Yes, that was in the Atlanta papers. Dumb idea.
Basically harmless, but still rather stupid. I see “state book” as something akin to “state rodent” and “state fossil” and “state flower” – they make some people happy. But remember that Tennessee is that state that brought you the Scopes Monkey 90 years ago. Some things never change.
The interesting questions will be when it gets to court (and it will, believe me!).
Is the bible a book of literary interest, or is it a book that promotes a particular religion? Would the same issues arise if the suggested book were “1984” or “Brave New World” or even one of the Harry Potter books?
and which edition of the bible? Would it be the King James version? The New Revised Version? The Tanach (published by thew Jewish Publication Society)? There are probably 500 different editions of the bible, each pushing one or another interpretation or translation. How will the august lawmakers in Tennessee decide this?
IF this passes, it will die in court.