A Texas House bill that faced a hearing Tuesday would require school districts to offer high school-level courses on the Old and New Testaments.
Rep. Warren Chisum, R-Pampa, filed HB 1287 to make Texas the first state to require public schools to teach elective bible classes.
Chisum says the measure would allow students to investigate links between the Bible and the U.S. system of laws. But critics say such courses tend to promote religious views that discriminate against various other faiths.
Chisum also filed HB 167 to exempt bibles and holy books from being seized by creditors to pay off a debt.
"As the State of Texas continues to face challenges with the effects of the continued war on terror, drug clashes on the border, and lack of equal healthcare and education, it is necessary for each individual of this State to maintain their sense of security through their perspective faith or religion," the bill analysis reads.
Another bill by Chisum also seeks parental approval before a student can take a human sexuality class.
