[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, for the last 60 years, National 
Bible Week has been an annual observance in this country. It has come 
each year at Thanksgiving time since 1941. We were on the brink of 
World War II that year, and about to face the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 
That was certainly a difficult time in our Nation's history, but this 
country has truly been blessed. In truth there have been only a few 
times since then that we as a nation have felt the need to turn to the 
worn pages of our Bibles for strength and comfort and guidance. We are 
in the midst of such a time right now.
  This year National Bible Week runs from Sunday, the 18th of November 
through the 25th. I am pleased and honored to serve as one of this 
year's Congressional cochairs for National Bible Week, which is 
sponsored by the National Bible Association. The Bible has had 
remarkable influence on American life, literature, music, art, and the 
system of justice that governs our laws. Inscribed on every piece of 
American currency is the phrase, ``In God we trust.'' Freedom of 
religion is guaranteed under our constitution. And despite the many 
differences in our religious views, we proclaim ourselves to be ``one 
Nation, under God.''
  I join the majority of Americans in believing the Bible to be the 
Word of God. For those of the Jewish faith, the Old Testament, or 
Torah, offers understanding and serves as a reminder of obligations to 
God and country. Islamic followers consider Christians and Jews to be 
``the people of the book,'' and their Koran recognizes the Bible's 
significance in the development of civilization. Certainly now, as evil 
people seek to pit one religion against another, and try to justify 
acts of hate committed in the name of God, this is the time to 
strengthen our beliefs, and to do this, we turn to the Bible. I 
encourage believers everywhere to open their Bibles, and read the 
scriptures. Find a favorite passage, and give thanks.

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