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BIBLE: The law says…

| December 12, 2018 12:00 AM

One fact in the Constitution that is ignored and forgotten is that judges cannot make law — they can only give opinions about law. The executive department enforces law. Three classic examples of presidents ignoring Court opinions are Jefferson (Marbury vs. Madiso), Jackson (Worcester vs. Georgia) and Lincoln (Dred Scott decision).

Recently, I heard a conservative say that it is unconstitutional to allow Bible reading in school. That is the result of accepting the Supreme Court’s opinion as law, and courts do not (constitutionally) make law. In this case, the judges’ opinion was even misinterpreted.

Until 1963, every school in Idaho was required to have daily Bible reading. Therefore it could not have been unconstitutional.

In 1963, the Supreme Court gave an opinion, not against the study of the Bible, but against the devotional and sectarian (promoting denominational doctrines) use of the Bible. Supreme Court Justice Clark stated, “It might be well said that one’s education is not complete without a study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization. It certainly may be said that the Bible is worthy of study for its literacy and historic qualities. Nothing we have said here indicates that such study of the Bible or of religion, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, may not be effected consistently with the First Amendment.” http://www.bibleinschools.net/Is-this-Legal.php

In 39 states, public schools are currently incorporating Bible study classes. Idaho should join this number.

ALLEN MARSH

Post Falls