Dems Remove All References to 'God' From 2012 Party Platform

The Democratic Party may be getting a fair amount of attention this week -- and not only because the political movement is hosting its national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Another point of focus has already been the contents -- or the lack thereof -- present in the 2012 Democratic Party Platform.

Earlier today, we told you that the document fails to mention Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a proclamation that was previously touted by the party. And now, in an even more shocking revelation, CBN News is reporting that the Democrats have removed mentions of "God" from the document as well.

(RELATED: 'Godless': Sen. Durbin Lashes Out at Fox Host Who Called Him Out Over Dems Removing 'God' From Platform)

This is a departure from the past. In 2008, the platform read (emphasis added), "We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values, and interests of working people, and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential."

With the words "God-given" removed, the 2012 platform sticks to a more secular script: "We gather to reclaim the basic bargain that built the largest middle class and the most prosperous nation on Earth – the simple principle that in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us."

In the end, the Democratic platform doesn't mention the words "God" or "Lord" even one time. In contrast, the GOP platform mentions God 12 times. A simple comparison to past years' platforms shows a disparity. In 2008, the Democrats had only one mention (the aforementioned "God-given"), but in 2004, God was mentioned seven times.

But, as CBN's David Brody notes, the Democratic document isn't entirely devoid of religious sentiment. A portion discusses the notion that faith has always "been a central part of the American story, and it has been a driving force of progress and justice throughout our history."

Below, read the remainder of the Democratic platform's views on faith:

"We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires. Faith-based organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world – from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking.

People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith and country."

While faith communities being given credit for embracing "justice and mercy," it's quite odd to see that the word "God" -- a central tenet in most areas of American life, including the political, is absent.

(H/T: CBN's David Brody)

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RELATED:

• 2012 Dem Platform Drops Language Committing to Keeping Jerusalem the Capital of Israel