I just finished answering a poll sponsored by MSNBC.com. The question was “Should the motto ‘In God We Trust’ be removed from the U.S. currency?” A very interesting question for those who think believing in God in politics or government is not separating church and state. The “yes” answer stated: It's a violation of the principle of separation of church and state. The “no” answer stated: The motto has historical and patriotic significance and does nothing to establish a state religion.
Not only does the motto “In God We Trust” have historical significance and does not establish a state religion, it is a reminder of what our forefathers wanted for our nation. A God-fearing people who recognized the Divine in our blessed nation.
Originally in 1864, Congress first authorized a reference to God on a two-cent piece which then led to a request by the director of the U.S. Mint, who wrote there should be a “distinct and unequivocal national recognition of the divine in our sovereignty”. Then in 1955, the year after Congress inserted the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, Congress required all currency to carry the motto “In God We Trust”. Back in 2005 when a Sacramento doctor who was an atheist tried to get the words “under God” out of the Pledge of Allegiance it was thrown out. He later tried to get the motto “In God We Trust” off the money. At the time, the Appeals panel decided to keep both word phrases intact and it has not been changed.
Now there are reports from the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado that there were anti-God messages from an atheist’s group which call themselves “Freedom From Religion Foundation”. They have stirred up controversy at the convention in posting signs against the religious. The first sign posted said “Imagine No Religion” and after the outrage of people complaining about this irreverence for those who are religious, the foundation decided to replace it with: “Keep Religion Out of Politics”. This message still stirred up the public to demand that they remove these signs and the Freedom From Religion Foundation took them down. Mr. Nedd, chairman of the national advocacy group In God We Trust, said it best: “Americans are sick and tired of being attacked by self-important elitists who spend their lives harassing and mocking religious people. America is finally pushing back against the anti-religious zealots.”
As long as we keep watch on what is happening in our country and defend our religious freedoms, we will keep our constitutional rights in tact. As long as we continue to acknowledge who is really in charge of our nation we will remain free and enjoy the blessings of being guided and protected by our Maker.
Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.
