House Bill 1828, which was signed today by Gov. Bill Lee, will add the “Aitken Bible” (among other documents) as an official state book of Tennessee. The Aitken Bible plays an important role in Christian nationalist rhetoric because of a persistent myth that it was printed by the U.S. Congress for use in public schools. This is false. In fact, Congress declined a request of Robert Aitken to publish his bible. Aitken wanted Congress to endorse his bible and to publish it for placement in schools, and Congress said “no.” Professor Warren Throckmorton has thoroughly analyzed and eviscerated the propaganda behind this myth.
Two more egregious bills advancing Christian nationalism have passed the Legislature and are expected to be signed into law soon.
House Bill 2125 designates November as “Christian Heritage Month” “encouraging citizens to learn more about Christian heritage in this state.” FFRF has fought back against similar proclamations in the past, asserting that the Christian heritage movement attributes any generic reference to religion or “God” as supporting our “Christian heritage.”
Continue reading @ FFRF.
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