Gov. Bill Haslam is soon to receive a bill from his state legislature to do exactly that, and I completely disagree with the idea of such a move.
As an American.
As a Christian.
As a Pastor.
You see, I am a firm proponent of religious freedom...and not just for Christians. The First Amendment says that government shall make no law for "establishment of religion" or prohibiting someone's ability to worship freely. Based on those actual words, I'm not convinced this bill would violate either of those standards.
But I wonder how Christians would feel if the bill was endorsing the Koran as the official book?
Some Christians argue that as a "Christian nation" it only makes sense that we hold the Bible in a place of high reverence. And while I completely agree with that position, I don't need the government to validate the Bible for me.
"For the word of God is living and active..." Hebrews 4:12
If more people heard the Bible loudly and joyfully endorsed by believers, we wouldn't have states who felt the need to elevate scripture on behalf of silent Christians. The power of the Bible is not found in a government endorsement, but in the hands of devoted Christians who will share and live the message that is contained within.
How are you endorsing the Bible in your life? Are you reading it regularly? Are you allowing those words to penetrate your heart and direct your path? And are you sharing the message of hope in Jesus to those who haven't accepted?
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