Who is it that always asks about or mentions the teacher's Bible on the desk? It is usually someone who does not like the Bible, or is ashamed of it. It is most often one person in several hundred who might even notice it, and make any comment at all. Yet, that one in hundreds causes an issue that disrupts the teacher's life, causes conflict in the department, and makes the hundreds look like hateful people. That is just the facts.
This question is bait for debate. It doesn't usually seek an answer, but rather an argument. I doubt that I can do any better with the answer than anyone else. A yes or no will be followed by opinion, even from me. Is my opinion or your opinion worth more than that of the teacher who has a Bible on his or her desk? Do we know, or even consider, the daily diary of that Bible? Does it gather dust, or is it getting worn out? Is it read and underlined and written in? Who is this teacher anyway? Is he or she teaching and/or preaching from that Bible in the class? Is that Bible sitting there offending anyone? Does it, if not used in class by the teacher, bite anyone?
This list of questions could go on for a very long time. Honest answers to this list of questions might help us all come to some small agreement about the posted question above. The question about the teacher having the Bible on the desk is not going to get just a yes or no from me either. Some of the issues this question forces are about separation of church and state, personal rights, and who is offended. I have no intention of responding to those issues.
I am going to address the one issue that seems never to be discussed with the "offender" who has the Bible out on the desk. Why does that teacher have the Bible there in the first place. Yes, the unasked question is about motive. The question is never asked because the answer is always assumed. People assume that the teacher is showing off his Christianity, preaching from that Bible, or having discussions about the Bible or religion in the class. These are assumptions and are not enough reason to disrupt the teacher's life for. What are some reasons for which a teacher may have the Bible on the desk?
TO MAKE A STATEMENT:
It could be there to make a statement. That statement might be that the Teacher is a Christian. Does the teacher need a Bible to make that statement? Are words needed in order to make it clear that a teacher is a Christian? "No" is the answer to both. According to the Bible, true believers are the light of the world. One example of that fact is found in Moses. When he came down from the mountain with the Ten Commandments his face was aglow. He did not have to say a word in order for the people to know that he has been with God. If this teacher is a true believer, he will be spending time with God on a very regular basis. His life will show his faith in the very fruit of the Spirit. His life will exhibit "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." And none of these things is against the law, even if they offend. The teacher does not need a Bible on his desk to make that statement. But does that make it wrong?
PRIDE:
Pride could be why the teacher has the Bible on the desk. It could be his way of telling the world that he is a Christian and proud of it. If pride is the reason, that very Bible holds the answer as to why that it should not be on the desk. "Pride comes before the fall" God hates pride for it is one of the seven deadly sins listed in Proverbs. If pride causes him to place the Bible there, he needs to remove it immediately.
IT IS HANDY THERE:
The Bible may be there for convenience. He may actually use it each morning in a private quiet time or Bible study. The inside of his desk may be a mess, and it is easier to have it there on the top. He could find another place for it, but is that necessary? His Bible may be something that he refers to often when a question or thought comes to his mind and he remembers where to find the answer. He can certainly take opportunities between classes or on breaks to use it. Having it there is very convenient so he doesn't have to go find it.
USEFUL:
He may have it there so that students know that it is not a book that is prohibited, (It is not a prohibited book yet) and they can read it or ask questions about it. Answering questions about a book or what is in it is appropriate in an educational setting. This could even be true of the Quran or Torah, or any religious book. Stimulating thought is a good thing in the school system.
AN HONORABLE RESPONSE:
If the motive is not a worthy one, he might need to consider removing it. However, even if it is not a worthy motive, unless it is a hypocritical one it's presence should not necessarily be an issue. A true believer will have honest and Godly motives for having the Bible there, and if it is required to be removed he will follow the requirements given by his superiors. This does not mean he has to agree with those requirements. He may even seek to convince the powers that be that they were wrong for making the requirement. However he will still obey.
The fact is, if he is a true believer, much of that book is hidden in his heart and if he needs his Bible he can reach in the drawer and get it out at any time. His life will reflect his relationship with God, and that relationship is very much founded upon what the Bible says. To be honest , if he is a true believer, his life will daily reflect the principles of the Bible.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE:
" We only believe as much of the Bible as we practice."
"Many Christians mark their Bibles, but their Bibles never mark them."
"Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them."
"The Bible is like a lion. It needs no defense. Let it out of its cage, and it will defend itself." (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)
"Don't feed on the world's crumbs; get some delicious meals from the Living Bread."