I was reading over at Swap Blog (newest addition to the blogroll) about dumb Tennessee laws. The site they found has a list for this state. Some have already been repealed and should be removed from that list, but others still exists on the books. I must say, some laws that the “dumb laws” site considers to be “dumb” I find to be most fitting and wish more states had them. One law they cite from the TN state constitution.

Constitution of the State of Tennessee

Article IX Disqualifications

Sections 1 Ineligibility of ministers and priests to seats in legislature.

Whereas Ministers of the Gospel are by their profession, dedicated to God and the care of souls, and ought not to be diverted from the great duties of their functions; therefore, no Minister of the Gospel, or priest of any denomination whatever, shall be eligible to a seat in either House of the Legislature.

I agree with this being in the state’s constitution 100%. If someone is called to labor in the gospel, it would make no sense for them to consider laboring in the politics of man. While they might offer advice when questioned, they are supposed to be about ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Notice the constitution uses the term “Gospel”, which is defined as the teachings of Jesus Christ. The folks involved in the TN constitution recognized the ministry of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and never desired for man’s government to interfere.

You can get the full Tennessee Constitution here.

From that same article in the TN constitution, section 2 also has something good.

ARTICLE IX Disqualifications.
Section 2. No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state.

That’s right, no atheists are to be holding any office in this state. You don’t have to believe God exists, but you can do it minus holding an elected office in the GREAT STATE OF TENNESSEE, I like that . And yes Tennessee does defend everyone’s right to worship or not to worship as they see fit.

ARTICLE I.
Section 3. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience; that no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any minister against his consent; that no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience; and that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship.

Not long ago, every county in this state was in full agreement that the state’s constitution be amended to properly define marriage as the union of one man and one women. Something that previously required no such formal definition be codified, but Liberals needed to be taught a lesson on that one. Now if only we can get an amendment to prevent the murder of babies inside the womb in this state…