Oklahoma is making waves in public education by bringing the Bible into its classrooms.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters has rolled out new guidelines for teachers to weave biblical content into their lessons.
This move isn’t about preaching; it’s about broadening students’ understanding of history and culture.
The plan, unveiled on July 24, covers grades 5 through 12. It calls for every classroom to have a Bible, along with key American documents like the Constitution.
Walters explains the reasoning: “This is not merely an educational directive but a crucial step in ensuring our students grasp the core values and historical context of our country.”
Teachers are tasked with showing how the Bible has shaped Western thinking and American history.
High schoolers will explore its influence on concepts like justice and human rights. Younger kids will use Bible stories to learn about storytelling basics.
"To ensure our students are equipped to understand and contextualize our nation, its culture, and its founding, every student in Oklahoma will be taught the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context." @OkSuptWalters pic.twitter.com/Bl097kmxki
— OK State Dept of Ed (@oksde) July 24, 2024
The guidelines also spotlight the Bible’s mark on art and literature.
Students will study how its themes have inspired great works throughout history.
This approach aims to deepen cultural knowledge without pushing religious beliefs.
Some school districts have pushed back, but state officials aren’t backing down.
An education department spokesperson made it clear: “Compliance is in the best interest of Oklahoma students and is not optional.”
Oklahoma Superintendent: “We will be issuing a memo today that every school district will adhere to, which is that every teacher, every classroom in the state, will have a Bible in the classroom, and will be teaching from the Bible.” pic.twitter.com/qLkjum3Uxw
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) June 27, 2024
This isn’t entirely new ground for Oklahoma.
A 2010 law already allowed Bible-focused elective courses in high schools. The latest move takes things further, bringing biblical content into various subjects.
Critics might raise eyebrows, but the state insists this is about education, not evangelism.
READ NEXT: Regional Home Goods Retailer With 550 Stores, 3,300+ Employees Files For Bankruptcy, Plans to Shut Down
The focus is on the Bible’s historical and cultural impact, taught from an academic standpoint.
