Should public schools display mottos like "With God, all things are possible?"?

Question

A bill just got passed in Ohio saying that all publicly funded schools must display that motto or the words "In God We Trust" (like on money) if something that says it is donated to the school. Do you think that's right? Religion aside, what if the poster or plaque is *ugly*? ;-)

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=17140

http://www.lc.org/pressrelease/2006/nr071706.htm

I would like to note that I'm really disappointed at how many people felt compelled to question my intelligence and veracity instead of doing the research--even though it's super-easy to search from here and even after I provided links.

Answer 1

That phrase is the state motto of Ohio. It seems reasonable that the state can ensure that its motto be posted in all schools. If people have a problem with the motto, then they should seek legal remedy.

On a side note, Ohio's government is very dysfunctional. The school funding system in Ohio has been declared unconstitutional (not equitable or adequate) several times, and the legislature has done nothing - so I hope they're not expecting the schools to pay for the plaque themselves. The governor, who signed this bill, has been convicted of ethics violations and may have to forfeit his license to practice law. And yet this is how they spend their time in legislative session? Wow. If the motto is true, then I hope that God makes it possible for all the fools who waste their time at the statehouse to be voted out in the next election.

Answer 2

It's unconstitutional! Regardless of what people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell may like us to believe, our Founding Fathers DID intend for there to be a separation of church and state. There are several documents that were written by our Founding Fathers, such as the Treaty of Tripoli, which was authored by John Adams, that prove this. Also, the Constitution says that the federal government shall make no law favoring an establishment of religion. That means that if an institution, such as a public school, gets federal funding, it shouldn't in any way promote a religion.

Answer 3

i am not a christian, but I do believe that these mottos are acceptable.
Seeing as how the country was founded on Christian beliefs, it is acceptable to respect and recognize those same beliefs years later.
As we progress, we are more aware and more tolerant of those who practice other religeous beliefs, at the same time we cant forget where it we have evolved from. Within a public school system we still study history in our corriculum and that is a small part of supporting it's foundation. You mentioned the slogan on money, well when the money starting being circulated, the country was god fearing and god worshiping, although not everyone belives in god, they do not have a problem handling currency.

Answer 4

All things are possible with God. If a true Christian can come out of a public school, it is a miracle.

I guess the school could quietly talk to somebody else and get him to make a prettier plaque, unless the ugly one were donated by somebody that was rich or influential. Guess they'd just have to hang it in the janitor's closet then!

Answer 5

Our country is founded with a separation of religion and government. It doesn't mean we can not discuss religion in publicly funded places or the pastor can't talk about politics.

Using phrases in school that are part of our country is acceptable. If a teacher is saying that if you don't believe in God you are going to hell is wrong. If a minister tells his congregation if they don't vote for Hillary Clinton they will be damned is also wrong.

Like with so many other things, people who take it to the extreme need to be ignored. There is an acceptable middle to this issue.

Answer 6

Unfortunately it almost seems weird that they would want to put that saying in a public school when the religion issue is still such an issue for the different cultures in this country. I am almost surprised that no one has complained about the money thing yet. I think that the saying should be "In your beliefs all things are possible" there is nothing wrong with that and its encouraging to most people, and lets them still be them selves no matter what their beliefs

Answer 7

Whether they're ugly or not shouldn't really have much bearing. State governments can pass pretty much whatevr bills they want, but it seems like it's a breach of the Separation of Church and State... that's the reason there's no longer school prayer like there used to be. Even though I am am Catholic, I don't think they should be displayed...

Answer 8

Ok i know seperation of church and state is becoming more and more a joke. im not blind to that factor. There isnt much i can do about it aside from hiring a bunch of religious extremists to get rid of the christian parapanelia but even then some whacko whould start screaming for justice and go out and kill everyone thats in thier way.

Answer 9

This country was founded on a belief in God. Read the consitiution and the Declaration of Independence. It is very clear that our fore fathers belived in God. We have the laws we have (such as against murder) because we were founded on the Judeao-Chrisitan belief system.
I see nothing wrong in saying 'In God we Trust'

Answer 10

to help me: God yes the christian God NO. also the founding fathers the real founding fathers of america were the native americans who by the way were beaten and enslaved into christianity.

to everyone this country was not founded on christian religion or principles dont believe the hype that fundamentalist christians keep trotting off.