Lawrence A. Benson

Obviously Gov. Lee and his fellow Republicans haven't read the Bill of Rights or the Constitution.

Bridget Kielas-Fecyk

This is worrying. These MAGAs are pushing, HARD, to make the United States an Evangelical Theocracy. If they get their way, the United States will be as religiously rigid, and as brutal, as Afghanistan.

Bishop William Dusenberry, DD

If any bible (all of which, deal with one mythology, or other) is to e used, at all, it should be the Thomas Jefferson Bible, because it contains the least mythology. And, it’s available from the ULC minister’s store.

Rev. Rory

This is what politicians do when they don't know how to or refuse to tackle the real problems facing their population. They throw out the religion card and declare their own holiness. It means nothing.

Clay Serenbetz

This designation is abhorrent to our Founding Principles and to all non-Christians in Tennessee and throughout the USA. It's a myth that our Founding Father's were all Christian.

Joe Stutler

They've diminished both their mythology/religion and their state with such a silly move.

Colleen McAllister

This is an historically important book and as such should be recognized. HOWEVER it has no true connection to Tennessee. As such it should not be adopted by Tennessee as their own.

As to Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, it is a secular song with strong ties to Tennessee. It should be acceptable.

David Arthur Lewis

I can't help but wonder if ANY of those legislators has ever actually read the book. I seriously doubt it.

James Grainger

So much for separation of church and state. Be careful we don't become like the Muslim countries where religion rules

Michael Burton

Tennessee marches one more step back to the 19th Century...

Rev. BH

"The British government had long regulated the publication of English Bibles, forcing colonists to import them from Britain or Europe. The war subsequently created a shortage in the colonies. Congress endorsed Aitken’s Bible when it was completed in 1782". - Museum of the Bible.

"Among Protestants, adherents to Anglicanism, Methodism, the Baptist Church, Congregationalism, Presbyterianism, Lutheranism, Quakerism, Mennonite and the Moravian Church were the first to settle in the US, spreading their faith in the new country." Wiki.

And of course, the original native American inhabitants with a multitude of of non-Christian nature religions, despite cries to the contrary.

Merlin

This type of tyranny is what caused the Revolutionary War against England.

Rev. Donut

There are lots of state books in Tennessee and the bible is one of them now.

It is not "The" state book.

It is one of many state books that Tennesseans feel they want to recognize.

Russel A. Kester

As the first Bible to be printed in the United States, with Congress's permission, is historical. I didn't know these two facts. I'm grateful for the article. Yes, it should be allowed for the aforementioned reasons and it also shows how steeped in Christianity our new nation was despite cries to the contrary.

John Heaven Concepcion

They called him Relic. A man from a forgotten Earth, his arrival on our bio-engineered utopia, Elysium, shattered centuries of tranquility. He was a walking anomaly, a living embodiment of a lost reality. They studied him, analyzed him, but I was captivated. His eyes held not the sterile perfection of our engineered minds, but a raw, untamed fire.

One day, he requested a forbidden text: a dusty philosophy book on something called the "correspondence theory of truth." Intrigued, I joined him. He spoke of a world where truth wasn't preordained, but a reflection of our experiences with reality. Our world, with its perfect weather, pre-programmed emotions, seemed absurd to him. Yet, for me, his chaos was a spark of individuality I craved.

We spent stolen hours deciphering the book, his voice, rough from disuse, weaving tales of a world painted by sunsets and storms, of love fueled by passion and heartbreak. His truth, so different from my programmed existence, ignited a yearning in my soul. He taught me to question, to see the world not as a pre-rendered simulation, but as a canvas waiting to be painted with experience.

Our meetings became a dance on the edge of a cliff. Love blossomed, forbidden and exhilarating. But whispers turned to accusations. His presence, a disruption in our perfect system, was deemed a threat. They threatened to exile him, to erase him, and with him, the truth he carried.

That night, under a sky programmed to shimmer with a million artificial stars, I made a choice. I helped him escape. We fled to an abandoned sector, a wasteland untouched by utopia's control. It was harsh, unforgiving, a stark contrast to what I knew. But as I held his hand, watching a real sunrise paint the horizon with streaks of gold and crimson, I understood. This raw, untamed truth, reflected in the reality we shared, was more beautiful than any programmed perfection.

The correspondence theory of truth, once just words on a page, became the foundation of our love story. In the chaos we found solace, in the untamed reality, we found love. And perhaps, in challenging the perfect world, we found our own imperfect truth.

