Saturday, February 28, 2009

President Truman's Godly Inaugural Address

Our 33rd President was Harry S. Truman. (This is the man the newspapers declared the loser in that race!) In his 1949 Inaugural address he said:

"In performing the duties of my office, I need the help and prayers of every one of you.
...
"We believe that all men are created equal because they are created in the image of God. From this faith we will not be moved.
...
"These differences between communism and democracy do not concern the United States alone. People everywhere are coming to realize that what is involved is material well-being, human dignity, and the right to believe in and worship God.
...
"Steadfast in our faith in the Almighty, we will advance toward a world where man's freedom is secure. To that end we will devote our strength, our resources, and our firmness of resolve. With God's help, the future of mankind will be assured in a world of justice, harmony, and peace."


Read Truman's entire Inaugural address

Friday, February 27, 2009

Why Is Religion Taboo in U.S. Schools?

We seem to have a problem with religion in our public schools. Of all the things that go on in schools, the one "infraction" that seems to raise the most eyebrows is when religion is involved. Do you think you can read a Bible during free time at school (when other students are listening to who-knows-what on iPods)? Think again. Do you think it is always safe to quietly say grace over your lunch at school? Think again.

This is rather bizarre if you know the history of our country. In earlier days (when the meaning of the First Amendment was surely more clear in memories) schools were not ashamed to teach some of the moral code from the Bible, which Jefferson called, "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man."

John Whitehead, who runs the Rutherford Institute, just published a good overview of the situation. Read his article for more information:

Why Is Religion Taboo in American Schools?

FDR 3rd Inaugural Address - Going Forward by the Will of God

Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd President, said in his third Inaugural address:

"We do not retreat. We are not content to stand still. As Americans, we go forward, in the service of our country, by the will of God."

Read the entire address

Virginia Constitution - Christian Practice Is Our Duty

The Constitution of the state of Virginia (1776) says:

Bill of Rights, XVI:
"That religion or the duty which we owe our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and, therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other."

Read the entire Virginia Constitution

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Vermont Constitution - Blessings Are from the Author of Existence

The Constitution of the state of Vermont (1777) says:

Preamble:
"Whereas all government ought to be instituted ... to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man . . ."

Article 3rd. 'Freedom in religion; right and duty of religious worship':
"That all persons have a natural and unalienable right, to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings, as in their opinion shall be regulated by the word of God;... every sect or denomination of Christians ought to observe the sabbath or Lord's day, and keep up some sort of religious worship, which to them shall seem most agreeable to the revealed will of God."

Read the entire Vermont Constitution

FDR 2nd Inaugural Address: Seeking Divine Guidance

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the USA, said the following in his second inaugural address (1937):

"While this duty rests upon me I shall do my utmost to speak their purpose and to do their will, seeking Divine guidance to help us each and every one to give light to them that sit in darkness and to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Read the entire address

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Media Bias. This Chapter, MSNBC

Some claim that there is a bias among the mainstream news media in favor of Democrats or Liberals, and against Republicans or Conservatives. Others say there is none; that the media is made up of professionals who report the news in a balanced way.

Recently we heard President Obama give a national broadcast, which was followed by the Republican response given by Louisiana Governor Jindal. As MSNBC was cutting from their panel discussion to Jindal's speech, a producer or host can be heard off camera saying, "Oh, God." Perhaps is was intended as a compliment.

More here, including the video and audio:

Real Clear Politics

FDR 1st Inaugural Address - God Guide and Protect Us

Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd President, said in his first Inaugural address (1933):

"In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come."

