PM likes Bible Studies but not in the curriculum
21 Mar 2011
Media release "The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, said yesterday that the Bible was central to understanding Western literature, but the Bible is not mentioned in her National Curriculum," said Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education.
Ms Gillard said yesterday during a media interview that 'It's impossible to understand Western literature without having that key of understanding the Bible stories.'
"Given Ms Gillard's belief in the importance of Bible stories and the impact they have had on Western literature, it seems strange that there is no reference to the Bible in the National Curriculum, devised while the Prime Minister was Education Minister," Mr Pyne said.
"In fact the importance of our Judeo-Christian heritage and Christianity's central role in shaping Western Civilisation is treated as an afterthought in the curriculum," he said.
"If the 'Real' Julia wishes to re-brand herself as a social conservative, then just saying something is important is not enough. The Prime Minister should intervene to ensure that the curriculum is re-drafted with a greater focus on the role of Western civilisation and how it has shaped our nation and our institutions," Mr Pyne said.
March 21, 2011
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Adam Howard
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