Preview

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Under God

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
907 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Under God
Under God

Michael Newdow believes that “The government of the U.S should show equal respect for all of our lawful religious views”. Many American people are starting to argue about “under god” being in the Pledge of the United States Of America. It is becoming a problem. And its violating amendment 1 from freedom of religion. This problem needs to be solved.

Pledge allegiance history

The pledge was made in august 1892. It was written by francis Bellamy(‘The Pledge”).Francis was a baptist minister that was from New York(Jeffrey).It was originally made by the Knights Of Columbus. The Knights Of Columbus were a large catholic fraternal service organization. The pledge was first part of the celebration for Columbus Day.There
…show more content…
The pledge was mostly said in school mornings. Before class started they would start saying the pledge. When you say the Pledge you have to stand & look at the flag. You place your right hand on your heart and look straight to the flag then you start reciting the pledge(“pledge of”).

Pros

People who are for “under god” in the pledge support it for many reasons. Ronald Reagan said,” If we ever forget that we are one nation under god, then we will be a nation gone under. If we take “under god” away our nation heritage will go away too.(US pledge). Because our founding fathers were people of god(“the words”). A lot of american people say if you change it, it is going to feel wrong because they have gotten use to it.

The pledge is voluntary so people that feel uncomfortable don't have to say it. 85 percent of americans want the “under god” to stay in the pledge(god can). Also “under god” is not talking about our religious position(“why i”). Because the pledge is an expression to the flag of the US(“god can”). And kids shouldn't think they have to say it. That's why in 1943 supreme court ruled that school children could not be
…show more content…
Everybody needs equal rights( “US pledge”). The american human association wants people to sit out till the pledge is removed(why i). “Under god” is a statement of religious belief and violates the separation between church and state(“US pledge”). It's no use for it to be in the pledge because it was just to divide the US from communist countries(Anderson). Lawsuit has been sent to New Jersey and other places(“god can”). God is not a name to be used by the government for political reasons.

Conclusion

After many of these arguments whether “under god” should stay in the pledge or not. We should remove it. Because it's unfair to others with different beliefs. Like us as a nation we should understand why many people are mad about this topic. Because they came to America for freedom of religion, like amendment one says.they came to this country so they could believe in anything they wanted any other religion that isn't christianity , but our pledge is telling them otherwise.

Our government needs to know this is wrong that they our discriminating many others living in this country. Yes, it would be difficult children and adults to learn a new pledge without those words. People should know why this is wrong. We all need to be equal in this nation. We are a nation, but a nation with different raises and

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
  • Satisfactory Essays

    I found this interesting because I have two students in my classroom that do not say the pledge. The first boy is Muslim and it is against his religion. I am not sure why the second boy does not say the pledge, but they both stand when the rest of the class says it and they are very respectful.…

    • 289 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    As a very high priced and respected legal advisor I would advise Ms. Charmander of her legal rights. I would also advise her of her duties as a teacher. In this scenario Ms. Charmander has an academic freedom to decide what she wants to teach in her classroom. She also feels as if the Pledge of Allegiance is promoting the endorsement of religion. Which is not allowed in a public school setting. Her students also have a 1st amendment right to hear and say the Pledge of Allegiance. The state cannot prevent people from practicing or expressing themselves as long as they are not disruptive. Ms. Charmander also has the responsibility to teach what the school has set in their curriculum. Teachers are generally allowed some of their own freedoms in how they deliver their curriculum. In this case it seems if the school is set on this particular subject. In fact…

    • 546 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
  • 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

    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
  • Satisfactory Essays

    What I learn is that it is unconstitutional to stand for the pledge. Therefore, I agree with that statement. One time, in school there was a student who did not wanted to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. So the teacher forced him to stand. That means it is not mandatory.…

    • 175 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Prayer in Public Schools

    • 287 Words
    • 2 Pages

    By the separating of religion and state we have taken away a fundamental part of our culture. A lot of the older generation was raised with prayer in schools. Because of the diversities of religions in America today, allowing every group to hold their own prayer sessions would take up too much time.…

    • 287 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory 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
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The five key educational issues related to the first amendment and the first one is separation of church and state. This amendment states that no laws endorsing a religion shall be passed and this impacts education because the pledge of allegiance is said in many schools and God’s in the pledge. Some people argued about public schools being funded by the government and the use of God in public schools is illegal. Under God to some people is a religious reference and it imposes on religion. This is a religious reference that goes against the first amendment that explicitly states that is prohibited to make a law establishing religion.…

    • 278 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays

Related Topics