Making it the state book would trivialize Bible
Such a nod from this House will not improve the reach or impact of the Holy Bible but only give permission for many to call it what you will have called it — simply a book.
Last week it was reported Tennessee House lawmakers are entertaining a bill to make the Holy Bible the official state book. At first glance I suppose many of my Christian friends and former coworkers will applaud the idea as a marvelous and practical way to reinforce values that we all cherish.
I am writing, however, to give voice to a counter view that I believe has merit.
I recognize that my view will draw criticism from some former colleagues as well others who will say I am carelessly or intentionally working against God’s plan to elevate his scripture.
Having spent much of my life seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible, I feel confident that nothing I write will put the Bible or God’s plans at risk; however, I do hope my words make it a bit more difficult for lawmakers to vote affirmative on this bill.
In my studies at Belmont, Wheaton and later at seminary in New Orleans, I gradually, if not reluctantly, came to see the scriptures in a different light than how I learned them as a boy.
God’s majestic and powerful word
The words of the prophets, psalmists, New Testament disciples and of Jesus himself were meant to be more than mystical passages I could memorize or repackage into lessons for Bible classes. To be clear, these are not small things, but they are not the main things when it comes to honoring God’s word.
The Holy Bible is remarkable for its brave, transparent accounts of men and women who stumbled, bumbled and did the most horrific things in their efforts to build nations and claim superiority with God.
And it is equally remarkable for its compelling stories of faith and lifechanging encounters with a God the writers tell us was, and is, relentless and undeterred in his sacrificial search and provision for all humanity.
They tell of a God who cares little about public demonstrations of piety and yet who listens to every humble prayer whispered in private. They tell of a Christ Who while walking among us praised even the smallest act of kindness done in secret while reserving harsh criticism for leaders—both religious and civil—who acted in ways that elevated their own sense of importance when it came to matters of God.
God’s word shouldn’t be commercialized
Therefore, put the words of the Bible on a bumper sticker if you must. Work the scripture into the lyrics of a catchy tune if that is your business. Craft an inspirational sermon of three Biblical points for your audience if that is your calling.
But, lawmakers, do not go on record as being the body who trivialized the Holy Bible by equating its greatness to the number of copies printed, its economic benefits for the state, or even its value to Tennessee based companies like my former esteemed employer.
Such a nod from this House will not improve the reach or impact of the Holy Bible but only give permission for many to call it what you will have called it— simply a book.
And, as a book, the Holy Bible has many troubling passages that rise from the stories of those ancient writers. Passages and directives that when read carelessly or quoted indiscriminately not only run counter to the teachings of Jesus but are in direct conflict with many of the values, ordinances and laws of our great state.
When this bill came before the House five years ago it was eventually vetoed by former Governor Haslam. He said that if the book is embraced as a cultural item rather than as a holy one, “my personal feeling is that this bill trivializes the Bible.”
Haslam went on to say that if the Bible were approved as a state symbol it would be added to a list that includes the Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle, the official state gun. He was right then and if you vote against the 2021 bill, you will be right now.
Harold King Jr. creates and leads workshops, mentors those with a passion to lead well, and retired from a national publishing/retail organization based in Nashville. He has a degree from Wheaton College (Chicago) and a master of divinity from a New Orleans seminary.