Atheism and the Catch-22

As most of us who browse the internet regularly know, there are millions of debates about the existence of God, the universe, etc. Well, in one of these debates, I saw someone posted that not only is it unlikely an atheist would get elected (that much is common sense--people hold religion too close to them to completely disregard it), but in some states it is actually illegal to be in office and deny the existence of God.

But wait! The First Amendment! I have my right to any religion I choose! Yes, that is true. You can choose whatever religion you want, as long as you don't actually talk about it... if it's an unfavorable one, that is. If you love God, you can praise him day in and day out, but according to North Carolina's State Constitution, Article 6, Section 8, "The following persons shall be disqualified for office: First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God." Wait, what?

Now, in the original constitution, Article VI, we have: "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." So right here, it says that we won't make you declare your religion if you don't want to. That makes sense.

But then if you do, and that includes something that denies the existence of "God" (or a "Supreme Being"), you get the boot. Please tell me how that is not discrimination.

I almost want an atheist to get into office, declare his atheism, and get kicked out in order to cause a huge uproar. That seems like the only way to get something done, honestly.

Other states include: Arkansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Note: There is a handy page over at Atheist of Silicon Valley with more links and whatnot. They made the research easy for me, so go give them a page view or two as repayment.