School district introduces the Bible as a "textbook"...

Bible Study Coming to New Braunfels ISD

One public school district voted Monday night to begin offering a new bible class as part of its curriculum.

The elective course is called "The Bible and its Influence." Board members voted six to one to approve the new class.

"The Bible is a fundamental document," says Rosalyn Bratcher with the New Braunfels ISD. "It has had a great influence in terms of politics, art, music, literature."

The district says this course does not violate the First Amendment.

"What makes it compliant is that we are teaching the Bible as a textbook and a document," adds Bratcher.

Northeast ISD already offers a bible course at two of its high schools, also as an elective.

New Braunfels ISD surveyed their students and about half of the students say they are interested in taking the course.

Parents we spoke to about the issue are split on the idea.

"If you're going to have to pass this class or take this class as part of a grade or any kind of credit towards your high school diploma, I'm totally against it," says Christy Oliphant.

Keith says, "I think we need to learn more about our creator."

Now that the class has been approved by the New Braunfels school board, it will be offered to Juniors and Seniors in the fall.

Let's see the ACLU and AU try to argue against the assertion the Bible has had a profound influence on "politics, art, music, literature" (and so much more!).