At Nation's Capitol, Lawmakers Read from Historic Bible: "Let Your Light so Shine..."

News Staff : Nov 20, 2015
CBN News

"The Bible has impacted every aspect of life, including the political history of America." -Richard Glickstein

(Washington, DC)—The National Bible Association held a special Bible reading event at the nation's Capitol this week to remind Americans that this coming Monday, November 23, is the International Day of the Bible. (Screengrab via CBN News)

They used a 1782 version of the Bible called the Aitken Bible, which is an important part of U.S. history.

England had cut off all supplies to the colonies because of the Revolutionary War, so a printer named Robert Aitken sought special approval from Congress to print Bibles in English to make sure the colonists could still get Bibles.

Congress responded in September of 1782 by issuing this statement: "Resolved. That the United States in Congress assembled, highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitkin, as subservient to the interest of religion as well as an influence of the progress of arts in this country and being satisfied from the above report (by the congressional chaplains), they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States and hereby authorize him to publish this recommendation."

This week, several senators and congressmen read from the Aitken Bible, which was the only one ever formally approved by Congress.
"The Bible has impacted every aspect of life, including the political history of America," said Richard Glickstein, president of the National Bible Association. (Screengrab via CBN News)

"The opportunity to read from the Aitken Bible just further reinforces the deep ties that our nation has with this great book," Glickstein said.

Sen. John Thune, R-SD, read from Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven."

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-AL, read Matthew 7:18: "A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Other readers included U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Sen. Tim Scott, R-SC, and Reps. Steve King, R-IA and Louie Gohmert-R-TX.