Preview

In God We Trust

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1997 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
In God We Trust
The debate over "In God We Trust" and "Under God"
Brad Marendt
Western International University
Com 112
Cyndy Woods, Ph.D.
March 19, 2006

There has been a great deal of debate since the United States of America became a nation over whether America 's current motto, "In God We Trust", and the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance are considered a violation of the first amendment. The first amendment says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…" (U.S. Constitution, Retrieved from Cornell Law School) Over the years the phrase "separation of church and state" has been used as the interpretation of the first amendment, although none of the words from the phrase are used in the first amendment. What the first amendment means to the public is that the government may not pass a law which establishes an official religion or a law which would prefer one religion over another. The debate over America 's motto has been longstanding. There have been many appeals to have "under God" and "In God We Trust" removed. Although a recent hearing at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stated it is unconstitutional to force children to recite the pledge of allegiance in school, it is unlikely that the word God will be removed from anything.
HISTORY
One theory on the reason "In God We Trust" was adopted as America 's motto was due to the increased religious sentiment during the Civil War. From the U.S. Treasury website a letter written to the Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, from reverend M.R. Watkinson on November 13, 1861 states:
You are probably a Christian. What if our Republic were not shattered beyond reconstruction? Would not the antiquaries of succeeding centuries rightly reason from our past that we were a heathen nation? What I propose is that instead of the goddess of liberty we shall have next inside the 13 stars a ring inscribed with the words PERPETUAL UNION; within the ring the allseeing [sic] eye, crowned

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    In 1954, Congress amended Title 36 of the United States Code by adding “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. California Education Code section 52720 requires appropriate patriotic exercises to be practiced in every public elementary school every day. Elk Grove Unified School District’s policy required the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance every day pursuant to section 52720 of the California Education Code. Michael A. Newdow’s daughter attended a public school in the Elk Grove Unified School District in California. Each day, teachers at the school led the students in a voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, which included the words “under God.” Newdow, being an atheist and divorced with “shared physical custody” of his daughter, challenged the constitutionality of Elk Grove Unified School District’s requirement that teachers lead their classes in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Newdow filed suit in federal district court in California claiming that Elk Grove’s recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violated the 1st Amendment Establishment Clause to the Constitution due to the words “under God” being included and thus, his daughter was being subjected to religious indoctrination. The district court dismissed Newdow’s claim on the ground that he lacked legal standing because he was divorced from Sandra Banning, the mother of his daughter, and that he did not have legal custody of his daughter. The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court’s ruling, deciding that Newdow did have holding as a parent to sue and that the school district’s policy violated the establishment clause. The school district appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, which granted review.…

    • 1101 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    APUSA Case Study

    • 1726 Words
    • 7 Pages

    “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The Establishment clause for the First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”,…

    • 1726 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances” (http://www.law.cornell.edu).…

    • 743 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The Pledge of Allegiance, written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy has undergone quite an evolution. It was made mandatory in schools by the US Supreme Court in 1940 but was withdrawn three years later, was congressionally recognized as national pledge in 1942 and was further augmented with words “under god” in 1954. Originally meant to be a promise or oath of loyalty to the Republic of United States of America and an expression of patriotism, it has become a lightning rod of controversy, heated passions and lawsuits. The question is whether the Pledge of Allegiance with the words “under god” violates the protections of religious freedoms enshrined in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment? The phrase “under god” does not violate the freedom of religion found in the first amendment. This Clause dictates, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise…

    • 494 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    When they added the phrase “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, it struck a controversy. Which some people argued it violates their First Amendment. But the phrase reflects America’s civic culture and it isn’t necessarily a religious statement. Though, people has the right to say the Pledge omitting the phrase, thus not violating their freedom of religion.…

    • 382 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Gwen Wilde, says “In my view, the addition of the words “under God” is inappropriate and they are needlessly divisive –an odd addition indeed to a Nation that is said to be “indivisible.” I agree with the author and believe that the words “under God” can cause hostility or disagreement between fellow Americans. I believe the pledge should be revised. I know that when I recite the pledge I do exactly what I am saying and feel proud to say it. I believe in God, so really I have never had a problem saying the entire pledge of allegiance. I do remember though, when I was in grade school a boy in my class did not recite the pledge of allegiance because of his religion. As Gwen said, “In short, the pledge which ought to unite us all, is indeed divisive.” Therefore, by revising the pledge of allegiance and omitting the words “under God,” many patriotic Americans, new citizens, and school children will be able to pledge allegiance to our flag aloud and proud instead of having to remain silent.…

    • 603 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Church vs. State

    • 2756 Words
    • 12 Pages

    One of the most controversial points that is being debated in America today is the argument of church vs. state. Some people strongly believe that “In God We Trust” should be removed from the dollar bill, and “One nation under God” should be removed from the pledge of allegiance, because they feel that that is like forcing a certain faith upon people in a free country. Others strongly believe that we should keep those sayings on the money and in the pledge because it’s sticking to what America’s founding fathers believed and wanted. It is evident that this topic is hotly debated, but it is not yet evident which side is right.…

