Constitutional references to God exist in the constitutions of a number of nations, most often in the preamble. A reference to God in a legal text is called invocatio dei ('invocation of God') if the text itself is proclaimed in the name of the deity. A reference to God in another context is called nominatio dei ('naming of God').[1][2] Such invocationes and nominationes dei are found notably in several European constitutional traditions (reflecting the strong position of established churches in those countries and the tradition of invoking God in legal documents) and in the constitutions of Islamic countries.
Time for a rethink
Sir, – In the light of the current discussion regarding changes to the Constitution to reflect more correctly the state of modern Ireland, it should be highlighted that the preamble to the Constitution dedicates and ties the document to the “Most Holy Trinity”.
There are further references to God, including Article 44 wherein “The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.”
It is self-evident, and should not require stating, that the inclusion of a demand in the Constitution of a nation to honour something which has not been proven to exist is absurd, and to many, profoundly troubling and offensive. The fact that people believed in God at the time the Constitution was written (and that many still do) is irrelevant. The Constitution should and must be impartial, rational, adult and unimpeachable; predicating it upon, and repeatedly referencing within it, an imagined deity in the sky dismantles its gravitas and renders it as credible as science fiction or nursery rhyme. –
In addition to the 116 mentions of God, there are also 14 mentions of a Supreme or Sovereign Being, seven mentions of the “Creator,” three mentions of “providence,” four mentions of “divine” and 46 instances of the word “almighty.” While there are 32 mentions of the word “Lord,” all but one refer to “the year of our Lord” and so are not direct references to God. (Indeed, the U.S. Constitution also makes reference to “the year of our Lord.”) There also are seven mentions of the word “Christian.”
Yours, etc,
PAUL M BYRNE,
Arklow,
Co Wicklow.
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