Video: Proposals Would Designate the Bible as Mississippi State Book

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BY EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi is the birthplace of William Faulkner, Richard Wright and recent U.S. poet laureate Natasha Trethewey. But some lawmakers say they want to look beyond the secular literary world and designate the Bible as the state book.

At least two bills are being filed to make the holy book a state symbol.

One is from Republican Rep. Tracy Arnold of Booneville, who is the pastor of a nondenominational Christian church. The other is from Democratic Reps. Tom Miles of Forest and Michael Evans of Preston, who say they have promises of bipartisan support from more than 20 colleagues.

Miles told The Associated Press on Monday he’s not trying to force religion – or even reading – on anyone. But he sees the Bible as a good guide for promoting kindness and compassion.