Lawmaker would require public schools to have King James version of Bible

OKLAHOMA CITY — A state lawmaker wants to require every public school library to purchase a King James Bible, and mandate that educators use it as the primary text when teaching elective courses on the Old and New Testaments.

However, one renowned biblical scholar said Wednesday that no one would ever use the King James version for a serious course in biblical studies because experts have learned so much about the Bible in the centuries since it was published and there are more accurate translations.

In a press release, state Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, doubled down on his proposal because he said the King James version influenced America’s Founding Fathers, and he said Senate Bill 1161 will ensure its use in courses involving Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament.

“Our Founding Fathers relied heavily upon the scriptures in the formation of our country, and the Bible they used was the King James Bible, which makes it an important historical document,” said Burns, in a statement Wednesday. “It influenced the writing of the major documents that created this country, including the Constitution. It’s historically accurate to use that version, and it is in the public domain, which is also important.”

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