Posted on Aug 12, 2015
Are the words "In God We Trust" inappropriate to use?
29.8K
505
241
26
26
0
The words "In God We Trust" have been used on our currency since 1864 and was adopted as the official motto of the United States in 1956. Recently Police departments in several states have opted to put this slogan on their patrol cars, citing the numerous times the statement has been held as constitutional by the courts. Some disagree with it's use and express objections to it being used. In the areas where placing it on Patrol cars has happened it is being discussed as being inappropriate. All around us we see the growing movement to remove any reference to God from government property, in Wauwatosa Wisconsin the "Christian Cross" was replaced on their city seal, the city of Zion, IL has done the same thing, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ordered the removal of the 10 Commandments monument from the state capitol, is this trend going to continue to grow until these words are removed from our monies?
The words "In God We Trust" originated from the song, The Star Spangled Banner, it is there we find the words, "And this be our motto: "In God We Trust"" The words "In God We Trust" provide for me a certain amount of solace and are a source of pride in my Nation and Government. When I sing the Star Spangled Banner have at times been moved to tears thinking about the men who fought and lived to see "those broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming." We live in a imperfect world and no matter what is decided someone will be unhappy. I feel public recognition of God is important, to me it's not about a specific religion, it's about our national heritage.http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/03/in-god-we-trust-stickers-on-police-cars-lead-to-dueling-protests-in-florida/
The words "In God We Trust" originated from the song, The Star Spangled Banner, it is there we find the words, "And this be our motto: "In God We Trust"" The words "In God We Trust" provide for me a certain amount of solace and are a source of pride in my Nation and Government. When I sing the Star Spangled Banner have at times been moved to tears thinking about the men who fought and lived to see "those broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight. O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming." We live in a imperfect world and no matter what is decided someone will be unhappy. I feel public recognition of God is important, to me it's not about a specific religion, it's about our national heritage.http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/08/03/in-god-we-trust-stickers-on-police-cars-lead-to-dueling-protests-in-florida/
Religion
Constitution
God
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 81
30
30
0
I am an Atheist, and have never been offended by the words "in god we trust" or any usage of God in government. Yes, I get a little uncomfortable during award ceremonies when we start off with a prayer, but that is part of our freedom of religion. I am not being forced to pray, I just sit silent and wait for it to finish. Same goes with the pledge and the stickers on the police cars. They mean a lot to those who believe, and are just words on a car or a piece of currency. it shouldn't be more than that and people need to stop living like the only thing that matters is their feelings, and other peoples beliefs should come behind the fews feelings.
(30)
(0)
SSG Audwin Scott
A1C Santy, I can truly respect your beliefs and very good post. I have had the opportunity to Lead (2) Atheist in my life and we respected each other's beliefs and I never forced my beliefs upon them. Thank you for your comment.
(1)
(0)
SSG Audwin Scott
SGT Michael DeLaGarza - You are absolutely correct. Religion was formed by man to benefit and fit their own comfort.
(0)
(0)
SFC Greg Bruorton
SSG Audwin Scott - I don't totally agree with your assessment. In my belief, the original tenets of religion were given to Adam and Eve by the Father and the Son and for a while it was untainted. The practice of a moral religion or tenets of natural law are a benefit to man, but through the many centuries that followed, dogma and doctrine were changed erroneously or on purpose to suit the scribes and royalty of the times.
The worship of God was for the express purpose of teaching obedience to the commandments and ordinances that were passed down through divine revelation and thereby to impress upon man that we are all children of God and must live in love and harmony. The final result of religious practice is to eventually return to the presence of God Himself in the next life after the Resurrection of man that was provided by Jesus Christ.
The worship of God was for the express purpose of teaching obedience to the commandments and ordinances that were passed down through divine revelation and thereby to impress upon man that we are all children of God and must live in love and harmony. The final result of religious practice is to eventually return to the presence of God Himself in the next life after the Resurrection of man that was provided by Jesus Christ.
