Current Conditions
Click Here for More Locations
From First News AM
Gardening Texoma: Forward Steps Toward Autumn

Last Updated: 10:24 AM 08/28/08 - As the summer winds down and temperatures start to fall, there’s plenty you can do take forward steps toward autumn. Jonathan Castro from Texoma Landscapes explains on this morning’s Gardening Texoma.. (Full Story)
Free Pet Care and Pet Behavior Lecture

Last Updated: 10:45 AM 08/27/08 - A free pet care and behavior lecture is being offered by local pet author Amy Shojai this month. (Full Story)
Marriage 101: The importance of anniversaries

Last Updated: 10:39 AM 08/27/08 - Licensed counselor Barbara Roland joined Lisanne this morning to talk about the importance of celebrating anniversaries. (Full Story)
Sherman Small Business Preparedness Workshop

Last Updated: 11:38 AM 08/26/08 - September is National Preparedness Month. Join the Sherman Chamber of Commerce and Texoma Council of Governments in September to make sure you and your business are prepared for whatever life throws your way. (Full Story)
2008 KXII Showcase Showdown

Last Updated: 3:26 PM 08/26/08 - Shawnda Rains of Mainstreet Showcase came by to talk about the 3rd Annual KXII Showcase Showdown. If you or someone you know can sing, check this out!
(Full Story)
Texas approves standards for Bible class Save Email Print
Posted: 4:03 PM Jul 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:58 PM Jul 18, 2008
 Reporter: From Wire Reports
24 comments
A | A | A

AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas State Board of Education has adopted broad standards for Bible courses in high schools.

Critics say the move gives teachers few guidelines to avoid a constitutional clash over mixing religion and education.

The Legislature passed a law in 2007 allowing Bible courses to be offered as an elective starting in the 2009-2010 school year.

The classes are supposed to focus on the history and literature of the Bible, and not disparage any faith.

Friday's 10-5 vote approved curriculum standards similar to those used in English and social studies, rather than specific ones used for teaching religious doctrine.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
More Stories
3 employees hit by car at Tyson plant in Sherman

Local pastor, also an Ardmore PD employee, killed in motorcycle accident

1 dead in Denison accident

United Way of Grayson County Kick Off Campaign

 Rollover accident in Sherman

Man carjacked, shot in Murray Co.