Read the entire address

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Herbert Hoover Inaugural - Growth of Religious Spirit

The 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, said in his 1929 Inaugural address:

"This occasion is not alone the administration of the most sacred oath which can be assumed by an American citizen. It is a dedication and consecration under God to the highest office in service of our people. I assume this trust in the humility of knowledge that only through the guidance of Almighty Providence can I hope to discharge its ever-increasing burdens. ... "I ask the help of Almighty God in this service to my country to which you have called me. ... "More than this, the Government must, so far as lies within its proper powers, give leadership to the realization of these ideals and to the fruition of these aspirations. No one can adequately reduce these things of the spirit to phrases or to a catalogue of definitions. We do know what the attainments of these ideals should be: The preservation of self-government and its full foundations in local government; the perfection of justice whether in economic or in social fields; the maintenance of ordered liberty; the denial of domination by any group or class; the building up and preservation of equality of opportunity; the stimulation of initiative and individuality; absolute integrity in public affairs; the choice of officials for fitness to office; the direction of economic progress toward prosperity for the further lessening of poverty; the freedom of public opinion; the sustaining of education and of the advancement of knowledge; the growth of religious spirit and the tolerance of all faiths; the strengthening of the home; the advancement of peace."
Again, here is a President of the United States saying we all wish to seek "the growth of religious spirit." Who would/could do that today?

Read the entire address

Monday, February 23, 2009

Calvin Coolidge Inaugural Address - Government Desiring Advancement of Religion

Our 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge said in his 1925 Inaugural address:

"But if we wish to continue to be distinctively American, we must continue to make that term comprehensive enough to embrace the legitimate desires of a civilized and enlightened people determined in all their relations to pursue a conscientious and religious life. ... "Peace will come when there is realization that only under a reign of law, based on righteousness and supported by the religious conviction of the brotherhood of man, can there be any hope of a complete and satisfying life. Parchment will fail, the sword will fail, it is only the spiritual nature of man that can be triumphant. ... "Here stands its Government, aware of its might but obedient to its conscience. Here it will continue to stand, seeking peace and prosperity, solicitous for the welfare of the wage earner, promoting enterprise, developing waterways and natural resources, attentive to the intuitive counsel of womanhood, encouraging education, desiring the advancement of religion, supporting the cause of justice and honor among the nations. America seeks no earthly empire built on blood and force. No ambition, no temptation, lures her to thought of foreign dominions. The legions which she sends forth are armed, not with the sword, but with the cross. The higher state to which she seeks the allegiance of all mankind is not of human, but of divine origin. She cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor of Almighty God."

Question: What President today could be so popular that he or she could talk about our Government "desiring the advancement of religion," as President Coolidge did?

Read the entire Inaugural address

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Warren G. Harding Inaugural Address - God-Given Destiny

Warren G. Harding, our 29th U.S. President, said the following in his 1921 Inaugural address:

"...I must utter my belief in the divine inspiration of the founding fathers. Surely there must have been God's intent in the making of this new-world Republic. "...and promote that brotherhood of mankind which must be God's highest conception of human relationship. ... "But with the realization comes the surge of high resolve, and there is reassurance in belief in the God-given destiny of our Republic. ... "But here are a hundred millions, with common concern and shared responsibility, answerable to God and country. ... "I accept my part with single-mindedness of purpose and humility of spirit, and implore the favour and guidance of God in His Heaven. With these I am unafraid, and confidently face the future. "I have taken the solemn oath of office on that passage of Holy Writ wherein it is asked: "What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" This I plight to God and country."

Read the entire address

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Woodrow Wilson 2nd Inaugural Address - Praying to God

In Woodrow Wilson's second Inaugural address (1917) he said:

"We are being forged into a new unity amidst the fires that now blaze throughout the world. In their ardent heat we shall, in God's Providence, let us hope, be purged of faction and division, purified of the errant humors of party and of private interest, and shall stand forth in the days to come with a new dignity of national pride and spirit. ... "I pray God I may be given the wisdom and the prudence to do my duty in the true spirit of this great people."

Read the entire address

Friday, February 20, 2009

Woodrow Wilson 1st Inaugural - With God's Help

Our 28th U.S. President, Woodrow Wilson, said this in his first Inaugural address (1913):

"The feelings with which we face this new age of right and opportunity sweep across our heartstrings like some air out of God's own presence, where justice and mercy are reconciled and the judge and the brother are one. ... "I summon all honest men, all patriotic, all forward-looking men, to my side. God helping me, I will not fail them, if they will but counsel and sustain me!"

