Texans are known worldwide for Stetson hats, cowboy boots, guns, pretty gals, and oil. All these things are normal for Texas.
But we can be rather weird too.
There's a law on our books that states one must acknowledge the "existence of a Supreme Being." This statement is in the Texas Bill of Rights. Most people, including Texans, find that odd.
Now anyone can claim a belief in a supreme being. I know lots of people who are superior in many ways to me, and I can claim belief in them. But alas, the Supreme Being mentioned in the Texas Bill of Rights is the One and Only...God.
The current Texas Bill of Rights was adopted in 1876. This one is our 7th Constitution and it's very long. Was God more popular in the 1800's than today? Hmm. Something to investigate and ponder. If the Texas Constitution was rewritten today, would that phrase be there? I doubt it.
If you don't believe in God, that's sad, but in truth, your belief won't keep you from holding office in Texas. The US Constitution makes this clear. Article VI contains a "No Religious Test Clause." And since the US Constitution is supreme to the Texas Constitution, Texas can't examine a prospective office holder about his or her belief in a Supreme Being.
One is greater than the other. Kinda like people. But there's only one God. And He really is the Greatest.
So.... back to Texas. Most of us Texans prefer our candidates to be believers in the One and Only. We like Bible-toting, God talking, church going folks. But if the candidate is a lying non-believer in the real Supreme Being, he or she will one day discover their error. We'll probably vote them out of office. On the other hand, the One and Only might conk them on the head to get their attention. Yikes! That's a scary thought.
In the meantime, Texans continues on it our large, cumbersome, funny, odd way. Hee Haw Y'all!
Hey y'all, don't forget my historical novel, Mattie's Choice is on sale for .99. Better get it now. It's about two families. One in Texas and one in Oklahoma. Mattie's Choice is about 4 rows down on the Book Cave page. You'll find a plethora of books on sale for .99. Please buy MATTIE'S CHOICE! I'd appreciate it.
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