The Constitution is the law of the land. It is what Americans base our government on. It is the very bedrock of our democratic society. It is not a religion. It is not a holy missive recited to our founding fathers straight from the mouth of God.
But, this is exactly how some Democrats fear the GOP and tea party are heralding this charter. It is one of the most well-written documents in world history. It is to be respected, but treating it as if it were holy scripture endangers its very substance as well as the foundation of this great nation.
This is not an instrument of worship, it was presented to us as a guide to keep our nation on its intended course to provide every American: justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. And, through its amendments, commonly known as the Bill of Rights, our basic freedoms. We are not required to show proof that we deserve these freedoms, they are given freely as part of the package when we become American citizens.
It’s words were carefully chosen for their meaning. I am in agreement with any political party, and others, who view the document as that which gives life to this nation. The tie in with the religious beliefs of the writers of this document cannot be ignored, nor are they asked to be, for the writers were devout in their faith while they wrote it. However, there is a statement in the Constitution that says “but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”
Anyone stating that this document is the word of God simply does not appreciate the danger in making such a misguided and flammatory statement.
The first amendment, added just four years after the signing of the Constitution, states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I think it is clear, regardless of our founding fathers affinity to any one religion over another, that their intention was that this government will not bend to any religious belief.
The reasoning behind any quibbling over where our forefathers stood on this issue ignores the very wording of this document.
There are many who may equate their belief in this document to their belief in the bible, and to those I can only say that is your right, but merging these two into one in the name of declaring what is best for this country is an attempt to impose your personal beliefs onto others while trampling on their rights. How can you justify this given that doing so goes directly against the wording of one of the documents you hold in such high regard?
If you think you can find a justification, please state your case here.
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