Read the entire address

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Utah Constitution - Grateful to Almighty God

The Constitution of the state of Utah (1896) says in its Preamble:

"Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we the people of Utah ... do ordain and establish this Constitution."

Read the entire Utah Constitution

Teddy Roosevelt 1st Inaugural - Grateful to the Giver of Good

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. In his first Inaugural address (1905) he said:

"My fellow-citizens, no people on earth have more cause to be thankful than ours, and this is said reverently, in no spirit of boastfulness in our own strength, but with gratitude to the Giver of Good who has blessed us with the conditions which have enabled us to achieve so large a measure of well-being and of happiness."

Read the entire address here

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Texas Constitution - Blessings of ALMIGHTY God

The Constitution of the state of Texas (1845) says in its Preamble:

"Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the People of the State of Texas do ordain and establish this Constitution."

Read the entire Texas Constitution

William McKinley 2nd Inaugural - Seeks Guidance of Almighty God

Our 26th President, William McKinley, said this in his Second Inaugural address (1901):

"Intrusted by the people for a second time with the office of President, I enter upon its administration appreciating the great responsibilities which attach to this renewed honor and commission, promising unreserved devotion on my part to their faithful discharge and reverently invoking for my guidance the direction and favor of Almighty God.
...
"As heretofore, so hereafter will the nation demonstrate its fitness to administer any new estate which events devolve upon it, and in the fear of God will "take occasion by the hand and make the bounds of freedom wider yet."
...
"We are now at peace with the world, and it is my fervent prayer that if differences arise between us and other powers they may be settled by peaceful arbitration and that hereafter we may be spared the horrors of war."


Read the entire address

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tennessee Constitution - Belief in God Required to Hold Office

The Constitution of the state of Tennessee (1796) says:

Preamble
"...by an act passed on the Twenty-seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three..."
[Note: use of "year of our Lord" was simply a formal way of expressing the date, but why was it such common usage?]

Article I, Section HI, Declaration of Right
"That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience."
[Note: the reference is not just "God," but "Almighty God"]

ARTICLE IX - Disqualifications, 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."

Read the entire Tennessee Constitution

Monday, February 16, 2009

Presidents' Day? Celebrating George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

Some confusion may exist over Presidents Day. There was a time when American recognized both Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays on their actual calendar date. It is common practice today to celebrate so-called "Presidents Day" as a way of honoring both Presidents (with appropriate events such as big sales on mattresses and cars). Both men were great and shaped our history in major ways. There was a movement after the Revolutionary War to make George Washington our King (but Washington did not favor that plan). As our first President, he helped to form the patterns for the office and helped to draw the infant country together. Lincoln faced a country torn, one that was somewhat a dysfunctional family. He held strong to his principles and the fight to keep the United States intact.

Both were unique men and were different from each other. But they shared the trait of honoring God, whom they credited with the blessings our country enjoyed and to whom they both prayed for guidance. Their religious beliefs and actions will not likely be talked about on Presidents Day; that's not part of our current culture it seems. But faith was such an important of each man's personal life, they would probably have wanted to be know for all their traits, including their faith, when history books address them.

There is some confusion about the particular nature of George Washington's faith, but there is little doubt that he was a faithful man with a strong reliance on God. The Library of Congress' exhibit "Religion and the Federal Government" has this little article about a prayer that Washington penned:

Washington's Prayer The draft of the circular letter is in the hand of a secretary, although the signature is Washington's. Some have called this concluding paragraph "Washington's Prayer." In it, he asked God to: "dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation."

And President Lincoln gave us these words in his second Inaugural address:

"Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. 'Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh.' If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether'. With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

Sunday, February 15, 2009

William McKinley First Inaugural - Obey God's Commandments

The 25th President of the United States was William McKinley. In his first Inaugural address (1897) he said:

"In obedience to the will of the people, and in their presence, by the authority vested in me by this oath, I assume the arduous and responsible duties of President of the United States, relying upon the support of my countrymen and invoking the guidance of Almighty God. Our faith teaches that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers, who has so singularly favored the American people in every national trial, and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His commandments and walk humbly in His footsteps."

