Required reading of public HS seniors-to-be: Book of Genesis

The article goes back and forth on whether this is teaching religion or giving students a background they might not otherwise have that would assist them in understanding American literature, specifically early Am Lit which drew heavily on biblical themes.

I would really, really like to buy that theory b/c it's valid in many respects (it drags down the class when a teacher has to stop and explain what should be obvious allusions or symbolism). However the problem I have is this:

Fran Eppy was taken aback when she looked at her son's summer reading list. His only requirement was to read passages from the Bible. (emph. mine)

I would think that if the argument is that students need to learn about source material in order to gain a better understanding of litertaure, they would also be required to read mythology and to study folk tales, songs, history, etc. from the culture.

I attended a (public, state-run) university which had a "Bible as literature" course. I was always interested in it but it never fit into my schedule.

Read the article and post your thoughts.