"YEAR OF THE BIBLE"

Public Law 97-280: A Brief History and Current Relevance

History and Background:

Public Law 97-280 was enacted on October 4, 1982, during the 97th Congress. This law was a joint resolution declaring 1983 as the "Year of the Bible." The resolution acknowledged the Bible's influence on the founding of the United States and its importance to American culture and society. Here is a summary of the key points that led to the enactment of this law:

1. Cultural and Historical Context:
• The early 1980s in the United States saw a resurgence of interest in religious and moral issues, influenced by the rise of the religious right and the Moral Majority, led by figures such as Jerry Falwell.
• There was a growing sentiment among many Americans that the nation needed to return to its "Judeo-Christian roots" to address social and moral decline.
2. Legislative Process:
• Representative Carlos Moorhead of California introduced the joint resolution.
• It passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan support, reflecting the widespread cultural respect for the Bible then.

Key Provisions:

The resolution contained several vital statements:

• It declared that the Bible had made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people.
• It proclaimed 1983 as the "Year of the Bible" and encouraged the citizens of the United States to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

Current Legal Status and Usefulness:

1. Legal Status:

• As a joint resolution, Public Law 97-280 does not have the same legal weight as typical statutory laws. It was more of a symbolic gesture than a law with enforceable provisions.
• It did not create any new regulatory or administrative obligations or mandate any specific actions from government bodies or citizens.

2. Ongoing Relevance:

• The resolution remains part of the historical record but has no ongoing legal or regulatory impact. It served its purpose in 1983 and has since been a reference point for discussions about the role of religion in public life.
• Its influence is mainly symbolic, reflecting a period of significant bipartisan support for acknowledging the Bible's cultural and historical significance.

3. Usefulness:

• The usefulness of Public Law 97-280 today is primarily historical and educational. It provides insight into the cultural and political climate of the early 1980s and the role of religion in American public life.
• For those studying the intersection of religion and government in the United States, it exemplifies how Congress has acknowledged religious influences without creating binding legislation.
• It can also be referenced in discussions about the influence of religious groups on American politics and how the government has responded to religious constituencies.

In conclusion, while Public Law 97-280 no longer has active legal or regulatory significance, its symbolic importance and historical context remain relevant for understanding the relationship between religion and government in the United States.