Bible in Texas Classrooms Could Backfire on Its Biggest Supporters

July 1, 2026 - 00:04

Nicholas Mitchell: The people who are clamoring the most to bring the Bible into schools may end up being the least pleased. Texas lawmakers recently approved a curriculum that allows public schools to teach lessons based on the Bible, framing it as a way to boost cultural literacy and moral instruction. But the move, pushed largely by conservative Christian groups, could create unexpected problems for the very people who demanded it.

The new materials include stories from both the Old and New Testaments, presented as historical and literary texts. Supporters argue that students need to understand biblical references to grasp Western art, literature, and law. Critics worry it blurs the line between education and religious indoctrination, especially in a state with a diverse population.

Here is the irony: fundamentalists who fought for this may soon regret it. Once the Bible enters a public school classroom, it becomes subject to interpretation by teachers who may not share their theology. A secular instructor might present Noah's Ark as a myth alongside Greek legends. A lesson on the Book of Exodus could lead to debates about slavery or historical accuracy that conservative believers would rather avoid. The Bible will be analyzed, questioned, and compared to other ancient texts, not simply read as divine truth.

the curriculum opens the door for other religious groups to demand equal treatment. If Christianity gets classroom time, why not Islam, Hinduism, or Native American spirituality? Texas schools could end up teaching a comparative religion course that fundamentalists find even more troubling than no religion at all.

The push for biblical lessons assumes that exposure to scripture will strengthen faith. But in a secular setting, it might do the opposite. Students taught to critically examine the Bible may come away with more doubts than devotion. The loudest advocates for this policy may soon find they have handed their critics a powerful tool, and the lessons they get may not be the ones they wanted.