An atheist group plans to distribute anti-religion books at Georgia state parks to tweak Gov. Nathan Deal.

The Republican ordered the replacement of Bibles distributed at cabins and hotels operated by the state at parks throughout Georgia, reported the Friendly Atheist blog.

They had been removed last year following complaints by American Atheists president Ed Buckner, who found a Bible during a stay in a rented cabin, but Deal had them returned, saying they were donated by outside groups and not paid for by the state.

I do not believe that a Bible in a bedside table drawer constitutes a state establishment of religion,” Deal said. “In fact, any group is free to donate literature.”

So other groups have.

Buckner delivered a bundle of atheist books, including “The Skeptic’s Annotated Bible” by Steve Wells, to state parks in August, each with a label crediting Deal for inviting the donations.

He will donate even more books Friday to Indian Springs State Park.

“We continue to be delighted with the support of Gov. Nathan Deal for our efforts to help educate Georgia citizens and visitors,” Buckner said. “Thanks to him, state park visitors can now read about Islamic fundamentalism and give their children a fun read on evolution. We’ve made sure to label every book we’re donating as coming from us, of course. But each label also properly credits Gov. Deal and Attorney General Sam Olens.”

[Image via the Office of Governor Nathan Deal]

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