With having freedom of religion,how can in several US States an Atheist not be allowed a job in politics?

Answer 1

I actually did an essay on this very subject. Here are some articles from the constitutions of a couple of states that do this:

Article XIX, Sec. 1, of the Arkansas constitution: No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court.

Article IX, Sec. 2, of the Tennessee constitution: 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.

Article XXXVII of Maryland constitution: No religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God.

Article I, Sec. 4 of Pennsylvania constitution: No person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments shall, on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust under this Commonwealth.

Answer 2

Such clauses are unconstitutional. Article VI of the US Constitution states: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, 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 as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." No one has ever challenged them, that's why they are still in those constitutions. This article DOES apply to the states. Additionally, the First Amendment (via the Fourteenth Amendment) also prohibits the states from religious discrimination. In response to one poster above, the US is not, nor ever has been, a Christian Country. The Founding Fathers were predominantly Deists.

Answer 3

I don't know if the actual LAW prevents us from a job in politics, but I'm 100% sure we would never be elected, no matter how great of a candidate we would be.

The majority of people in this country are religious..mostly Christian. If the person doesn't believe in god, MOST of them can't "relate" to them, so they feel that we don't represent them.

Unfortunately, I don't feel that a religious person (like Bush for instance...ugh) represents me.

I wish religion wouldn't be a part of politics, but unfortunately, it's here to stay.

Answer 4

One could think that freedom FROM religion is equal to freedom FROM public office?

The question that begs: why would an atheist WANT public office in such a State?

Answer 5

I'm a Canadian, but frankly, I don't believe you. Perhaps in certain states an atheist cannot win an election - that's democracy. But not be allowed a job in politics? Try that one on someone else.

Answer 6

Actually, this is true. Texas, North and South Carolina, and one other state do not allow atheists to run for office. Why on earth not?

Answer 7

Because Athesits claim that they are not a religion, so if they aren't we don't have to give them the "freedom of religionious running"
When they start calling themself a Religion then maybe they will step it up, but until then they are just kind of out there. Besides, who would want to run if no one wants you to anyway?

Answer 8

Which states are those?

Answer 9

Atheists are allowed jobs in politics. Whether or not they are elected to office is another matter.

Answer 10

You cannot legally ask questions of potential employees about their religious status, therefore Atheists, Catholics, Buddhists, etc. can work in politics and do work in politics. Not sure where you got your information from, but you are way off base and wrong.