Today's Wall Street Journal takes a look at the Texas Board of Education debates surrounding the social studies curriculum.The proposals from those who believe the state needs more Christian perspective are a little, well, frightening:
The conservative reviewers say they believe that children must learn that America's founding principles are biblical. For instance, they say the separation of powers set forth in the Constitution stems from a scriptural understanding of man's fall and inherent sinfulness, or "radical depravity," which means he can be governed only by an intricate system of checks and balances.
The curriculum, they say, should clearly present Christianity as an overall force for good — and a key reason for American exceptionalism, the notion that the country stands above and apart.
"America is a special place and we need to be sure we communicate that to our children," said Don McLeroy, a leading conservative on the board. "The foundational principles of our country are very biblical…. That needs to come out in the textbooks."
Luckily, the 3 "conservative reviewers" are only 1/2 of the outside experts making recommendations to the Board. Even more importantly, the Board is under no obligation to follow their recommendations. Still, this is the starting point? Using tax dollars to teach children that we have separate branches of government because of our "inherent sinfulness?"
