Earlier I posted that Arkansas does not allow Atheists to hold government office nor testify as witnesses. I went on to suggest that TN had been out done in their efforts to live backwards by legislating beliefs and morals. I was wrong. Per Article IX Section 2 of the TN State Constitution.
Section 2. No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards
and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this
state. [Source]
As a matter of fact, religion [implied Christian] is so important to the state of Tennessee that Article IX Section 1 specifically excludes ministers from holding office since their duties are far more important.
Section 1. Whereas ministers of the Gospel are by their profession, dedicated
to God and the care of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great
duties of their functions; therefore, no minister of the Gospel, or priest of any
denomination whatever, shall be eligible to a seat in either House of the Legislature. [Source]
Arkansas and Tennessee are in good company. Apparently, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas all require the believe of a supreme being and/or afterlife and in some cases you must specifically be a Christian to hold office or be a witness.
So, not only are Atheists going to Hell (a place they don’t believe exists) but they cannot hold one of the most corrupt jobs known to man for which they would go to Hell anyway.
[…] So, in TN we are doing stupid things with our constitution like dictating morals, telling people whether or not they can get married, and forbidding people from buying dildos. But in Arkansas they have an article in their constitution forbidding Atheists from holding public office or testifying as a witness! I’m calling my state representative! Our stupidity has been one up’d! (See the correction) Article 19, section 1 of the Arkansas Constitution: Atheists disqualified from holding office or testifying as witness. […]
Ok, I’m a bit in my cups, so please excuse the rambling…
Researching for a paper, I came across an article that cited a survey in which Americans listed the “type” of people they would vote for.
White male came in at the head of the class, followed by female, black, Jewish, and gay, not necessarily in that order. And at the bottom of the list was athiest.
We all know that many people in the US hate, hate I say, “queers”, but it shocked me that they hate atheists even more.
As if a belief in God is what makes a person responsible, trustworthy, honest, upright, or a good leader.
BAH!
You’d be surprised what’s still on the books in many states. I think it’s still illegal to perform oral sex on your wife in most states.
No wonder the ladies wanted voting rights!