(0)
(0)
14
14
0
LTC Thelma Carnes Rowe
SFC Mark Merino. BLUF. This and always will be people offended by something. That's isnt the point. The point is if it is appropriate or not to have specific words this country was founded on be removed. The answer is no, it should not be removed and is inappropriate for them to be removed. It doesn't matter if it offends anyone or not for its about our four father and the foundation of our country. That is what make me proud to serve as i am sure it makes more how do or have served. Think about the impact it would have on the generations behind us, would they know and understand the foundation of the country, or would it be lost. Who cares who it offends!
(0)
(0)
SFC Mark Merino
LTC Thelma Carnes Rowe I'm not understanding our communication with each other. Are we agreeing or disagreeing? I posted a picture stating that 2015 is the year the media spent on creating incredible drama and plunged our nation into a completely divided camp. They fueled the fires of racism by showing one sided accounts, and portraying anyone who differs in opinion as some sort of racist/enemy/opposition. I believe there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with "In God We Trust", but now even that is coming under fire. How am I being offensive?
(0)
(0)
LTC Thelma Carnes Rowe
SFC Mark Merino, you posted a pic stating "2015 The year America was offened by absolutely everything" which can be taken in many ways. It can be taken as America is offended by everything these days as before they weren't. The miscommunication is if they are being offend by the words "In God We Trust" exist or being removed. I think a lot of comments on this post are being misunderstood, communicated, or in left field. It doesn't matter who is offended and/or why. It is inappropriate to have the words "In God We Trust" removed. It's not about me being offended either way, it's about what is right. I believe we are on the same team! LOL
(0)
(0)
12
12
0
I think it should be left, as it is a staple of the foundation of our country. Of course this goes along with thoughts of perhaps recognizing Christianity as a national religion or religious belief. Not to discriminate, but to protect the moral foundations upon which our country was founded. It is argued that we are so worried about offending the vocal minority we are losing our identity as a nation.
(12)
(0)
CPT Pedro Meza
SGT(P) Secorah Arbuckle - you are aware that as an Atheist your are displaying those traits that the Jewish man called Jesus taught. So that means that you are a practitioner of the lessons of the man called Jesus.
(0)
(0)
CPT Pedro Meza
SGT Secorah Arbuckle - see you have one again repeated the simple lesson of being nice to all based on being nice with out expecting payment.
(0)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
SGT(P) Secorah Arbuckle - indeed. I realize you didn't make the pic but it fits well.
(0)
(0)
CW3 (Join to see)
SGT(P) Secorah Arbuckle - Thank you for your comments. I respect your stance on this issue but do not think your graphic necessarily applies to the moral foundation I was referring too. It is a nice thought though and one would hope that empathy would be enough, but unfortunately history has shown us time and time again it will never be. As humans we are inherently flawed, as such we struggle with our own definitions of right and wrong. Religion, specifically Christianity in the case of our country, has given us moral guidelines and helped establish past and present acceptable social norms regarding behavior and human interaction. Many of the laws of our past and present were also developed with influence from religious teachings/values.
Personally, I don't make decisions with a fear of being struck down by lightening or anything, I do so based on my own set of values and morals coupled with my past experiences (trial and error, consequences, and knowledge). Those values and morals are based largely on those socially acceptable norms and the way I was raised. Recognition of this saying as a huge part of our nation’s history and the value it has offered our society is all I think displaying the saying does. I am for freedom for all, but cannot be an advocate for attempting to erase our history so we don’t offend anyone (I share your sentiments of not being offended one way or another). As CPT (Join to see) pointed out in the original post, this statement has been held to be constitutional, as long as it is not being used to offend what does it hurt. I also dislike hearing about removal of other symbols in the original post. Regardless of how we grow and change as a nation, these symbols were important parts of our past and were never meant to be derogatory toward anyone. Remembering where we come from and how we got here is important so we don’t repeat the mistakes of our past.
All this is my humble opinion, I appreciate the response to my post.
