Interest groups in Oklahoma are advocating against banning certain books, not the contemporary ones you might expect, but rather ancient texts integral to American history. These texts, which have been part of American education since the nation's inception, influenced our founders and guided critical junctures in Western civilization. Specifically, this refers to the Bible.

Recently, Oklahoma announced plans to include the Bible in the educational curriculum for grades 5-12 starting in the 2024-2025 school year, prompting predictable backlash. Let me clarify: the Bible will be taught.

Undeniably, the Bible stands as the most significant literary work in Western civilization. Regardless of one's faith, understanding American history, the founding principles, and the global context requires familiarity with its content.

Previously, I've detailed the undeniable influence of the Judeo-Christian tradition on our nation's founding. The Bible's impact during pivotal historical moments cannot be dismissed. Our founding documents and speeches, from Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence to Abraham Lincoln's arguments against slavery, draw extensively from Biblical principles. Even Martin Luther King Jr. referenced these truths during the civil rights movement.

It's essential for American students to grasp the Bible's role in shaping our national identity. Teaching this isn't just an obligation to our heritage but also a necessity for preserving our values and system of governance.

Excluding the Bible from our curriculum neglects its profound impact on history and undermines our cultural understanding. While some argue for a strict separation of church and state, historical precedent contradicts this viewpoint, considering the Bible's long-standing educational role in America.

The idea that our founders misunderstood the Constitution they crafted is unfounded. The Bible's exclusion from public discourse and education in recent decades does not align with historical practice or constitutional principles.