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HM’s A: The textbooks refer to several historical figures as prophets, including Judeo-Christian figures: “The Prophets warned [the Jews] that God would punish greed, unfairness to others and the worship of other gods… Jeremiah, one of the better-known prophets… According to the prophets, the [Jews] did not heed the warning… the prophets offered hope for the future” (“A Message of Ancient Days,” Chapter 10, page 311).
BC Comment: Right. HM takes time to
denounce all Biblical prophets. These are all clips and when pieced back
together, HM states, “The prophets were not fortune tellers who predicted
the future. Instead they preached a message about how the people should
act in the present.” No, the prophets were not “fortune tellers” but they
DID relay the future as GOD told them. Muhammad is the only prophet that
could not relay the future. It seems HM redefines “prophet” because
Muhammad did not prophesy the future.
The textbook states: “However, by accepting the prophets’ explanation for
the disaster, the Jews could keep their faith in God and survive exile.”
(pg 311) The Jews had faith because they KNEW GOD. Not because any
prophet attempted to explain away their circumstances! HM does describe
“prophets” but they sound more like charlatans by HM’s description, except
for Muhammad!
18. HM’s Q: Does the text cover Christianity in
the Middle Ages, as required by California State standards?
HM’s A: Yes. In Chapter 10, the text discusses the role of the clergy in society of that era. “The influence of the clergy - from pope, archbishops, and bishops to priests - extended to every part of medieval life…” (“Across the Centuries,” Chapter 10, page 268). Furthermore, the themes of Christianity, and Judaism to a lesser degree, are echoed throughout this 20 page section on the Middle Ages in Europe.
BC Comment: Did the State require that Christianity be denigrated as it was “covered”? Again, disparaging descriptions with few exceptions are afforded the Christians. Salvation is described as: “accepting the beliefs of the church, living a moral life, and performing good works.” Paying a tithe is then immediately described. In other words, believe as we do or go to hell, and pay on your way out. This is a twisted version of the Gospel!
19. HM’s Q: Emperor Constantine played a pivotal role in Christianity and Western Civilization. Is this covered in the textbook?
HM’s A: Yes, the textbook dedicates Chapter 11 (26 pages) to the role of Christianity in Europe. “Across the Centuries” teaches about the significance of Constantine making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. Constantine is also covered in Chapter 2, (pages 30-31 and 42-43).
BC Comment: I actually thought they did a pretty good job about Constantine, though I have nothing to reference it to, I never studied that time frame. But as for the “role of Christianity,” it was very negatively done, presented Islam’s beliefs about Jesus Christ, blames Christians for the fall of Rome and actually seems to excuse the killing of Christians, though two times admitting the treatment was rather “harsh”.
20. HM’s Q: Francis of Assisi is an important Christian figure. Is his story told?
HM’s A: Yes. Chapter 11 tells the story of Francis of Assisi (“Across the Centuries,” page 287). The text cites his “love for nature and all living things” and his efforts to “rebuild churches and serve the poor” (page 287).
BC Comment: Chapter 11 is hardly devoted to St. Francis of Assisi. His story is told with two paragraphs, two sentences and a quote that I’m sure misrepresents his work.
21. HM’s Q: Does the textbook mention
the Islamic law allowing a man to have more than one wife?
HM’s A: No, it does not mention any instance of
polygamy in Christian, Muslim or Judaic cultures.
22. HM’s Q: How can I get a copy of these textbooks?
BC Comment: Why? Pay over $60 a book for propaganda? I think a better question would be, which law firm will actually file a lawsuit and how can I donate to that cause AFTER they have done so? [We now know and applaud Thomas More Law Center for fronting the heavy financial burden to do just that, and filing federally].
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Also available at BlessedCause.org:
 | Review of 6th Grade textbook which disparages Christ and gives Islam's beliefs of Christ as the Christian's beliefs...unbelievable |
| Response to Houghton Mifflins denials in short form |
| Review of the high school textbook...not quite so offensive however there are some BOLD statements of atheism beliefs taught to children as fact. This book has not been carefully examined however. |
| NUMEROUS media articles and other reviews by professionals like Daniel Pipes, PhD |
| Updates on the battle over the textbooks and the current situation of Houghton Mifflin |
| Various outrages about public education, which only scratch the surface |