Bible bending goes to court

"Jurors with Bibles have created an ongoing controversy over the death sentence of a Waco man convicted of killing an East Texas farmer during a home burglary nearly a decade ago."

I almost fell off my chair when I read this sentence as I perused the first morning newspaper of the year 2008. Juror's with Bibles are causing a stir? in a nation where everyone from presidents to congress persons (with a notable exception) to state witnesses swear on the Bible? Could this be true?

Thankfully, it is.

The lawyers for Khristian Oliver, the only assailant of the three who received the death penalty, are arguing that the jury members improperly consulted the Bible, specifically Numbers 35:16, when determining the appropriate punishment for Oliver's crimes.

"This is headed toward a showdown on a very fundamental question on the use of the Bible," said Winston Cochran, Mr. Oliver's lawyer.

In other words, this is a case about Bible bending--deciding how we as a nation are going to address the way we use and understand the Bible. Wow. Happy New Year.

Where does the Bible belong: Texas schools? California schools? North Carolina courts? Florida airports? and where did the Bibles in England go?

Wilmington Morning Star (NC): In a challenge to North Carolina's current state policy, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argued that if the courts will allow religious text to be used when taking oaths, they must allow all religious text. Currently, NC allows witnesses to take oath in three ways: "by laying a hand over 'the Holy Scriptures,' by saying 'so help me God' without the use of a religious book, or by an affirmation using no religious symbols."

The case was brought forward by a woman who was denied the use of the Quran in court. "If the state is going to get into the religious oath business, the state has to be fair," said Seth Cohen, the ACLU's lead counsel on the case.

Amarillo (TX): The Texas state legislature approved a bill that would give public schools the option of including a Bible class using State Board of Education approved curriculum. The bill is a watered-down version of Rep. Warren Chisum's original proposal, which called for mandatory Bible classes.

Orange County Register (CA): A proposal to introduce a Bible course to Huntington Beach (CA) died due to lack of support.

BBC (UK): Eight ancient Bibles have been stolen from churches in Hampshire, according to police. One of the Bible's is considered "rare and distinctive" because it has "The Parable of the Vinegar" printed on it rather than "The Parable of the Vineyard."

Gainesville (FL): Fort Lauderdale airport officials announced that the worker who repeatedly recited Leviticus 20:13 over the airport intercom last week is fired. The worker said it was a prank and apologized to the couple who brought the incident to the media's attention. But the openly gay couple, who were startled to hear "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, they should be put to death.," said it sounded more like a death threat than a prank.