A textbook that would support a course on the bible in public schools was approved by the state school board on Oct. 11 for use in the 2008-2009 school year…and it’s the conservatives that are up in arms. Go figure.

Alabama House Majority Leader Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill, who introduced the legislation to use the textbook in a Bible class, said he was surprised but pleased with news of the board’s approval.

“The textbook is excellent. It enables the students to see how the Bible has influenced the culture that we live in,” he said, adding that he hopes school districts will take advantage of “this quality book, quality program.”

“It’s been permissible for years in Alabama but very few school systems offer it — because of fear of litigation,” he said.

Weber said the project offers free legal representation to any districts that are sued over the curriculum, which uses the Bible as an accompaniment. The book is being taught in 163 schools in 35 states.

The partisan split over the book, which covers the Bible’s contents and its influence on cultures, history, literature and the arts, was somewhat reversed than past debates on teaching the Bible in school, with Republicans opposed to use of the textbook and Democrats in support.

Alabama is the first state to approve the book for purchase with state funds, though any local district could have approved the book on its own.

montgomeryadvertiser.com�::� Bible literacy book’s approval surprises some

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