Bible study a worthy addition to curriculum

A milestone moment was achieved at the Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting Wednesday night when board members unanimously approved a new academic course about the Bible.

The decision's significance is twofold. First, school districts everywhere have been confronted increasingly by constitutional issues surrounding separation of church and state. The new course, &#8220Bible Within Literature and History,” will present a strictly academic, nonreligious approach to the book that is the centerpiece of Christianity.

Through its textbook, &#8220The Bible and its Influences,” the course will explore the historical and cross-cultural impact of the Bible in as objective a manner as possible. This approach gives the class meaning and value without treading on the dangerous ice of devotion and indoctrination.

Which is not to say that devotion and spirituality are dangerous. But neither belong in the purview of public schools. They are personal pursuits best left to families to decide for themselves.

Of at least equal significance is the manner in which the school board arrived at its decision. This was no rash, emotional whim, but rather the result of years of careful consideration.

Board veterans Linda Menard and Larry DeVilbiss deserve credit for keeping the ball rolling since a community member first suggested the idea during public-comment time at a board meeting five years ago. A couple of local teachers helped write the curriculum for the class and recommended the textbook, something also worthy of notice.

The entire process, replete with public input, thorough research and thoughtful deliberation is a stellar example of responsive government. School district students and their families are well-served by this approach, and we hope other elected bodies use it as a model.

We are encouraged by the board's action and believe this decision to be the right one. The course is an elective for juniors and seniors, so no one will be required to take it. But those who do are likely to benefit greatly.

In these times of increased emphasis on technical training, the addition of a humanities course of this scope has great potential to prompt questions and spark meaningful dialogue. And this can only make students more well-rounded and better equipped to be good adults.

We applaud school district officials for taking a stand in favor of encouraging kids not just to learn, but to think.