Scott Monk, in this month’s edition of Quadrant Online, has written a most excellent article which tastefully, but forcefully, outlines why it is important to maintain reference to the Bible, its stories and its values in the public education of our nation’s children.
Read :: Why the National Curriculum Must include the Bible
Interestingly, this is an argument made by others, even those who oppose religion per se in public life. Richard Dawkins, for instance, wrote in his infamous and recent book, The God Delusion,
I must admit that even I am a little taken aback at the biblical ignorance commonly displayed by people educated in more recent decades than I was … The King James Bible of 1611 —the Authorised Version— includes passages of outstanding literary merit in its own right … But the main reason the English Bible needs to be part of our education is that is is a major source book for literary culture.
It would be a great travesty to exclude the teaching of biblical stories and Christian values in our public schools as these have provided the cultural, legal and political foundation for Australia. To lose this would be to knowingly and willingly wallow in a valueless quagmire.
Actually, not “valueless”, as one cannot live without values or beliefs to guide our behaviour. We are much more in need of a “system” for our beliefs and values and behaviours (i.e. a worldview) than secularists will let on. On that deception will eventually prove our undoing.
