Religion

Agnosticsherbet

(11,619 posts)

3. According to the Constitution, "so help me god" is not in the oath of office...

Wed Sep 5, 2012, 01:45 AM

Sep 2012

US Constitution, Article II, Section 1

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following 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."

From the history I've seen, not all Presidents have said those added words.

I feel that public affirmation of religion and belief in God is a personal matter. But this does appear to step over the line, since it is not exactly as required by the Constitution and he is in an office that is supposed to be free of religion.

Those who are offended by it should protest Obama, or perish the thought, Romney.

A President's religion or lack thereof should be a personal matter and not a matter of state.

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Atheists plan protest at Democratic National Convention today [View all] rug Sep 2012 OP

That's good... Agnosticsherbet Sep 2012 #1

Maybe there shoukd be a protest at his Inauguration when he says "So help me God". rug Sep 2012 #2

According to the Constitution, "so help me god" is not in the oath of office... Agnosticsherbet Sep 2012 #3

He said it. rug Sep 2012 #4

Many, though not all the Presidents said it. Agnosticsherbet Sep 2012 #5

No it isn't, nor is a prohibition against saying it... TreasonousBastard Sep 2012 #6

Do you know if the FFRF or other organizations have ongoing legal challenges to those statutes? cbayer Sep 2012 #11

All of those laws and state Constitutional language MineralMan Sep 2012 #26

This atheist is happy with the Convention so far. longship Sep 2012 #7

I noticed the lack of "God bless america" after some of the speeches as well. cbayer Sep 2012 #12

Indeed, but I have no problem with those who did god bless me. longship Sep 2012 #14

The sneezing thing is funny. cbayer Sep 2012 #17

How does it imply a religous test? Leontius Sep 2012 #27

It's an implicit religious test. longship Sep 2012 #28

The Constitution deals with the government in this case not the people Leontius Sep 2012 #29

Damn it! When the Chief Justice prompts "So help me God", it isn't just the people! longship Sep 2012 #30

And your response or lack of response to that prompt has no impact on your ability Leontius Sep 2012 #31

It is only its sole effect!! longship Sep 2012 #32

Ah yes the old ultimate fall back position of choice these days Leontius Sep 2012 #33

I beg your pardon. That is decidedly not my fall back. longship Sep 2012 #34

I agree with each of your three positions completely and without Leontius Sep 2012 #35

Difficult to frame on the fly with a mere iPhone. longship Sep 2012 #36

I would still like you to explain what you mean Leontius Sep 2012 #37

Privilege, as in religion is privileged in the US longship Sep 2012 #38

Explain the privilege that believers enjoy that non believers don't in more concrete terms. Leontius Sep 2012 #39

This. longship Sep 2012 #40

What you claim may be true or it may be that men and women with the courage to Leontius Sep 2012 #41

Blame the minority for the discrimination. Goblinmonger Sep 2012 #42

Well, we could go on and on about this. longship Sep 2012 #43

So this is the problem, you can't allow any Leontius Sep 2012 #44

They are trying to bring an issue edhopper Sep 2012 #8

You assessment is correct. 2ndAmForComputers Sep 2012 #9

Where did they say this? rug Sep 2012 #22

From the article edhopper Sep 2012 #23

I read that but I wouldn't go as far as what you said. rug Sep 2012 #24

No, I didn't hear edhopper Sep 2012 #25

No doubt they'll have hordes of liberal Xian allies dmallind Sep 2012 #10

I guess that will all depend on whether they are invited and welcomed or cbayer Sep 2012 #13

Really? Personally I would suggest supporting such things should be based on principle and reason dmallind Sep 2012 #15

Sorry, no one is going to go hang out and support a group who is going to spit on them. cbayer Sep 2012 #16

That advice goes both ways. Goblinmonger Sep 2012 #18

Advice... rexcat Sep 2012 #19

Support public statements/events to highlight separation of church & state. Any follow up? pinto Sep 2012 #20

I haven't seen any, not even on their facebook page. rug Sep 2012 #21