Barrow BOE gives nod to Bible classes

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Barrow BOE gives nod to Bible classes

Posted by

Mike Buffington

in Top Stories & Breaking News, Winder Archives

Wednesday, April 8. 2009

Comments (13)

Following some emotional debate, the Barrow County Board of Education opened the door for the future teaching of a history and literature elective class using the Bible as an instruction book. But that doesn’t mean the classes will be offered.

In a 7-2 vote at Tuesday’s April meeting, the BOE gave the OK to the class should the county’s two high school principals decide to request the class in the future. Superintendent Ron Saunders made the recommendation for board members to give their approval for the class before any additional studies or background work was undertaken.

In the future, the BOE would still have to work to approve what resources, budget and materials would be used for the course at Winder-Barrow and Apalachee High School.

Board member Larry Ballard had championed adding the course as an elective. Toward the end of the debate he stressed again why he believes the class is important.

“It is a cornerstone of our nation,” Ballard said. “To not pursue this when the interest (from students) is there, is wrong. To pursue other courses that has not had the impact of this book is wrong. We need to bring this back to another generation. This nation is slipping away from us. I walk though the malls and hear students talking about the Bible in ways you wouldn’t believe. When I ran for this position (on the BOE) I supported putting this in our schools. I made it no secret to anyone whose door I knocked on. We’ve been brainwashed into thinking we can’t do this. At one time it was a mainstay.”

Board member Lyn Stevens, who voted against the proposal along with Dan Cromer, attempted to counter Ballard at this point.

“I can’t believe I’m sitting here and that a board member is blaming schools for what is wrong with society,” Stevens said.

For the full story, see the April 8 edition of the Barrow Journal.

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#1 Anonymous on 04/08/09 at 01:59 PM [Reply]

An interesting story on bible teaching in public schools.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6364695.html

#2 Anonymous on 04/08/09 at 07:04 PM [Reply]

I consider myself a christian. I took my child to church every Sunday. I taught him the bible. I sent him to private school where he took bible classes.

While I was able to provide my child with a private education where he was taught the bible, I know there are others who might like for their child to have this opportunity but can't afford the private school tuition.

I don't see anything wrong with this course, as long as it's not slanted toward a specific religion.

The bible makes for great reading, and great debating.

#3 Anonymous on 04/08/09 at 07:31 PM [Reply]

Thank you Mr. Ballard, it is time that someone stands up for what America was build on.
We am very proud to have you on the board, and representing God in a world that seems to have forgotten what we should be trusting in.
It is a shame that anyone would object, especially another board member who is making decisions for our children.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!

#4 DuWayne R. Anderson on 04/09/09 at 07:15 AM [Reply]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those members of the BOE who voted for this elective Bible course. While I am sure we have not heard the last of it from the Liberal Left Wing contingent in this county, I am very pleased with the results of this vote.

If any student has a personal interest in exploring the Bible and making his/her own personal decision as to how it may or may not impact their lives, they should have that opportunity, without any unnecessary political
or strong arm "generational programming" parental tactics. Well done BOE!

Sincerely,
DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#5 Carrie on 04/10/09 at 01:33 PM [Reply]

Thank you for standing up for what is right! This course would be a help to students and faculty alike! We have let the "left wings" push God out of our schools for too long now! I certainly hope that the Principals will do their part an have these classes available! How can we possibly feel like we have the right to blame God for circumstances, when we limit where we let Him be!!!

#6 Joe Christmas on 04/11/09 at 07:50 AM [Reply]

All these people saying thank you and how great this is will be the first people protesting when a teacher says something in which they don't agree. Such as Noah's ark story was an allegory and not meant to be taken literally. You may agree with this or not, but the point is the Bible or Koran or whatever holy book you believe in should be taught where you go to church.

#6.1 Anonymous on 04/14/09 at 01:25 PM [Reply]

I agree wholeheartedly Joe. BTW, what version of the Bible will they use - RSV, KJV, Douay, perhaps the original hebrew, greek or latin? Give me a break folks, this is to placate the holy rollers out there - it has no educational value whatsoever.

#6.1.1 DuWayne R. Anderson on 04/20/09 at 03:36 PM [Reply]

Your remark that The Bible "Has no educational value whatsoever" indicates to me that your personal knowledge of The Bible is limited at best. I addition, your "holy rollers" remark was totally unnecessary, and serves zero purpose in this discussion, other than to inflate your personal opinion. Next time, try just saying "I don't believe in the Bible or it's message. At least you would have some respect at that point.

DuWayne R. Anderson
Winder, GA

#6.1.2 I will pray for you today! on 04/24/09 at 09:57 AM [Reply]

WE all have much to learn from the Bible - I pray that one day YOU will.

#6.2 Dana Carver on 04/27/09 at 05:40 PM [Reply]

what are you basing your belief in Noahs ark on if you dont beleive in the bible? Let me guess TV or a science fact, Just because they can not find its remains does not mean it didnt happen!!!

#7 Gina on 05/14/09 at 05:44 AM [Reply]

2 thumbs up to the BOE for having the guts to pass Bible classes. Having the classes as an elective won't force kids and families that don't believe into anything they don't like or approve of, but it will give Christians something that they believe strongly in a chance to learn more. Please, principals, give this class a chance. I agree with one of the other comments, just keep it unbiased toward a specific religion so that no one feels slighted as the kids explore the history and various views. Parents should serve as the guidance toward what they believe, not the teacher.

#7.1 Clarence Darrow on 05/14/09 at 08:17 AM [Reply]

All of you bible-thumpers need to have the Good Book shoved up your **** passage -- just as you try all the time to shove it down people's throats who don't believe in fairy tales. the only different between the spiteful "christians" and Arabs is that the former dome come straight out and say: "Believe -- or we'll kill you!" Bible-thumpers have already cost this county $100,000 when they LOST a case in federal court over a silly 10 Commandments sign. If this "class" is actually taught, expect another law suit and more lost $.
If you people, in your sad & pathetic lives, want to cling to ancient myths (as the then-candidate for President said), then do it at home. do it in church. but, stop trying to foist your foolishness on other people.

#8 Constitution lover on 05/14/09 at 01:19 PM [Reply]

Yes, Gina, but they are breaking the law by shoving this class down the community's throat. Just read the comments of Larry "the Bible Thumper" Ballard who thinks everyone should believe like him.

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