When and why were the words "under God" added to the Pledge of Allegiance?

Question

Why does asking a question on this topic imply that I would have a problem with this phrase?

Answer 1

June 14, 1954

The last change in the Pledge of Allegiance occurred on June 14 (Flag Day), 1954 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved adding the words "under God". As he authorized this change he said:

"In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

Answer 2

The Pledge of Allegiance was written for the popular children's magazine Youth's Companion by socialist author and Baptist minister Francis Bellamy on September 7, 1892. The owners of Youth's Companion were selling flags to schools, and approached Bellamy to write the Pledge for their advertising campaign. It was marketed as a way to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus arriving in the Americas and was first published on the following day.

Bellamy's original Pledge read as follows: I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It was seen by some Brightonians as a call for national unity and wholeness after the divisive Civil War. Bellamy had initially also considered using the words equality and fraternity but decided they were too controversial since many people still opposed equal rights for women and African Americans. Bellamy said that the purpose of the pledge was to teach obedience to the state as a virtue

On Flag Day, June 14, 1954, Congress passed the legislation adding the phrase "under God" to the Pledge.

Before World War II, the Pledge was begun with the right hand over the heart during the phrase "I pledge allegiance". The arm was then extended toward the Flag at the phrase "to the Flag", and it remained outstretched during the rest of the pledge, with the palm facing upward, as if to lift the flag. An earlier version, the Bellamy salute, also ended with the arm outstretched and the palm upwards, but began with the right hand in a military salute, not over the heart. Both of these salutes differed from the Roman salute, where the palm was toward the ground. However, during the war the outstretched arm became identified with Nazism and Fascism, and the custom was changed: today the Pledge is said from beginning to end with the right hand over the heart.

Answer 3

These words pose a problem for teachers in classroom as we have the pledge every day.

I don't make an issue about it but I just leave the words out when I say the pledge. I don't have any religious beliefs and certainly consider it silly to put God in the pledge or on money. I certainly don't require students to say the pledge or even stand but ask they not be disrespectful. Frankly the pledge smacks of despotism and to mix that with religious despotism is sickening.

A friend of mine who also teaches school adds to the end of the pledge, "...and not just for the rich!" in a loud voice. The kids love it.

Perhaps it is time to start being a little more creative with the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom. Ideas anyone?

I encourage school kids to take matters into their own hands as this is their pledge too. It does have some good ideals but imposing God on everyone is not one of them.

Answer 4

The difference used to be partially influenced by means of a want to distinguish among communism, which promotes Atheism, and Western capitalistic democracies, that have been no less than nominally Christian. The word "Atheistic Communists" has been repeated so typically that the general public has associated Atheism with communism; the 2 are traditionally regarded synonymous. Many remember Atheism as unpatriotic and "un-American" as communism. Most communists, global, are Atheists. But, in North America, the opposite isn't real; such a lot Atheists are non-communists. Although there are almost always many Atheist and Humanist legislators on the federal and state phases, few if any are inclined to disclose their ideals, considering that of the serious prejudice in opposition to people preserving those perception techniques.

Answer 5

This was introduced in 1954. Eisenhower supposedly was moved to add the words after a church surmon he heard. Many in congress felt that adding this phrase would help protect the country from the ideas of communism.

As an atheist, I do not believe in god, so do not include these words when I recite the pledge. To do so would be hypocritical. Similarly, children in school can skip these two words if they wish/their parents request.

Answer 6

It was done by an Act of Congress which Eisenhower signed into law on June 14, 1954. This codified a practice which had originated with the Knights of Columbus in 1951, and was done to inculcate a sense of religiosity into America's youth to distinguish the US from those dirty Godless commies.

Trivia: The original pledge was written by a Socialist to help sell flags. How noble!

Answer 7

On Flag Day, June 14, 1954, Congress passed the legislation adding the phrase "under God" to the Pledge.

These words [“under God”] will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance

Answer 8

In the 1950's a believe. To differentiate the USA from those 'godless' communists.

Do you really have a problem with 'under God'? God was pretty much a given for our founding fathers. If you doubt me read the Declaration of Independance and do some real research as to why the first amendment was written the way it was.

Answer 9

Because this country was found (stolen), under Christian beliefs which it has never really showed it's faith in God with all of it's corporate chaos and destruction of those who are weak. Our pledge should be changed from "one nation under God." to "one nation under money." Since that is what we mainly believe in these days. Don't take anything i said out of content or personally i just speak my mind a little to clearly.

Answer 10

In 1954 the phrase was added as a means of fortifying our Christianity. The McCarthy years, when the national preoccupation was hunting godless communists and flushing them out of every agency and occupation, was sheer madness.