Cliff D Downing

lol.... the majority of people in America at the time of the Revolutionary War might have been Christians but they sure were adamant about separating church and state. There's no doubt in my mind the would also revolt against making any religious text a "Official State book". Wonder what we have to do to get people to start using their brains. We have a real shortage of intelligent thought in the world today.

Tim Williams

It’s no one business but ours what we do in Tennessee, we are predominantly a Christian state and we can have the Bible as our official book if we so choose. The world would be a better place if everyone would do the same

Robert E. Polston

Greetings Friends,

I am sad to say that I find a great deal of bifurcation which provides paths from ignorance, pride, intolerance, and hate in forced acceptance or promotion of the bible by the Tennessee government. It is unquestionably a violation of our United States Constitution and is disrespectful to citizen freedom and civil rights.

Jesus bid his followers to; Matt. 28 Verses 19 to 20 “[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

Making disciples implies that people take up a cause or belief with a free will and an open heart, not that they are harassed and forced to submit. Jesus offered himself as an example, a teacher, a student, and a Master who was gentle, loving, and forgiving. He provided us not with a browbeating of the ten commandments, but with only two commands for us to follow in his name.

Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul.’ This is the most important. But there is a second like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.”

The Separation of Church and State does not stand against religious freedom, for secularism, nor does it seek to restrain freedom of faith. Separation of church and state is designed to promote and defend the freedom of each citizen to believe as they see fit without intimidation or obligation inculcated in an authority like a government or social contract.

If you believe that God is all powerful, then you must reason that if God wanted us to believe in him in a certain way that we could be made to submit by the All-Powerful Master of the Universe. However, if you experience the same reality that I experience we are given freedom to live, love, and have faith in life as we choose. This freedom is a gift in life and is celebrated in our declaration of independence,

Declaration Of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Making disciples of all nations seems to be a guiding principle of the Christian faith that deserves to be accomplished as Jesus would inspire us. The Separation of Church and State seems to be God’s own way of letting everyone make a free choice. The two commandments from Jesue seem to be the best way to promote Christianity, by example, not force.

Best Wishes to you all. Rev. Bob

Walter J. Holbrook

Good morning all. We must remember in this world of who and whom we are looking at. The word of God is being twisted and turned. False interpretations are being narrated in our churches. The word of God has never changed. Only the people who profess it.

John J Albers

The decision to designate the Bible as a state book involves balancing constitutional principles, historical accuracy, and cultural significance.

The first concern lies in the potential violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing or endorsing any particular religion.

The First Amendment ensures both the right to worship freely and the prohibition of government favoritism toward any religious establishment.

While the Bible holds immense religious and cultural significance, treating it as a historical document raises valid questions about its accuracy and objectivity.

These components include contemporary first-hand accounts, external corroborating evidence, and a critical analysis methodology.

The Bible is not merely a rulebook or an encyclopedia of disjointed stories. Instead, it is a relational book that tells us about the God who creates and redeems a people for Himself. It emphasizes a personal relationship with God rather than a rigid set of rules.

Lastly, we already see the consequences of conservative book bans in some states. The issue that will impact the Bible itself, and will lead to complex debates:

• About literature and the Word of God (which goes against the Constitution).
• Some passages have multiple layers of meaning, leading to diverse interpretations across different traditions and cultures. — The Bible emerged from ancient Near Eastern cultures. — While we prioritize Scripture over culture, we must also recognize that applying biblical principles today involves considering the epochal, cultural, and personal differences between original audiences and modern readers.

1. Understanding its context—social, political, and religious—is crucial.
2. Consider the parable of the Prodigal Son. North American readers often overlook the famine the prodigal experiences away from home because most Americans haven’t faced severe famine. In contrast, Russian readers, with their cultural history of World War II famine, readily recognize this aspect of the story.

- Some biblical stories involve morally complex situations; such as hatred against foreign peoples, killing, and let’s not forget the sexual appropriateness implied or talked about - is it really appropriate for all ages? — Just look at two examples: abortion and LGBTQ issues! - Some writers (religious persons) misused biblical themes to justify harmful ideologies or oppressive structures. - Who wrote the Bible? Was it divinely inspired? How was it really transmitted—human or divinely? - No translation captures the full richness of the original text. Interpretive choices impact meaning and which one will become the excepted version. — What happens to those who don’t accept that choice?