Sherman PD releases fatal bus crash report

Carter County jailer fired after being charged with child abuse
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:31 PM
With all due respect to our founding fathers, they were not saints. Some were slaveholders, some fathered children out of wedlock, and some were notorious for their womanizing etc. The thought that women or children, or any Native American should have any rights was an affront to their moral code and their personal and political character. Even after emancipation, and before "prayer was taken out of the schools", those who cruely denied civil rights to so many in our society did so using the Bible as their foundation. No, the existence of morality is not beholding to any particular religion or period of time. The good old days of 1776 were not as good or as moral as many prefer to believe. In many ways our morality as a nation and a people has improved beyond that of our founding fathers.
Posted by: Casi Location: Ector, TX on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Apparently, there are individuals that are uninformed of the Founding Fathers and have not read Original Intent by David Barton. Our country has declined so drastically through the ignorance of our citizens and the audacity of the revisionists that seek political correctness and pleasing the ideologies of the world rather than that of God. There are very few men in our political arena that would measure up to our country's founding fathers. Religion and morality are not mutually exclusive - morality cannot survive on it's own. That is obvious when viewing the nightly news. By turning away from God, our nation is condemning itself. The 14th chapter of Proverbs and the 1st chapter of Romans gives a very clear picture of the decline of any nation that turns away from God. And yes, I am using the Bible as a reference...just as our founding fathers did.
Posted by: Amber Location: Ardmore on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:24 AM
To Faith: Thank you for proving my point...
Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Get real. Prayer wasn't taken out of our schools. What was taken out of our schools was organized group prayer that was made part of the daily schedule, and led by the school administration or their designee. As has often been said, as long as there are math tests, there will be prayer in schools. With respect to the "In God we trust" argument, there is no refernce to "In JESUS we trust" in either the Declaration, the Constitution, or on our money. The term GOD is not exclusive to Christianity. A general theology course that teaches our children about the many different religions of the world, thereby helping our kids understand what makes the rest of the world tick, would be preferable to a Bible class. However, there may be difficulty in finding public school teachers that are qualified to teach world theology and/or the Bible. Just because you can add, doesn't make you a math teacher. Read your Bible. In it, Jesus taught us how to pray. You, I submit, would rather put on a show.
Posted by: It's a start Location: Denison on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Having a Bible class as an elective is a start. Afterall tehy have taken prayer out of our schools today. But Fozzy, how are we anything but NOT a Christian nation. We have churches EVERYWHERE!!!! There are many Americans that go as missionaries to places like Iran. So yous staemant about us not being a nation of Christianity, totally irrelevant
Posted by: FAITH Location: Sherman on Jul 22, 2008 at 09:51 PM
The biggest mistake our country has ever made is to take prayer out of schools. Now they want to teach a Bible class without teaching religious doctrine? The Bible IS religious doctrine, and THAT is the ELECTIVE course that should be offered. For those who are non-Christians they simply have the option not to take the class. We shouldn't be required to offer each religion's teachings, America WAS founded on Christianity. It's in the Constitution, even our money states "In God We Trust". In my opinion, if you don't like it, go find yourself a rebel country to live in. To Amber, no, there IS NO doubt or questioning "if it's true"....this is called FAITH and that is what Christianity is all about. Our legislature is headed in the right direction, but they need to right a wrong and bring prayer back into our schools. This would be one of the best things that could happen in our schools, but I doubt that it happens. Too many" to be offended"...if you don't like it LEAVE!
Posted by: kelly on Jul 22, 2008 at 06:53 PM
with all the preachers who molest kids nowdays it is probably better to let teachers teach religion anyway
Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:12 PM
BJS, have you ever read any of these books you call false? If someone believes different than you does that make them wrong? It's called tolerance. Does anyone wonder how wars are started? I rest my case. Freedom of religion allowed Christians to practice their faith. God bless the constitution ;) Please Keep Religion in our churchs where it belongs. HAGD!
Posted by: Republican in Ardmore Location: Ardmore on Jul 22, 2008 at 05:11 PM
I'd rather have a peacher to teach me about the word of God, then some teacher that will butcher up the bible, give a test, then go coach football! The right wing of my party have always been too obsessed with trying to get religion back into the classroom to notice maybe it's not such a good thing after all.
Posted by: Amber Location: Ardmore on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Fozzy I totally agree with you! This is going to open a door for so much fighting! Other people who believe other things are now going to want the schools to teach about their religions. To BJS: Your comment is a prime example of why me and so many other people are the way we are towards christianity, because there is no room for doubt or questioning what if it is true or what if its not. And if there is any type of doubt or questioning you religious freaks, freak out and look down on us and tells us to believe it or we are going to hell for questioning. They just shouldnt mix church and school. I would take the course if I was in HS just to ruffle some feathers and make people think outside the box they have been put in by the churches way of thinking. My old youth minister didnt like me cause I questioned him, it made him mad when others started to do the same thing, he banned me from sunday school because of it. Guess thats what I get for having a brain not corrupted by the church.
Posted by: BJS Location: TEXAS on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:16 AM
TO THIN ICE; YES I WOULD BE OFFENED IF SCHOOLS STARTED TEACHING ANYTHING ELSE INSTEAD OF THE BIBLE. BECAUSE JESUS IS REAL AND WHAT EVER IS TAUGHT IN THE OTHER BOOKS IS ALL FALSE.
Posted by: SE Location: Bryan on Jul 20, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Good job. At least they did not vote against it just because they feared it would offend someone. I hope it works out for the best and the teachers don't add their own beliefs.
Posted by: Ralph Location: Denison on Jul 19, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Just a matter of time before parents go before the school board because their kids aren't being taught the bible in the manner in which the parents think it should be taught. Let's see...being a pecaemaker, turning the other cheek, thou shall not kill...yea, when a teacher starts relating those concepts in the context of with an anti-war message, the screams will be heard all the way to Austin. It is intersting that the vast majority of KXII viewers attended public school, and did not receive bible classes there. So, where DID everyone learn about their bible? Oh, and "x", it is an elective course, and those headed down the wrong path aren't likely to take it.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sherman on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Fozzy, unless you have kids in school and if you do they don't have to take it keep your stupid comments to yourself, maybe you need to read the bible you might learn something
Posted by: Mom Location: OK on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I have had enough of teachers giving their religion to my kids. I prefer my children's religious education to come from myself and my church. Some of those teachers come from some really kooky religious groups and teach their religion as fact, which makes us have to do some explaining of differences. All that, and we don't even have Bible classes in school.
Posted by: Christian Location: Denison on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I am actually glad to see the bible being brought into the schools. So many kids are being led astray because of all the corruption in todays society. Now if we can move forward and allow pray in schools, we will be headed in the right direction. God bless America!
Posted by: Thin Ice on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Constitution grants freedom of religion and does not specify Christianity as the primary religion in the U.S. Would any of you be offended if they offered elective courses for books by all other religions such as Islam, study of the Karan, or the writings of Jim Jones or David Koresh, anyone into worship of the Devil? I would. Keep religion in the church (I am a person of faith too but let's be real here.) All sides must be represented or it would be a form of predudice.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sherman on Jul 19, 2008 at 09:33 AM
For Fozzy from Ardmore, this is a educated course which is the same as Spanish and any other elected course. I am very impressed with the senate and believe that if taught and used correctly throughout the districts this can have a positive outcome. It is very important that in all elective courses you make it a class with some demand and make the children learn.
Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jul 19, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Oh yes.. theology based educations work so well in places like IRAN. This country is everything BUT a Christian nation.. to even speak that nonsense makes you look completely foolish. This country was set up to distance ourselves from theology and religious rule. This idiotic course will just prove the need for more real education rather than more fantasy and barbarism.
Posted by: x Location: y on Jul 18, 2008 at 06:39 PM
It's a sad day in sad world when there has to be legislation passed for their to be courses on the bible in public schools. At least it is a step in the right direction.... Hopefully it will turn around the lives of some kids who are without a doubt heading down the wrong path, even at such a young age. Kudos to those who supported and passed the bill and to the State Board for the approval of the standards!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: kingston on Jul 18, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Why not disparage the christian faith? Thats what this country was founded on. I am not against any other nationality, but this is America and if froiengers want in this country then be american. If they can't handle our christian faith then stay in their own country. We can't go in another country and tell them to speak english and be christian and do things our way. We'd be killed. Wake up people and smell the coffee. We are doing everything for the outsiders and not our own. I could go on on and on but I won't. I think it's good that the school is having bible course. I think they should be able to teach the christian faith too.
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 04:56 PM
I've taken bible courses in high school and found that they are actually quite interesting.. and there are alot of things we can learn about our past...
Posted by: john Location: denison on Jul 18, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Good about time but i am sure some people will cry about it.
Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Jul 18, 2008 at 04:17 PM
What a crock.. if this were a muslim elective course, these same people would be having fits. Keep pretending that these pinheads care one bit about education. This going to be like latino kids taking spanish.. No one is going to learn anything in the class, they cannot even discuss the topic. What do you grade on in a class about the bible? Agree with the text or you fail?
Doppler 12 Radar
AP Video on KXII
KXII's Summer Lake Photo Contest!
In The Community
Jeff Hobbs performs on First News at Noon

