Scripture books promoting "dangerous" messages about sex and male power are being used in NSW public schools, leading to calls for a crack down on special religious education.

Parent-run lobby group Fairness in Religions in Schools (FIRIS) has raised concerns about a number of publications for students attending scripture classes in state secondary schools.

"Abstinence messaging and homophobia have real consequences for vulnerable young people": John Kaye. Credit:James Alcock

The Anglican secondary special religious education (SRE) curriculum for public schools includes texts which FIRIS claims promotes sexual abstinence outside a "lifelong relationship" and the doctrine of male headship and female submission.

A sample lesson from another provider, Seed: SRE, claims divorce happens "because of human sinfulness and ignorance". Another section aimed at year 8 students lists "mistakes women make" as talking too much and giving in sexually while male "mistakes" include letting their bodies rule and lacking courage.