[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23164]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF NATIONAL BIBLE WEEK

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to join the National 
Bible Association in celebrating one of the most important pieces of 
literature in human history: the Bible. As Senate co-chair of National 
Bible Week 2002, it is my honor to participate in a nationwide 
recognition of the Bible's importance in our daily lives. From November 
24 through December 1, communities and churches across America will 
take part in this tradition by reading and reflecting on the Bible's 
teachings and how they can help us to lead better lives.
  This week of Biblical awareness is something that those whose faiths 
are based in Judeo-Christian belief can appreciate. But National Bible 
Week is also an opportunity for Americans of all religious backgrounds 
to experience the benefits of Bible study. Just as America's students 
read the Constitution of the United States and examine the laws that 
govern our social behavior, so should everyone read the Bible and 
consider the traditions and lessons that have come to govern our moral 
behavior. The ethical guidelines that the Bible provides for us have, 
in large part, built the moral basis of the Western world and its 
governments. Furthermore, the notions of right and wrong, of good and 
bad, and the principles we teach our children are illustrated by the 
Bible's stories. Through this book, God's word gives us a complete set 
of simple rules to follow to lead a virtuous life.
  National Bible Week encourages the country to make time, over the 
course of 8 days, for returning to the source of their religious 
beliefs. In this way, a nationwide look at the Bible serves to bring 
people of different sects and schools together. It allows us to 
recognize the common text we all share, regardless of denomination or 
church, and lays down a standard of conduct and piety that applies to 
everyone without discrimination.
  As a practicing Catholic, I carry God's word in my heart every day 
and, for me, the Bible is a source of strength and comfort. In my own 
behavior, with my family, and in my work, I rely on God's message to 
guide me. It is my hope that those who may have put the Bible aside 
will open themselves up to National Bible Week as a chance to reread 
such an important text, for believers and nonbelievers alike.
  National Bible Week 2002 will be inaugurated in New York with a 
kickoff luncheon to raise funds for the National Bible Association, an 
organization dedicated to promoting daily Bible reading. I congratulate 
this group's efforts to encourage better Biblical understanding and to 
draw people of faith towards common ground for a clearer, more 
universal understanding of the Bible's lessons and God's word.

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