Chuck Norris, star of countless kick flicks as well as "Walker, Texas Ranger," has thrown his support behind public schools teaching the Bible as an elective study course. Um, OK, Chuck. The course teaches more along the lines of the Bible's impact on world history, rather than it's assumed status as a historical document. I suppose that's OK, as long as they don't go teaching it as cold hard fact. (Link -- via Fark)

Talk about tap dancing on a land mine. Since the course is centered around the historical impact of the world's all-time bestselling book (no, not "Harry Potter"), it doesn't really constitute endorsement of a particular religion. But that's a line I'm sure not even Johnny Cash would want to walk, and I know that I certainly wouldn't, either. IMHO, it's just a slick way to get around Seperation of Church and State. Even if you don't teach the Bible as historical fact, the kids are still reading - and being influenced by - the so-called "good book."

Look. I firmly believe that the Bible is a good story with a lot of moral truths and ways we should pattern our lives. I've never disputed that. But isn't there a way to take those ideas and present them in a secular light? Do we really have to go on believing in it unwaveringly? And, do we really need to teach it over, say, Islam or Jewish faith, or any other religion with a core book to follow? And, does the course present the negative aspects of the religion's impact, such as the Crusades or the Spanish Inquisition?

It just seems a little shakey to me...