The oaths required of officeholders in the eighteenth century, as seen in the Delaware and Pennsylvania Constitutions, reflected a strong emphasis on specific religious beliefs, particularly Christianity. In both excerpts, the oaths explicitly mention faith in God, Jesus Christ, and in the holy scriptures, which indicates a requirement for public officials to affirm religious beliefs as part of their service to the state.
In contrast, the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1788, established a principle of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The Constitution does not require any religious oath for holding public office. Specifically, Article VI, Clause 3 states that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States," which underscores the intent to allow individuals of all faiths, or no faith, to participate in government. This provision reflects a broader commitment to pluralism and the idea that government should not favor or require adherence to any particular religion.
In summary, the primary difference lies in the U.S. Constitution's explicit prohibition of religious tests for officeholders, promoting inclusivity and religious freedom, while the earlier state oaths explicitly required belief in specific religious doctrines, reflecting a more theocratic approach to governance at that time.