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Topic: God in Arkansas Government
no photo
Thu 02/19/09 12:48 PM

Arkansas is one of half a dozen states that still exclude non-believers from public office. Article 19 Section 1 of the 1874 Arkansas Constitution states that "No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court.



This covers a Muslim,,,,,,, Allah is "a God...."

It doesnt descriminate between Religions. It doesnt favor just one religion.

It just doesn't cover an atheist.

So no where in the constitution does it say freedom FROM religion?

Fanta46's photo
Thu 02/19/09 11:39 PM


Arkansas is one of half a dozen states that still exclude non-believers from public office. Article 19 Section 1 of the 1874 Arkansas Constitution states that "No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court.



This covers a Muslim,,,,,,, Allah is "a God...."

It doesnt descriminate between Religions. It doesnt favor just one religion.

It just doesn't cover an atheist.

So no where in the constitution does it say freedom FROM religion?

Exactly.
Nowhere does it say Freedom from religion.

Besides,
How could you swear into office?what whoa whoa

MahanMahan's photo
Fri 02/20/09 04:14 AM



Arkansas is one of half a dozen states that still exclude non-believers from public office. Article 19 Section 1 of the 1874 Arkansas Constitution states that "No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court.



This covers a Muslim,,,,,,, Allah is "a God...."

It doesnt descriminate between Religions. It doesnt favor just one religion.

It just doesn't cover an atheist.

So no where in the constitution does it say freedom FROM religion?

Exactly.
Nowhere does it say Freedom from religion.

Besides,
How could you swear into office?what whoa whoa



Lynann's photo
Fri 02/20/09 08:38 AM
Edited by Lynann on Fri 02/20/09 08:48 AM
From U.S. Constitution: Article II sec. 1 where an oath for the presidency is stated.

Oath or Affirmation:--''I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.''

No mention of God there is there? To the contrary the Constitution allows the taker to either swear or affirm.

Then there is this. James 5:12, Christians are commanded not to swear any oath.


Is this a prohibition on taking oaths or on what people might now call swearing? There are Christians who are divided on this subject.

Would you have an issue with a Christian who sincerely thought there was a biblical prohibition against swearing any oath?

Courts routinely offer the option of allowing Christian, non-Christians and atheists the option of affirming instead of taking an oath on the bible.

You know there are times I sincerely hope there is a creator.

During those times I hope to transcend the shackles of earthly existence grab a cold one with said creator and ask why we were all so concerned with what name we chose to call the creator and why that concern was expressed so hatefully and violently by human beings. Why do some human beings presume to speak for the creator and what is their fate? Oh and what about the fate of those who just aren't sure?






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