Why Teaching About Jesus of Nazareth in U.S. Public Schools Matters

My name is Cassandra Braasch. I’m a married mom of three boys living in California, and like many parents, I care deeply about the kind of education my children—and all children—receive in our public schools. I’m also a Christian, and that identity shapes how I live, but the petition I’ve created is not about bringing religion into classrooms. It’s about bringing back something we’ve lost in our curriculum: the full truth of history.

Jesus Isn’t Just a Religious Figure—He’s a Historical One

Regardless of personal beliefs, few would argue that any one person has influenced human civilization more than Jesus of Nazareth. His teachings, followers, and legacy have:

• Shaped the moral foundations of Western law and ethics

   

• Inspired much of the world’s most enduring art, literature, and architecture
  
  

   

• Influenced the creation of universities, hospitals, and social justice movements
  
  

   

• Literally redefined time—our calendar is based on his estimated birth (B.C. / A.D.)

   

Yet despite this overwhelming historical impact, many U.S. public schools avoid teaching anything substantial about Jesus, even in world history, literature, or art. Meanwhile, figures like Muhammad, Buddha, and Confucius are regularly taught in a purely historical context—and rightly so.

So why is Jesus treated differently?

We Are Not Asking for Religion in Schools—We Are Asking for Truth

The U.S. Constitution prohibits the promotion of religion in public schools, but it does not prohibit teaching about religion academically. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Abington School District v. Schempp (1963) that:

“It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities… Nothing we have said here indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected consistently with the First Amendment.”

This means it is 100% legal to teach about Jesus of Nazareth—his life, teachings, cultural influence, and historical context—as long as it’s done objectively. So why aren’t we doing it?

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

We live in a time of growing division, confusion, and historical illiteracy. A 2019 Pew Research study found that:

• Only 2 in 10 U.S. teens say they’re very familiar with the Bible

   

• Half of American adults can’t name all four Gospels

   

• Many students graduate without ever learning about the role Jesus played in shaping the Western world

   

That means a generation is growing up without key cultural and historical context—unable to fully understand everything from Shakespeare to civil rights movements to the art hanging in our museums.

It’s not just about Jesus—it’s about intellectual honesty and educational completeness.

Let’s Teach the Whole Story

We’re not asking schools to preach. We’re asking them to teach. That includes:

• Who Jesus was as a historical figure

   

• How his teachings influenced law, politics, and philosophy

   

• His impact on art, literature, and global movements

   

• And yes—even the dark chapters, like how his name was misused in colonization and conquest

   

Because teaching Jesus’ historical role isn’t about converting students—it’s about preparing them to understand the world.

The Bottom Line

To exclude Jesus of Nazareth from public education is not neutrality—it’s erasure. And it does a disservice not just to Christian families, but to all students who deserve a full, honest, and culturally rich education.

If we truly want to raise thoughtful, informed, and critical-thinking citizens, we must include the most influential historical figure in the world in our classrooms.

If you agree, please sign and share this petition. Let’s take a step toward truth in education.