It always gets me that so many arch-conservatives are strident about the Second Amendment ("I have a right to own an AK47!"), but totally block the First Amendment - Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.
The dumbing-down of American education is bad enough without forcing would-be valedictorians to learn and spit back state-enforced material for a specific religion.
Texas legislature will shrug, "They don't have to study it; they can choose to fail that part of a test." Sure.
The United States has a 400-year history of the separation on church and state, much of it established through religious tradition. Roger Williams built the colony of Rhode Island around the principle.
Texas Patrick may be right about no specific clause in the Constitution stating "separation of church and state." How's about this, buddy?
"[The First Amendment] encompasses two clauses: the Establishment Clause, which forbids the government from establishing a state religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which protects individuals from government interference in the practice of their faith."
40 year bible-believing Christian here and you are 100% correct, Julie. It is utterly disrespectful, decidedly un-Christian and completely un-American. And the next Senator of the Great State of Texas, James Talarico, has quite eloquently articulated the reasons why.
Might I propose a few verses to teach and test students on. The White House idol du jour, doesn’t exhibit, espouse or endorse any of the attributes expressed, and likely believes only suckers would:
Matthew 5:3-9
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
[5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
[8] “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
[9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
This seems almost certain to end up in court. The key constitutional question isn't whether students can ever study the Bible—they absolutely can—but whether the state is requiring teaching about religion to promoting one religion.
If the argument is that students should be exposed to major worldviews because they're culturally and historically important, then why stop at Christianity? How about teaching humanism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and even atheism? If the principle is "teach the controversy," as some creationists have argued, shouldn't that principle apply consistently rather than only one viewpoint?
The White Christian Nationalists continue to dismantle the Constitutional separation of church and state. Their version of Christianity is not about the teachings of Jesus. Their version is about dogma, indoctrination, and racism, much like the Islamic madrasas they rail against.
The speech came straight from the teleprompter. When asked what his favorite bible passage was Trump took the fifth (amendment). Actions speak louder than words, sir!
Saw trump interview a few weeks ago and, when asked if he prefers the old testament or new testament, he stopped and look confused for a few seconds then answered "I like them both equally ... 50/50". Next question asked if would please tell us his favorite bible verse or psalm and he answered 'That's far too personal to share'.
Does he belong to a church and attend services and tithe? Has he ever? (Purely rhetorical questions)
Just as the first pilgrims came to America so that they could practice their religious intolerance, the Administration wants to use God for its own purposes.
Texas has always backward, even primitive, in it's government and legal structure.
Corruption is defined and understood among the ruling/governing class as boys just being boys; and anyone questioning that is not considered a real man, like James Talarico who is pushed to explain that he is NOT a vegetarian. Where else is blowhard masculinity taken so far but good ole Lone-star state?
I always thought that wearing big cowboy-style hats as among the stupidest expressions of maleness I've ever seen. When I see someone wearing a hat like that in a public place--Like Markwayne Mullin did a couple of times when he was chairing the Senate, I am immediately taken back to the time when, as little kid, I watched goofy westerns on TV (the black and white versions where the posse seems to throw shots at the bad guys--possibly to give there bullets a couple of extra yards? at) --or, even, cartoon cowboys like Yosemite Sam.
The 9-5 Texas Board of Education ruling in Texas that requires reading from the bible in classrooms and this ridiculous gathering of the "Faithful" (like dogs?) in the Oval office is taking us right back to 1925 and the Scopes "monkey" trial. God help all of us...
It always gets me that so many arch-conservatives are strident about the Second Amendment ("I have a right to own an AK47!"), but totally block the First Amendment - Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.
The dumbing-down of American education is bad enough without forcing would-be valedictorians to learn and spit back state-enforced material for a specific religion.
Texas legislature will shrug, "They don't have to study it; they can choose to fail that part of a test." Sure.
The United States has a 400-year history of the separation on church and state, much of it established through religious tradition. Roger Williams built the colony of Rhode Island around the principle.
Texas Patrick may be right about no specific clause in the Constitution stating "separation of church and state." How's about this, buddy?
