Does the Bible fit in with American or world history? Oklahoma thinks it does

 I spent two seasons attending a Christian school, long since closed, which was sitting on the Troy-Lansingburgh border, from 1977-9. Could've stayed longer, but my late parents couldn't afford the rising cost of tuition, so I transferred to Troy High, and the rest, of course, is history.

But, enough about my history. Let's talk about a decision by a school superintendent in Oklahoma that mandates that the Bible be taught in public schools.

What Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters wants is to link the Bible with different points in world or American history. In an interview on The PBS News Hour, shown below, Walters cites the Pilgrims arriving in 1620, and the civil rights movement of the 60's, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as examples of his rationale.

Ah, yes, the dreaded Christian Nationalism, once again being shoved down the throats of average citizens by a Republican with an agenda. Some colleges offer courses in theology. What Walters is aiming for is to teach children about the Bible and its rich history well before college, much less high school. Notice how Walters dodged the question about Christian Nationalism, as it made him feel uncomfortable.

Here's my take. I would not start in elementary schools with Bible lessons. Save that for Sunday School. I would consider the prospect of making a course on the Bible and its relation to American or World history an elective, not a mandatory course, which is what Walters seems to be pushing. How can children between the ages of 5 to, say, about 8 or 9, grasp the story of, for example, Daniel in the lion's den without being scared? This is the part that Walters doesn't get.

Walters' proposal has gotten pushback from representatives of other religious groups (i.e. Muslims), which is not surprising. If I'm Walters, I would set an example for the children by inviting them and their families to a special service at his church, assuming he actually attends one, given how some high profile Republicans pretend to be full-on Christians, but don't practice what they, ah, preach. If it happens that he's not a regular at church, well, it'll seem like he's another GOPer talking through his hat.