I keep getting forwards about the new money being printed that omits the phrase "In God We Trust" and how Pepsi is coming out with a new patriotic can that also omits this phrase. The forwards I get express the sentiment that we should not be buying this Pepsi, and that we should be signing petitions against printing the new money, etc. I have a simple thought on this subject that keeps coming to mind every time I get one of these emails. I just thought I'd share, because it seems so simple to me, and I know it's probably not if everyone seems so heated about it. So, I'd welcome people's thoughts about it if you'd like to have a little open discussion. My mind is not always as open as it should be.
1. We have no national religion. The founders were firm on the fact that we should not, because we have freedom of religion in this country. If this is the case, why would we print "In God We Trust" on anything that is meant to be patriotic? I think it may have been a mistake from the beginning. I even think that the addition of "One Nation Under Gone" to the pledge of allegiance, was a bad choice. All of you know that I love God and worship him. So many of my friends do not. Why do they have to say those words, just to pledge allegiance to their country? Why should it be on money or on a Pepsi can? Really? Why does it matter? I actually think that God would be happier if His name was removed from money all-together.
That's it. Just one point. Thoughts?
Beach in October...can't beat it!
9 years ago
8 comments:
my first thought was, "yeah, why do we think God wants His name on money anyway??"
then mark and i discussed it a bit and after talking about how the founders always said they had divine help we had the thought that, since those washingtons and lincolns and jeffersons (i never deal with bigger bills than that.) are prominently pictured on the currency the "in God we trust" was almost their disclaimer. like, "don't make demi-gods out of us--we need help too."
but then, i don't know my currency history that well--interesting stuff to research.
i don't know how mark and i have missed all those pepsi emails--maybe we've been too forthright with those forwarders. way to keep an open mind. :)
I've got to say I agree with you here, Aime. I must also admit to being anti-prayers-in-school, too. I don't quite understand why so many people seem so adamant about these things being so important. Prayer and religion are ultimately very personal things and definitely not the kind of things that should be forced on a population as a whole by a government that claims separation of church and state.
We believe in God. We are quite religious. We pray individually and as a family. But I abhor the idea of my children being asked to pray in school....and I certainly have issue with God's name being used on money and as some sort of proof of patriotism.
The coins actually do have "in god we trust" on them. It's on the rim. I'm glad they do. This country was established for a reason. I righteous reason and I think we should be a "trusting in god" nation. Others do not have to agree but it being offensive is against what our country was founded on.
ALso saying "in god we trust" is not supporting a specific church or religion. I think tolerance is created by supporting all, not none.
My arugment is not articulated exactly how I want but I'm throwing it out here anyway.
I re-read the post and see that you are talking about printed money. I thought you meant the gold dollar coin. I have recieved emails about that one. But still I think the money should say, "in god we trust"
Good thoughts, girls. I would only add this question now: Why not "In Allah We Trust" or "In God Some of us Trust" If being tolerant means supporting all, why not run the gamut...or at least not make it a blanket statement."
Hi Aimee--this is one of those questions that has simple arguments pro and con--but complex consequences beyond what either side can predict--actually, root words for 'God' and 'Gods' date back to Ur - and some, claim even earlier--so the word God, Allah, El, Elohim-all spring from the same source--so, I feel the phrase 'In God we trust' is in that sense all inclusive to believing peoples--further, American tradition is worthy of some respect and tolerance-the idea of God -any God --would surely embody those two character traits--Athiests and agnositics have arguments with this belief-and I am impressed with their trust in solely themselves - Having said all of that, I really find this to be another political non-issue--it makes no difference to me personally--I am only saddened for all of us in general--'render unto Caesar that which is Caesars'--after what has happened economically in this sad world, God himself must weep at our lack of trust-a removal of His Name from currency would at the very least, be a more honest reflection of our present state of affairs.
Mom, those were great thoughts, as always. I pretty much agree on the idea of a "non issue." I was getting a little confused by why so many people seemed to be so passionate about it. There are just obvious contradictions with regard to separation of church and state, or the fact that we have freedom of religion...and the belief that our nation was founded on Christian principles. I don't get it.
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