Paul K. Blair wrote an essay on Article VI of the
U.S. Constitution titled _Original Intent?_. It may be found
here: http://www.reclaimoklahoma.org/OriginalIntentContents.htm.
Since he draws a different conclusion from what I believe the
facts - of today - present I shall address some of these facts
here.

I don't dispute that the US was a Christian nation in the past.
In many respects it still is a Christian nation. I also don't
dispute that there are some judges and Constitutional lawyers who
agree with Paul about the Christian (biblical) legal tenants still
continuing with legal force in our nation. Herb Titus is one.

In Paul's introduction he does recognize that Islam doesn't mix
with Christianity even in the subject of civil government. I
give him credit for that. I shudder to think of what worldview a
"Christian" legislator has who says a civil pledge on a Koran has
it's legal place in the United States and has absolutely no plans
to change this legality! Thus, at least Paul has taken the first
step and admits that there is no religious philosophical
neutrality in government.

Paul says the meaning of the word "religion" has changed.
"Religion" to Paul today means any god-believing religion as well
as atheistic and various humanist philosophies. I agree.
However, when James Madison wrote the constitution stating "No
religious oath shall be required" Paul claims "religious" meant
religious sect or denomination [of the Christian faith].
However, John Leland, a contemporary of James Madison, pressed
him hard to add amendment 1 to the constitution. When James
Madison agreed John Leland rejoiced that it would be possible for
a "Pagan, Turk, Jew or Christian" to be eligible for any post or
office in the government. [The Writings of John Leland,
ed. L.F.Greene. New York: Arno Press, 1969, p.191.] The meaning
of "religion" was obvious to Leland and apparently also Madison,
the author of the document.

Does the Bible hold any authoritative jurisdiction in our civil
government today? A look at the two recent
10-Commandment-public-display Supreme Court cases will give an
answer. In both cases the defenders of public display argued
that the history of the 10-Commandments should be enough to
permit public displays to stand. The court made a distinction by
agreeing with these defendants in the Texas case permitting that
display to remain publicly displayed. Having God's Commandments
displayed inside a courtroom in Pennsylvania was a different
matter. The U.S. Supreme Court ordered them removed.

Paul concludes his essay with a discussion about the Islamic
threat to our nation and proposes several ideas to overcome this
threat. Instead, I believe we need to answer this threat the way
the Bible teaches. Bible believing Christians who know civil
government must be placed under God's authority need to first
repent. Then get with God's program by pushing for passage of a
U.S. Constitutional amendment placing the Bible as the civil
backbone of our federal government. In the process of teaching
what Jesus has said "All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given unto me" ample opportunity to present the gospel will
surface. The Holy Spirit will do His job of drawing in all of
God's elect. Then II Chronicles 7:14's blessing will fall once
again on our nation.