PA House Resolution 535: 2012 is "Year of the Bible" (Jefferson: 2014, lawyer)

[Clint.]

Has anyone read House Resolution 535 yet? It was unanimously approved by the PA House on 1/23/12. Among other statements, it declares "our national need to study and apply the teachings of the holy scriptures".

This is ridiculous. These people were elected to operate the government and represent the citizens. How can they in good conscience believe that this resolution is a means to that end? It demeans a significant number of Pennsylvania residents who do not hold the Bible in any particular esteem. At best it's pandering; at worst, they really believe it and are bigots.

Perhaps it is indicative of how America's largest full time legislature spends its time. It certainly diminishes any credibility I would give to any representative who voted to approve. In fact, I consider them to be enemies of freedom of - and from - religion and deserving of very little respect or credibility.

[Boompa]

It's so good to know that they have solved all of Pennsylvania's problems and have moved on to establishing Christianity as the State Religion. All they need to do now is hire some inquisitors

[Mr Yuk]

Pennsylvania's state legislasture needs to be cut by AT LEAST half. Its too bloated. For example, there is no need for Lackawanna County, population of about 210,000, to have 5 state reps, and all the expenses that go along with them....staffs, per diems, cars, food, lodging, etc etc etc etc. And they actually have time to sit and come up with this kind of BS. I guess they never heard of separation of church and state??

[Duderino]

This is pretty appalling and unconstitutional, and frankly I'm surprised there has not been more media attention about this. I don't know what's more shocking -- that this was legitimately proposed as a resolution, or that it was passed unanimously. I mean really, is this like 1925 or something?

If this isn't evidence that we need to scrap our entire legislature and start over, I don't know what is.

[LibraGirl123]

What the heck? I have as much respect for the Bible as the next guy/gal, but what happened to separation of church and state? I think our state legislators should be spending time on issues such as unemployment, hunger relief, housing, education, etc.

[mancat100]

I think all of our Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and agnostic/atheist citizens can all just stop paying their state taxes now. They have zero representation in the legislature- and by representation I mean having their interests taken into account. "no taxation without representation"

[susquehannock]

Originally Posted by LibraGirl123

What the heck? I have as much respect for the Bible as the next guy/gal, but what happened to separation of church and state?

I'd would also like to know what happened to it !

I've read the Constitution and Bill of Rights many times and I just can't find it anywhere!

Somebody show me before I spend one more second looking!

[Boompa]

Originally Posted by mancat100

I think all of our Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and agnostic/atheist citizens can all just stop paying their state taxes now. They have zero representation in the legislature- and by representation I mean having their interests taken into account. "no taxation without representation"

Actually the seperation of Church and State came about because Virginia was funding Anglican Schools and the Baptists hired Thomas Jefferson as their Lawyer

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by susquehannock

Somebody show me before I spend one more second looking!

It's called the First Amendment, although unfortunately many refuse to acknowledge it. We are not, and never have been, a "Christian" nation.

I hope the legislature is prepared to make the Qu'ran and the Torah the official religious books of Pennsylvania 2013 and 2014.

Billy Penn is turning in his grave right now.

[LibraGirl123]

My thanks to BrooklineSylvia for posting this info. I'm going to contact my State Senator today about this bill. Thank heavens, he's not a sponsor.