FFQF: The Bible in Schools
In a day and age when our society embraces moral relativism and religious relativism, in a day and age when these demented philosophies have produced more major problems than we seem to be able to grapple with, and in a day and age that refuses to turn to God in the midst of escalating licentiousness and decadence, the words of our wise forefathers need so much to be considered and applied.
It is now several months since I promised to give you my reasons for preferring the Bible as a schoolbook to all other compositions. Before I state my arguments, I shall assume the five following propositions:
1 . That Christianity is the only true and perfect religion; and that in proportion as mankind adopt its principles and obey its precepts they will be wise and happy.
2. That a better knowledge of this religion is to be acquired by reading the Bible than in any other way.
…
Every just principle that is to be found in the writings of Voltaire is borrowed from the Bible; and the morality of Deists, which has been so much admired and praised where it has existed, has been, I believe, in most cases, the effect of habits produced by early instruction in the principles of Christianity.
Benjamin Rush, A Defense of the Use of the Bible in Public Schools
Why then, if these books for children must be retained, as they will be, should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the sacred book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably, if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.
Fisher Ames, Essay on School Books (1801)
Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without note or comment, be read and taught as a divine revelation in the college — its general precepts expounded, its evidences explained, and its glorious principles of morality inculcated? What is there to prevent a work, not sectarian, upon the general evidences of Christianity, from being read and taught in the college by lay-teachers? … Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from the New Testament? Where are benevolence, the love of truth, sobriety, industry, so powerfully and irresistibly inculcated as in the sacred volume?
Chief-Justice Joseph Story, Opinion of the United States Supreme Court in the case Vidal v. Girard’s Executors (1844)
Why not, indeed? Nice quotes, Herky. You always find the best ones. Too bad nobody will listen.I’m not doing so great today, so I’m hoping to post FFQF tomorrow.
Excellent post, as usual, my dear Mulligan. But alas, we look for the city that has foundations, don’t we?
Thanks for the Benjamin Rush information. I knew it was out there, but hadn’t taken the time to hunt it up. Great stand – though, of course, the courts will take the erroneous stand they do on the interpretation of ‘separation of church and state’ when it comes to religion in the schools.It amazes me that in some states schools can set aside rooms for Muslim worship – but have no allowance for Christian clubs. Or that they can study ‘cross cultural’ religions – such a Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam – spending weeks in the process, and having the students ‘assume the position’ of worship of those religions – but have no mention of Christ.Just venting, as usual.
Thank you all for your attention and comments.Jean — Thanks. I actually heard several of these via David Barton (www.wallbuilders.com), and then I just looked them up in the primary resources. I enjoy doing that, because it helps me get the larger context. I am sorry you are not feeling well — get better soon! I hope you will be able to participate today.Cato — Thanks for your kind words. Yes, we do look for that City. In fact, I recently heard of an English patriotic hymn, the last verse of which reads like this:And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;And soul by soul her shining bounds increase,And her ways are ways of gentleness, And all her paths are peace.
Mike — You’re very welcome. And I completely agree — the attitude in our government is not an anti-religious one. It is an anti-Christian one. They are not doing a very good job hiding their bias.Happy FFQF everyone!
Awesome post Hercules! Yet, I am inclined these days to be like Cato and say ‘as usual’. Nothing, absolutely nothing could be closer to the truth than what you’ve posted in FFQF!I subscribe to the truth that remedies for everything we encounter in life are located between the covers of The Bible.Reading Mike B.’s comment really does a great deal of summation vis-a-vie the activities in our nation: Personally, I believe the Courts’ interpretation of ‘separation between Church and State’ is some concocted rubbish legislated by government and for government.God bless you and yours,jps
Thanks for reading and leaving your comment, JP.I agree; the solution to our problem is found between the covers of the Bible. Now, if only people would read and obey!But as you and Mike point out, separation of church and state is one of the stupid excuses that our government uses to discourage such an obedience and adherence. It tries to discourage the just reverence that our country once felt for God’s Word.Happy FFQF!
Incredible post. I just discovered your blog today. I will definately be adding it to my favorites. Do you mind if I add you as a link on my blog, theyoungameican.wordpress.com?Thanks.
Hello YoungAmerican. Welcome to my blog. Glad you are pleased with the post.You are certainly welcome to add this link. I will be visiting your blog and adding it as well.Thank you.
Hello,I’m trying to figure out how to contribute for the Friday quote. Where do I post it?
Hello YoungAmerican. Sorry I wasn’t clear before … you write a post on your own blog, with a quote from the Founders. It can be any kind of quote on any subject (I am not currently issuing themes), so long as1) the man was an American Founding Father, and2) you link back to this blog.More details for participating in FFQF here.
I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.Ruthhttp://besttoddler.com
Hello Ruth. Welcome to my blog! I’m glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for reading and leaving your comment!