Trenton, N.J., Jul 20, 2006 / 22:00 pm
A New Jersey-based group is encouraging students to bring their Bibles to class this fall for “Scriptures in School Week”, a new initiative aimed at increasing Biblical literacy in public schools through scholarly and non-confrontational means.
The group said in a press release that, “Inspired by the Great Commission [Matthew 28] and Isaiah 55:11, SIS Project is an effective, friendly, low key, legal, and ethical way for Christian students in public schools to casually and routinely introduce Biblical concepts into America's public school classrooms.”
The idea, which is complimented by the adult-based “Word at Work Week”, is for the Bible to be used as a reference in various in-class and homework assignments. Additionally, students are urged to carry and read their Bibles without shame.
The initiative is being led in part by Trenton public school teacher Bob Pawson who is encouraging what he calls “Academic Evangelization.”
"Academic Evangelism creates daily opportunities for students from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade to share Bible concepts with classmates and teachers in a scholarly manner,” said Pawson.
Likewise, he said that the idea is “legal, non- disruptive to the school, and should lead to enhanced scholarship, as well as improved student behavior.”
“Students can present Gospel truths academically by using Biblical references to complete some assignments each week such as essays, book reports, spelling sentences, penmanship or word processing samples, oral readings, dramatic presentations, and biographies. Bible concepts can even be presented in subjects like math, science, social studies, art, and music,” Pawson said.
Added the 26-year public school veteran: “A Great Revival is occurring in a most unlikely place: America's public schools - led by teens and children."