Last Updated: 12:32 PM 08/28/08 - Local artist Jeff Hobbs of Jeff Hobbs and the Jacks performed on First News at Noon. (Full Story)
United Way of Grayson County Kick Off Campaign

Last Updated: 1:20 PM 08/28/08 - The need is great in Grayson County this year, and the United Way is determined to make a difference. (Full Story)
Durant author Marion Hill on First News at Noon

Last Updated: 1:58 PM 08/26/08 - Local author Marion Hill has a new book out called Death Books A Return. The Durant native stopped by to discuss her work with Lisanne Anderson today at noon.
(Full Story)
Texoma Cares Senior Cargivers Workshop

Last Updated: 1:41 PM 08/26/08 - Those providing care for our elderly or fragile populations frequently feel isolated and alone. When emergencies or disasters strike, this feeling can be intensified. TCOG's Executive Director Frances Pelley joined Nicole Holt at noon to talk about an upcoming workshop. (Full Story)
Free Pet Care and Pet Behavior Lecture

Last Updated: 10:45 AM 08/27/08 - A free pet care and behavior lecture is being offered by local pet author Amy Shojai this month. (Full Story)
More Headlines
 
Home - News - Weather - First News AM - Sports - Sports Blog - Schools - Production -
DTV Transition - First Alert - Recipes - Community - Entertainment - Lottery - Health - KXII2go - Local Gas Prices -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability