Texas public schools may soon require students from kindergarten through 12th grade to read selected Bible passages as part of a new statewide English classroom reading list being considered by the State Board of Education.
The draft list, developed by the Texas Education Agency and scheduled for a vote next week in Austin, pairs biblical excerpts with classic literature and other texts for every grade level under a 2023 state law that mandates a uniform required reading list.
Under the proposal, specific Bible passages such as “The Shepherd’s Psalm” for seventh grade and the Beatitudes for eighth grade would be among the required texts alongside works like The Odyssey and Great Expectations in middle and high school.
Only biblical texts are included as required religious readings in the current draft, with no mandated readings from the Quran or other religious scriptures, though teachers and districts could supplement the list with additional materials.
The State Board of Education’s vote could shape public school curriculum as early as the 2030–31 school year if the list is finalized, making Texas one of the first states to adopt a compulsory literary canon that incorporates religious texts into secular instruction.
“The Shepherd’s Psalm” - Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
The Beatitudes - the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3–12, traditionally rendered in the King James Version
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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