Superintendent Stephen Hamilton defends the Oklahoma policy to incorporate the Bible into school curriculum, citing its historical significance and role in shaping American history and culture.
In a bold move, Oklahoma has announced that it will incorporate the Bible into its school curriculum for grades 5-12 starting in the 2024-2025 school year. This decision has sparked controversy, with some groups opposing the use of religious texts in public education. However, Superintendent Stephen Hamilton, a member of the policy's committee, believes that teaching the Bible is essential for understanding American history and culture.
Hamilton argues that the Bible is not merely a religious text but also a historical document of profound significance. "There is simply no way to fully understand the history of this country, the world in which it was founded, or the millennia of human events that led up to the making of America without being at least somewhat conversant in what [the Bible] contains," he writes.
Oklahoma Policy: Teaching the Bible as a Historical Document
The Bible, Hamilton notes, has played a pivotal role in shaping American history. Its teachings have inspired and guided the nation's founders, greatest statesmen, and civil rights leaders, including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Hamilton points out that the Bible is consistently referenced in the writings of the founding generation, and its influence can be seen in key documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He argues that teaching the Bible is not a violation of the separation of church and state, but rather a recognition of its historical significance.
Oklahoma Policy: Teaching the Bible as a Historical Document
"To call this unconstitutional is simply absurd," Hamilton writes. "Never mind that the Bible was an expected part of the curriculum in American schools up until about the last 60 years or so."
The superintendent emphasizes that American students deserve to know the role that the Bible has played in their nation's history. He believes that teaching the Bible is not an attempt to indoctrinate students but rather to equip them with the knowledge they need to understand their country and its culture.
Oklahoma Policy: Teaching the Bible as a Historical Document
"We owe it to them to teach them," Hamilton writes. "Furthermore, we owe it to the generations before us who founded this country and preserved this experiment in liberty in self-government for us."
Hamilton acknowledges that there may be challenges to the policy, both political and legal. However, he welcomes these challenges and is prepared to defend the policy vigorously. "Our children deserve it, and our country needs it," he writes.
In conclusion, Superintendent Stephen Hamilton argues that teaching the Bible is not only constitutional but also essential for understanding American history and culture. He believes that American students deserve to know the role that the Bible has played in shaping the nation, and he is prepared to defend the Oklahoma policy against any challenges that may arise.
