that it concerns me when I here people, you in this case, say things like "They will at least be reading and hearing the Word". The mere fact that you capitalized "Word" shows bias, and this is something this class is supposed to be without. I have nothing against your personal beliefs, and if you think that I would be upset by people saying they will pray for me, then you are wrong. I take it as meaning you wish me well. My opposition to this class is not an attack on religion. It is the opposite - a defense reaction FROM religion. From comments here, including yours, it is clear that there are folks wanting this class, and Christian beliefs, to "rub off" onto the students. If the class is taught in such a way that this happens, then it is not unbiased, and becomes a case of state sponsored religion, which as you know is unconstitutional. As far as I know, no classes are being offered on any other religious text. It gives the appearance of bias.

Every culture on Earth has their specific belief in their God/Gods, and most often, comparative analysis shows a basic similarity between the majority. The basic foundations of beliefs correlate. I neither deny nor chastise anyone for their personal belief, or lack thereof. But, I do expect the same consideration in return.

questioning what one was taught and what is known to be "mainstream" is what lead to the discovery of the Americas, the planets, stars, gravity, music, fire...i could go on. it doesn't mean you don't have faith, it just means you may not accept it at face value and there may be so much more out there to accept. that your view may not be the "only one". when you look at the different religions, even back to what the Egyptians believed, Greek god, etc., you actually see parallels in their beliefs, especially as you look to how cultures evolved from believing in many gods to just one. it's pretty interesting :)

Back in the 60's through 70's when I was in school we spent time being taught not only about each of the major religions (to include Islam) but foods from different cultures. We also took field trips to Temples (Buddhist, Jewish, Shriners :), as well as different churches who welcomed the idea of showing young people what they were all about). Can't do that now as some dumbazz will go off the deep-end claiming their religious beliefs are being trampled on (RFID Chip anyone?) Glad I went to school in the hick state of Georgia back then, who knew small southern towns could be so progressive?

@Jimkata, stop reading things into my comments that aren't there. I said "teach the Bible without commentary". I "believe" and I have faith, and my comment that "They will at least be reading and hearing the Word." is nothing more than an expression of my personal feelings. You know, you said yourself that you grew up in a religious cult (care to share which one) and are suspicious, which I truly do understand. But, don't try to take away the faith of those of us that have it, or the opportunity of kids to take an ELECTIVE course to learn more about the Bible, without commentary & interpretation. I truly understand your skepticism, but don't use it to demean or take away from those of us of faith. I believe in God, and I believe in his Word. I will NOT apologize for that, or make excuses, and I will NOT suffer fools trying to take it away from me or chastise me for it. I don't do that to those that have lost their faith, or have no faith. As much as they/you hate it, I pray for your souls and awakening. So say I, and THE END!!!! I'm off this thread.

not everyone believes in the bible...for whatever reason. and it doesn't make them a bad person. it simply means they have a different opinion. that's a tough concept for those who are closed minded to accept.

It's comments such as those from Lervia and Taywriter that concern me here... The class is supposed to be unbiased, but after reading the comments here, it seems folks hope, if not outright state, that the class will basically "rub off" on them... that they will hear "The Word" and it will help prevent mass killings in schools across the country... Ulterior motives seem to be present here. *singing* Don't you know about the bird? Everybody knows the bird is "the word"!

what about the jewish kids? mormons? we gonna teach their books too? having another religion doesn't make you a societal failure