    • 2756 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Louisiana Vs Agnostico

    • 966 Words
    • 4 Pages

    There are over a thousand religions in the world. However, since there are so many of them not all of the religions can be recognized at once because every religion has a different belief system. Religion has always been an issue that have taking placed in many public institutions and spaces that have been deemed unacceptable. The framers of the Constitution did not want the United States to show the public that they have a preference of religion that can make it seem as if a national religion is established. Therefore, the First Amendment outlines how religion can be exercise. There are many arguments from separationists that argue that certain religious aspect should be seen as not being unconstitutional,…

    • 966 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In the First Amendment, there are two clauses that can be applied to religion. The two clauses are the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment Clause prohibits the establishment of a religion by Congress. Essentially, there will be no “official religion” forced upon the citizens. The Free Exercise Clause allows people to freely take part in any religion and partake in religious rituals.…

    • 475 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Some think that it was part of something far and unknown. No, actually it is and forever will be a big part in American history. Trying to remove it now is thoughtless, we shouldn't have to relearn to whole pledge because of some small percentage of who either don't believe in God or don't believe in "forcing" students to say it. Removing the words "under God" from the pledge, is going to hurt our belief in traditions. In the same article it says, " 'Most Americans have recited the pledge hundreds of times and are not inclined to memorize a different pledge', he says. 'Changing it may just feel wrong. Most Americans they believe in God or a higher being and feel comfortable having "under God" in the pledge.' " In other words barley anyone wants to learn a different pledge and the current one makes sense to the majority. Furthermore, our nation was built up on religious principles, shouldn't it stay that way? Why should we change it? Also, in an article called "Trump: 'Under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance Is 'a Great Thing' it says, " 'Because that's what we are and that is what we will always be, and that is what our people want', he said." Trump says that we thought of ourselves as living under God, and we think the same way…

    • 1154 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Christian Nation Response

    • 569 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The first amendment clearly estates that introduction of new religions are acceptable and there’s no uphold to the citizens in which they have to be Christians. The amendment undoubtedly mentions the root of the United States as “We the people” and not declaring any religious believes or ideas. In the entire Constitution, there’s not mentioning of even once the name of God, Jesus or any particular deities. The treaty of Tripoli it’s an evidence that many didn’t acknowledge it yet, this treaty was made by George Washington. This treaty lucidly estates that Unites States it is not a Christian…

    • 569 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The pledge of allegiance has remained an important part of the American legacy and culture. It takes part in the American school system, in American sports, and in many other areas. Many say that the pledge holds a place in their hearts, where it allows them to show their pride for their country. But in this pledge there are two words that have a tendency ring in the ears of many Americans, “under god.” In a country that is proud of the separation of church and state, we leave these words in a pledge that is said everyday by millions of Americans who believe and trust the right of separation of church of state yet we fail to do this for a major component in American culture. The words “under god” hold little meaning and should not be placed in the pledge of allegiance, they should be removed permanently.…

    • 813 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    This mindset ostracizes those who choose to opt out of saying it. Recently, a Colorado teacher of Angevine Middle School assaulted a student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance (Wootson). While this is just one instance, many school officials react violently to students who wish to opt out. While some are merely unaware that students have the right to sit out the Pledge, others are aware of the law but make it a point to bully students into participation anyway (Niose). Additionally, when used in an exercise designed to teach patriotism to children, the words “under God” send the message that true patriots believe in God. “While a God-believer can proudly say the Pledge of Allegiance, [a] [nonbeliever] must choose to: 1) absent [themselves] from the practice 2) participate in the exercise that denigrates [their] beliefs, or 3) say a different pledge by omitting ‘under God’ which exposes the student and makes [them] appear unpatriotic” (Miller). No one would seriously contend that the daily recitation of “one nation for atheists” is not discriminatory simply because it is optional, yet “under God” is deemed as…

    • 1244 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Pledge of Allegiance was written to fit any person in any country but the in 1945 the U.S. adopted it and changed it twice to fit our country but it wasn’t used in the morning to start the day for fifty-five years. In 2004 a student named Michael Newdow argued that “under God” challenged the right to freedom of religion and violated the prohibition on the establishment of religion in the First Amendment of the United States…

    • 233 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Some recent legal activity has focused on allegations that public schools are proselytizing students by reciting the pledge each day (McCarthy, Martha). These legal actions were taken because some recent court cases has found that people were going against the prospect of saying “under God” in the pledge, they claim that saluting the flag contradicted their declared fidelity to God alone, a spiritual commitment that the First Amendment's "free exercise" clause protects (Sifton, Elisabeth). But by a ruling in 1943, students are also allowed to not partake in the reciting of the pledge, so there really is no reason for the separation of church and state in that field. Also, taking away the pledge would throw America into a political war. The pledge has been around for a very long time, taking it away would be like prohibiting the singing of the national anthem. The pledge is a huge patriotic symbol for most…

    • 872 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays