PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to recommend that school districts provide academic instruction on the Bible, brushing off concerns by some critics that the nonbinding resolution seeks to promote religious beliefs.

After a brief debate in which no one spoke against it, the House voted 55-15 to pass the resolution, which has no force of law. It next goes to the Senate.

The measure’s main sponsors, Rep. Steve Hickey, R-Sioux Falls, who is also a pastor, said students should be taught about the Bible because it has had a huge influence on Western civilization.

“It permeates all culture, law and philosophy,” Hickey said.

The measure encourages school districts to provide instruction that makes students familiar with the content, characters and narratives of the Bible. It says the instruction also should make students aware of the role the Bible has played in the development of literature, art, culture and public discourse.

In addition, the measure says the state Board of Education should include support of instruction about the Bible in its curriculum planning and identify textbooks and other sources that outline how to teach about the Bible without violating the First Amendment guarantee of separation of church and state.