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Summary

The Texas State Board of Education approved a preliminary vote for a new optional curriculum integrating Bible-based lessons into elementary school reading and language arts, sparking controversy.

Serving 2.3 million K-5 students, the curriculum introduces Christian themes like the Sermon on the Mount and da Vinci’s Last Supper, but critics say it lacks balance and could violate the First Amendment.

Supporters argue it reflects America’s Christian cultural roots, while opponents, including parents and educators, warn it may blur lines between education and evangelism.

A final vote is expected soon, with potential nationwide implications.

  • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
    10·
    5 days ago

    The Bible wasn’t encouraging it, just saying that it happened.

    Genesis 19:30-38:

    Lot and His Daughters

    30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave. 31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth. 32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”

    33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

    34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

    36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab[a]; he is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi[b]; he is the father of the Ammonites[c] of today.

    EDIT: I’d also add that it looks like the Ammonites and the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites. Probably research material out there on this, but I imagine that this is sort of politically badmouthing the enemy.