I'm always fascinated by news stories about Bible classes in public schools.
I first delved into the subject 20-plus years ago when I wrote a front-page story for The Oklahoman on a debate over elective courses in Bible and religion in the Oklahoma City School District.
In today's post, I want to highlight a Des Moines Register story that goes the extra mile — yes, the reporter actually talked to teachers and students — in reporting on a bill introduced in the Iowa Statehouse.
The Register's lede:
A Statehouse proposal to expand access to Bible literacy classes in Iowa public schools is causing controversy among parents and educators.
Proponents say classes on the Bible provide important historical or cultural context for students. But opponents say the legislation is a backdoor to teaching Christianity.
To get more perspective, the Des Moines Register went looking for places where the Bible is already being taught in Iowa classrooms.
It found a course in one of eastern Iowa's most liberal enclaves: Iowa City.
Three high schools in Iowa City offer a "Bible as Literature" class.
Now, that opening isn't the most exciting one I've ever read — but it certainly presents the facts in an impartial and straightforward manner.
Keep reading, and the paper offers some nice details from teachers and students about what the class actually encompasses: