It attempts  to persuade students to adopt views that are held  primarily within certain conservative Protestant  circles but not within the scholarly community,  and it presents Christian faith claims as history: The Bible is explicitly characterized as inspired by  God. Discussions of science are based on the claims of  biblical creationists. Jesus is presented as fulfilling "Old Testament"  prophecy. Archaeological findings are cited as support for  claims of the Bible's complete historical accuracy.  Furthermore, much of the course appears  designed to persuade students and teachers that  America is a distinctively Christian nation -- an  agenda publicly embraced by many of the members  of NCBCPS's Board of Advisors and endorsers.

The National Council on Bible Curriculum in not new. It claims that its course has been implemented in 312 school districts in 37 states. But it won't provide information on those school districts, and no one seems to have stepped forward lately to challenge the group. Odessa is different -- the debate over the curriculum was highly publicized and controversial, and a lawsuit is a near certainty.  A press release from the Texas Freedom Network asks, "Is Odessa the Next Dover?" If it is, then Christian nationalist revisionist history -- the claim that America was founded to be a Christian nation and that separation of church and state is a subversive myth -- could be the next intelligent design.  

With that in mind, I have a favor to ask. If anyone knows of any other school districts where The National Council's curriculum is being used, please let me know -- I'm planning a story about it someone in January.