In a message dated 1/30/2005 1:55:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I think
there is no question that the framers of the U.S. Constitution
acknowledged
God. I cite George Washington's very first proclamation as
President
of the United States on October 3, 1789. As you know, George
Washington was
President of the constitutional convention. Here is the
opening sentence of
the Proclamaiton: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations
to acknowledge the
providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be
grateful for His
benefits..."
Why would such a
distinguished figure claim this duty and not seek to have it expressed
somewhere in the national charter? Again I do not see how this explains
the question; it just reveals another factor that needs explanation. Two
possibilities exists: (1) Washington thought acknowledging God was a
national duty and therefore urged the Constitution to recognize God in some way
or other, and (2) Washington thought acknowledging God was a national duty
but did not urge this be recognized in the Constitution. What
explains why Washington did (2) and not (1)? Something must explain
about Washington and others, I would think.
Bobby
Robert Justin
Lipkin
Professor of Law
Widener University School of
Law
Delaware
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