A Florida school district has unanimously voted to keep the Holy Bible in school libraries after a complaint and challenge from an atheist complaining the ancient book was too controversial to be in the library. The book faced a complaint from a local atheist activist because of content that he deemed “too sensitive or controversial for a typical classroom setting,” in a complaint that was likely meant to make a point as opposed to anyone really being offended by the text.
Chaz Stevens, the atheist in question, claimed in an interview to be a First Amendment advocate, but maintained he was challenging the book in an attempt to point out what he perceives as hypocrisy from conservative activists seeking to keep graphic sexual content out of school libraries. The group in question, Moms for Liberty, was at the school board meeting, as was Stevens, and Corie Pinero, Broward County chapter leader for Moms for Liberty, said this: “The Bible does not violate state law. It’s not graphic at all. It’s actually very tame compared to a lot of the books that are in Broward County schools right now.”
The atheist activist was also in attendance and claimed he expected the outcome from the school board, but he planned to continue fighting the Bible for what he claims are “casual reference to rape, bestiality, cannibalism and slavery, to name a few.” This isn’t the first time Stevens has made waves in his quest to ban the Holy Bible. In April of 2022, the professional activist sent 62 superintendents in Florida a request to ban the book.
However, one former educator spoke out in defense of the Bible. Committee member Elaine Aaron, a retired librarian who serves on the committee, said this about the book’s relevance in schools: “It is important for world studies. I believe the Bible should be on the shelf. I also think the Torah and Quran should on shelves as well, especially in high schools. Students need the materials to make their own decisions.”
Much of the acrimony stems from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the law he signed empowering parents to challenge books they find inappropriate in school libraries and on classroom reading lists. A number of books have been found to contain graphic depictions of same-sex activities in libraries at the elementary level, as well as books pushing radical racial and lgbtq themes.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody argued in defense of Florida parents and their right to know what content is being pushed on their children, often without their knowledge. However, the Bible, unlike nonsecular publications depicting sex acts, is permitted in Florida schools through “a secular program of education including, but not limited to, an objective study of the Bible and of religion.”
We can expect to see more of this battle in the future. Already, the Bible has been challenged in Utah for alleged“inappropriate and pornographic” content, and the assault on Christianity and the Bible is likely to rage on. Between the left and small, fringe, but powerful special interest groups promoting CRT, lgbtq themes, and radical ideology, the assault on the family is likely to continue. Thankfully, Florida, in particular Broward County, made the brave decision to honor God and his book in the face of cancellation.
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