Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA Bible' finds new printer after HarperCollins Christian passes
The "God Bless the USA Bible" is still happening even though HarperCollins Christian Publishing passed on serving as the manufacturer for the project inspired by country music singer Lee Greenwood's patriotic hit.
The "God Bless the USA Bible," announced earlier this month, has received some pushback for sandwiching the sacred text and America's founding documents between two covers.
Hugh Kirkpatrick, who leads the Tennessee company behind the new custom Bible backed by Greenwood, said he could not disclose just yet who they are working with now, but Elite Source Pro is lining up another business to print and bind the tome.
"The project is going to happen," Kirkpatrick said on Wednesday. "The consumer will get the exact same product at the exact same time."
The specialty Bible, which can be pre-ordered for $49.99, will still include copies of the Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance and the chorus "God Bless the USA."
But instead of the New International Version translation, the "God Bless the USA Bible" will feature the King James Version, Kirkpatrick said.
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HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which includes Zondervan and Thomas Nelson publishing groups, is the North American licensor for the NIV translation. Zondervan decided not to move forward with the project and Thomas Nelson is not involved either.
"Zondervan is not publishing, manufacturing or selling the 'God Bless the USA Bible'. While we were asked for a manufacturing quote, ultimately the project was not a fit for either party, and the website and marketing of the NIV project were premature," HarperCollins Christian Publishing said in a statement.
Kirkpatrick said it was a mutual decision.
"They've been very gracious in their exit. They had a business right to do what they did," said Kirkpatrick, who previously described Elite Source Pro as a client of the Bible publisher.
"We don't want people upset or mad at HarperCollins or Zondervan. It's freedom. It's freedom not to the buy the Bible. It's freedom to buy the Bible. There's no ill will."
Kirkpatrick said he's fielded about 70 emails since the Bible's announcement and roughly 60% have been critical of the project. He did not expect the "God Bless the USA Bible" to draw such frustrated and aggravated responses.
"They feel that it's sacrilegious to put all that within two covers," Kirkpatrick said. "It's got separation pages."
An online petition said it was a "toxic mix" and called for Zondervan/HarperCollins not to be connected to the project. The petition garnered more than 900 signatures. Five authors published by Zondervan welcomed the news the publishing group was not moving forward with the "God Bless the USA Bible."
"This customized Bible is a reminder that the 'Christian industry' must do better to stand against the heretical and deadly 'Christian' nationalism that we saw on full display on Jan. 6. It is like a spiritual virus, infecting our churches, homes and social institutions," the authors wrote in an opinion piece published by Religion Unplugged.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins Christian Publishing said neither the petition nor the authors' letter were factors in the company's decision as they had already determined not to be a part of the project.
The "God Bless the USA Bible" would not be the first to mix the sacred text with patriotism, said John R. Vile, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Vile, who wrote "The Bible in American Law and Politics: A Reference Guide," pointed to the American Patriot’s Bible published by Thomas Nelson as an example.
"It has more to do with marketing probably than anything and if you can get somebody patriotic to pick up a Bible who might not otherwise do it I suppose there's some reason to say that's a good thing," Vile said.
But custom Bibles as well as the various translations highlight existing divisions, like the politics of red states versus blue ones and the differences between the Christian traditions, he said.
"God Bless the USA Bible" is not the first custom Bible or translation change to receive pushback. But Vile said Americans may be paying more attention to the linking of Christianity and patriotism following the divisive leadership of the Trump administration. The former president enjoyed support from white evangelical Christians.
"I think people are more alert to the possibility that Christian goodwill is being sort of squandered on political issues rather than for the sake of the Gospel itself," Vile said.
Reach Holly Meyer at hmeyer@tennessean.com or 615-259-8241 and on Twitter @HollyAMeyer.