Bible classes in Texas public schools have become a source of bigoted viewpoints about Jews and blacks.

Religious teachings presented to students include literal interpretations of the Bible that state Judaism is a “flawed and incomplete religion” and that Africans are descended from Ham, a biblical figure long used to justify anti-black racism and slavery.

The classes, which also tell how the earth is only 6,000 years old, are “designed to evangelize rather than provide an objective study of the Bible’s influence,” according to a study (pdf) of the Texas schools’ bible instruction by the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund. The three charter schools and 57 school districts that offer bible courses in Texas were the focus of the examination.

The study also found that conservative Protestant beliefs tend to dominate the classes, while those of “Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Jews are often left out.”

Among the school districts with questionable content were those of Lubbock, Amarillo, Ector County (Odessa) and Longview. Lubbock used a textbook that included fake quotes from Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and Herbert Hoover. The district has agreed to suspend use of the book. In Amarillo Students are urged to learn about “fulfilled prophecy” and to create a “Messianic prophecy list.” They are also taught that Jesus is superior to “Jewish leaders…and their priests.”

Bible instruction was authorized by state lawmakers in 2007 so students could learn about the holy book’s influence in history and literature.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

To Learn More:

New TFNEF Report: Texas Public School Bible Classes Teach Races Come from Noah’s Sons, Biblical Literalism, 6000-year-old Earth (by Dan Quinn, TFN Insider)

Texas Public School Teaching Kids That Jews Practice "Flawed Religion" and that Blacks Are "Descended from Ham" (by Brian Tashman, AlterNet)

Reading,Writing & Religion II: Texas Public School Bible Courses in 2011 – 12 (by Mark A. Chancey, Texas Freedom Network Education Fund) (pdf)

Texas Board of Education Attacks Non-Existent Pro-Islamic Textbooks (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)