Legislation filed by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, would declare 2020 the “Year of the Bible.”

Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 would recognize the unique contribution the Bible has made in shaping the United States, including that biblical teachings inspired civil government concepts found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The resolution also recognizes that many U.S. presidents have paid tribute to the influence of the Bible.

“We have turned away from the foundational principles and truths that established our country,” Dahm said.  “This resolution allows us to recognize the influence the Bible has on our land.”

Hobby Lobby President and Board Chairman of the Museum of the Bible Steve Green supports the passage of SCR 7.  “It is important in America to keep our religious freedoms safe both as individuals and as businesses,” Green said. “We at Hobby Lobby and Museum of the Bible support and encourage bringing the Bible into the conversation in business and also in the public square of government.”

House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, has signed on as the House author of the resolution.

“The Biblical values the United States were founded upon are a big part of what makes our country so exceptional,” Echols said. “The Bible has a special power to unite us even in divided times. We hope to experience more of this unique unity this year through a renewed focus on the values the Bible teaches that we all hold dear.”

SCR 7 encourages Gov. Kevin Stitt and the entire executive branch to designate 2020 as the “Year of the Bible.”

“Second Chronicles 20:20 says ‘Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established,’” Dahm said. “As we begin a new era in Oklahoma, I am hopeful this resolution will help people look to truth in 2020 and the years to come.”