SO HELP ME GOD

Q: Why if there is a government ban on using "religion" for their purposes, do all the courts and even the presidents of the USA swear in by placing their hand on a Bible and "swear to God"????? I found your site very interesting and thought provoking. You have definitely shed a new view on the issue. I would love an answer to the above question. Colette

A: Colette, the practice is traditional, an historical hangover from our Holy Roman Empire and English past; but, that does not make it constitutional (especially in terms of its being a requirement), because use of a Bible and the words "so help me God" are NOT required by the Constitution. On the other hand, use of a Bible and reciting the words "so help me God" should properly be considered unconstitutional because the Constitution, as drafted by the Founding Fathers, clearly stipulates "no religious test" (Art. 6., Sec. 3.) The words "no religious test" are followed by "shall ever be required."

It is the requirement of a religious test which is clearly prohibited by the Founding Fathers. Would, then, the Founding Fathers approve a "religious test" if not required? Of course not because that would be a ridiculous application of the wording, as well as the intent of the prohibition. The complete wording of the constitutional commandment unquestionably confirms the constitutional intent with the words "as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

Religion is not to be used "as a qualification [requirement] to any office or public trust under the United States." Therefore, for government (the essence of coercion) to suggest or assert otherwise is an abuse and mutilation of the intent of the clearly stated words approved by the Founding Fathers and by "we the people of the United States of America," as finally ratified by the states in 1788. One year later (1789) the First Congress expanded understanding of proper constitutional intent in respect to religion and government by adding to the Constitution the no establishment clause and plainly prohibiting an establishment of "religion," by law or Congress (First Amendment). "Religion" means religion, as every strict constructionist understands and accepts.

The only constitutional oath or affirmation required of any citizen is in respect to the Constitution, "the supreme law of the land" (Art. 6., Sec. 2.).

The wording required by the Founding Fathers and by the Constitution for the office of President is: "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" (Art. 2, Section 1.(8). There is no constitutional requirement for any other document to be a part of any official public ceremony, regardless of the occasion. In the writings of history, there is no primary source evidence that George Washington placed his hand upon a Bible or used the words "so help me God" when he took the constitutional oath of office.

The Constitution is primary source evidence for prohibition of any religion document or reference to be a part of any official public ceremony. The Constitution clearly commands: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States" (Art. 6., Sec. 3.). What part of "no religious test" is unclear?

The words "so help me God" are not part of the constitutional requirement. In fact, on their face, the words "so help me God" are related to religion and clearly create a "religious test." Therefore, any use of the words "so help me God" are obviously unconstitutional and should never be required by any justice, judge, or public official in relation to any oath or affirmation for public office or in respect to any official action by government (the essence of coercion).

Constitutional allegiance to public office is to the Constitution itself and to nothing else. Any citizen requested to swear or affirm allegiance to the Constitution should openly object to any encroachment by public officials in respect to use of religion, whether by use of "so help me God" or by any so-called holy book in any official public ceremony.