https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/ A [retired] college psychology professor's observations about public policy, mental health, sexual identity, and religious issues Wed, 30 May 2018 18:26:28 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/#comment-82120 Wed, 30 May 2018 18:26:28 +0000 https://www.wthrockmorton.com/?p=15197#comment-82120 Or since funding was withdrawn from schools.

]]> https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/#comment-57430 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 10:46:16 +0000 https://www.wthrockmorton.com/?p=15197#comment-57430 Warren# ~ Sep 5, 2013 at 8:26 am
Tom – As an academic, I am aware of the declines in comprehension and sophistication among students entering college. At my school, I think we have been spared much of that as our students are well prepared. However, I get it in general terms.
However, that is not what Barton was talking about. He cited two questionable stats on literacy and linked his citations to lack of Bible reading in schools. That’s it.
I said there was an argument in there “somewhere.” On some level you agree.
As far as sorting through left-wing website accounts of what right-wingers have said, it’s too much work getting through the various filters. Upon further inspection, the batting average is mediocre at best, as it is with most advocacy websites. What Barton is wrong about is far more important than whatever kernel of truth he’s onto.
What I will say from experience is that what the Bible “says” and what it actually says are often two different things.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2011/11/jay-carneys-not-only-one-misquoting-bible/44516/
I’d settle for Biblical literacy as cultural literacy, per the Ronald Nash essay above. “Moral literacy” is beyond us now.

]]> https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/#comment-57429 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 08:17:38 +0000 https://www.wthrockmorton.com/?p=15197#comment-57429 The ‘declines in comprehension and sophistication’ (which I too sense have occurred) is IMO to do with the reduction in attention spans which I think evidence shows has occurred. It affects not only academic attainment, but also things like political discourse and even approaches to religion. Barton’s uncritical, simplistic, ‘Polly-put-the-kettle-on’ (and IMO false) religion is perhaps itself a symptom of this decline.

]]> https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/#comment-82128 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 06:46:16 +0000 https://www.wthrockmorton.com/?p=15197#comment-82128 Warren# ~ Sep 5, 2013 at 8:26 am
Tom – As an academic, I am aware of the declines in comprehension and sophistication among students entering college. At my school, I think we have been spared much of that as our students are well prepared. However, I get it in general terms.
However, that is not what Barton was talking about. He cited two questionable stats on literacy and linked his citations to lack of Bible reading in schools. That’s it.
I said there was an argument in there “somewhere.” On some level you agree.
As far as sorting through left-wing website accounts of what right-wingers have said, it’s too much work getting through the various filters. Upon further inspection, the batting average is mediocre at best, as it is with most advocacy websites. What Barton is wrong about is far more important than whatever kernel of truth he’s onto.
What I will say from experience is that what the Bible “says” and what it actually says are often two different things.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2011/11/jay-carneys-not-only-one-misquoting-bible/44516/
I’d settle for Biblical literacy as cultural literacy, per the Ronald Nash essay above. “Moral literacy” is beyond us now.

]]> https://wthrockmorton.com/2013/09/04/david-barton-says-us-literacy-has-declined-since-prayer-and-bibles-removed-from-schools/#comment-82121 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 04:17:38 +0000 https://www.wthrockmorton.com/?p=15197#comment-82121 The ‘declines in comprehension and sophistication’ (which I too sense have occurred) is IMO to do with the reduction in attention spans which I think evidence shows has occurred. It affects not only academic attainment, but also things like political discourse and even approaches to religion. Barton’s uncritical, simplistic, ‘Polly-put-the-kettle-on’ (and IMO false) religion is perhaps itself a symptom of this decline.

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