Omar Bennett
The mention of God and religion in constitutions has been a topic of debate, with varying approaches taken by different countries. While the US Constitution does not explicitly mention God or the Bible, there is a reference to the year of our Lord, and state constitutions in the US make references to God and the divine. Other countries, such as Norway, Luxembourg, Iceland, Italy, and Portugal, have constitutions that do not mention God, while some countries, like Ireland and Canada, have constitutions that do include references to God with varying levels of impact on legal rulings. The inclusion of God or religious references in constitutions often sparks discussions about the role of religion in government and the intention behind such mentions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| References to God in the US Constitution | No explicit mention of God or the Bible |
| References to God in State Constitutions | Mentioned at least once in each of the 50 state constitutions; nearly 200 mentions overall |
| References to God in Historical Documents | Common in ancient times and the Middle Ages; used to guarantee agreements and emphasise fairness and justness |
| References to God in International Constitutions | Varies; some countries include references, others prioritise secular values or religious neutrality |
| References to God in the Declaration of Independence | Yes; mentions of a Supreme Being and God-given rights |
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What You'll Learn
God in US state constitutions
The US Constitution never explicitly mentions God or the Bible, except for the reference to "the Year of our Lord" before its signatures. However, it does express sensitivity to biblical convictions. For example, it permits presidents to swear or affirm their oaths, and it excludes Sundays from the ten-day time limit during which a president has to veto a law. The First Amendment to the Constitution also provides for the ""free exercise" of religion, allowing Americans broad freedom to engage in religious activities that do not harm others.
In contrast, all 50 state constitutions either mention God or make a religious reference of some kind. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, God or the divine is mentioned at least once in each of the 50 state constitutions and nearly 200 times overall. States like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Oregon mention God or the divine between one and seven times. Massachusetts and North Carolina topped the list with the highest number of religious references. All but four state constitutions—Colorado, Iowa, Hawaii, and Washington—use the word "God" at least once. These four states instead refer to a "Supreme Being," "Supreme Ruler of the Universe," or "Divine Guidance."
The references to God in state constitutions largely imitate the ones made in the Declaration of Independence. They acknowledge God (or the "Creator," the "Supreme Ruler of the Universe," etc.) as the source of the people's liberties and many of them invoke His favor and guidance. The inclusion of religious references in state constitutions shows that America does not mandate a "separation of church and state" that removes all traces of faith from the public square.
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The Bible and US Constitution similarities
The US Constitution and the Bible are two distinct documents with different purposes, but some similarities can be drawn between them. Both texts have had a significant influence on the history and culture of the United States, shaping the nation's laws, values, and principles.
Firstly, both the Bible and the US Constitution recognise the importance of individual liberties and freedoms. The Bible emphasises the inherent dignity and worth of each person, created in the image of God, and promotes principles such as justice, mercy, and compassion. Similarly, the US Constitution safeguards certain fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, which reflect the values of a free and democratic society.
Secondly, both texts acknowledge a higher power or authority. The Bible, as a religious text, centres around the belief in God and Jesus Christ, with God often portrayed as the ultimate ruler and lawgiver. While the US Constitution does not explicitly mention God or the Bible, it does refer to a "Supreme Ruler of the Universe" and "the Creator" in state constitutions, indicating a recognition of a higher power.
Thirdly, the Bible and the US Constitution emphasise the importance of moral and ethical behaviour. The Bible provides a moral framework for its followers, promoting values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Similarly, the US Constitution establishes a framework for ethical governance, aiming to uphold justice, protect the rights of citizens, and ensure the common good.
Additionally, both texts have been subject to interpretation and debate. The Bible is studied and interpreted by scholars, theologians, and individuals, with various denominations and interpretations existing within Christianity. Similarly, the US Constitution is interpreted by legal scholars, judges, and policymakers, and its meaning has evolved over time through court rulings and amendments.
Finally, the Bible and the US Constitution have played a role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of the United States. The Bible has influenced the nation's religious landscape, with Christianity being the dominant religion, and has contributed to the development of ethical and moral standards. The US Constitution, on the other hand, has defined the nation's political and legal systems, shaping the rights and responsibilities of its citizens and the structure of its government.
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European legal history and God
The US Constitution does not mention God or the Bible. However, it does use the formula "the year of our Lord" in Article VII. The US Constitution has been described as a secular document, but it has provided protections for the religious sensibilities of its citizens. For example, the First Amendment provides for the "free exercise" of religion, which gives Americans broad freedom to engage in religious activities that do not harm others. The Constitution also permits presidents to swear or affirm their oaths and excludes Sundays from the ten-day time limit for a presidential veto.
