Read more
Bill to make Bible Tennessee’s official state book fails in SenateTN House votes to make the Bible the official state book
The Tennessee House of Representatives ignored serious constitutional concerns — along with the wishes of Republican leaders — and voted anyway to make the Bible the official state book. Thank goodness, the Senate killed it for a year
Never mind the separation of church and state provisions in both the federal and state constitutions. The chamber voted 55-38 on Wednesday to adopt legislation offered by Republican Rep. Jerry Sexton, a former pastor, who argued that the Bible offers historical, cultural and economic impact to Tennessee.
His premise is fair enough. After all, there is practically a church that pays no taxes on every street corner in Tennessee.
But doesn’t naming the Bible state book also demean the holy book by adding it to a list with state flowers, birds, trees and amphibians? Of course, there’s also the question of whose Bible we’re talking about.
Sen. Mark Norris joked that he could hear Satan snickering: “He loves this kind of mischief,” Norris said. “You just dumb the good book down far enough to make it whatever it takes to make it a state symbol, and you’re on your way to where he wants you.”
Well, how about this idea: Let’s make Satan the official state devil.
Seriously, don’t our lawmakers have better things to do?