Can You Not Believe in a Supreme Being and Still Hold Office In Texas?
Is this true Texas law or a myth? As a man of faith, I have a belief in a greater Supreme Being who rules over all. As I was growing up and even today I've watched politicians all around the United States put their hands on a little black book known as the Bible and swear an oath to their public office.
So yes, it's true, and it is a state-wide law in Texas that "a person must acknowledge the belief in a supreme being before being able to hold public office." I am elated to know that the leaders I helped elect believe like I do. I feel as if the person taking the oath will be helping others and making our communities stronger.
However, the person being sworn in may not be a believer in Jesus Christ, but rather a believer in a Supreme Being. So what is a Supreme Being?
The term "Supreme Being" generally refers to a concept of a deity or a higher power that is considered to be the ultimate source of authority, power, and existence. It is often used in religious, philosophical, or theological contexts to describe a divine being that possesses qualities such as omnipotence (all-powerfulness), omniscience (all-knowingness), and omnipresence (being present everywhere).
Source: Vocabulary.com
The official Texas Constitution in Article 1. Bill of Rights Section 4. Reads:
That the general, great, and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and established, we declare: Sec. 4. RELIGIOUS TESTS. No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being. (Feb. 15, 1876.)
So, before you run for office, be sure you have a firm belief in the Supreme Being.