Curious relics
The Tennessee state Constitution carries some interesting relics of the past. Article IX is particularly fascinating:
ARTICLE IX
Disqualifications.
Section 1. 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.
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.
Section 3. Any person who shall, after the adoption of this Constitution, fight a duel, or knowingly be the bearer of a challenge to fight a duel, or send or accept a challenge for that purpose, or be an aider or abettor in fighting a duel, shall be deprived of the right to hold any office of honor or profit in this state, and shall be punished otherwise, in such manner as the Legislature may prescribe.
So, our state Legislature can't have any preachers, atheists, or duelists. Although sections 1 and 2 couldn't possibly stand up to a First Amendment challenge in court, section 1 is direct evidence that this country was not founded as a theocracy and isn't intended to be one.