Controversy of Biblical Proportions

In early February of 2015, Jerry Sexton, a Tennessee representative, proposed that the Bible be declared Tennessee’s official state book. This has been met with much agreement and opposition by people around the state. In the constitution of Tennessee, there is a section that clearly states, “No preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship."

Many see this as a direct violation of the policy known as “separation of church and state”. Also making up the bill’s opposition are many religious citizens who feel the new law would be an insult to the Bible, itself. Ron Ramsey, the state’s senate speaker, is among this growing crowd. He said, “I'm just adamantly opposed to that. I mean, the Bible is my official book; it is. It shouldn't be put in the Blue Book with Rocky Top, salamanders, and tulip poplars."

Others don’t see a problem with it. Another representative by the name of William Lamberth stated, “It doesn't in any way, shape, form or fashion say that anyone has to read this book. It doesn't mean anyone has to believe in the tenets of this book.”

The bill was recently passed by the Senate State and Local Government Committee. At 7-0-2 votes, the decision was almost unanimous. This was to the surprise of many around the nation, especially considering that Mississippi and Louisiana have attempted to do the same and failed.

This bill still has a ways to go, however. Before it can be put in place, the Senate and House calendar committees, House and Senate must give their approval.