Millions of American schoolchildren will be required to study Bible stories under new curriculum changes designed to embed Christian teachings into classrooms.
The Texas State Board of Education has approved reforms that will see Bible stories, Christian texts and religious references incorporated into reading lessons across public schools.
The move affects more than five million pupils and places Texas at the centre of a wider push to increase the role of Christianity in US education.
Under the new framework, pupils will study a set list of prescribed texts at each year group, with all works to be read in full.
Education experts say it could make Texas the first US state to introduce a standardised literary curriculum across all public schools.
Among the texts, younger pupils will study a children’s version of the Biblical story of David and Goliath, while older children will cover passages relating to Adam and Eve.
Third-grade pupils will read "ROAR! Daniel and the Lion's Den" alongside well-known children’s books including "Stuart Little" and "Charlotte's Web".
As they progress through school, students will study more religious material.
The move affects more than five million pupils and puts Texas at the centre of a push to increase the role of Christianity in education
|GETTY
Sixth-grade pupils, for example, will examine passages from the Book of Psalms, alongside writings by George Washington and poetry by figures including Langston Hughes and Robert Frost.
The curriculum also includes classic literature and key historical documents, including Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
The changes are due to be implemented by 2030 and have sparked debate among teachers, parents and religious groups.
Hundreds of people attended school board meetings this week to voice support or opposition to the proposals.
CHRISTIANITY - READ THE LATEST:
Education experts say it could make Texas the first US state to introduce a standardised literary curriculum across all public schools
| GETTYRepublican board member and pastor Brandon Hall described the reforms as a "generational opportunity", arguing they would restore what he called a more accurate account of American history and recognise Christianity’s influence on US culture and law.
Mr Hall said: “We’re going to stop watering down American history. We’re going to teach the truth.
"Our nation was founded as a Christian nation, and Texas is a Christian state."
However, critics have warned the proposals risk giving preferential treatment to Christianity and could breach the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
As they progress through school, students will study more religious material
|GETTY
Republican board member Evelyn Brooks, who voted against the measures, said teachers should retain control over classroom materials.
“Teachers need to have their autonomy. They’ve been selecting books for decades, for years," she said, before branding the plans "unconstitutional".
Democrat board member Tiffany Clark warned the increased focus on Christian texts could leave pupils from other faith backgrounds feeling excluded.
“Not all of us believe the same,” she told CNN.
Religious leaders have also raised concerns that the curriculum could blur the distinction between teaching about religion and promoting belief.
Rabbi Joshua Fixler with Congregation Emanu El in Houston said the proposals may put teachers in a difficult position.
He said: “This list is full of Christian texts that are inappropriate for public school classrooms.
"As a rabbi and a parent of Jewish kids, I think it is vital that this board make a distinction between teaching about religion and teaching religion.
"This list will force teachers to cross that line."
According to survey data from the Pew Research Center, around one-third of adults in Texas do not identify as Christian.