"In God We Trust" should be removed from US money.

[Pah]

I agree with part of your sentiment, lasthope. I find it amazing that people can so vehemently protest something (such as "In God We Trust" on money) and then continue to use it. However, to suggest that people give up on money is unrealistic. Even protestors need to eat, and that requires money. In principle, yes they should give up using money if they are so angry about what is printed on it. However, it is not feasible.

Back to the point of the original post, I don't see why having "In God We Trust" on currency is such a problem. It harkens back to the foundations of this nation, by the Diests who fought for our soveriegnty. Even the Declaration of Independence contains a reference to a higher power, "endowed by their creator." The phrase is more of a reference to historical beliefs than to the religious beliefs of each and every American.

I'm sure you'll agree God is the name of a specific diety and, as spelled, is highly specific to Christianity. "God" is not documented in our founding days - just some anonomous "creator".

The phrased was place on our money by the whim of an engraver of the U.S. Mint. Do you think that "the phrase is more of a reference to historical beliefs than to the religious beliefs of each and every American" was in his mind? It certainly was not a national referendum nor even an act of Congress.

The phrase became a national motto, destroying the beautiful tradition of what our early nation was really about - One from many. Defenders of the new, biased phrase and those who want to place it in each and every classroom and courthouse are quick (as they have done with the Marriage Amemndment) to proclaim only those "traditions" they find agreeable.

 

[Scuba Pete]

Since most Americans show little if any trust in God, it is a lie. I also like "E Pluribus unum" or maybe "Caveat Emptor".

 

[Mathematician]

I guess you didn't read the whole page GeneCosta, and I should have been more clear in my post. Our National motto was changed to "In God We Trust" and placed on ALL currency in 1957. Yes, it started during the Civil War on some coins. But it was anti-communism paranoia that changed our motto and put it on ALL currency.

I'm sorry. I misread.

I am sorry if this comes off as being harsh. I know that there will be a lot of comments made about what I am going to say here. So, therefore, I will post this comment and not look at it again until my curiosity gets the best of me. I will get responses that are so far fetched that I won't know how to respond. Because I know that you folks out there who love to argue will eat this up. Not only the folks who love to argue, but also the ones who post a comment on almost every thread just to prove that they are omnipresent. Not being an intellectual or a person who quotes or references web pages, I think you should all just deal with it and get over it. If you live in this country and use the American dollar as way of living, then you have no justifiable arguement. Do your job, earn our paycheck, and cash it in for money that is marked "In God We Trust". Otherwise, quit your job, stop earning your money and get the he** out of our country. If it urks you that much, then don't deal with it anymore. Protest, boycott, picket line the U.S. mint. Do whatever you have to do, but quit using the U.S dollar. Its hypocrisy to complain about this and still use it as a way of living day in and day out. For the most part, people just put up with it. They earn it and spend it with no thought to what is written on it. But for you select folks who just can't stand it, don't use it. If you are so strong in your convictions, then don't use it!!! It wouldn't matter if it said " In Lucifer We Trust". You would still earn it and spend it the same way. But you would still whine about it.

Firstly, there's been worse said. Don't worry.

I do have to disagree, though. While checks and credit and debit have made it easier not to use real money, there will still be instances where someone will have to pull out those pesky green dollars. And not using something you dissaprove of isn't how you solve the problem. I think most people have some sort of problem with the public school system, but it's not feasible, as ProudWiccan said, to have everyone pull out their kids. Does that mean Americans should just shut up and go about pretending like it's ok? I don't think so.

I don't buy the heritage thing, either. Why? What's the point of showing "our" heritage?

I'm not saying it's that big of an issue for me, but if gay marriage and burning flags is being addressed, I do certainly hope the politicians will consider a possible violation of our constitution appropriate...

 

[Smoke]

Don't you think that the words on the bills help stress that this nation was founded on the principle that we are held accountable to a higher standard than our own?

Then it's odd that the founders never thought of it, and had all been dead for decades before the motto was placed on any of our money. It was placed on all currency during the hysteria of McCarthyism, and that's the ideology it represents. Since that hysteria is still alive and well in the form of the Religious Right, it still has massive support, too, but it has nothing to do with the founding principles of the United States.

In fact, the idea that "we are held accountable to a higher standard than our own" is completely nonsensical. We have no standards higher than our own, none at all. I'm aware that the most backwards, bigoted, and ignorant segments of the population imagine that their standards coincide with those of the Almighty, and even have their origin in Divine Providence, but there's not the slightest bit of evidence that it's true.

I don't think that this can be all bad. and how bout "In Faith We Trust" or something, cause that would include athiests, satanists, pagans, and christians in the same happy family.

No, faith is precisely what I don't trust, and I'm sure there are plenty of Christians and members of other religions who would hasten to tell you it's not what they trust, either.

Not being an intellectual or a person who quotes or references web pages, I think you should all just deal with it and get over it.

I think it's always good to work to change things for the better. Of course that always bothers religious fanatics, who so often work to change things for the worse.

If you live in this country and use the American dollar as way of living, then you have no justifiable arguement.

What kind of morally bankrupt person would use the dollar "as a way of living"? The dollar is a tool, and it's a tool that can be improved in its design.

Do your job, earn our paycheck, and cash it in for money that is marked "In God We Trust". Otherwise, quit your job, stop earning your money and get the he** out of our country.

Who in the hell do you think you are to tell me to get the hell out of "your" country? What irks me far more than that stupid motto on our money is the supreme arrogance of religious bigots who imagine that the country belongs to them. It's not "your" country, jack, it's our country -- and I'll get out when I'm damned good and ready.

As a matter of fact, I'm trying to put together a plan to emigrate, because I'm sick and tired of living in a country where hateful religious fanatics and the spineless, amoral politicians who pander to them set the policies. But for now, and until the blessed day when (and if) I manage to become a citizen of a country that does not lay under the darkness of ignorance and bigotry, the United States is still my country as well as yours, and you forget that at your peril.

 

[ProudWiccan]

I'm sure you'll agree God is the name of a specific diety and, as spelled, is highly specific to Christianity. "God" is not documented in our founding days - just some anonomous "creator".

Would you prefer "In Unnamed, Non-denominational, Possibly-existent, Diety or Creator We Trust?"

I don't agree that God is the name of a specific diety. While Christians and Jews use the term "God" to ascribe a name to the diety they worship, the term "God" itself is a socialized term used to describe any diety.

The phrase became a national motto, destroying the beautiful tradition of what our early nation was really about - One from many. Defenders of the new, biased phrase and those who want to place it in each and every classroom and courthouse are quick (as they have done with the Marriage Amemndment) to proclaim only those "traditions" they find agreeable.

And the flipside is appropriate too. There are those who are quick to denounce only those "traditions" they find disagreeable, such as "In God We Trust."

 

[Krie]

I agree. I think that it should be removed b/c we do have freedom of religion. So if there is someone that doesn't believe in "god" they might find it very very offensive. that is a way to create a killer right there, man. take the words off and there will be less killers!!!!

 

[Smoke]

I don't agree that God is the name of a specific diety. While Christians and Jews use the term "God" to ascribe a name to the diety they worship, the term "God" itself is a socialized term used to describe any diety.

And why should the government acknowledge any deity?

 

[Krie]

mmmm.... government, that its self is a ripe topic.

 

[Matt88]

Make that 3! (Or are we up to 4 now?)

A very interesting topic... Maybe we should change it every year? Maybe do kind of a rotating thing through each religion? "In Goddess We Trust," "In Krishna We Trust," "In Satan We Trust"....

I'm sorry, but that is just plain stupid. No offense intended.

 

[Mike182]

In God we Trust.... All others pay Cash! :biglaugh:

i agree (though am not american) that such a phrase should not be on the secular legal documents of a nation

 

[Pah]

Would you prefer "In Unnamed, Non-denominational, Possibly-existent, Diety or Creator We Trust?"

My preferences are already specified and in the very same post which prompted your response and in the section that drew the last comment. I can not imagine you missing or ignoring it.

I don't agree that God is the name of a specific diety. While Christians and Jews use the term "God" to ascribe a name to the diety they worship, the term "God" itself is a socialized term used to describe any diety.

Well, you would be wrong. Point of fact - when God is used by Jews, it is spelt G-d. It is Jewsih custom not to completely render the " name of God". Point of observation - God is not a "socialized term" (whatever that is), It is highly specific in the English language and thus capitalized. When NOT capitalized, it is used for any generic diety. Exodus 20:1-3 shows the difference

1 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Here God has spoken - he has spoken of a Lord, specifically "God" - he tells you to stay aways from "gods". Now I know, if you're Christian, this would be the utlimate authority for the question to capitalize or use lower case.

And the flipside is appropriate too. There are those who are quick to denounce only those "traditions" they find disagreeable, such as "In God We Trust."

I guess it would depend on the tradition. I certainly can't denounce the "tradition" of men marrying women since I'm married. But I can denounce the tradition when it is used to spitefully hurt others.

Here in this case, the "new", religious leaning motto lacks the secular beauty of a country founded on E Pluribus unum. Though they are both inventions of humankind, our nation is concrete. It's hard to trust an etherial, mythical being.

 

[lasthope]

Wait, wait, wait. Lets take this a step further. I don't like the fact that I have to use money that has images of dead people on it. I don't think we as a country should have to be reminded on a daily basis that the men depicted on our hard earned money are dead. Its appalling and indecent. I want my picture on my money. Yeah thats it, my picture. And all of you should have your picture on your money. And it should also say "In me I trust". The nerve of this goverment to put dead people and the word God on my money. Oh the tragedy. Or I could just continue using it the way I do and not really care what is on it but only be concerned with its value. Now theres an inspirational thought. But no, that would be to easy. No, it's best to complain about it and be offended by it and voice it for all to hear.

