The state House voted 55 to 38 Wednesday to make the Bible the official state book, despite concerns over the constitutionality of the action and the wishes of Republican leaders. The sponsor, Representative Jerry Sexton, a Republican who is a former pastor, said his proposal reflected the Bible’s historical, cultural and economic impact in Tennessee. The state attorney general, Herbert Slatery, warned that the bill would violate separation of church and state provisions of the federal and state Constitutions. While supporters acknowledged the likelihood of a lawsuit if the bill becomes law, some said it would be worth the expense. The Senate is to vote on it Thursday. Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican, opposes it, but he has not said whether he would veto it.