Those are still present because no one has yet challenged them. As soon as someone mounted a legal challenge, the prohibitions would immediately be found unconstitutional.

all southern states except Maryland. Flip that and it means the majority of states have no restrictions on atheists holding public office...

I am an Atheist who was an elected Republican for 12 years. Of course, the issue of religion didn't come up.

I love it...lol.

Dumb asses!

The reverse seems the case in the UK. Although we have a state embedded religion it is frowned upon to parade your personal beliefs. Like when Blair wanted to finish an Iraq war address with "God bless", he was told "We don't do god."
I really don't see a problem with whatever impediments legal or otherwise you place in front of candidates. They will simply do what they all do when faced with a moral dilemma.......lie.

Few places accept free thought

Some saw the book 1984 as a cautionary tale; others took it as their game plan. Unfortunately, the latter seems to be prevailing at the moment.