In God We Trust

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a resolution reaffirming the national motto, “In God We Trust.”

As most of you know, this motto became official in 1956.  (Previous to that time, we had a de facto national motto, “E Pluribus Unum.”)

Apparently the Congress felt that the “In God We Trust” motto was under attack or feared that it might be replaced with something more generic.  Regardless, it overwhelmingly passed with only 9 votes in opposition.

Now that this issue is settled, maybe Congress can get on to more pressing matters at hand.

If, however, they decide to revisit the “In God We Trust” motto, maybe next time they will do some serious thinking on the subject.  Here are some reflective suggestions for them:

• In whose God do we trust exactly?  Or does the term “God” encompass all deities?  

 

• What do we trust in God to do for us exactly?  Congressman Randy Forbes cited FDR praying to God before D-Day and asking him to help us in our efforts against the Nazis.  So, do we trust God to win wars for us?

Does that mean that God prefers Americans to citizens of other nations? 

Whose side was God on during the U.S. Civil War?  I'm sure Red-blooded Americans on both side of the Mason-Dixon line trusted in their God to make them victorious.

(May I suggest that God is against war period?  That he abhors the killing of fellow human beings?  On second thought, that’s not a good suggestion – at least not for the Judeo-Christians.  Read the Old Testament.)

• “In God We Trust” isn’t even an accurate motto.  To be accurate the motto would have to read, “In God Some of Us Trust.”

 

• And what about those Atheist American citizens?  Isn’t the government alienating these folks?  If one does not believe in a supreme being, which national motto does he or she embrace?

One of the core values that I cherish is the fact that our country embraces freedom.  We have freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of religion.  Included in that last liberty is the freedom to believe there is no god at all. 

I do not want the government dictating my religion.  I don’t want a “state church.”  (Isn’t that part of why we broke away from jolly ole England, sailed west and wiped out all the Native Americans who were here first?) 

I don’t want prayer in public schools.  (Do you want all the Muslim kids to roll out their rugs and face Mecca while in school?)

The pious and self-righteous majority in Congress can pat themselves on the back after this reaffirmation resolution.  But don’t let them think that they can legislate my belief or unbelief on the subject of a supreme being.