God vs. the US Government

The Constitution
a citizen’s view
God vs. the US Government

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . . ” (Amendment I.)
“The Senators and Representatives . . . and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution, but no religious test shall ever be required . . . ” (Art. VI) [emphasis added].
God is mentioned in Art. VII, “. . . in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven . . . ”
The Founding Fathers chose their words carefully. They wanted a clear and specific document readily understood by the average citizen.
Thus, we have a very confusing conflict today as opposing views vociferously proclaim their position. One says there can be no mention of God or religion in any federally funded establishment, including the federal government. The other contends that there is no prohibition against doing so in the Constitution.
So, let’s look at some history.
Benjamin Franklin said, during the Continental Congress deliberating the Declaration of Independence, “Sir, I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing Proofs I see of this Truth — That God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?” [Emphasis added.]
George Washington is reputed to have added at the end of his first installation as President of the United States, “So Help Me God!” While many may dispute the utterance, it is not out of character for those who have read Washington’s writings: “Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.”
John Adams noted, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798
Thomas Jefferson included in the Declaration of Independence, “ . . . the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God entitle them . . . ” and “ . . . they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights . . . ”





None of the Founding Fathers supported the concept of a government established or enforced religion. All professed an acceptance of a superior being beyond their reach yet influential in their affairs and those of the government they were seeking to create. While the Bible was well read by many, there was never a quotation from it to serve as a foundation. They avoided potential conflicts while repudiating their English forbears, designing a government not dependent on, nor responsible to any religion. Their concept, “ let your conscience be your guide,” was to be applied to any and all individuals calling themselves American. Thus, thinking individuals were capable of “self-government”.
It is illogical to remove a belief in God (whoever the individual in question decides to select) by replacing it with an atheistic position, itself a form of religion. There is no such thing as a vacuum even in philosophical discussions. Something automatically fills it. In this case, atheism.
Of equal importance in this discussion is the fact that “muzzling” anyone who might utter the word, “God” in a public place or federally funded establishment would be a violation of the 1st Amendment’s freedom of speech guarantee! No restrictions noted.
The Founding Fathers did not want GOD out of Government. Rather they asked that God assist them in creating a unique (severely limited) government, protecting it from corruption and self-destruction in the future.