One nation, under God divided (5/03)

Oct. 18, 2003

... 'Under God' violates clause mandating separation of church and state
By Ryan Lew

Thomas Jefferson stated that the First Amendment's intent is to erect a "wall of separation" between church and state. Throughout our history, this wall has come under attack and, once again, it will soon be tested. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." But in 1954, Congress enacted legislation inserting the phrase "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed this act into being, proclaiming: "From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural schoolhouse, the dedication of our Nation and our people to the Almighty." The public education system should not sponsor such admittdle religious content.

As the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals noted: "A profession that we are a nation 'under God' is identical ... to a profession that we are a nation 'under Jesus,' a nation 'under Vishnu,' a nation 'under Zeus,' or a nation 'under no god,' because none of these professions can be neutral with respect of religion."

The 9th court decision affirmed the constitutional concept that religion and government are to remain in separate spheres. Religious instruction of minors is up to parents, not public schools or government bureaucrats. However, several courts have asserted that the phrase "under God " serves a solely ceremonial aspect and acts merely as recognition of the historical significance of religion in the founding of our nation.

This absurd assertion ought to appall those who take their religious faith seriously. Can any person of a monotheistic background say with a straight face that their beliefs are merely a prop for ceremonial government functions? Of course not declaring America is "under God" holds a spiritual significance for many.

Congress added "under God" to the pledge at the height of the Cold War for the expressed purpose of striking a blow against the "godless Soviets." Francis Bellamy, a Protestant minister and an advocate of church-state separation, wrote the original pledge without any religious references in 1892. The ideals of freedom and liberty, not Christianity, form the basis for this nation. Even if the Founding Fathers were Christians, times have changed and history is behind us. After all, many once justified slavery and segregation as "historical and traditional."

America is a much more diverse nation than the thirteen original states of the Atlantic seaboard were. Millions of Americans adhere to thousands of different religious denominations and some adhere to none at all. All of these Americans are afforded the same rights. Just because a majority either support the inclusion of God in the pledge or are apathetic that doesn't mean the religious rights of those opposed can be trampled. We should not require nonreligious or nonmonotheistic Americans either to swallow their convictions and declare we are a nation "under God" or to abstain from participating in our national pledge and showing their patriotism.

... 'Under God' pays tribute to tradition of religious tolerance in the U.S.
By Erica Edwards

Many students around the naion pledge allegiance to their country every morning in a unified tribute to America's past and present citizens.

The pledge includes the phrase "under God" to show the roots of America, the religious base on which this country was founded. The words "under God," which pay tribute to those who experienced years of persecution in Europe and fled to America to find religious freedom, should remain in the pledge.

This ceremonial reference to God does not enforce religion or a belief in God; it merely signifies a people's freedom to choose their religious beliefs and customs.

America continues to be a country of many religious people. According to ABC News Polltakers in an April 2000 survey, 95 percent of Americans believe in God, and a Gallup Organization survey for CNN and USA Today in December 2000 reported that nine out of 10 Americans believe in a god, an increase from previous years. Many of these Americans are aware that their ancestors came here to flee religious intolerance and persecution in their native countries. These Americans should be able to express their religious faith as an essential part of their patriotism.

According to a June 27, 2002 article on CNN's Web site (CNN.com), many senators oppose the federal court's decision to abolish the "under God" phrase, including Senator Kit Bond of Missouri.

"Our Founding Fathers must be spinning in their graves," Bond said. "This is the worst kind of political correctness run amok."

Freshman Nick Andres, a nonreligious student, agreed that the word "God" is widely used in today's society. "'God' is a broadly defined term and it is so commonly used that it should not offend anyone or cause so much confusion," Andres said.

The Ninth Court's decision could set a precedent that would threaten more than just the recitation of the pledge. Citizens may be unable to sing famous patriotic songs that contain references to God "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" at public gatherings. Abolition of governmentally sanctioned uses of the word "God" could extend even further and with disastrous consequences: Getting rid of the phrase "In God we trust" could force a long and expensive process of reprinting paper currency in America.

Former president Dwight D. Eisenhower placed the phrase "under God" in the pledge as a representation of the nation's traditions. By continuing to allow the phrase to exist in the pledge, citizens ensure that America's religious history and heritage live on.

Freshman Laura Fong believes the phrase highlights an important part of American history, as well as of contemporary society. "It's not right to ignore something that is so evident," Fong said. "I'm not very religious, but I have a lot of friends who are, and I know they should be able to say what they believe."

Although Eisenhower called God "our most powerful resource," he never said that all citizens have to believe in "God."

The inclusion of the line "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance does not endorse any particular religion, nor does it imply that all Americans should believe in a god. Instead, it reminds Americans of their religious heritage and freedoms each time they pledge allegiance to the United States of America.