Why is "In God we Trust" still on American currency?

Question

Doesnt this violate church and states wall of separation?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has decided that it is fine. Additionally, the Supreme Court has said that a moment of silence in schools is NOT constitutional.

I don't think those words need to be on our currency, when millions of atheists use it every day. There are other ways to express the nation's belief in a God (if you want to call it that) - let us start by our actions abroad (cough, Iraq, cough).

Answer 2

1) To the one posting above about separation of church and state--it is not a myth, it is a doctrine developed by the US Supreme Court based on the Establishment Clause of the 1st Amendment which says that the government will neither further nor prohibit any religion.

2) In God We Trust is there for historical reasons and is a cultural symbol. Even though our forefathers prohibited the establishment of a religion, they all believed in God in one form or another and believed that the US, above other nations, was favored by God. If you will, they were able to make a mental/logical separation between the existence of a God and the existence of religions; and, like Elizabeth I of England, they were not going to look into people's hearts and minds to determine which God they believed in.

3) In God We Trust, does not specify who's God--does it? It could mean to one Allah, to another the Earth Mother, to yet another Jehova or Yaweh. The only one this motto might offend is an atheist.

4) However, even as to the Atheist, the usage of coinage bearing this motto does not require that you believe in God. Nor can its use be logically tied to promotion of God. Therefore the motto is not in any way inhibiting or promoting anyone's belief or disbelief in God. At best it is a minor "infraction" of the separation of state and church rule, one that harms nobody in particular. I also doubt you can find anybody of any denomination (or atheist) who cannot touch/use money because it makes reference to a nondescript god on it.

5) By the way the origin of this motto is not from our founding fathers--they chose E Pluribus Unum ("out of many, one") as this nation's motto (and it still is).

Here is a brief history of "In God We Trust":

Writing in her book "Freedom Under Siege," (J.P.Tarcher, Los Angeles, 1974), Madalyn O'Hair delineated the historical background for readers:

"In 1861, the Reverend M.R. Watkinson persuaded the secretary of the Treasury to try to introduce 'In God We Trust' as a motto on the coins of the land, arguing on the theological premise that in a Judeo-Christian nation, 'There is but one God.' Congress, then beginning to be responsive to the religious community and the votes that it was presumed to control, passed the Coinage Act of April 22, 1864, which designated that 'In God We Trust' be put on coins 'when and where sufficient space in the balance of the design' would permit it."

Answer 3

George Washington and the other founding fathers had more sense then the leaders of today and knew the need for God to be acknowledged in all things. People are fighting it thinking separation of church and state. I think it is just to persecute and remove God like he does not exist and therefore their judgment day will not exist. It is coming the faster they denounce God. Revelations is being full filled as the Jews are beginning to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah.

Answer 4

In God we Trust is simply an old phrase. Many people believed in God at one time(Yes, that's true!) and so it became that way. Over time, people have started to give no regard to morals or society as a whole. But back on the topic, it does not violate church & state's wall of separation or otherwise, people like you who have political influence would probably have: "take 'In God we Trust' from American currency" on their To Do List.

Answer 5

no, because there is no church state separation as perceived by many. it is based upon a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a Church. saying that they would never a one Church only government ran like in England. that is the separation of church and state. there are still prayers at the beginnings of congress meetings, and the house of representatives etc. the 10 commandments on depicted on the walls at the meetings of congress. this country was founded and based upon God. that is where we get almost every law, from the bible. murder, adultery stealing, punishment etc. and Thank God "in God we trust" is till on our money. very few things to be proud of in this county anymore. and that is one of them. it shows our heritage.

Answer 6

Because it's a true statement regarding the success of
America.; It violates nothing, the federal government cannot legislate nor in anyway control,whether you go to church or not, nor mandate the church you go to (that is the TRUE meaning of separation of church and state)

Answer 7

There is nothing in the Constitution of the US that says, "Seperation between Church and State". There are a lot of people that will want you to believe that. The purpose for the amendment in the Constitution is to keep GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE CHURCH...not the other way around. Also, nearly 90% of this country believes in God. That's why it's still on there. Here is the amendment word for word. Read it. Now ask yourself if the Constitution says that there is a seperation between church and state.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances

Answer 8

Yes it does Like The One Girl said, the Pledge of Allegence, and the Faith Based Groups Violate the Separtion of Church and State.

Answer 9

Amina is right, the phrase was added to further separate us from the communist and supposedly atheist U.S.S.R.. It seems a little silly that it remains still. But look at these answers--people don't want to give it up, as if it's presence on our money actually means something. Maybe 'In Capitalism We Trust' would be more appropriate.

Answer 10

Because, believe it or not, this country was founded by CHRISTIANS!!! OH NO!! A vast majority of the founding fathers were practicing Christians.

Why is it still on our currency today? They probably started debating about it back in the 1700's. You know how slow government is to change things.

I just read an article about the new dollar coin, and a bunch of them were minted without "In God we trust" stamped on them.

Answer 11

Its such an insignificant violation that they let it slide. God means different things to different people. That being said, I'm in favor of taking it off. But the majority of Americans are Christians and they rarely let an opportunity to shout the fact pass them up, nor do they have the slightest respect for those of no religion.

Looks frantically for the Bible on the ideals of: Democracy, Social Contract Theory, Freedom of Religion, Equality of Man, Personal Liberty and The Free Market System. Funny, they aren't in there! How can that be??? Those are the ideals America was founded on and NOT ONE is based on the Bible or any other Christian text!