Summary
The Texas State Board of Education approved a preliminary vote for a new optional curriculum integrating Bible-based lessons into elementary school reading and language arts, sparking controversy.
Serving 2.3 million K-5 students, the curriculum introduces Christian themes like the Sermon on the Mount and da Vinci’s Last Supper, but critics say it lacks balance and could violate the First Amendment.
Supporters argue it reflects America’s Christian cultural roots, while opponents, including parents and educators, warn it may blur lines between education and evangelism.
A final vote is expected soon, with potential nationwide implications.
I looked through a few of the materials. Just like Florida’s slavery materials from a year ago, it uses dark patterns and weasel words to make it seem like it’s no big deal. There’s shit like, “The Christian Bible claims a man named Jesus was born in a manager because there was no room in the inn and when he grew up his followers viewed him as the messiah, and eventually the entire Roman Empire became Christian.”
There’s also a pointlessly long description (unless you know what the real point is) of how the Apostle Paul used the Roman road network, first to persecute Christians than after something (wink wink) happened, to spread Christianity.
It’s gross.