House, Senate committees pass bill to make Bible official TN book

Senate and House committees overwhelmingly approved measures Tuesday that would designate the Bible as the official book of Tennessee, despite reservations raised by religious leaders and some lawmakers.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved the measure by a 7-0-2 vote; no lawmakers voted against the bill, but two abstained. The House State Government Committee approved the bill by a voice vote about an hour later.

The House version includes added language in the form of an amendment. The amendment adds "talking points" in support of the bill, said House sponsor, Rep. Jerry Sexton, R-Bean Station.

"It doesn't in any way, shape, form or fashion say that anyone has to read this book. It doesn't mean anyone has to believe in the tenets of this book," said Rep. William Lamberth, R-Cottontown.

Several local religious leaders spoke out against the bill in the Senate committee hearing. Michael Williams, pastor at the West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, said he fears that making the Bible the official book would demean the Bible and what the Scriptures mean to himself and other Christians.

"I love catfish, but listen, it doesn't come close to the Holy Scripture," Williams said, noting his fears of listing the Bible with the state fish and other state items.

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville, raised similar concerns when the bill came up recently. He raised those concerns again Tuesday, arguing the move belittles the Bible.

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey agrees. The Blountville Republican told reporters Tuesday he's warned the bill sponsor he opposes the bill.

"I'm just adamantly opposed to that. I mean the Bible is my official book, it is. It shouldn't be put in the Blue Book with Rocky Top, salamanders and tulip poplars. I'm sorry; it just shouldn't," Ramsey said.

"And it may pass, I don't know. But I'll guarantee you one thing: When it comes to the floor, I'm voting against it. I think that belittles the most holy book that's ever been written in my opinion."

The language of the original bill is very simple. It adds the sentence "The Holy Bible is hereby designated as the official state book" to state law. But it doesn't specify which version of the Bible.

That's one of the reasons Mark Schiftan, senior rabbi at a temple in Nashville, opposed the bill. He said there are many different versions of the Bible. To include one Bible as the official book "inherently excludes the others."

"We urge you to reconsider and to contemplate this within your own hearts," Schiftan said.

Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, is the Senate sponsor of the bill and told his fellow lawmakers he's been "ordained" since 1981. Echoing Southerland's comments, Sexton agreed the measure doesn't downplay the religious significance of the Bible.

"I don't think you could diminish (the Bible) if you tried. It doesn't need us to hold it up, it stands on its own," Sexton said.

David Fowler, a former lawmaker and official with conservative advocacy group the Family Action Council of Tennessee, also spoke in support of the bill. Southerland, Sexton and Fowler all argued the bill recognized the historical value of the Bible and didn't promote Christianity above other religions.

The bill next goes to the House and Senate calendar committees, the last step before it goes to the full Senate and House.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892 and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.