God At The Republican National Convention

Senator Marco Rubio (FLA)

It seems that God doesn't get much attention at the Oscars, Emmy's, or Grammys anymore. But as sure as Clint Eastwood likes talking to chairs, the big guy will always show up at the Republican National Convention.‎

Take for instance Senator Marco Rubio's warm-up speech for Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney last night.

"We are special because we've been united not by a common race or ethnicity. We're bound together by common values. That family is the most important institution in society. That almighty God is the source of all we have."

And then, "Our national motto is "In God we Trust," reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American value of all."

The night before, Vice-Presidential Nominee Paul Ryan had this to say: "Sometimes, even presidents need reminding, that our rights come from nature and God, not from government."

As for the Presidential Candidate himself, a Mormon, Romney kept his God-talk to "God Bless Neil Armstrong" and the usual "God Bless America."

Is it time to take God out of the political arena? This is of course easier said than done, especially in America, where God is everywhere. "God, Guns, & Glory." "One Nation Under God," "In God We Trust."

But just as Mitt Romney is trying to convince evangelical Christians that voting for a Mormon is alright, Romney should be reaching out to the large population who doesn't believe in a god at all - the atheists, and heck the agnostics. Marco Rubio's affirmation that "Faith in our creator is the most important American value of all" makes atheists or those who don't believe in his version of God seem un-American. 

This is in stark difference to when Barack Obama gave a shout-out to humanists in his inauguration speech.

The Republican Party can still mention God all they want, but they would do better to save a spot at the table for atheists and agnostics.