A new law in Utah is stirring conversation across the country after requiring public school students to study selected Bible passages as part of their education—not for devotion, but for historical understanding.

The legislation, signed by Governor Spencer Cox, directs schools to incorporate portions of the Bible into social studies classes for students in grades 3 through 12. The focus, according to state leaders, is not spiritual instruction but helping students better understand the historical and philosophical influences behind America’s founding documents.

Children will study Bible passages referenced or reflected in key texts such as the Declaration of Independence. Phrases such as “Nature’s God,” “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the world,” and “divine Providence” will be explored in their historical context. However, the exact passages students will study have not yet been finalized. The Utah State Board of Education has until the 2028–2029 school year to determine the specifics.

“This is not Bible for spiritual study,” Cox explained. “It’s about understanding history and the things that influence people. And I think it would be irresponsible not to have those types of great books being understood when it comes to a civics curriculum.”

The law also requires a broader look at “philosophical traditions” that shaped early America, including Enlightenment thought, Protestant and Catholic ideas, deism, and natural law theory. According to Jennifer Wadsworth, a policy advisor with the Utah State Board of Education, students will not be studying the Bible in its entirety. “It’s just the specific passages from the texts that allude to founding documents,” she said.

Importantly, the law allows families to opt their children out of this portion of the curriculum, though what alternative instruction will be offered remains unclear.

The role of religion in public schools has long been debated in the United States. In a landmark 1963 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that public schools cannot require Bible readings or prayer as part of the school day. However, the court affirmed that religious texts can be taught for their historical and literary significance—a distinction Utah lawmakers say this new law respects.

Supporters argue that understanding the Bible’s influence is essential to understanding American history. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about the place of religion in public life in the era of the American Revolution,” said University of Utah history professor Eric Hinderaker. He noted that early Americans emerged from societies in which government and religion were closely intertwined, which shaped their thinking.

Utah is not alone in revisiting how faith intersects with education. Texas approved an optional Bible-based curriculum in 2024, and several states have passed laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for protecting religious expression in schools, saying, “We have to bring back religion in America, bring it back stronger than ever before.”

For many Christians, the conversation raises an important question: how can faith be acknowledged in public life while respecting legal boundaries? While opinions differ, the Utah law reflects a growing interest in ensuring that students understand the spiritual influences that helped shape the nation.

As the details are worked out over the next few years, the impact of this law will likely continue to spark discussion—not just in Utah, but across the country.