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The Significance of Bibles in U.S. Presidential Inaugurations
As the United States inaugurates its 47th President and 50th Vice President, two common questions often arise: Which Bible will be used to take the oath of office? And, is a Bible required to take the oath of office?
Is a Bible Required to Take the Oath of Office?
Interestingly, no, a Bible is not required to take the oath of office in the United States. While the U.S. Constitution mandates that the President-elect recite a specific oath to assume office, it does not specify that a Bible or any other religious text must be involved.
This misconception was highlighted during President Trump's inauguration when some questioned the legitimacy of the oath because he did not place his hand on a Bible. However, as long as the prescribed words are recited, the oath is constitutionally valid.
A Historical Tradition
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| "George Washington" Masonic Bible |
Since then, most Presidents have chosen specific Bibles for their inaugurations, often to send a personal or symbolic message. Thomas Jefferson and Calvin Coolidge did not use a Bible during their swearing in of Office. John Quincy Adams used a book of law. Teddy Roosevelt did not use any book.
Famous Bibles in Inauguration History
George Washington’s Masonic Bible
Washington’s borrowed Masonic Bible has become a significant artifact in U.S. history. It has since been used by Presidents Warren G. Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush for their inaugurations.
The Lincoln Bible
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| "Lincoln Bible" NPS |
After the ceremony, the Bible was returned to Justice Carroll and now resides in the Library of Congress. It has since been used for the inaugurations of President Barack Obama (who also used Martin Luther King Jr.’s Bible) and President Donald Trump, who used it for both of his inaugurations.
Lincoln, known for his deep familiarity with the Bible, often quoted from it during his presidency. He once told his son, Tad, “Every educated person should know something about the Bible and the Bible stories.”
It is worth noting that some researchers claim there are more than a dozen Bibles purported to be “Lincoln Bibles.”
Personal and Family Connections
Most Presidents have chosen family or personal Bibles for their inaugurations, while others have opted for symbolic choices. For example, Harry Truman used a facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible alongside the Bible he used after Franklin Roosevelt’s death. Richard Nixon used two family Bibles for his oath.
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Vance’s decision to use this Bible speaks volumes about his Appalachian roots and his close bond with his grandmother. For many in the region, this gesture feels deeply relatable and meaningful. Personally, it resonated with me. My grandmother gave me my first Bible, and seeing Vance honor his grandmother in this way was a powerful reminder of how we carry loved ones with us, even when they are no longer here.
The tradition of using Bibles in presidential inaugurations is steeped in history and personal symbolism. While it is not a constitutional requirement, the choice of Bible often reflects the values, heritage, and messages that leaders wish to convey as they begin their terms in office.
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Fascinating post. As a genealogist, it makes me wonder if people still document their family milestones in their family Bibles the way our ancestors did. I record every family birth, marriage and death despite the fact that this data can now be found in scores of other places. Future genealogists probably won't require my Bible for their research, but for me, entering these events into my Bible is like carving them in stone to be preserved for generations to come.
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