Stupiderthanthou
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- Jan 1, 2006
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- Slightly Liberal
Having read a number of old threads on atheism's alleged status as a religion, the chipping away by the ACLU at America's "Christian heritage," etc., I wanted to take a poll.
Does the burden of proof fall on those who believe in God, or those who do not necessarily? Should it be assumed in all public matters that there is a God, should the question not be addressed, or should it be assumed that there is no God?
Note that when I say God I do not mean Christian God. I am speaking of the sort of God which, IIRC, you apparently have to acknowledge to hold office in Texas. The relevant clause from the state constitution:
"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being."
Essentially what I am asking is whether this sort of test should be allowed, simply eliminated, or replaced with a clause demanding disavowal of religion.
Does the burden of proof fall on those who believe in God, or those who do not necessarily? Should it be assumed in all public matters that there is a God, should the question not be addressed, or should it be assumed that there is no God?
Note that when I say God I do not mean Christian God. I am speaking of the sort of God which, IIRC, you apparently have to acknowledge to hold office in Texas. The relevant clause from the state constitution:
"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being."
Essentially what I am asking is whether this sort of test should be allowed, simply eliminated, or replaced with a clause demanding disavowal of religion.