EPISODE · May 19, 2022 · 51 MIN
Episode 42: Why is “God” in Canada’s Constitution?
from Beyond Atheism Podcast · host Atheists United Studios
In this episode, Todd and Nathan discuss the strange inclusion of “God” in Canada’s constitution. Follow along as Nathan walks through Canada’s history to reveal how and why the otherwise secular Charter of Rights and Freedoms came to recognize the “supremacy of God” in its 1982 preamble. Todd and Nathan consider the significance of these symbolic inclusions and the risk they pose to the separation of church and state. Along the way, they also talk about religious references in Canada’s national anthem and the mandatory prayer before each sitting of the Canadian parliament. Additionally, we learn whether a true atheist can sing the Canadian national anthem with pride.In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters of Patreon, we talk more about national anthems and where else religion appears in public life.For more, check out Nathan’s article, “How God was wedged into secular Canada’s constitution”: https://onlysky.media/nalexander/how-god-was-wedged-into-secular-canadas-constitution/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Todd and Nathan discuss the strange inclusion of “God” in Canada’s constitution. Follow along as Nathan walks through Canada’s history to reveal how and why the otherwise secular Charter of Rights and Freedoms came to recognize the “supremacy of God” in its 1982 preamble. Todd and Nathan consider the significance of these symbolic inclusions and the risk they pose to the separation of church and state. Along the way, they also talk about religious references in Canada’s national anthem and the mandatory prayer before each sitting of the Canadian parliament. Additionally, we learn whether a true atheist can sing the Canadian national anthem with pride.In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters of Patreon, we talk more about national anthems and where else religion appears in public life.For more, check out Nathan’s article, “How God was wedged into secular Canada’s constitution”: https://onlysky.media/nalexander/how-god-was-wedged-into-secular-canadas-constitution/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.
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Episode 42: Why is “God” in Canada’s Constitution?
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