See the entire Inaugural address

South Dakota Constitution - Grateful to Almighty God

The Constitution of the state of South Dakota (1889) says in its Preamble:

"We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties, in order to form a more perfect and independent government, establish justice, insure tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and preserve to ourselves and to our posterity the blessings of liberty, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the state of South Dakota."

Read the entire South Dakota Constitution

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Grover Cleveland 1st Inaugural Address - God Presides Over Our Destiny

(Vice President Chester A. Arthur took the oath of office twice upon the death of President Garfield. He was our 23rd President and never gave an Inaugural Address.)

The 24th President of the United States, Grover Cleveland said in his First inaugural address (1885):

"On this auspicious occasion we may well renew the pledge of our devotion to the Constitution, which, launched by the founders of the Republic and consecrated by their prayers and patriotic devotion, has for almost a century borne the hopes and the aspirations of a great people through prosperity and peace and through the shock of foreign conflicts and the perils of domestic strife and vicissitudes.
...
"And let us not trust to human effort alone, but humbly acknowledging the power and goodness of Almighty God, who presides over the destiny of nations, and who has at all times been revealed in our country's history, let us invoke His aid and His blessings upon our labors."


Read the whole Inaugural address here

South Carolina Constitution - Grateful to God for Liberties

The South Carolina (1778) Constitution, Preamble:

"We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the preservation and perpetuation of the same."

Read the entire South Carolina Constitution

Friday, February 13, 2009

James Garfield Inaugural - Invoking the Support of Almighty God.

James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States. In his 1881 Inaugural address he said:

"The emancipated race has already made remarkable progress. With unquestioning devotion to the Union, with a patience and gentleness not born of fear, they have 'followed the light as God gave them to see the light.'
...
"I shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and patriotism of Congress and of those who may share with me the responsibilities and duties of administration, and, above all, upon our efforts to promote the welfare of this great people and their Government I reverently invoke the support and blessings of Almighty God."


Read the entire Inaugural address

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Lincoln's Farewell Address

President-Elect Abraham Lincoln gave a farewell address in Springfield, Illinois, as he was about to depart to Washington, D.C. The quote below is from the text of the speech that was printed in 1861 in a Springfield newspaper:

"Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him I can not succeed. With that assistance I can not fail.

Trusting in Him who can go with me and remain with you and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell."

Read the entire address

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Rhode Island Constitution - Almighty God hath created the mind free

The State Constitution of Rhode Island (1842) says in its Preamble:

"We, the people of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and to transmit the same, unimpaired, to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution of government."

Later in the Rhode Island Constitution we find these passages:

"Section 3. Freedom of religion.
Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; and all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness; and whereas a principal object of our venerable ancestors, in their migration to this country and their settlement of this state, was, as they expressed it, to hold forth a lively experiment that a flourishing civil state may stand and be best maintained with full liberty in religious concernments;..."

"Section 3. Oath of general officers.
All general officers shall take the following engagement...'to the best of your abilities, according to law: So help you God.'"

Read the entire Rhode Island Constitution

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Stimulus Bill Attacks Religous Freedom

We have heard a lot in the news lately about the Stimulus Bill. One story that is under-reported is the restrictions on religious freedom that it would impose. According to an article in World Net Daily, here is some of the language plus some opinions:

"PROHIBITED USES OF FUNDS. - No funds awarded under this section may be used for - (C) modernization, renovation, or repair of facilities - (i) used for sectarian instruction, religious worship, or a school or department of divinity; or (ii) in which a substantial portion of the functions of the facilities are subsumed in a religious mission."
...
"[Senator Jim] DeMint warned organizations such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus Crusade for Christ, Catholic Student Ministries, Hillel and other religious groups would face new bans on access to public facilities that would not apply to other organizations.

"This is a direct attack on students of faith, and I'm outraged Democrats are using an economic stimulus bill to promote discrimination," DeMint said. "Democrats should be ashamed of themselves for siding with the ACLU over millions of students of faith.
...
"These students simply want equal access to public facilities, which is their constitutional right. This hostility toward religion must end. Those who voted to for this discrimination are standing in the schoolhouse door to deny people of faith from entering any campus building renovated by this bill..."

