Bible effort
could be time
better spent

Efforts by local churches and church members to force the Columbus County school board to allow the Gideons to place Bibles in schools, while well meaning, is an exercise in futility and isn’t helpful.

Petitions have been signed and large meetings have been held on behalf of the Gideons, but county school officials have held firm.

The U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts have established time and again that the placing of the Bible, or any other literature with a religious theme, serves as an endorsement of a particular religion by the public schools and violates what is commonly referred to as the separation of church and state.

The First Amendment states simply that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

It’s a broad statement that has been subject to countless interpretations, but in the final analysis, the only interpretations that are germane in this case are the ones issued by the federal appellate courts and Supreme Court.

A move by the school board to place Bibles in schools would lead to a legal fight that would be unwinnable and costly, which a Missouri school board in similar circumstances recently discovered.

We believe the courts’ interpretations of the separation of church and state are correct. It’s hard to argue that if Bibles are allowed in public schools, then other religious literature, including some not in the mainstream, such as Scientology, or that espoused by cults or hate groups, could be denied.

Some say they have no problems allowing other religions to distribute materials in the schools, but we do. One’s religion is a personal choice and should be taught at home, not in the public schools. If one chooses to educate their child in a Christian, Muslim, or Jewish school, they have that right, but the public schools must steer clear of endorsing or denying a particular religion.

We challenge those involved in this local effort to rethink their efforts and instead roll up their sleeves, get into the classrooms and become a positive and caring influence for student and teachers. Churches can and should be involved in the schools by providing volunteers to serve as role models, mentors, and advocates for impressionable young school children.