Last month, members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a resolution proclaiming “Christ is King” to honor “the sovereignty of Jesus Christ as a source of hope, unity, and moral guidance.” The resolution faced intense scrutiny from critics, but was ultimately passed in by a vote of 71-16.
Not to be outdone, one Texas politician said “hold my holy water.”
Rep. Carrie Isaac recently introduced House Concurrent Resolution 59, which would make every April for the next ten years “Promise Month,” a reminder, the legislation reads, that “God keeps His promises.”
Though the resolution’s only been proposed, it has nearly 50 co-sponsors and had a hearing earlier this month. With Texas’ recent legislative push to bring the Bible back to public life, it seems possible that explicitly Christian messaging could soon become recognized legislative policy.
What Is Promise Month?
If you’re in Texas, you may be celebrating “Promise Month” this time next year.
“This resolution honors God’s promises of love and guidance, recognizing the vital role of faith in our state’s history and future,” wrote Rep. Isaac, the bill’s author, on Instagram. “Let’s stand firm in our faith and celebrate God’s promises that bring hope, strength, and peace!”
The short resolution legally establishes that God keeps His promises, God’s promises are precious, and God’s promises show the way to salvation. The resolution also declares the United States an explicitly Christian nation: “The Declaration of Independence clearly reveals the fact that America was founded upon Biblical principles and Christian values; the Bible had great influence on the founding of our great nation.”
The legislation seems inspired both by Oklahoma’s “Christ is King” bill, as well as a little-known resolution passed in the 2023 legislative session, House Concurrent Resolution 29. That resolution established the last week of every April as “Christian Heritage Week,” a resolution which is on the books until at least 2033.
Supporters seem to be saying: why only have a week when you can have a month?
Critics React
Those skeptical of the state getting too involved with specific religions were not thrilled about the proposal.
“Effectively endorsing Christianity as the state-sanctioned religion” is how a press release from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) describes the legislation. “Texas legislators are determined to implement their Christian nationalist agenda.”
FFRF alleges that not only is the resolution a blatantly illegal state endorsement of Christianity, but that Texas lawmakers in favor of the resolution are nearly in dereliction of their duty.
“FFRF urges Texas lawmakers to remember they swore an oath of office to serve all constituents, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Using their positions of power to create government observances based on specific religious doctrines not only disrespects the religious freedoms of citizens but also contradicts the Texas Constitution.”
The group warns that Texas is inching towards a theocracy, where Christian nationalism is the de facto state faith and Christian rule the law of the land. And they say that declarations like this are mere trial balloons to inch away from a secular government one bill at a time.
But bill author Rep. Isaac says this bill is for all Texans, not just Christians. “Representative Isaac invites all Texans to participate in this initiative,” she wrote on Facebook, “by reflecting on their faith, standing firm in their commitments, and trusting in God’s promises for the future of our state and nation.”
What do you think? Should there be a state-sanctioned month to remind us of Jesus? Is that even legal? And what of the millions of non-Christians in Texas?
8 comments
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Nicholas J Page
The whole of the US not just Texas
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Reverend Paula Copp
So much for separation of church and state! America is NOT a christian nation, not in the beginning and theoretically not now. Nutty religious zealots!
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Lawrence A. Benson
Since when do the States not have to abide by the laws of the U.S. Constitution? Why are there always a few people who feel the need to profess their religious beliefs by shoving them down other people's throats? If everyone believed whatever they wish to believe, in the privacy of their own homes and minds, there would be less death and destruction in the world. In other words, MYOB when it comes to your beliefs.
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Brother Peter
Amen.
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Colleen McAllister
No this is wrong. State sanctioned or mandated religion is exactly why our forefathers left England. This is unconstitutional. This act is one step closer to Theocracy.
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Barry T Gabbard
The whole USA should!!!
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Michael Hunt
And what about the Texans that do not believe there is a God or deity at all? How would they participate in this initiative?
This reeks of Christian nationalism and seems to go against the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Isn't this a law that respects one religion over others?
Technically, if the law is not forcing everyone to practice Christianity, it might be legal, although it’s a slippery slope. The Oklahoma law proclaiming Christ is King is another matter. Oklahoma is supporting one religion above all others. I agree with the critics who say these states are passing one law at a time, moving us closer to a Christian nation. I guess this is what they mean by freedom of religion: their religion and no others.