Personally, I don't make decisions with a fear of being struck down by lightening or anything, I do so based on my own set of values and morals coupled with my past experiences (trial and error, consequences, and knowledge). Those values and morals are based largely on those socially acceptable norms and the way I was raised. Recognition of this saying as a huge part of our nation’s history and the value it has offered our society is all I think displaying the saying does. I am for freedom for all, but cannot be an advocate for attempting to erase our history so we don’t offend anyone (I share your sentiments of not being offended one way or another). As CPT (Join to see) pointed out in the original post, this statement has been held to be constitutional, as long as it is not being used to offend what does it hurt. I also dislike hearing about removal of other symbols in the original post. Regardless of how we grow and change as a nation, these symbols were important parts of our past and were never meant to be derogatory toward anyone. Remembering where we come from and how we got here is important so we don’t repeat the mistakes of our past.
All this is my humble opinion, I appreciate the response to my post.
(1)
(0)
11
11
0
I think the previous comments say it all.
To those who wish it removed, let me ask this simple question that has no intended malice; What is the real problem you have with it? Is it that it excludes other religions? If so, I'd argue that a Jew, Muslim, Christian...even a follower of a "non Abrahamic" faith can agree it speaks to them. Is it because it excludes those without faith? A1C Santy-Wish I could shake your hand for your much appreciated view regarding that.
To those who wish it removed, let me ask this simple question that has no intended malice; What is the real problem you have with it? Is it that it excludes other religions? If so, I'd argue that a Jew, Muslim, Christian...even a follower of a "non Abrahamic" faith can agree it speaks to them. Is it because it excludes those without faith? A1C Santy-Wish I could shake your hand for your much appreciated view regarding that.
(11)
(0)
11
11
0
This is not inappropriate. We live in a country that permits freedom of religion. People are free to choose to believe in who/what they wish. We do not coerce people to believe in anything; however, there are some who believe that we must omit everything that relates to a creator because it either offends them or that they feel excluded.
(11)
(0)
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
Remember .. in 1775 it was illegal for a Catholic to hold public office in America!
(0)
(0)
MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht
My wife calls him/her the Creator.believe what you want but, if you looks at the stars and wonder where, how. when etc. it means we are NOTHING. If we can just quit all these pissing contest an sit down and have drink, we would be better off.
(0)
(0)
9
9
0
The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian principles with the belief that all rights come from God (whatever concept of God you hold) and not from government. Once we no longer "trust in God" we leave the door open to government becoming the grantor of our rights. When that happens they can give and take away any rights they want. Whether you believe in God or not, you should keep that in mind.
(9)
(0)
COL Ted Mc
LTC Ed Ross - Colonel; The problem with any discussion on "rights" is that they really don't attach to anything and are rather abstract.
A useful term in such a discussion is "fundamental freedoms" - meaning those things which a society MUST have in order to be the type of society desired.
It really doesn't matter where those "fundamental freedoms" come from ("God" or "Government") because if you DON'T have them then you simply don't have the type of society you want to have.
(Unfortunately, once you start talking about "the society you want to have" you also take "God" out of the equation because none of the major "Holy Books" say anything substantial about "The Form Of Government God Says Is The One True Form Of Government".)
A useful term in such a discussion is "fundamental freedoms" - meaning those things which a society MUST have in order to be the type of society desired.
It really doesn't matter where those "fundamental freedoms" come from ("God" or "Government") because if you DON'T have them then you simply don't have the type of society you want to have.
(Unfortunately, once you start talking about "the society you want to have" you also take "God" out of the equation because none of the major "Holy Books" say anything substantial about "The Form Of Government God Says Is The One True Form Of Government".)
(1)
(0)
MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht
COL Ted Mc - Can't really follow this train of thought when you put fundamental freedoms in quotes. All races throughout time worshiped something. When Christ came I guess God came with it. I am not a religious nut, but I believe what I want and no one can take it from me. I believe in GOD and country. The other choice is the devil. PS. I also believe ghost, aliens, space ships etc. 50 years ago, never heard of those things. How about the next 50. I don't care what other people care about, as long as they care. nuff said.
(0)
(0)
COL Ted Mc
MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht - Master Sergeant; I think that Moses and his boys would give you an argument about "When Christ came I guess God came with it.".
When someone puts words like "fundamental freedoms" that means that they are using those words in a special way. My use of the term "fundamental freedoms" was not to imply that any PARTICULAR right/freedom had to be included - only that there were some things which were essential for any particular society to exist as that society but that they might not be necessary for some other society.
