Macon, USA - A growing number of Georgia public school systems are shying away from developing state-approved Bible classes.
The state school board finalized curriculum for the elective classes in March, but some districts say they'd rather leave that instruction to churches.
Other districts say they don't have the money for materials and staffing of a class on the Bible, or would have a difficult time finding a teacher who can teach the course without injecting religious views, a stipulation of the state.
''We found that since many of our students have such a strong spiritual upbringing that is firmly grounded in Christianity, there was very little interest on the part of the students to take such a class,'' said L'Angra Webster, a spokeswoman for the Hancock County school system.
Just a handful of the state's 180 school districts have agreed to offer the elective classes so far, but it's difficult to confirm just how many.
State officials say they'll have a better picture of what districts are offering the courses in June when systems send the state student records detailing what classes they are taking.
Georgia's school systems are the first in the nation to offer publicly funded Bible classes after lawmakers passed a bill allowing the courses in 2006.
Supporters say fully understanding history, literature and political science requires knowledge of the Bible. But critics such as the American Civil Liberties Union fear the classes could turn into endorsements of Christianity.
Lawmakers in Alabama, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas have considered similar plans this year, although none has received final approval. One proposal in Texas would require all high school students to take a Bible class.