Lincoln Inaugural Bible (SLIDESHOW)

Shortly after it was announced that Barack Obama will use President Lincoln's inaugural bible at his own inauguration
, the bible was briefly put on display for reporters at the Library of Congress. The bible has never been used for any other inauguration and in remarkably good condition. Photos from the December 23, 2008 display can be seen below.

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Comments

[god fearin women]

01:09 PM on 01/20/2009

lord forgive them for they know not what they have done electing him president.....Read Revelations!

[LOCUTUS13]

07:20 AM on 01/08/2009

I would much rather see Obama swear on the constitution of the United States!

[psychmaj323]

07:05 PM on 01/08/2009

LOL, what do you think the U.S. Constitution is based off of? THE BIBLE, there's a reason the founding fathers chose the bible.

[LOCUTUS13]

07:47 AM on 01/09/2009

Based on the Bible? You have to be NUTS!!!!!!! There is NO connection between the constitution and the Bible. Do your homework on American history please.

Besides Theodore Roosevelt swore on the constitution.

[bill76]

07:41 AM on 01/10/2009

The Bible will do just fine thank you. One Nation Under God.

[lizziekw]

12:52 AM on 01/08/2009

I wonder why no other President has ever used it? They can pick any one they want and Lincoln is our greatest President.

Is there a list somewhere of the bibles they have chosen each time? Well, I'm sure there must be but does anyone know where it can be found?

[yasmeen]

12:45 AM on 01/08/2009

ok, i get it. lincoln was from illinois and he freed the slaves so obama can't help but idolize him, right down to a team of rivals, but....lately i keep getting queasy everytime obama "does a lincoln". don't tempt fate man,.......didn't end well for lincoln. we need you. stay safe.

[anopenmind]

10:53 PM on 01/07/2009

It's so fitting' Lincoln would be proud of the progress we have made!

[rbryanh]

10:09 PM on 01/07/2009

You'll have to pardon me as I look on impassively while y'all jump up and down cheering.

As a non-Christian, the bible is to me symbolic of ignorance, cruelty, and hypocrisy. As a gay American, Obama's decision to honor Rick Warren evokes similar feelings.

"Forgive my intrusion but fine as those sentiments sound,
little has changed for us peasants down here on the ground."

[acecat]

10:32 PM on 01/07/2009

Aw SHUT UP about the bible and Rick Warren. The US has much bigger fish to fry and we need to celebrate Obama's inauguration for the change we hope it will bring. Stop wasting your time on things that have no significance. One day after the the ceremony, Rick Warren will be back under his rock and we Americans will still have to face very serious issues!

[NewArtz]

11:22 PM on 01/07/2009

I hope for a change of attitude. I support Obama by opposing Rick Warren. Agreeing with everything your president does is so 2001, and I am hoping opposition will help change attitudes. No one cares about gay marriage except gays, so what's the point of opposing except to deny to someone else something they care about but which has nothing to do with you.

If you want us to shut up, then give us what we need. If you don't care if we get what we need, then expect bitching until we get what matters to us.

Like it says in the inaugural Bible:
"In a city there was a judge who didn't fear God or respect people. In that city there was also a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For a while the judge refused. But later he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice. Otherwise, she will keep coming and wear me out.'" Luke 18: 2-5

[MANK]

11:20 PM on 01/07/2009

When you are sworn in,I expect to defend your right to use whatever you as a non-Christian would use. Obama is a Christian, thus the bible.

[CindyKay]

08:20 PM on 01/07/2009

Brilliant Idea Mr. President !

[TN60]

07:59 PM on 01/07/2009

I like everything associated with Obama...his class..his brilliance....his communication skills..his level headed reforming of the old ways of government..

Guess you could say, "I drank the Kool-Aid" and it tastes just like the finest wine!

Even using the Lincoln Bible which has never been used...Great work, Barack...I'm so proud of OUR PRESIDENT !!

[AngieMom57]

10:13 PM on 01/07/2009

Well put!

[jukesgrrl]

06:11 PM on 01/07/2009

This is the best idea yet for an Inauguration that will really have some historic resonance for our citizens. I love the train ride, too. And thanks to the couple who donated the cash so the Smithsonian could compensate Shepard Fairey for the Obama portrait that became so iconic during the campaign. It certainly belongs in the people's museum.

[longtalldrink]

04:53 PM on 01/07/2009

I love that Obama has such a respect for history. Bringing in all the living Presidents for lunch is another example of his respect.

[Xgal08]

04:24 PM on 01/07/2009

The first black president-elect will use the bible of the President the freed the slaves to be sworn in. This is going to be a beautiful moment in history.

[Sparty1]

04:57 PM on 01/07/2009

Isn't this just awesome? I can't wait.

[psychmaj323]

07:07 PM on 01/08/2009

Yeah it is.

[SharonAustinTX]

09:29 PM on 01/07/2009

Agree. The first black President to live in the whitehouse which was built by slaves.