You haven't even read the Constitution. You are citing English practice, followed, without Constitutional support, by some states. The Constitution requires that no religious test to hold office will ever be required. It specifies an oath (or affirmation) which does not mention god or the bible). One may, if he wishes, take an oath on the bible or any other holy text, but he cannot be required to do so. "So help me God" is often added by the oath-giver and may be repeated by oath-swearer, but it is purely voluntary. Many people refuse to take any oath at all, because of Jesus's instruction to swear no oaths at all. Many others refuse to take oaths on the bible. According to the courts, the exact form of the oath or afformation is irrelevant as long as the Constitutional requirement is met.
President's oath (Art. II) --- "I do solemnly (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to best of my Ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Art. VI [all officers of the United States and the states] shall be on Oath or Affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States, but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Jesus on the subject of oaths: Matt. 5:33-37.
None of the words "god" or "Jesus" or "Christ" or "church" or "holy" appears in the text of the Constitution or the Amendments. IMO, no one can read this document and reasonably conclude that the authors were attempting to establish a Chrisian nation. |
