Written by Don Byrd
From the vault of bad ideas, a bi-partisan group of lawmakers in Mississippi are supporting proposed legislation that would make The Holy Bible the official state book. (A similar effort in Louisiana last year was withdrawn by the bill’s sponsor following criticism.)
Associated Press has more:
[Democratic representative Tom] Miles told The Associated Press on Monday he’s not trying to force religion — or even reading — on anyone.
“The Bible provides a good role model on how to treat people,” Miles said. “They could read in there about love and compassion.”
Lawmakers say designating the Bible as the state book would be completely symbolic and nobody would be required to read it. Furthermore, Miles’ version would not specify a particular translation.
Mississippi has a state bird and a state flower, they reason, so why not a state book? And why not this one?
There are several reasons why not. And I am a little surprised they are not more obvious to these legislators. Since they apparently aren’t, here goes:
For starters, the move would surely alienate those residents of Mississippi who do not regard the Bible as sacred text. It could send a signal that the state endorses religious views that revere the Bible, and in turn marginalize those religious views that have another sacred text, or that reject sacred texts altogether. Even if the law would not have any binding impact – nobody would be required to read the Bible, teach it in schools, etc. – state action alienating a huge swath of the population on religious lines is a bad idea.
But this move could also be offensive to those Mississippians who do regard the Bible as sacred text. Representative Miller says above, in effect, hey it’s just a good book about love, compassion and role models. But for many Christians, the Holy Bible is much more than that and should not be treated as just another good book among many, certainly not by state officials. Furthermore, for those who believe in the importance of spreading the Word of God, sharing the Bible is a significant religious act of individual conscience. Do we really want the state doing it?
In short, it’s not a bird or a flower. Adopting the Holy Bible as state book will likely alienate those who don’t believe in it, and may offend those who do. My advice to Mississippi legislators: go with Faulkner.
