NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- A Bible class will be offered next semester at New Braunfels High School.

Trustees voted Monday to adopt the elective course based on the book: “The Bible and Its Influence.''

Supporters say the purpose of the class will be to look at the Bible's influence on art, literature and popular culture.

But parent Terry Hull raised concerns that the money needed to buy books and put together the course would be better spent on core classes and other electives.

Hull said she finds it difficult to justify offering an elective that requires special training and an extra teacher.

Trustee Jorge Maldonado says the goal of the class is to teach religion in a way that's purely academic, not devotional.

The course will be available to juniors and seniors.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press, All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.