Valerie Van Haltern

Becoming unquestionable that there are states that are no longer safe for human habitation-- what they do to others they do to themselves

Dennis Horvitz

When proselytizing by example is an obvious pathetic failure the last, desperate resort is to have the government prop up their religion.. Of course, this isn't really about religion, this is about power.

The Marriage Minister

So much of this is driven by White nationalism. AKA The MAGA horde. Those that follow a yellow haired fraud. The morons that bend a knee to false prophet. They plan to demolish the separation of church and state.

DAVID LEONARD VEGA

The Critical Need for Church-State Separation and All Related Trappings in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the imperative to uphold a strict separation between Church and State has never been more critical. Christian nationalism and other forms of theocratic extremism are gaining alarming momentum, driven by white supremacists and extremist factions. These movements not only undermine Tennessee's commitment to democracy but also assault the foundational values of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

The state's recent move to declare the Christian Bible as its official book is a stark violation of the principle of religious neutrality. This decision overtly marginalizes non-Christian citizens and symbolizes a dangerous merging of religious doctrine with state governance. Such actions threaten the civil liberties of all Tennesseans, laying the groundwork for a biased and oppressive government.

This merger between religious extremism and state power is fostering a highly divisive and discriminatory agenda. It is causing social alienation and promoting narratives that target minority communities. These actions place minorities under the yoke of laws and social practices that are imbued with bigotry and disproportionate power dynamics.

Furthermore, Tennessee's nostalgic fixation on its antebellum past is driving these regressive ideologies forward. This troubling trend is manifesting a desire for a racially segregated society, which is deeply concerning. The state's actions are in direct opposition to the principles of fairness and inclusivity, which are essential for a just and equitable society.

The rise of religious intolerance in Tennessee is paving the way for a fusion of racist Christian ideologies with American governance. This dangerous trend threatens to permanently alter the nation's identity, fostering exclusion based on religion and race. It could potentially lead to autocratic and theocratic governance, undermining the democratic fabric of the country.

The support that this movement could potentially receive from global authoritarian figures like Putin, Xi, Kim, and Khamenei is alarming. Their interest in exploiting these vulnerabilities could significantly compromise the United States' stance on the global stage. This presents a severe international threat that must be addressed.

The historical irony observed by America’s native communities must be acknowledged. They see white colonizers imposing racially motivated superiority and authoritarianism over other groups, which is starkly hypocritical. This underscores the need for immediate and substantial reform in Tennessee's political landscape.

Civic leaders, activists, and concerned citizens across Tennessee must stand firm in their commitment to defending the separation of Church and State. They must advocate fervently for a society that upholds and protects fairness, respect, and equality. This advocacy is crucial not just for countering the current extremist agendas but also for safeguarding Tennessee's democratic values and justice.

The need for immediate action cannot be overstated. Without it, Tennessee risks becoming a stronghold of extremism that could disrupt the foundational principles of American democracy. The transformation of conservative terminology into synonyms for racism, authoritarianism, and despotism signals a severe crisis.

Tennessee is at a pivotal crossroads, and the decisions made now will determine the state's future. It can either reclaim its role as a beacon of justice and equity or descend into a dystopian state dominated by theocratic and autocratic rule. The ongoing struggle against these divisive forces is critical for the survival and integrity of democracy not just in Tennessee, but across the nation.

Takaya Kovani Sweeney

Why can’t everyone just mind their own fg lives?

Why force your shxt on someone else. If people want to read something, then they can fg read it…BY THEMSELVES.

Same with the book bans…take out what others want to cram this bullshxt in.

I’m so sick of all of these cherry picking hypocrites trying so hard to be self righteous that they’re trampling others to do it…oh, the irony.

Parson Golden

Keeping it on a list of books is really not a problem based on his historical context. Referring to it however it will be another story altogether.

Nicholas J Page

I personally can't comment as I'm an English Man and I don't understand Americas constitution.

Marion Alma Nelson

I think its viable to make the Aiken Bible a State book with such history connected to it.

Rolando Couce

Awesome simply awesome now let's follow the rules

ServantOfJudgement

It's an historical document integral with our independence. It's not state sponsored religion. It's a good thing.

The Declaration of Independence specifically identifies God as the source of our authority to declare independence from England.

This debate is a dead debate. Our future is plain to see. We created this nation under God. When we move from God, which we're free to do and are doing, expect judgement, which is happening right now.

To those who are watchmen or wise, store enough food and water so you can form a plan with clarity of mind when anarchy comes. You won't want to do that on while you're parched, starving and on the run.

