Can a college professor not allow me to use a certain version of the bible for study?

I am taking a New Testament class at a local college. He says I must pick a 20th century edition of the bible to use for study. He will not allow me to use the version that I want to. Does this go against my religious freedom?

Can a college professor not allow me to use a certain version of the bible for study?
Probably, yes..





Talk to the dean of that department


if it is him then go a little higher.





I personally from my own studies believe that


The King James Version Bible is the most complete.





Even The New King James version has omissions compared to the King James Version.





Here is an option to your problem:


If you absolutely have to use the professors preferred translation; there is nothing stopping you from also looking those verses up in your preferred translation of the Bible.


Use both translations.


In this way you are making the professor happy and you are still seeing exactly what your preferred translation says.





Sincerely in Christ,


internet Pastor Bill
Reply:You are in college, and you have to ask this question?!


He isn't telling you what version you have to use in private life, he is telling what version is used in the course. Does it compromise your religious freedom when your algebra teacher requires a specific text book?
Reply:I would say since the professor sets up the class he can choose. It is the same as one prof picking one bio text over another.
Reply:You don't have to use his recommended texts.





And...





you don't have to pass his class either.
Reply:A school sets the rules, does religion mandates to go to that shool, go find an other school or an other bible. U pick.
Reply:I don't believe this violates your religious freedom because he isn't asking you to use it as part of your personal religious studies. He is merely telling you what the text for your academic studies must be.
Reply:only if you let him, stand up for what God leads you to do. question is , what is God leading you to do?
Reply:Not at all, You are in HIS class, Not your class. He can use what book he deems fit for his class. If you are doing your own studies, apart from his class, you can use the book you want.
Reply:Look, they make you use a specific book for any other class. I don't know what his reasoning is, but don't make a mountain out of a mole hill.
Reply:Not if you signed up for his class - his class room, he sets the curriculum. If you don't like it drop the class.
Reply:Watch out "Xiannazi"...the religious freedom you give up may be your own...Now to answer your question NO it is not against your freedom of religion how could it be?
Reply:No, since he is the teacher he can ask that you use the textbook that he requires. I took a class and we all used the same edition of a book.
Reply:Don't be silly! He can't tell you what version of the Bible to read or not read for your own personal growth in your faith, and he can't tell you what to believe or think about anything you read. Your religious freedoms are not being threatened.





He's the professor. Of course he can tell you which version is acceptable in this particular class. At the Bible college I attended, we had three choices of versions from which quotations, study, and memorization were allowed. Some profs only allowed the use one of those three in their classes, so most of us had a copy of each version. That's their prerogative as a professor, choosing the texts on and from which their class will be taught.
Reply:The college professor has no right to tell you what bible to use for your private devotion, but has academic right in selecting the required texts for the ciriculum.





One cannot sign up for any course and tell the professor what translation or edition you prefer to use.
Reply:No, it doesn't go against your religious freedom. You are takiing a course of academic - I use the word advisedly here - study.





The primary reason he may not wish to use the KJV or other versions is because most 20th century versions now employ the latest scholarly techniques to ensure a greater level of integrity in their translations. I suspect it has more to do with this and, as such, does not infringe your religious rights. You are still being allowed to use the bible, after all!
Reply:OMG.... I AM SOOOOO FREAKING SICK OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM CRAP...





It's his class, he is teaching what he feels is appropriate - if you don't like him as a teacher... DROP THE FREAKING CLASS...





quit whining all the time





XIAN WHINERS!!
Reply:As most responders replied, the school and staff define the curriculum. BUT... if you feel strongly about a particular edition, why not offer to go beyond the curriculum:


Complete assignments as required with a modern text AND do a comparative study against your preferred text. As an teacher, I would appreciate a student doing independent learning, which could be far more valuable than a pre-cooked assignment.
Reply:Yes... and that "professor" should not be instructing in any "religious" study if that is his position... I am one who uses the KJV... if he had told me to use an NIV I would have told him to talk to my attorney... if he told me to use "the message" I probably would commit a greviouse sin and I would have to call my attorney to make my bail.





if you have to compromise... go with the NASB(updated)... but only if you have to.
Reply:Don't know what he's fussing about. There's really not much difference in the versions. But if he doesn't allow KJV, try NKJV. It's one of my favorites.
Reply:What is your problem all bibles says exactly the same, Ok sounds a lttle bitt different but over of that.
Reply:Unfortunately no in a course you have to use the text they say, think of it as a Textbook if you must but it is the instructors choice to allow or not allow different versions.
Reply:Nope. He can determine what text you use. Why do you think they require specific texts for other classes? Because they all want to get rich on the backs of college students.
Reply:An arguement can be made either way. My advice to you would be to consult a lawyer.
Reply:It's a class, not church. It really doesn't matter a whole lot anyway.
Reply:I'm pretty sure that, for the class, he can require any specific book that he wants.


If you use the wrong one you may have some problems doing the work.
Reply:No. You can still read it. Drop the class if you want. You have alot of options that still allow you freedom.
Reply:I imagine he can tell you what study aids are allowed and what are not.
Reply:No. It has nothing to do with religion unless your are a student in a seminary. Likely it is a literature or history class and he wants you to use the version that he is used to. It's like requiring you to use a certain Physics textbook. You can't use whichever textbook you want, only the one he is using.