How Should the Bible Be Taught in Public Schools?

The Christian Bible is the spiritual and cultural foundation for many of us in Appalachia – but should it be taught in public schools?

The parents of a West Virginia kindergarten student are suing to stop the teaching of the Christian Bible at her elementary school. On this week’s Front Porch podcast, we discuss the role of the Bible in Appalachian society and schools.

“This program advances and endorses one religion, improperly entangles public schools in religious affairs, and violates the personal consciences of nonreligious and non-Christian parents and students,” the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit alleged one lesson talked about humans and dinosaurs living together at the same time.

“So picture Adam being able to crawl up on the back of a dinosaur! He and Eve could have their own personal water slide! Wouldn’t that be so wild!”

Also, Vice President Mike Pence apparently has a rule preventing him from dining alone with other women. Is this an equal rights issue – or just a couple trying to preserve their marriage.

Host Rick Wilson believes that religion is strong in America because we keep it out of public schools.

Co-host Laurie Lin says religion deserves a prominent place in public life – but not in a class for such young students.

Also, Wilson explains the meaning of the phrase: “Hold yer tater!”

The Front Porch is the weekly podcast where we tackle the toughest issues facing Appalachia…in the same way you talk with friends on your front porch.

Subscribe to “The Front Porch” podcast on iTunes or however you listen to podcasts.

An edited version of “The Front Porch” airs Fridays at 4:50 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s radio network, and the full version is available above.

Share your opinions with us about these issues, and let us know what you’d like us to discuss in the future. Send a tweet to @radiofinn or @wvpublicnews, or e-mail Scott at sfinn @ wvpublic.org

The Front Porch is sponsored by the Charleston Gazette-Mail, using its C-G-M App to deliver the latest news, traffic and weather alerts. Find the C-G-M app at iTunes, Google play or wherever you download your apps.