Bible reading in public schools has been a divisive issue – and this old culture war is starting again

Bible reading in public schools has been a divisive issue – and this old culture war is starting again: Officials in six states, including populous ones such as Virginia and Florida, are considering bills permitting the study of the Bible in classrooms. Proponents of these bills insist that the Bible would be treated as a historical and literary source, not as a means of religious guidance. Last week, President Trump tweeted his support for these laws, writing, “Numerous states introducing Bible Literacy classes. … Starting to make a turn back? Great!” As a historian …