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

This is just another example of the religiously delusional to bring religion into government. The founding fathers wanted to prevent a theocracy, these whackjobs want a xtian version of the type of government the US tried, and failed miserably, to prevent near the birthplace of the Bronze Age Abrahamic religions.

Jannetje Eleanore Van Went

I'm just going to say it like this, leaders are followed not forced. The other state leaders, did not make this choice because they were staying open to economic gains. If we go back to when faiths were held by each country of origin, then no one of another faith is welcome, this hinders economic growth. Today it will seem a forced perspective, so no other people of faith will feel comfortable and welcome in Tennessee. The other part is Christianity is a beautiful faith, those who are lost find hope in it, what if this closes the door to the always understood logic that Christianity was something people found so much hope, love and faith in that they live to share what they have learned from this faith, what if this decision causes others to not feel comfortable to go to this state and the Christian faith is crippled because it forces leadership and does not keep its doors open to all, so they see its beauty in those who live the Christian life so whole heartedly. People of other faiths have even become Christian because they saw the beauty in others beliefs, if they do not feel welcome in a state that sees forcing perspectives instead of inviting the love of the perspective in, the economy is also lowered, even good Christians won't see this as a way, you may loose new perspectives but also those who are true followers. Who will fill the needs of your state, if you are not followed.

Dr. Zerpersande, NSC

Ahhh, I found it. This sums up the Tennessee situation rather well.

https://youtu.be/QFgcqB8-AxE?si=UUayR7toZK64U0gF

Merlin

They must be willing to accept the questionable( ie. Ezekiel 23:20) as well as the spiritual. I wager that they have no idea.

Jimmy Moon

There is no separation of state and church. That's just liberal bull to get GOD out of America. IF it were true, then why did a lot of major colleges start out as Christian? Answer that, Satan worshipers.

Robin Anne Hannon

It is my understanding that when America was founded, the idea was to keep it from being under the boot of the Church of England. The idea was to avoid a religious theocracy in which tyranny reigned in the form of religion. We are slowly headed back to that tyranny which has nothing to do with Christianity, and everything to do with unlimited power in the name of faith. In terms of taking scriptures out of context in both old and New Testament, stop drinking the cool aid. Educate yourselves more. We can always piece scriptures together, but then it becomes inane. Classic example used to be a joke, now it's just reality when it comes to scripture and cherry picking it. "Jesus went and hung himself, go ye and do likewise." We have to be careful not to add or subtract to scriptures.

Ari Joseph Bertine

As reactive as I usually am to any genuine Constitutional challenges, this one does not alarm me. It's an "Official State Book". They also have Official State Bird, Official State Flower, and Official State Insect. Those designations do not elevate those species of organisms over others in the state, nor do they affect any legislation. They do send a message about the state's preferences, and that could be both beneficial and problematic; knowing that one of Tennessee's official state books is a Christian bible could both attract new residents to TN as well as deterring new residents that don't want to live in a state that so boldly proclaims a religious preference like that. It does nothing legally but it does a lot socially. If I lived in TN, I would be annoyed at it, but the specific Aitken bible listed is a historical book because of its printing circumstance. Yes, they are trying to move the line toward establishing government religion, but it's not like they are doing it secretly or even sneakily because everyone knows they are trying to move the line. It's just another sketchy thing done by an already sketchy state that people are keeping an eye on.

That said, there are other worse problems affecting those who live in Tennessee and my heart goes out to anyone stuck there. It's not a friendly place, but many of its people still have good hearts. I can only hope that this will win out over the more sinister faction of its state government.

Don Carlo Battaglia

"Lake of Fire." "Judgment Day." Mythology at its finest.

Daniel Tressler

The "Separation of Church and State" actually had nothing to do with religion. It was whether an Educational System followed the Educational Guidelines. The fact that the Educational System happened to be Catholic was NOT the deciding factor. They refused to follow the Educational Guidelines!

This misstating the rule is as the 2nd Amendment. It does NOT allow "We the People" to bear arms. It states that the Government CAN NOT TAKE OUR GUNS AWAY.

Our guns are to be used to keep a Government by the people, as they were used in 1860 when the Democrat SLAVE Masters Party Government tried to take over.

The reason is so that we NEVER end up with the Government in charge, as when the British ruled America!