"[The First Amendment] encompasses two clauses: the Establishment Clause, which forbids the government from establishing a state religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which protects individuals from government interference in the practice of their faith."
Mic drop Kasey!! 🙌🏻🎤
Outrageous - especially for those of us who are not Christians and have different religious texts.
40 year bible-believing Christian here and you are 100% correct, Julie. It is utterly disrespectful, decidedly un-Christian and completely un-American. And the next Senator of the Great State of Texas, James Talarico, has quite eloquently articulated the reasons why.
Might I propose a few verses to teach and test students on. The White House idol du jour, doesn’t exhibit, espouse or endorse any of the attributes expressed, and likely believes only suckers would:
Matthew 5:3-9
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
[5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
[8] “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
[9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Left Texas 3 years ago after far too long supporting these Christo-fascist shitstains with my tax dollars and working our way out of Gilead soon.
I disagree with much of what our elected officials do. Many poor role models in that bunch.
This seems almost certain to end up in court. The key constitutional question isn't whether students can ever study the Bible—they absolutely can—but whether the state is requiring teaching about religion to promoting one religion.
If the argument is that students should be exposed to major worldviews because they're culturally and historically important, then why stop at Christianity? How about teaching humanism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and even atheism? If the principle is "teach the controversy," as some creationists have argued, shouldn't that principle apply consistently rather than only one viewpoint?
Which version of the Bible are they going to use? Protestant, Catholic, etc., Gideon, King James?
Probably the Trump Bible. 🙄
The Trump produced version with his name in gold leaf and bought with local tax dollars.
The one with Republican Jesus.
Aren’t we currently attacking a country run by theocratic radicals forcing state-mandated religion?
The Old Testament for sure. Fear is the goal.
The White Christian Nationalists continue to dismantle the Constitutional separation of church and state. Their version of Christianity is not about the teachings of Jesus. Their version is about dogma, indoctrination, and racism, much like the Islamic madrasas they rail against.
The speech came straight from the teleprompter. When asked what his favorite bible passage was Trump took the fifth (amendment). Actions speak louder than words, sir!
Saw trump interview a few weeks ago and, when asked if he prefers the old testament or new testament, he stopped and look confused for a few seconds then answered "I like them both equally ... 50/50". Next question asked if would please tell us his favorite bible verse or psalm and he answered 'That's far too personal to share'.
Does he belong to a church and attend services and tithe? Has he ever? (Purely rhetorical questions)
Article II, section 4 of the constitution ….time for its enactment
This coupled with the Prarieland Six makes Texas a very dangerous place to live.
Especially if you are a Pregnant Women! Republicans have killed 56 % more women since Roe v Wade! Women Murdered!
Just as the first pilgrims came to America so that they could practice their religious intolerance, the Administration wants to use God for its own purposes.
Mary- in a related issue, the group LifeWise has taken over schools in Ohio and attempting to do the same in Kentucky. Here is a link to the op-ed I wrote in response to this issue which was printed in the Louisville Courier Journal. I'm pretty sure LifeWise is in your area too. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/03/16/house-bill-kentucky-religion-school-christian-nationalism-lifewise-academy/89104070007/
Texas has always backward, even primitive, in it's government and legal structure.
Corruption is defined and understood among the ruling/governing class as boys just being boys; and anyone questioning that is not considered a real man, like James Talarico who is pushed to explain that he is NOT a vegetarian. Where else is blowhard masculinity taken so far but good ole Lone-star state?
I always thought that wearing big cowboy-style hats as among the stupidest expressions of maleness I've ever seen. When I see someone wearing a hat like that in a public place--Like Markwayne Mullin did a couple of times when he was chairing the Senate, I am immediately taken back to the time when, as little kid, I watched goofy westerns on TV (the black and white versions where the posse seems to throw shots at the bad guys--possibly to give there bullets a couple of extra yards? at) --or, even, cartoon cowboys like Yosemite Sam.
The 9-5 Texas Board of Education ruling in Texas that requires reading from the bible in classrooms and this ridiculous gathering of the "Faithful" (like dogs?) in the Oval office is taking us right back to 1925 and the Scopes "monkey" trial. God help all of us...