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As I said, I don’t claim to be a Constitutional law expert, but some things are clear in the U.S. Constitution. For example, the ’No Religious Test Clause,’ within Article VI, Clause 3.link
“…no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.”
“The ‘No Religious Test Clause’ of the United States Constitution is a clause within Article VI, Clause 3. By its plain terms, no federal office holder or employee can be required to adhere to or accept any particular religion or doctrine as a prerequisite to holding a federal office or a federal government job.”
"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."
Roberts: So help YOU God?
Obama: So help ME God.
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link
Chief Justice Roberts' reply was that his "prompting" for these four extra-constitutional words were to be recited "after" the oath of office, and not as a part of the oath as claimed in the suit.
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Understand, too, that before this time, the ENTIRE Oath was typically administered in the Second Person, and repeated back in the First Person — all of it prefaced with the phrase, “Raise your right hand, and REPEAT after me”.***
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originally posted by: Urantia1111
a reply to: MotherMayEye
Interesting theory, however, Im not sure the use of the word 'God' indicates any PARTICULAR religious test, as the language of The Constitution prohibits, rather a quite generic one.
Like you said though, he was apparently free to decline with a "no" in response to that question. I dont think it could be used to deny him the office. Although it would piss off the religious folk im sure.
originally posted by: Shamrock6
Pretty sovereign citizen-esque interpretation of the law.
All the clause states is that no person can be forced to adhere to a religion or religious doctrine as a condition of taking office.
The oath is what the oath is. Once the oath is repeated and affirmed, the oath is affirmed. The president (who after taking the oath is now the president) has the option of adding a prayer or reference to god at the conclusion at the oath. The manner of that prayer has no bearing whatsoever on the oath itself.
And, what if this wild conspiracy theory is true?
originally posted by: MotherMayEye
originally posted by: Urantia1111
a reply to: MotherMayEye
Interesting theory, however, Im not sure the use of the word 'God' indicates any PARTICULAR religious test, as the language of The Constitution prohibits, rather a quite generic one.
Like you said though, he was apparently free to decline with a "no" in response to that question. I dont think it could be used to deny him the office. Although it would piss off the religious folk im sure.
"God" plus the question mark = religious test.
As an atheist, I would not be able to affirm my oath with that question.
And, what if this wild conspiracy theory is true?
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