Have you ever been unnerved by a compliment?

That’s what apparently happened with at least two members of the State Board of Education, Betty Peters of Dothan and Stephanie Bell of Montgomery.

The two Republicans spoke against a textbook titled “The Bible and Its Influence” during a legislative public hearing in 2006. But on Oct. 11, 2007, the state board approved a list of more than 2,500 textbooks that included this one.

Soon the Bible Literacy Project, publisher of the book, issued a press release touting Alabama as the first state to adopt it for statewide use. This surprised most board members, who apparently hadn’t realized it was on the list.

Board members thought about taking back their endorsement, but last week they decided to do the right thing and leave it on the list.

The 23-member state textbook committee approved the book after opportunities for public comment. Joe Morton, state superintendent of education, suggested inviting publishers of similar textbooks to submit bids, too. Local school officials will make the final decisions about which books to use, if any.

It would be hard to please everybody when writing a book about the Bible. Some people dislike any such book that doesn’t back their own religious doctrines, but a textbook for public schools should be neutral on doctrines.

Controversy will probably increase sales of “The Bible and Its Influence” to individuals, if not to states’ textbook authorities. The surest way to stir up interest in a book is to try to ban it.

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