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MUSTANG, Okla. (RNS)—The Mustang, Okla., school board voted to adopt a Bible course developed by Steve Green, clearing the way for the Hobby Lobby president, whose suit against the Affordable Care Act currently is before the U.S. Supreme Court, to enter another charged arena at the borderline of church and state.
This, of course, is a religion class that Green hopes to distribute to more than 1,000 public schools across the country. In comments, Green has said that he wants to make this course mandatory, which would, of course, grossly violate the separation of church and state. However, at this time, it is an elective course, so I do not have a problem with it. If you don't like it, then fine. You do not have to make your kids take the class.
My only issue here is the courses eventually becoming a mandatory part of school curriculum, in which case, it would be shot down quickly in the courts. As long as it stays elective, no harm is being done here. The separation of church and state is that the government cannot promote or establish a religion. As long as school districts do not establish or promote a religion, and only offer it as an elective, what's the big deal here? And, if there is enough interest in the communities for Judaism, Islam, or any other religion to be taught, those other religions should have the same rights, as long as it is elective. That way, the First Amendment is fully served.
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Article is here.