The Oklahoma State Department of Education has unveiled its draft social studies standards to the public. Mentions of Christianity and the Bible increased significantly compared to the current iteration — appearing more than 40 times and as young as first grade.

“We’re focusing on American exceptionalism, civics and the undeniable influence of Christianity,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters wrote in a social media post about the proposed standards. American exceptionalism is the idea that the U.S is a morally superior country for historical, ideological or religious reasons.

But some say the standards echo Christian nationalism as well — essentially that America is a Christian nation, was founded as a Christian nation and should stay that way. “Subtle forms of Christian nationalism are clearly baked into these social studies standards,” said Samuel Perry, a professor at the University of Oklahoma and one of the leading experts in Christian nationalism.

One of the high school U.S. government standards states students will “describe how the Constitution of the United States was influenced by religion, morality, and the Bible as a frequently cited authority by America’s founders.”

The Bible isn’t mentioned in the Constitution, and religion is mentioned in the First Amendment (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof) and Article 6 (no religious tests for public office). Perry points out that James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” was a staunch advocate for separating church and state for the good of government and Christianity.

Another example: in grade 8, students would “evaluate the role of Judeo- Christian ideals in supporting colonial demands for independence, as exemplified by the Bible being a frequently citied authority by America’s Founders.”

“On some level, it’s totally appropriate to recognize that the dominant Anglo-European culture in the colonies was suffused with Christian language and imagery,” Perry said. “But one suspects here an attempt to encourage an understanding of America’s move toward independence as the only option ‘consistent’ with agreedupon ‘Judeo-Christian ideals’ when in fact devout Christians were citing the Bible on both sides of the Revolutionary War, much like devout Christians were quoting the Bible to one another on both sides of the Civil War.”

And in several grade levels, the proposed standards mention Christianity’s role in the abolition of slavery, but fail to acknowledge the Bible’s role in justifying slavery, he said.

Other references to Christianity and Christian stories and traditions are within the context of world history, which, Perry said, seems appropriate.

Oklahoma Watch sought Walters’ response to the criticisms through his spokesman, Dan Isett. He provided a statement that didn’t address specifics.

You can review the entire set of proposed social studies standards on the Department of Education website and submit feedback to the department through Jan 21.