the pledge under god?

Question

why should i have to say this when i dont believe in god?

Answer 1

if that is your biggest problem, then consider yourself lucky

Answer 2

You don't have to say it. Just don't say it.

I went to a school in South Carolina back in the 70's. About 1/3 of the students were black. They didn't believe that there was "liberty and justice for all" - so every time we stood to say the pledge at assemblies and such - the black students would finish by saying - "One Nation, under God, indivisible" and then they would take their hands off of their hearts and sit down while the rest of the students finished up the pledge. I started sitting down with them. I thought they were right!

So - just don't say the "under God" part. I'm sure nobody will make you.

Answer 3

I began to think of myself as an atheist when I was about nine and, by the time I was twelve refused to cooperate with those who spread Christian propaganda. I would say the Pledge with my classmates and just skip over the words "under God." I don't think anyone ever noticed.

On the other hand, you could raise an unholy stink about it. You might even cause a few thoughtful individuals to think twice, but mostly you'll be creating a lot of trouble for yourself. American Christians are much more intolerant and fundamentally evil than you apparently realize. I advise you to keep your atheism to yourself -- you'll live longer. If you feel you must protest, do it here, where your true identity is completely protected from those who will inevitably wish to do you harm.

Answer 4

You don't HAVE to say any of the pledge of allegiance.People fought and died so you would have that right.If the words "under god" offend you,don't say them,those words are not in the original pledge anyway.Some try to tell you this is a Christian nation.As the truth about our founding fathers being deist,not Christian,and the words "Our Creator"not being specific to Christianity,has been shown many times,simply put,they are lying,but that is necessary.the Christian faith collapses under the truth.Back to the pledge.Careful you don't become so anti-theist you become indistinguishable from a fundie.I have utterly no belief in god,utter contempt for the christian and Muslim religions,but I don't care if "under god" is in the pledge,or if "in god we trust" is on the money.I am secure in my unbelief.They aren't "magic" words that are contagious or anything.I am atheist and will spend "in god we trust like it's going out of style.Its no biggie.Pick the important battles,keep the crap out of classrooms

Answer 5

You shouldn't and you do not have to most people do not realize that when the pledge was first written it did not include the phrase under god and in fact the phrase under god was not added to the pledge until 1954 when the wave of McCarthyism was hitting the united states.

Answer 6

Personally, I don't have a problem with it as it is a part of history, not an affirmation of beliefs. If it were to be removed then it would have to be taught in schools that it had been there and why it was removed.

This may be a good idea in either case, as the majority of people don't know the story behind the pledge or of that phrase.

Remembering our history is not a bad thing even if it had "religion" associated with it.

Answer 7

You shouldn't - you should pointedly stay silent during the pledge of allegiance. If you get into any kind of trouble, the ACLU would love to hear from you and you have a lawsuit on your hands. Make sure you write down all that is said to you if you get into any kind of hassle. Ask the principal to write your parents a letter explaining why you are going to be forced to say the pledge of allegiance. The ACLU would love to nail him/her for you

Answer 8

I never say the Pledge, and neither does my son, who is seven years old. The Supreme Court decided long ago that saying it was optional--so don't feel forced to do so.

Answer 9

Well you could modify the meaning in your mind.

Good
Orderly
Direction

as specified in the Constitution of the Uniter States.

Or you could just silently skip that part like I do.

Answer 10

Regress to the original version, pre 1954.

Answer 11

Why don't you believe that there is a God? We need to be tolerant of the beliefs of others in this country, even if we disagree. I believe in one true God eternally existent in three persons, but I still listen and give respect to the others who don't. If you don't believe in God, you can say it and think otherwise...