Friday, February 10, 2006
Friday Top Ten
Today I offer you the Top (and only) Ten states (and commonwealths, which is a mere formality of name and bears no legal significance, but stay tuned for another shot at a donut) which do not specifically mention the word "God" in the preamble to their constitution. Note, however, that each one still recognizes divine authority:
So you want to earn yourself a donut? Be the first commenter to give me (A) the names of the 4 states which bear the formal title of "commonwealth" instead of "state", and (B) the two states which have a title other than state or commonwealth in their official seal.
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| YEAR | STATE | REFERENCE TO DEITY |
| 1776 | Virginia (Bill of Rights) | ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator ... can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other ... |
| 1777 | Vermont (Preamble) | Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ... |
| 1780 | Massachusetts (Preamble) | We ... the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... in the course of His Providence, and opportunity ... and devoutly imploring His direction ... |
| 1820 | Maine (Preamble) | We the People of Maine ... acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction |
| 1845 | Missouri (Preamble) | We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... establish this Constitution |
| 1857 | Iowa (Preamble) | We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution |
| 1876 | Colorado (Preamble) | We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe |
| 1889 | Washington (Preamble) | We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution ... |
| 1897 | Delaware (Preamble) | Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences ... |
| 1959 | Hawaii (Preamble) | We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... establish this Constitution |
So you want to earn yourself a donut? Be the first commenter to give me (A) the names of the 4 states which bear the formal title of "commonwealth" instead of "state", and (B) the two states which have a title other than state or commonwealth in their official seal.
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Comments:
On a related note, I just served jury duty, (today and yesterday). The jury gets sworn in. They ask you to swear on the Bible (place your hand on the Bible, and "solemnly swear on the holy Bible of almighty God..."), or they give you the option to simply raise your right hand and "affirm" the directives you are given concerning your duty as jurors. I chose to affirm, without swearing on the Bible. Is swearing on the Bible something that a Christian should even do? I wondered about this. What say you?
-J>
-J>
Thanks to the great Wiki I was able to meet the Donut Challenge.
(A) Four Commonwealth states:
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Virginia
(B) Title other than state or commonwealth:
The Republic of Texas
California Republic
Bobbo>
Post a Comment
(A) Four Commonwealth states:
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Virginia
(B) Title other than state or commonwealth:
The Republic of Texas
California Republic
Bobbo>
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