The issue of equal access has been fought in the courts many times. The Supreme Court of the United States has consistently said that you can not discriminate against a group just because of their religious involvement.

It is troubling to look at the first paragraph quoted above. Consider the University of Chicago, for example. They have a School of Divinity as part of their diverse campus. According to the words above, the University could use the funds for projects all over campus except for the divinity school. When the Federal Government is passing out money at an unprecidented level, withholding money from religious organizations specifically seems a lot more like discrimination against religion than avoiding establishing a national religion.

Rutherford B. Hayes Inaugural - Guidance of a Divine Hand

Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States. In his 1877 Inaugural Address he concluded with these words:

"Looking for the guidance of that Divine Hand by which the destinies of nations and individuals are shaped, I call upon you, Senators, Representatives, judges, fellow-citizens, here and everywhere, to unite with me in an earnest effort to secure to our country the blessings, not only of material prosperity, but of justice, peace, and union—a union depending not upon the constraint of force, but upon the loving devotion of a free people; 'and that all things may be so ordered and settled upon the best and surest foundations that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations.'"

Read the entire address here

Monday, February 9, 2009

Pennsylvania Constitution - Grateful to Almighy God

The Constitution of Pennsylvania (1776) says in its Preamble:

"WE, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance, do ordain and establish this Constitution."

Then in sections 3 and 4 there are more references to God and worship:

Section 3.
"All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences;..."

Section 4. (Underline added)
"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 or profit under this Commonwealth."

Other Constitutions and court decisions refer to a belief in a system of future rewards and punishments. Presumably the reason is not religious, as such, but rather that it shows a stronger reason to believe that a person may do the right thing, even when that person is not likely to get caught by mortal authorities.

Read the entire Pennsylvania Constitution

Ulysses S. Grant Inaugural - Need to Pray to Almighty God

[Andrew Johnson was our 17th President. He was sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase after President Lincoln died. He served only one term and never gave an Inaugural Address.]

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States. In his first Inaugural Address (1869) he said:

"In conclusion I ask patient forbearance one toward another throughout the land, and a determined effort on the part of every citizen to do his share toward cementing a happy union; and I ask the prayers of the nation to Almighty God in behalf of this consummation."

Read the whole address here

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Abraham Lincoln 2nd Inaugural Address - Almighty God Is in Control

President Abraham Lincoln was elected twice. In his second Inaugural address, he used words that would make a pretty good prayer, or could be lifted to use in a sermon:

"Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

Read the whole address here

Oregon Constitution - Secure to Worship Almighty God

The Constitution of the state of Oregon (1857) says:

Bill of Rights, Article I, Section 2:

"All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences."

As with some other state constitutions, Oregon is fairly specific about the recipient of one's worship. Not "a god" or "their own god" (with small "g") but "Almighty God."

Read the whole Oregon Constitution

Friday, February 6, 2009

Oklahoma Constitution - Invokes Guidance of Almighty God

The Oklahoma Constitution (1907) says in its Preamble:

"Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of liberty; to secure just and rightful government; to promote our mutual welfare and happiness, we, the people of the State of Oklahoma, do ordain and establish this Constitution."

Learn more here

Abraham Lincoln 1st Inaugural Address - Judgment of the Almighty Ruler

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States. In his First Inaugural Address (1861) he said:

"If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with His eternal truth and justice, be on your side of the North, or on yours of the South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail by the judgment of this great tribunal of the American people"
...
"Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty."

Read Lincoln's entire First Inaugural Address

Thursday, February 5, 2009

James Buchanan Inaugural - Humbly Invoking God

James Buchanan was the 15th President of the United States. In his Inaugural Address (1857) he said:

"In entering upon this great office I must humbly invoke the God of our fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and responsible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient friendship among the people of the several States and to preserve our free institutions throughout many generations."
...

