The Hopkinton Town Library handed out free U.S. Constitution booklets as part of Constitution and Citizenship Day on September 17, 2019. Jack Shields of Penacook is a Granite State representative for the Freedom from Religion Foundation. As we observe the 235th anniversary of Constitution Day on September 17th, public schools across the nation are educating students on America’s founding document. Unfortunately, this year the justices of the Supreme Court are the ones most in need of a constitutional lesson. On Sept. 17, 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered in Philadelphia to sign a document that would become the world’s first secular Constitution. While far from perfect, our founders were the Enlightenment thinkers of their era, and they believed that compelling citizens to support a faith they did not follow violated their liberty. The founders created a uniquely secular Constitution by removing the power of kings blessed by holy men and instead gave it to “we the people.” This Constitution promised those fleeing religious persecution the freedom of religion through a new government that would be free from religion. Alexander Hamilton wrote, “[The Constitution] gives the president no particle of spiritual jurisdiction.” “State and church will both exist in […]