Julio Dumano

I 'm very excited to read that, one of state of USA put the Bible first, how can I say? Is God really first in everything there?

let's me know; I really want to see that nowadays; one community has respect for the Bible and has Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, That amazing, wonderful.

what about the public and private schools have some Bibles's teachers in? we want to encourage that and continue to keep the bible first. respect and obey God in everything you do.

wooow God is good all the time. may the holly spirits keep your ways for ever.

Kind Regards! Reverend Julio Dumano.

Cynthia B. Adwell

Am I misunderstanding the article, in some way? It was my understanding that the Aitken Bible is included not because it is a Christian text, or Christian Bible, but because it was the first Bible put together by Aitken and printed in Tennessee. Am I correct? As such, to those non-Christian, I do not understand the upheaval. It is included because of its historical value. No one is saying you have to read it. Or you have to become a Christian just because one of the several books chosen to be the state book happens to be a Christian text. My grandfather would have stated, ‘Get your panties untwisted!’ If I were a stranger, and simply fell onto this site, I would be appalled at how this forum reads! Instead of coming together, and discussing it calmly, and really listening to one another, some of you are attempting to pour damnation and hell fire on the first person who says something you don’t like to hear! I am a Christian, proudly, and have been for 54 years! Am I glad to see it included in the list of state books for Tennessee? Of course I am. In an ideal world (as I would see it), this act would bring Christianity to the masses, and we would end up in the world’s largest revival because of it! Instead, I would not, however, as much as it pains me to say this, would not have included it in the list. Simply because, those who endorse its inclusion are not behaving as a Christian should. When all we can do is condemn those who disagree with the book, then we are setting ourselves up for a fall. Jesus, is the Christ, yet He Himself did not condemn. Remember that He regularly dined with the sinners. Included them as His friends. He did not win others to follow Him by telling them they were going to Hell, but by loving them. And serving them. Why are Christians so lax in showing that side of our belief?

KendraCrows

Please do not harm or send harm to each other over a state accepting a popular belief, for it becomes a precedent to then accept others. The bible as we know it now, is simplified for the public. The original history if even documented correctly may have been translated incorrectly, and the most redacted book of stories in the history of humanity to rule the majority of believers. We are taught to accept all beliefs, whether true, untrue, or redacted, to offer the light and heal the lost. Fighting only shows fear and not knowledge. Blessings to those who understand without blame, for if we knew everything, we would not be petty here.

Victor Allen Hawthorne

Y'all are dancing around the true answer with your arrogance, and all knowing emotionally driven opinions. I don't believe Tennessee is attempting to create a State Church, or offend non-believers in any sect. The Bible has affected millions of people of all faiths. Its influence has transformed a way of life for generations for over three thousand years. Some say it is foolish story full of myth. Yet, this world would be entirely different without it. The Bible is an important text that cannot be denied. I think it is worthy of the honor bestowed as a State Book.

Edward D Torres

How impotent you have become bowing to separation from God in Government. Every State in the United States established the Religion in the Almighty God of the Bible. Public school started in the Churches with the Bible as a book of Literature and History. We need to stand and defend our Nation under God and not cower and retreat with people who are anti Christ The son of God

Edward D Torres

Jesus is history and how you worship him is your religion. We are trying to bring Creationism and Intelligent Design. The irreducible complexity of the cell debunks evolution. RNA and DNA 21st Century Science proves our Intelligent Design. Have you no fear of God suffering the children to come into the knowledge of God our Creator who so loved the world He sent Jesus the Christ.

Michelle Kitz

Politicians need to stop getting their religion all over my government. This country is made up of people of many religions and beliefs. Having one religion's book given a higher position over others is against everything this country was founded on. Freedom of religion is one of our most basic tenets. Some people are conveniently forgetting that to push their own agendas with Christianity as their weapon.

Joseph E McCroskey

Must everything and every opinion be w divisive line? Lets come together in Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. Divide and Conquer is an old saying that seems to me very applicable today. We must come together as a nation, view our opinions without the negativity.

Evone Payton Banks (Minister non denominational)

This has so many legalities. First to make it a state book, you'd have to say the entire state is a Christian state. Second you'd literally have to have the entire state on board with such a bill that wanted to be passed. There's more to this story. I need more info to give a better informed opinion

Peter Senderowitz

There is no real separation of Church and State in the U.S. Freedom to Worship does not equal such a separation. Make churches, synagogues, mosques, whatever, pay taxes like everyone else! Let's let Tennessee secede from the Union, but they must leave their whiskey to us.Rev. Peter S.