As an example (and without expressing either praise or condemnation for either) "free, fair, open, and honest elections" are necessary for the type of society that Americans want - they are NOT necessary for a society that wants to be an absolute monarchy. Thus "free, fair, open, and honest elections" are a "fundamental freedom" for America, but they are NOT a "fundamental freedom" for an absolute monarchy.
Please note that NEITHER "rights" nor "fundamental freedoms" are "inalienable" they have to be nurtured and defended at all costs because when you stop nurturing and defending them they slowly slide away under the pressure of those who want some different form of society (even if they persist in insisting that it is actually the same form of society).
When someone puts words like "fundamental freedoms" that means that they are using those words in a special way. My use of the term "fundamental freedoms" was not to imply that any PARTICULAR right/freedom had to be included - only that there were some things which were essential for any particular society to exist as that society but that they might not be necessary for some other society.
As an example (and without expressing either praise or condemnation for either) "free, fair, open, and honest elections" are necessary for the type of society that Americans want - they are NOT necessary for a society that wants to be an absolute monarchy. Thus "free, fair, open, and honest elections" are a "fundamental freedom" for America, but they are NOT a "fundamental freedom" for an absolute monarchy.
Please note that NEITHER "rights" nor "fundamental freedoms" are "inalienable" they have to be nurtured and defended at all costs because when you stop nurturing and defending them they slowly slide away under the pressure of those who want some different form of society (even if they persist in insisting that it is actually the same form of society).
(1)
(0)
8
8
0
Our nation was built on our trust in God. General Washington fought the British as a man of great faith. The Declaration of Independence was signed by men of great faith. Most of them paid the ultimate price for declaring freedom in the name of God. It is inappropriate to take it out of our culture. Look what removing God from our schools has done. So no, it is not inappropriate. The last part of the oath I took to protect and defend the Constitution were "So Help Me God!"
(8)
(0)
CPT Pedro Meza
CAPT Gary Foster, I will disagree with your statement the issue of using God has become political and justification to attacking others, in fact those that claim to believe in God do more harm. Now about the Commandment of using God's name in vain.
(0)
(0)
CAPT Gary Foster
Yep. I agree with you cpt. The Religious fanatics known as ISIS kill innocent victims daily in the name of God. As far as making God political, I blame the liberal left which has been forcing their agenda on our nation for years. Again, it amazes me that this is so far removed from the original question. You make a broad brush statement against all Christians. What proof do you have to back that up?
(0)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
CAPT Gary Foster - I believe it's a Christian agenda trying to impose its beliefs of my wife's reproductive system. That smells of a forced agenda to me.
(2)
(0)
SGT (Join to see)
CAPT Gary Foster - Those of us, a small percentage of the population of the nation (a great percentage of the readers of this webpage) signed up to defend this country for whatever reason we might have had for it and that makes us colleagues, comrades, brothers... don't cheapen that by claiming that everybody must share your view upon the world. We curse other people, societies, nation because they do not allow the freedom of thought, speech or religion and pride ourselves for having that freedom. How can you actively speak against that? Isn't it better that people educate themselves and make conscious decisions of what to think and believe, and not get forcefed by parents, society and school? I want to live among freethinkers - not sheep.
(1)
(0)
8
8
0
I have the words "In God We Trust" tattooed on my shoulder, it is my belief and has been in our country for a long time. I have to say that I am tired of people feeling like words offend them. It is not all people or all religions, however, as A1C (Join to see) stated, some people feel like their beliefs or words take precedence over others. If you don't like it don't look. If you don't want to hear it don't listen. If you don't want to say it then don't. However, do not dare think you can take away what I believe because it bothers you.
(8)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
SGT(P) Secorah Arbuckle - This is very true. It's been noted in the writings of several of the founding fathers that the intent was for every man, woman, and child be free to worship in their homes and churches, free from persecution. They didn't say anything about parading ones personal beliefs down Main Street. Jesus also taught that people should be humble.
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
I would prefer everything to be secular, however, the words don't offend me. After all, some of the words were in our nation's founding documents.
(8)
(0)
8
8
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google