Bible Thumping

  • Saturday, April 18, 2015

Few Christians argue against the significance of the Bible.  I believe it to be the most important and relevant book in the civilized world. That's my opinion. I reached the conclusion slowly after much thought. That decision wasn't forced on me by my government.  

Those interested in learning about the major religions of the world cannot become genuinely informed without reading the Bible just as they should read the major religious texts that define other religions. The Bible does not need the official approval of politicians. A worldly stamp of official approval is meaningless and superfluous. If God laughs, surely he thinks it funny to see our lowly state sanctioning the Bible's officialdom.   

While Christians revere the Bible, a love for the Bible does not justify the state congressional action of naming it the official state book. If you have read the U.S. Constitution and understand the separation of church and state, you don't need a law degree or the State Attorney General's opinion to discern the distinction between the bodies.  

Why would anyone sponsor an official book anyway? Is the idea that naming of an official state text is like posting a tome to the best seller list? Sadly, designating it the "official" state book won't make people revere it more or want to read it. Last time I checked the official state amphibian, the salamander has not garnered little statewide attention. Possibly the uncontrollable urge to name an official text is more about the infirmities of the sponsor than the Bible.  

If all humans consistently followed the teachings of Christ, we would enjoy world peace and bipartisanship in Washington, DC. We would see the end of terrorism and discrimination and say goodbye to thievery, murder, adultery and lying. We would have strong supportive families and caring neighbors. Hunger and nuclear weapons would become obsolete.  

The best way to share Christ and recognize the Bible is via one on one interactions, not congressional proclamations. The worst way is by dictatorial actions and symbolic grandstanding. These actions polarize people and destroy goodwill. 

What will this ceremonial state edict do? It has raised the ire of non-Christians and Christians who see intolerance as counterproductive. Should the State Congress collectively vote to label the Bible in such a way, we can anticipate the following consequences. The state will be sued and taxpayers will fund the lawyers. It will distract attentions away from solvable problems to more heated arguments resulting in no positive collective purpose. Worst of all, that will not embody the spirit of the teachings of Christ. Therefore, why would we do it? 

I applaud the State Senate's recent majority "NO" vote on this bill.  

Deborah Scott
Chattanooga

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