GOVT 329 Discussion Board 4
When comparing the early American approach to today’s approach, there is a drastic
difference. One of the biggest and controversial difference is the teaching of the Bible in schools.
The early American approach to education intentionally made it a priority to teach the Bible in
public schools. Downey and Burnett quote Teddy Roosevelt “’A thorough knowledge of the
Bible is worth more than a college education’” (Downey & Burnett, 2013, p.2). Back in the day
people truly believed that the teachings of the Bible should be a priority in the education system.
In early American educational approach, the Bible was taught in public schools. Early
American schools concentrated on the morality of religion, country, and family. Schools today
have a complete opposite approach. Public schools today do not teach the Bible even though it is
a part of history. White states “The Bible cannot be studied apart from history, nor can history be
understood apart from the Bible” (White, 1928, p. 168). The Bible is part of history and being
taught, these two subjects go hand in hand. One cannot be taught without the other. Today’s
public schools are essentially leaving out a section of history. As a result of this and thanks to the
availability of education, many Christian parents opted to homeschool their children in hopes of
ensuring the teachings of the Bible.
Over the years, homeschooling has seen a rise and fall. Today, it is on the rise. Gaither
states this rise is “a self-conscious act of protest against mainstream society. Homeschooling in
now a political movement” (Gaither, 2008, p. 226). As the education system grew and schools
became bigger, they also lost the personal touch they once had and took a more bureaucratic
approach. This led to a feeling of alienation for many families. Gaither states “The loss of a
discernibly Christian school culture; courses on subjects some parents found offensive; curricula
that undermined home values; exposure to children of other races, religions, and family
structures; and many other factors only added to this alienation” (Gaither, 2008, p. 235). In other
words, many parents became concerned about what their children were learning and
experiencing that did not align with their beliefs which led to them to turn to homeschooling.
This would allow parents to have more control over what their children were being taught. For
these same reasons would also sway parents to place their children in private or Christian
schools. With parents having various education options for their children, it has placed a pressure
on the public schools and the administrators that manage them to make improvements in the
school system (Burke & Sheffield, 2011).
References
Burke, Lindsey M. & Sheffield, Rachel. (2011). “School Choice in America 2011: Educational
Opportunity Reaches New Heights.” The Heritage Foundation.
https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-42147533-dt-content-rid-
500074549_1/courses/GOVT329_B01_202040/GOVT329_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedCon
tent_20160316010122/School%20choice%20in%20America%281%29.pdf
Downey, R., & Burnett, M. (2013). Why public schools should teach the bible. Wall Street
Journal Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fdocvie w%2F1313382711%3Faccountid%3D12085
Gaither, M. (2008). Why homeschooling happened. Educational Horizons, 86(4), 226-237.
White, W. W. (1928). the bible in education. Christian Education (Chicago, Ill.), 12(3), 168-177.
REPLY 1
Hello Peter, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post about the early and
modern American approaches to education. I fully agree with your statement that the morals and
religious beliefs should not be made mandatory by the government, but they should be allowed
to flourish. This is part of why I believe schools should still be teaching about the Bible because
it is a part of history and to leave it out is a mistake. White states “The Bible cannot be studied
apart from history, nor can history be understood apart from the Bible” (White, 1928, p. 168).
The Bible is part of history and when being taught, these two subjects go hand in hand. One
cannot be taught without the other. Today’s public schools are essentially leaving out a section of
history and not allowing the flourishment you speak of. I agree with you in regard to
homeschooling allows parents to have more control over what exactly their children are being
taught. I also agree that public schools have been failing children for a long time. Luckily, with
parents having various education options for their children, it has placed a pressure on the public
schools and the administrators that manage them to make improvements in the school system
(Burke & Sheffield, 2011). Such as potentially teaching the life skills you mentioned. Overall,
great job on your discussion board post and I encourage you to keep up the great work!
References
Burke, Lindsey M. & Sheffield, Rachel. (2011). “School Choice in America 2011: Educational
Opportunity Reaches New Heights.” The Heritage Foundation.
https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-42147533-dt-content-rid-
500074549_1/courses/GOVT329_B01_202040/GOVT329_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedCon
tent_20160316010122/School%20choice%20in%20America%281%29.pdf
White, W. W. (1928). the bible in education. Christian Education (Chicago, Ill.), 12(3), 168-177.
REPLY 2
Hello Nicole, I really enjoyed reading your discussion board post about the early and
modern American approaches to education. I fully agree with your statement that the Bible is
more than simply a religious book, it is a part of history. White states “The Bible cannot be
studied apart from history, nor can history be understood apart from the Bible” (White, 1928, p.
168). The Bible is part of history and when being taught, these two subjects go hand in hand.
One cannot be taught without the other. Today’s public schools are essentially leaving out a
section of history. I also could not agree more with your second paragraph. I agree that parents
do not get a say in the public education system, but thankfully they have the option to
homeschool and regain that control of what exactly their children are being taught. However,
with parents using their voice through utilizing the various education options for their children, it
has placed pressure on the public schools and the administrators that manage them to make
improvements in the school system (Burke & Sheffield, 2011). The indoctrination that is taking
place in schools is only contributing more to the anti-God society we live in today. Pushing God
further and further away from the hearts of His people. Overall, great job on your discussion
board post and I encourage you to keep up the great work!
References
Burke, Lindsey M. & Sheffield, Rachel. (2011). “School Choice in America 2011: Educational
Opportunity Reaches New Heights.” The Heritage Foundation.
https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-42147533-dt-content-rid-
500074549_1/courses/GOVT329_B01_202040/GOVT329_LUO_8WK_DEV_ImportedCon
tent_20160316010122/School%20choice%20in%20America%281%29.pdf
White, W. W. (1928). the bible in education. Christian Education (Chicago, Ill.), 12(3), 168-177.
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