Proud offers rationale for Bible bill

Opinion By Representative Terry Proud

In the hopes of providing final clarification regarding HB 2563, I have decided to address some mischaracterizations of the bill. While the ACLU is trying to frame this bill as one that would promote one religion over another, the fact remains that this bill is primarily about education and not about religion.

Dr. William Jeyes, a graduate of Harvard University and a Professor in California, recently testified at the House of Representatives on behalf of HB2563. He presented a study that made a direct correlation between biblical knowledge and academic achievement. This was his conclusion:

“…those with the highest level of Bible literacy had the highest average GPA, the highest ranking in test and grade results and the best school behavior of the three groups. In contrast, those with the lowest level of Bible literacy also had the lowest average GPA, the lowest ranking in test and grade results and the worst school behavior of the three groups. “

Marie Wachlin, a supervisor in the College of Education at Concordia University in Portland, conducted a similar study. During her efforts, she encountered a teacher that went so far as to say, “American students have the inability to understand literature and to figure out the author’s message by the way they use Biblical or non-Biblical allusions.”

According to a February 2008 article published in the online periodical NEA Today (National Education Association), it was reported that, “A 2004 Gallup poll found that 8 percent of public schools sponsor elective courses on the scholastic study of the Bible. Last year, TIME magazine ran a cover story on the phenomenon.” The TIME piece stated, “public schools can teach about the Bible as history or literature, as long as the approach is academic and not devotional and doesn’t present the Bible as religious truth.”

If professors from esteemed universities are emphasizing the importance of this knowledge, shouldn’t we be listening? When America ranks increasingly lower in educational standards and performance compared to other countries, there must be a reason. Many countries in Africa, South America and other areas either require or allow Bible based curriculums to be taught in public schools. That is why this is not an issue of one culture or one religion, this is a world issue.

If you would like more information regarding this bill, please visit my website www.vote4proud.webs.com

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