Who in the hell do you think you are to tell me to get the hell out of "your" country? What irks me far more than that stupid motto on our money is the supreme arrogance of religious bigots who imagine that the country belongs to them. It's not "your" country, jack, it's our country -- and I'll get out when I'm damned good and ready.

As a matter of fact, I'm trying to put together a plan to emigrate, because I'm sick and tired of living in a country where hateful religious fanatics and the spineless, amoral politicians who pander to them set the policies. But for now, and until the blessed day when (and if) I manage to become a citizen of a country that does not lay under the darkness of ignorance and bigotry, the United States is still my country as well as yours, and you forget that at your peril

Let me reread what I posted. Oh look, right there. Yep there it is. "Get the hell out of OUR country" I never refered to this as being "my" country. I said "OUR". Yours and mine and everyones. OUR. I am sorry if you misread it as being "mine". My name is not Jack and I am not a religious bigot. Nor am I a hateful religious fanatic or a spineless, amoral politician. But, if you need some assistance with your immigration, I will be glad to start a fund for you and take donations so that you can be free of this country that you are so displeased with. But you probably won't accept it because I am pretty sure all the donations will have "In God we trust" on them.

 

[ProudWiccan]

Point of observation - God is not a "socialized term" (whatever that is)

Language is nothing more than symbolic representations of concepts, as defined by society (hence, socialized term). The term "God" or even "god" (capitalized or not) indicates a higher power/diety/supreme being without indicating the religion associated with it.

It's hard to trust an etherial, mythical being.

Maybe for you. But, for myself, and an overwhelming majority of people, trust in God (not necissarily the Christian idea of God) is a part of life.

 

[evearael]

I believe that "In God We Trust" should be removed from US money. The word "we" in official US government documents, including money, should refer to ALL Americans, not just the majority of Americans. Americans are free to believe in God if they wish, but there is no need to advertise their belief on our money.

I certainly agree the word God is inappropriate on our money, however I'm afraid changing it is relatively low priority to me. If removing it came up in politics, I would certainly support it.

 

[standing_alone]

I certainly agree the word God is inappropriate on our money, however I'm afraid changing it is relatively low priority to me. If removing it came up in politics, I would certainly support it.

I'm pretty much the same way. I think that it shouldn't be on money at all, but changing it isn't too important to me. There are issues far more important, in my opinion, that need to be addressed. As evearael, if removing the reference to God on money came up in politics, I would as well support its removal. However, I don't feel that outraged that it's there. I kind of like the irony of it all. "In God We Trust" on our money. Shows what we actually worship in this country.

 

[Smoke]

But, if you need some assistance with your immigration, I will be glad to start a fund for you and take donations so that you can be free of this country that you are so displeased with. But you probably won't accept it because I am pretty sure all the donations will have "In God we trust" on them.

You're mistaken there. I'll gladly take your money, and use it to get as far away from the religion-besotted U.S.A. as I need to. So start collecting.

My ancestors had enough sense to move on to find a better life; I don't intend to dishonor them by pretending my soul is tied to a piece of land that's controlled by lunatics.

 

[Mathematician]

Wait, wait, wait. Lets take this a step further. I don't like the fact that I have to use money that has images of dead people on it. I don't think we as a country should have to be reminded on a daily basis that the men depicted on our hard earned money are dead. Its appalling and indecent. I want my picture on my money. Yeah thats it, my picture. And all of you should have your picture on your money. And it should also say "In me I trust". The nerve of this goverment to put dead people and the word God on my money. Oh the tragedy. Or I could just continue using it the way I do and not really care what is on it but only be concerned with its value. Now theres an inspirational thought. But no, that would be to easy. No, it's best to complain about it and be offended by it and voice it for all to hear.

.

The constitution doesn't protect against personal likes and dislikes.

 

[kevmicsmi]

The constitution doesn't protect against personal likes and dislikes.

It doesnt protect from putting religious phrases on money either

 

[Comet]

It doesnt protect from putting religious phrases on money either

The currency is made by the government...... (read the first Ammendment again.) The phrase should be taken off all US currency as it violates this right by my view of it.

 

[kevmicsmi]

You're mistaken there. I'll gladly take your money, and use it to get as far away from the religion-besotted U.S.A. as I need to. So start collecting.

My ancestors had enough sense to move on to find a better life; I don't intend to dishonor them by pretending my soul is tied to a piece of land that's controlled by lunatics.

So why take offense then at the perceived slight from Last hope? You trash our country, post that as soon as you can trade your citizenship in, you will, yet you expect people to sympathise with your thought that it is your country too. Which is it MB?