The Bible: Another book that doesn’t reflect American values?

Many parents and others are concerned about the books available to children. Many want to ban books because those books contain material that they think is contrary to American values. Among those books is Toni Morison’s “Beloved.” People fear that, although books like “Beloved” have merit, parts of those books expose children to material that those people think could negatively impact not only children but also our culture. I understand and appreciate those concerns.

There is one popular book in particular that contains material that is clearly contrary to American values. This book contains parts that condone killing children, raping wives, bigamy, incest, slavery, genocide, and patriarchy among other things that are abhorrent to American values. Should we keep this dangerous book away from children? Well, that book is the Bible. Many people feel that even though the Bible contains these passages, as a whole, the Bible teaches valuable lessons. Perhaps we should give other books the same benefit of the doubt and trust that we and our children can process these views and not be damaged. There are a lot of people who have read the Bible and seem to have turned out OK.

Rex Clemmensen

Iowa City