As hundreds of thousands of kids across the U.S. prepare to bring their Bibles to school on Thursday, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin is throwing his support their way, releasing a Facebook video that praises the Bible’s “wisdom” and its potential to help heal America’s divisiveness.
READ: To Everyone Telling People Their ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Don’t Matter After Las Vegas
Bevin, whose Facebook video is sure to rile atheist activists, said that “Bring Your Bible to School Day” — an Oct. 5 event during which young people of all ages are encouraged to “bring their Bibles to school and talk about it with friends” — is a chance to “celebrate not only some of the foundational principles of this nation, but the importance of this document.”
The governor also said that there are some profound biblical lessons that, if adhered to, could help heal America’s woes.
“You look at all the division, and all the vitriol and all the animosity that’s striking us in this nation — how fragmented people are,” Bevin said. “If we followed biblical principles like treating others as you want to be treated, loving your neighbor like yourself, simple stuff.”
He continued, “This is the kind of thing we should celebrate.”
Watch the governor’s comments below:
https://www.facebook.com/GovMattBevin/videos/1755244198108799/
Bevin urged young people to use “Bring Your Bible to School Day” to start conversations with their peers.
“This is absolutely your right to do this,” he said. “Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.”
As Faithwire previously reported, “Bring Your Bible to School Day” encourages young people to bolster their faith, stand up for religious liberty and talk with their peers about Jesus.
“The event is designed to empower you as a student to express your belief in the truth of God’s Word–and to do so in a respectful way that demonstrates the love of Christ,” an official description reads. “Participation is voluntary and student-directed — meaning it’s completely up to students, Christian clubs and youth groups to sign up online and then lead the activities in their school.”
In 2016, 356,000 students from across the U.S. were estimated to have taken part in the effort, with hundreds of thousands of children, again, planning to bring their Bibles to school this year.