How is academic study of the Bible necessary for American or English literature education?
American and English literature are filled with Biblical allusions that are missed by students without a basic knowledge of the Bible. For example, there are more than 1,300 documented Biblical allusions in Shakespeare alone. Courses based on our textbook, The Bible and Its Influence, could fulfill an English or social studies elective, or the textbook could provide some information on the Bible as part of an existing course. The English teachers consulted for the Bible Literacy Report said that all students would benefit from this type of education. In addition, the National Education Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National School Boards Association and 18 other organizations have stated that Educators widely agree that study about religion, where appropriate, is an important part of a complete education. Part of that study includes learning about the Bible in courses such as literature and history. Knowledge of Biblical stories and concepts