by Art F. Moran

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 24, 2009

Ultimately, there may be no greater controversy in and throughout the history of mankind itself, than that of concerning one's individual beliefs surrounding the Holy Bible. For as much as I am a firm believer that the individual has every constitutional right to choose their own belief system, and a right to religious freedom, there looms an issue here that defies the principle of this debate.

In solidifying the underlying issue or principle interest of this debate; concerning the use of the Bible in America's ceremonial procedures, and in the courts of law, there is specific historical evidence supportive of multiple individuals, facts, and events, that deserve due respect by anyone residing in the privilege America offers to us all, regardless of one's individual beliefs.

In a brief overview of the Bible's direct influence to America's founding fathers, we can trace the tracks of time to learn; William Tyndale was accredited as having interpreted the world's first English text version of the Holy Bible in 1526. For Tyndale's efforts, he was later tried and convicted in 1535, by an act of heresy, and later strangled to death and burned at the stake.

Not unlike that of his predecessor; Martin Luther's efforts to translate the Bible into German, and who went on to shape the foundation of Christianity, when he nailed his "95 Theses" to the Catholic's front door, during the "Diet of Worms."

Fortunately for Luther, he escaped the similar fate of that which Tyndale was later laid to rest.

However, Tyndale's sufferings were not in vain, as he has now been revered as having influenced not only the formulation of America through the circulation of his written efforts in The New Testament, but more importantly, has been noted as having contributed a standing 83% of the King James Bibles still in print, and in circulation today.

Furthermore, Tyndale's efforts have afforded him great acclaim in and amidst the scholars of this country and others, as having played a large role in the formulation and shaping of the English language, and written word that we use today, and rely on in America to establish and uphold the laws, and educating principles which govern this great nation.

During the expansion of America's birth in the 1770's, there was another gentleman who arose, and quite possible holds the record for the bestselling book in print in America's history; "Common Sense" which is still in circulation to this current day. That man's name was Thomas Paine;

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