I am an atheist and i don't believe in god. It just irritates me everytime i say the pledge of allegiance, that i have to say under god even though i know there is no god.
2007-08-06 17:37:12 · 34 answers · asked by tramdelamens 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
separation of church and state, people!
2007-08-06 17:42:32 · update #1
Growing up, I have never said "one nation under god" while stating the Pledge of Allegiance. I agree with you, there needs to be a separation of church and state. I am a proud American, but I am not religious. So, why should my American pride be brought down by others religious views? Regardless if you believe in god or not (I don't), it should not be part of the Pledge. I pledge allegiance to my COUNTRY, not to anyone's religious beliefs.
2007-08-06 17:48:04 · answer #1 · answered by Lisa 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You're not the only one that feels this way. There are a large number of people- atheist, agnostic, AND religious- who feel that "under God" should be removed.
The Pledge of Allegiance is over 100 years old, and our country has adopted new measures of religious tolerance and acceptance that were unthinkable a century ago. The country is now bound by the law to treat all citizens with equal protection and civil liberties regardless of religious affiliation.
The government's stance on this issue is that the phrase "Under God" is ambiguous enough to not specify any one religion. It recognizes an equal treatment of all religions. Public schools are prohibited from forcing anyone to recite the pledge in school, so that if there's anyone who does take offense to that phrase, they wouldn't have to recite it themselves.
The main problem is how to please everyone. There's always going to be a plethora of religious arguments- whether or not God exists, which religions' the best, etc. While many people take offense to reciting "Under God," there are at least just as many people who would take just as great offense to remove that phrase.
Personally, I feel that the current system for this is best. Leave it there, but don't force others to follow it as well if they don't want to.
2007-08-06 18:41:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then skip saying that part, freedom of speech baby! Just as long as your respectful of others who do say it and I would hope they would be respectful of you too. By the way, separation of church and state doesn't mean not saying God in the pledge of allegiance or mentioning him in a school related function, it means that we are blessed in this country to not have a national religion separating our church live from state. The founding fathers incorporated God to which a strong basis of our nations founding is based upon, please read up on your history before making such rash comments.
2007-08-06 17:49:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's also on the money. (Look at the quarter...)
And yes, it should be removed. It was added to the pledge by President Eisenhower. Congress in 1954 added the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. So it's only been on the pledge for like 50 years.
Imagine if the pledge instead said, "...and one nation, without god, with liberty and justice for all."
It would be changed so fast I would not be able to finish typing this answe_.
2007-08-06 17:44:51 · answer #4 · answered by Patrick P 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No, it should not be... such a lot men and women consider it is been in there endlessly, but it surely was once further in 1954. If you are devout, simply pledge allegiance to the nation, then pray to God... I severely doubt anyones strapped for time so tightly that they can not do each.
2016-09-05 09:56:53 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. It's the basis of our country, and I believe why America is the strongest empire to ever rule on earth. Our forefathers meant for it to be a nation under God, so it will be.
Now, here's where you need to wise up. If you feel "threatened" by it, just don't recite it. Show some respect for your country and be at attention, but either leave the Under God out for yourself, or just stand quietly while everyone else says it. But there's no reason we should change our standards for a minority of athiests who want things to change.
And "under God" is pretty generic........It's not saying, "One Nation Under Jesus Christ"......It's just, God. There's only 1 God, but people of different religions can just imagine that it's stating their God, because it really doesn't specify.
2007-08-06 18:12:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow. the pledge of allegiance was started in 1892 to help a group sell flags to schools. the words under god where put in it in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. so maybe this add campaign isn't so sacred after all.
on anothe note. allegiance isn't determined by the words one says, but by their actions.
its a silly concept that is outdated.
2007-08-06 18:12:01 · answer #7 · answered by nicholas b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How often could you possibly say the Pledge of Allegiance, unless you're still in grade-school. If that's the case, simply stand silently. Problem solved.
2007-08-06 17:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Then don't say it.
There is no rule that says you can't remain silent when that short phrase appears.
Separation of Church and State is not in the Constitution, by the way. However the words "under God" are fairly generic. They can be spoken by a Hindu, a Buddhist, a Christian, Jew or Muslim without compromising their faith. But they can also be spoken by an atheist who has no fear of mere words.
2007-08-06 17:50:51 · answer #9 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i for one do believe in Jesus or god or what ever you would call him but still no i don't think its fair for people who don't believe in god to have to say under god i don't know how old you are but if your in school maybe you could ask your teacher or if you have a child who goes to school ask his teacher if you could make a pledge of allegiance for your religion and say it also
2007-08-06 17:48:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