Bible in the Schools

Infobox Non-profit
Non-profit_name = Bible in the Schools
Non-profit_
Non-profit_type = 501(c)(3)
founded_date = 1922
founder = Dr. J. Park McCallie
location = Chattanooga, Tennessee
origins =
key_people = Mr. Douglas K. Stromberg, President
area_served = Hamilton County, Tennessee
focus =
method = Provides funding grants to the Hamilton County Department of Education for full cost of Bible history teachers.
revenue =
endowment =
num_volunteers =
num_employees =
num_members =
owner =
Non-profit_slogan = Enriching the Next Generation with the Wisdom and Knowledge of the Bible.
homepage = [http://www.bibleintheschools.com www.BibleintheSchools.com]
dissolved =
footnotes =

Bible in the Schools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its objective is to be the resource developer for biblical literacy in the [http://www.hcde.org Hamilton County public schools] and consultant to other Tennessee public school districts serving as a model for the nation. Between 4,000 and 5,000 public school students elect a Bible history class each year.

Mission

According to its website, its mission is to enrich the next generation with the wisdom and knowledge of the Bible by developing curriculum, training, and financial resources for elective, for-credit courses in Bible history, using the Bible as the text, taught in a controlled curriculum by trained and certified middle and high school teachers, employed by the [http://www.hcde.org Hamilton County Department of Education.] To make available to others through a comprehensive web site the Chattanooga model, to link Bible in the Schools to other organizations with similar goals and to consult with individuals, sponsorship groups or school districts across the nation.

History

In the spring of 1922, Dr. J. P. McCallie, founder of The McCallie School, was appointed Chairman of the Religious Work Committee of the YMCA of Chattanooga. When asked to state some plans of work for this Committee, he made the following statement.

"I have seen what the Bible, taught as a regular daily class, with tests, promotions, reports, and credits attained for diploma for graduation, can do for young boys of upper elementary, junior high, and high school age. It is a shame that public school youngsters cannot have the same privilege as pupils in a private school, where they find it the most interesting and rewarding subject they study. It has made possible the Honor System of conducting examinations without cheating, diminishes dishonesty, lying, profanity, and bullying, and is altogether the most worthwhile course we have. Cannot the same thing be offered the public schools as an elective study and as a gift, apart from all taxes, by the YMCA in cooperation with the YWCA, the PTA, members of churches, and other individuals who see its value? Remember, that not 50% of youth are in any Sunday School; some principals say 75% never receive Bible instruction."

On behalf of his committee, Dr. McCallie approached the Chattanooga City Commission to present the gift of a Bible course adapted to the various ages from 4th grade through high school, with teachers selected and paid by the Bible Study Committee, but subject to the principals and the Board of Education in scholarship and discipline. The Mayor asked: “How can you prevent controversy over doctrinal matters that have divided and perplexed the church throughout the ages?” "Very simply," replied Dr. McCallie. “Our Bible teachers will be instructed to use the language of the Bible and under no circumstances to engage in denominational controversy. If such questions are asked by pupils, tell them to ask their pastors why their church believes as it does, and they will be happy to explain. As far as Bible teachers go in the public schools is to let the Bible speak for itself and not use sectarian or denominational terms.”

One member of the City Commission, a Catholic, promptly said, “Mr. Mayor, Bible study has never hurt anybody yet, and it could do a lot of good to our boys and girls. I move we gladly accept this free gift to our school curriculum as an elective and ask our Commissioner of Education to work out this Bible course in cooperation with this Bible Study Committee.” The Jewish member of the Commission quickly said, “I second the motion.” The motion was passed after three readings.

The program was later expanded to include Hamilton County, Tennessee schools, and it has continued since 1922.

Implementation

Five courses are offered by state certified teachers. Classes are for-credit and considered part of the Social Studies curriculum in the high schools and the Related Arts curriculum in the middle schools. Doctrine is not taught. The courses are taught as history and literature so that students can have a better understanding of the Bible.