PUBLIC LAW 97-280—OCT. 4, 1982 96 STAT. 1211 Public Law 97-280 97th Congress Joint Resolution Authorizing and requesting the President to proclaim 1983 as the "Year of the Bible".

PUBLIC LAW

97-280—OCT.

4, 1982 96 STAT. 1211

Public Law 97-280

97th Congress

Joint Resolution

Authorizing and requesting the President to proclaim 1983 as the "Year of the Bible".

Oct. 4, 1982

[S.J. Res. 165]

Whereas the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribu-

tion in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed

nation and people;

Whereas deeply held religious convictions springing from the Holy

Scriptures led to the early settlement of our Nation;

Whereas Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government

that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the

Constitution of the United States;

Whereas many of our great national

leaders—among

them Presi-

dents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and

Wilson—paid

tribute to

the surpassing influence of the Bible in our country's develop-

ment, as in the words of President Jackson that the Bible is

"the

rock on which our Republic rests";

Whereas the history of our Nation clearly illustrates the value of

voluntarily

appl3dng

the teachings of the Scriptures in the lives of

individuals, families, and societies;

Whereas this Nation now faces great challenges that will test this

Nation as it has never been tested before; and

Whereas that renewing our knowledge of and faith in God through

Holy Scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people: Now,

therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and

House

of Representatives of the United

States of America in Congress

assembled,

That the President is

^fi^^°^**^®

authorized and requested to designate 1983 as a national

"Year

of

the Bible" in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible

has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply

the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

Approved October 4, 1982.

Bible.

LEGISLATIVE

HISTORY—S.J.

Res. 165:

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 128 (1982):

Mar. 31, considered and passed Senate.

Sept. 21, considered and passed House. 

 

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