Lumberton H.S. offers Bible class

LUMBERTON - A new state law this year requires Texas schools to incorporate Bible literacy into their high school curriculum. The problem is there's no money for training or specific guidelines for teachers. One Hardin County school is ahead of the curve. Lumberton High has added an elective class dedicated to the subject.

Twenty-six Lumberton High School students are among the first taking a new course. It's called Bible Class. This is the first year it's being offered. Nancy Thomas is the teacher. She's been teaching since the 1960's.

This is the first time she's had no money for training and no guidance for curriculum. However, according to the state of Texas she's qualified because she teaches history and literature. The law passed in 2007 requiring Texas schools to teach students about the old and new testaments' impact on history and literature of western culture.

School districts do not have to offer a class specifically on the subject bible literacy but they do have to find a way to incorporate it into lessons. They can do that through existing history or literature classes.

According to the law, a course under this section shall not endorse, favor, promote, dis-favor or show hostility toward any particular religion or non-religious faith or religious perspectives.

The course shall maintain religious neutrality and accommodate diverse religious views.