"We ought to cultivate peace, commerce, and friendship with all nations, and this not merely as the best means of promoting our own material interests, but in a spirit of Christian benevolence toward our fellow-men, wherever their lot may be cast."
(Christian benevolence was probably a convenient figure of speech at that time, but it is worthy of note that is WAS a common figure of speech.)

Read President Buchanan's entire Inaugural Address

Ohio Constitution - Religion Essential to Good Government

Here are some passages from the Ohio Constitution (1852):

Preamble:
"We, the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this Constitution."

Section 7:
"All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience... Religion, morality, and knowledge, however, being essential to good government, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass suitable laws, to protect every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public worship, and to encourage schools and the means of instruction."

See the entire Ohio Constitution

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

North Dakota Constitution - Grateful to Almighty God

North Dakota's Constitution (1889) says in its Preamble:

"We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain and establish this constitution."

Read the whole North Dakota Constitution

President Franklin Pierce Inaugural Address - Dependence on God

Millard Fillmore became our 13th President after Zachary Taylor died in office. He then served only one term and did not have opportunity to give an Inaugural Address.

President Franklin Pierce was our 14th President. In his 1853 Inaugural Address he said:

"But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the public deliberations. It will not be sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are rejected. It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."

The whole address is here

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Zachary Taylor Inaugural - We Are Directed by Dictates of Religion

Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States. In his Inaugural address (1849) he said (boldface added):

"...and, above all, the dictates of religion direct us to the cultivation of peaceful and friendly relations with all other powers.
...
"In conclusion I congratulate you, my fellow-citizens, upon the high state of prosperity to which the goodness of Divine Providence has conducted our common country. Let us invoke a continuance of the same protecting care..."

Read Zachary Taylor's entire Inagural Address

North Carolina Constitution - Almighty God, Sovereign Ruler

In the State Constitution of North Carolina (1868). the Preamble declares (boldface added):

"We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those blessings to us and our posterity, do, for the more certain security thereof and for the better government of this State, ordain and establish this Constitution."

Sometimes people think that references to God, or some god (small "g"), are mostly ceremonial in official documents - a "tip of the hat" if you will. The language in the passage above seems to go far beyond a tip of the hat, and also seems to recoginize that there is one God.

Similarly, the language found later is also fairly specific. In Sec. 13. Religious liberty (boldface added):

"All persons have a natural and inalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and no human authority shall, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience."

Read the entire North Carolina Constitution


Monday, February 2, 2009

New York Constitution - Grateful to Almighty God

The State Constitution of New York, from 1846, has this as its Preamble:
"WE, THE PEOPLE of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION."

Later in the Constitution (Bill of Rights, Section 3):
"The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this state to all humankind; and no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his or her opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of conscience hereby secured shall not be so construed as to excuse acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this state."

Notice that their religion clause does not even mention "establishment," focusing instead on free exercise. As has been documented in previous posts, the original intent of the U.S. Constitution was to keep the Federal Government from establishing a religion, but did not prevent the states from doing so. In fact, more than half the states at the time of the Consitution's ratification had their own state-supported religion.

Read the entire New York State Constitution

Sunday, February 1, 2009

James K. Polk Inaugural - Invokes the Almighty Ruler of the Universe

Our 10th President, John Tyler, died before he could give his address.

James K. Polk was our 11th President. In his Anaugural address (1845) he said:

"In assuming responsibilities so vast I fervently invoke the aid of that Almighty Ruler of the Universe in whose hands are the destinies of nations and of men to guard this Heaven-favored land against the mischiefs which without His guidance might arise from an unwise public policy. With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the presence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen to take upon myself the solemn obligation 'to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.'
...
"[The Government is the protector] of every religious sect, in their worship of the Almighty according to the dictates of their own conscience;..."

In those words, Polk:

  1. Recognizes that there IS an Almighty Ruler of the Universe
  2. Recognzes that the Almighty can help him/us
  3. Recognizes that our country is Heaven favored
  4. Recognizes that the Almighty has omnipotent wisdom

Read the whole Polk Inaugural address