Memorize the 23rd Psalm 10. At a time when the nexus of religion and public education is contested ground, the classes are at the center of a growing debate. Experts say Bible classes, allowed under constitutional guidelines set out by the Supreme Court, are becoming increasingly common. It's a growing point of tension, unfortunately. Stuck in the middle are people like Mr. McHargue, who strive for a way to provide students a valuable educational element while walking the line required by the U.S. Constitution.
Theological perspectives belong in the seminary.
Courts have held repeatedly that the First Amendment limits a school's ability to offer religious instruction. But under current court doctrine, Bible study classes are permitted if they treat the Bible as a historical or literary document and don't examine it from the perspective of a single religion. In Duncanville, Mr. McHargue said he was surprised at the lack of Bible knowledge among some students. We may take it for granted that they know who Job is, or they know who Elijah is. But a lot of them don't.