By a one-vote margin, the Texas State Board of Education approved optional biblical teachings in the state’s elementary public school curriculum.
The curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian teachings and biblical references, such as Jesus’ parable of “The Good Samaritan” and the “Golden Rule.” The Texas Tribune reported that school districts can choose whether to use the curriculum, but the state will offer districts $60 per student to implement the Christian-based lessons. All four Democrats on the board voted against approving the curriculum, along with three Republicans.
The curriculum was also supported by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the lessons would “allow our students to better understand the connection of history, art, community, literature and religion on pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights…
