Should Christian Stories Be in Texas Textbooks?
Why a controversial new optional curriculum isn't the problem many think it is, assessing the debate, and remembering 9/11
From my latest World Magazine column:
“Bible-infused curriculum sparks Texas-sized controversy over Christianity in the classroom” reads the breathless headline from one education publication. From the ominous reports, one would think that classrooms in the Lone Star State were being converted into Sunday schools. One Democratic state representative called it “egregious.” But the reality is different.
The Texas Education Agency posted the educational curriculum in May. It’s still subject to approval by the Texas Board of Education. The materials are not mandatory, but there are incentives for school districts that opt in.
A cursory reading of the materials shows that while the curriculum features many stories rooted in the Bible, they are also joined by lessons from other religions. What’s more, there are connections between history and Christianity, such as Esther’s heroic advocacy for the Jewish people in Persia and contemporary anti-Semitism, analysis of the religious content in Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” and an explanation of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting.
Is this good? Is this bad? Is this constitutional? How should Christians think about it? Read the full piece here.
You may have heard there was a Presidential debate the other day. I watched it. Let’s say it wasn’t Lincoln/Douglas. It wasn’t even Bush/Gore. Baptist Press asked me for my thoughts on it:
Undoubtedly, the millions of Americans who tuned into the debate between former President Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris were disappointed by the confusion and lack of clarity in the two people who want to serve as President,” said Dan Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Kamala Harris continued to present a mixed message, claiming herself as the candidate of change while not really answering important questions about the failures of the Biden administration. And President Trump missed opportunities to make important points about economic and immigration issues and at times indulged in conversations that were off topic.
You can read more here.
We also just passed the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. What’s remarkable, for me, is that I’ve officially lived half of my life after this fateful day. A few ways to remember 9/11:
- If you are ever in NY or DC, a visit to the memorials.
- If you are ever in Dallas, the George W. Bush Library, especially the 9/11 section
- Garret Graff's The Only Plane in the Sky
- Hulu's incredible documentary series:
- TGC podcast on ministry on and after 9/11 in NY and DC:
If you are in the Dallas Fort Worth Area next month, come and listen to Carl Trueman, author of The Rise and Fall of the Modern Self, and other good books. He will be at Southwestern Seminary for a lecture series on October 17-18 and all are welcome. It’s free, except for an optional lunch on the 18th. You can register here.
Lastly, I’m gonna make one more shy appeal for my daughter’s choir trip. Yes, I’m that dad. You can donate here.
I hope you all have a wonderful beginning to the fall season (it’s unusually cool here in Texas and I’m here for it) and that you are watching plenty of football.