The Declaration of Independence, on the other hand, does mention God and proclaims that "all men are created equal" and are entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". This has led to the perception that the rights mentioned in the Declaration are God-given.
Now, turning to European legal history, the concept of God has played a significant role. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, gods or God were commonly invoked in contracts and legal documents to guarantee the agreements made and emphasise the fairness and justness of the norms created. Formulas such as "In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit" were used. Treaties between Christian nations also traditionally began with an invocation of God until the late 19th century.
When written constitutions became the norm in the 19th century, several European states included references to God in their founding documents, while others, like laicist France, chose to preserve religious neutrality. Some European countries whose constitutions do not mention God include Norway (1814), Luxembourg (1868/1972), Iceland (1944/68), Italy (1947), Portugal (1976), and Spain (1978).
The inclusion of references to God in constitutions has been attributed to various purposes, such as legitimising state power by declaring it to be exercised according to God's will, anchoring the state in history and tradition, or expressing governmental support for a specific religion. In contrast, references to God can also be seen as a challenge to secular authority, reflecting a commitment to shared values such as human dignity.
In the constitutions of newly independent Eastern European and Asian nations in the early 1990s, most did not mention the supernatural in the preamble, except for Poland and Ukraine, which included a nominatio dei. The inclusion of a reference to Christianity in the proposed European Constitution was hotly debated, but member states could not reach a consensus.
The mention of God in the preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has had little legal effect, while the invocation of God and Jesus in the Preamble of the Constitution of Ireland has been cited in Supreme Court rulings.
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God in the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, contains several references to God. The document mentions God four times, each demonstrating the founders' understanding of God's nature and power. The founding fathers were, at the very least, acknowledgers of God, and many worshipped Him devoutly.
The first mention of God occurs in the first sentence of the declaration, which refers to the source of power being the "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God". This acknowledges that power is given by God, rather than created by man. Secondly, God is referred to as the “Creator”, Who bestows humans with unalienable rights, such as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". God is, therefore, the granter of human rights and natural law.
Thirdly, God is called the "Supreme Judge of the World", indicating that justice is an idea that comes from God, not man. Finally, the last sentence of the declaration entrusts the United States to God, the "divine Providence", Who they believed had protected them and would continue to do so: "with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor".
The Declaration of Independence, therefore, contains a theory of rights that depends on a Supreme Being, not man, for its validity. The document embraces the idea that freedom was sealed in God's protection and love. The references to God in the Declaration influenced the state constitutions, which also mention God or a Supreme Being.
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God in modern constitutions
The inclusion of God in modern constitutions is a complex issue, with varying approaches taken by different nations. While some countries explicitly mention God or the divine in their constitutions, others omit such references, emphasising secular values instead.
In the United States, the Constitution itself does not explicitly mention God, Christ, or religion. However, it does include the phrase "the Year of our Lord", indicating the year of ratification as 1787. The Declaration of Independence, on the other hand, invokes a Supreme Being or God multiple times. Interestingly, many of the authors of the Constitution were members of Trinitarian churches, and Benjamin Franklin, in a speech during the Constitutional Convention, emphasised the importance of seeking God's help.
At the state level in the US, the story is different. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, every state constitution mentions God or the divine at least once, with nearly 200 mentions overall. Words like "Almighty", "Supreme Being", "Creator", and "Providence" are used to refer to a higher power. A few state constitutions even prohibit non-believers from holding public office, although these bans are not enforced due to conflict with the US Constitution's prohibition on religious tests for public office.
In Europe, the approach to mentioning God in constitutions varies. Some countries with Christian traditions, like Ireland, include invocations of God and Jesus in their preambles, influencing Supreme Court rulings. Canada's mention of God in its Charter of Rights and Freedoms, however, has had little effect. When newly independent Eastern European and Asian nations adopted new democratic constitutions in the early 1990s, most did not include references to the supernatural, instead emphasising secular values. Notable exceptions include Poland and Ukraine, whose constitutional preambles contain a nominatio dei. The Czech Republic and Slovakia refer to their countries' "spiritual wealth" and "spiritual heritage", respectively, without directly mentioning God.
The inclusion of God in modern constitutions can serve various purposes. Historically, invocationes dei expressed the divine right of kings in early 19th-century monarchic constitutions. In modern democratic constitutions, references to God can signify governmental support for a specific religion, challenge the state through suprapositive law, or acknowledge God as the source of liberties, as seen in state constitutions that mention God-given rights.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the US Constitution does not explicitly mention God or the Bible. However, it does make reference to "the year of our Lord".
Yes, God or the divine is mentioned at least once in each of the 50 state constitutions and nearly 200 times overall.
The US Constitution prohibits any religious test for government "Office or public trust". It also states that the nation is not a Christian nation.
