No separation of state in Oklahoma
By Cody Andrus
Donald Trump's endorsement of a specific Bible has stirred debate in Oklahoma’s education system. Ryan Walters, the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, is advocating for the inclusion of this Bible in classrooms, claiming that it meets his educational standards. Walters, known for his strong conservative views, seeks to introduce more religious material into public schools, citing the Bible’s historical and moral importance.
The Bible in question is Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A. Bible, commonly referred to as the Trump Bible. It is endorsed by Donald Trump and marketed as a patriotic and Christian resource. Priced at $60 each online, this Bible bears Trump’s name and includes American historical documents like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. As part of the endorsement deal, Trump receives a fee for his association with the Bible. Walters sees this edition as a perfect fit for Oklahoma classrooms, arguing that it represents a blend of American and Christian values.
The search for a Bible that meets Walters’ criteria has not been straightforward. A salesperson at Mardel Christian & Education, a large retailer specializing in Christian resources, noted that while the store carries 2,900 different versions of the Bible, none of them met the specific parameters set by Walters. The God Bless the U.S.A. Bible is one of the few that fits his requirements. Supporters of Walters' approach believe this Bible fosters a sense of patriotism and moral guidance. Others argue that introducing such religious content into public education risks alienating students of different faiths and violating the principles of religious neutrality in schools.
