Atheists & Theists: What are your opinions on this?

Question

http://www.ktvu.com/news/14769671/detail.html

Answer 1

I think that it's much ado about nothing.
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Answer 2

Glad to see that someone is finally doing something about the blatant religious bias which has slowly been creeping into American government. For our first hundred years, there was no mention of God on US currency, as the Founders intended. Then in 1864, zealous Christians began to corrupt our currency with their superstitious values. Then again in 1954, at the height of Joseph McCarthy's "Red scare," Christians in the legislative branch further defiled our money. As a lifelong atheist, I am very happy to see this return to America's original secular values.

The Constitution is very clear that Congress shall make no effort to establish an official religion. The very fact it has taken 53 years to bring this matter before the Federal courts, clearly demonstrates that the Christian majority wields far too much authority in our supposedly secular government. Tocqueville warned of the tyranny of the majority within America's fledgling Democratic Republic. It turned out he was exactly right.

Edit: Several opinions (above) have expressed concern about the cost of "redoing" all our money. I would like to point out that all our money, both paper currency and coinage, is already periodically replaced by the Treasury Department. It's just a matter of replacing the old money with the new, following the usual replacement cycle. Even the engraved plates used to print paper currency and the dies used to strike coins must be periodically replaced, due to wear and tear. The cost of producing a new plate or die is substantially the same, regardless of whether "In God We Trust" is included, or not. The cost of the change will be neglegible, if we simply continue to adhere to the existing replacement cycle.

Answer 3

As a Christian, I think that if the courts decide to alter our currency or edit the pledge they have the right. It won't affect my faith or the faith of my family and it does not come as a surprise. The United States is moving in certain directions and I don't necessarily agree with all of them and have not for some time. But because we are blessed to live in a democracy where laws seem to be upheld for the most part; I don't have a problem with the government making decisions that are constitutional. It is when personal rights begin to feel infringement that I will become worried. (I don't like the Patriot Act)

Answer 4

To reference God on a federal document does, IMHO, go against the separation of church and state.

The adoption of "In God We Trust" as the national motto in 1956, and the requirement that it be put on the currency in 1864/5 does appear unconstitutional in that it violates the first amendment. I would say that "E Pluibus Unum" much better represents the concept of America - as a democracy - one elected by all, and as a country - one country of many different people. But given the level of education these days we might need to put "One From Many"

Is it something I get worked up about? Not really. I am more concerned about getting a president that does not think that Intelligent Design is good science.

Answer 5

It is a shame. Atheists complain about Christians using the government to fight for our rights, but then do the same thing and see nothing wrong with it. The Constitution does not guarantee separation of church and state, it guarantees freedom OF religion. Until the US government declares a national religion that all are forced to adhere to, then it has not violated the First Amendment. If the things mentioned in this article are found to be a violation of the first amendment then we will have to do away with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, as they both make mention of God or a Creator which would be considered a violation of atheists rights according to this type of interpretation of the Constitution.

Answer 6

Personally, I've gotten used to it, but I agree that reference to a deity should not be on the currency of a secular nation whose constitution suggests a strict separation between government and religion.

If it said In Allah We Trust, I'm sure Christians would agree.

Answer 7

What a waste of time, being politically correct. Its like saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah, its not necessary. Atheists should just leave it alone; if they don't believe in a god, why should we have to be bothered with it? Its like saying you can't put up a Christmas tree in the window because you have Jewish neighbors who will see it.
Its not gonna happen.

Answer 8

Who is going to stand up to the sexist law that men can go topless but women cannot. That means that men are better than woman in the eyes of the law.

Answer 9

I will still salute our flag and spend U.S. currency whether it has God's name on it or not. Sure, I'd love to see God's name stay on the money and in the Pledge of Allegiance, but I would bet it will be removed soon. If not in this case then in another. I bet it will be soon. To me, it's sad, but I have to admit the guy has a case and will one day win.
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Answer 10

plain and simple its right. please do not misunderstand me not that i am approving of it being an atheist doing it i say a man of god should do it instead. where in the book it say God love money or wish to have his name involved with it. God says love of money is the root of all evil. not money but the love of it. Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple and told them to leave and i spend my money faster than i get it cause its not clean its from the biggest father of all lies washington D.C. if you want something with God's name on it tatoo it on your forehead and remind yourself to pray and do things for your neighbor and sing a song and put his name in it. money talks and we listen and you listening to a lie cause all that glitters is not gold sometimes it the eye of satan telling you i got you see i told you they would love me more than you. i give them the beast and they liked it and the government controls you all and you just thinking you free and you not and they send the money oversears to shut people up and they take your jobs and you sitting their thinking what happened. MONEY AND GREED THATS THE TICKET. love the world Esther

Answer 11

I heard about it a couple of weeks ago. I'd go down there and support him but San Fran is an 8 hour drive from me.