In God We Trust... Now and Forever
Monday, September 16, 2024
“God is infinitely trustworthy.” – Os Hillman
“In God We Trust” has been the official motto of the United States since 1956, replacing “E Pluribus Unum”, which means “Out of many, one”. A year earlier, Congress had passed a joint resolution with President Eisenhower’s approval requiring that “In God We Trust” appear on all U.S. currency and coinage.
Today, we are living in very politically divisive times and yet, a 2003 poll jointly conducted by CNN, USA Today, and Gallup showed that 90% of all Americans approved of our national motto being inscribed and engraved on our money. Even as recently as 2019, polls showed that 53% of college students, usually a liberal demographic, concurred.
Of course, the federal government has been sued many times by atheist groups who claim that the motto and its inclusion on our money is a violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. They are 100% wrong, because the First Amendment protects free religious expression. The only thing it prohibits is the establishment of a formal national religion or denomination, such as the Church of England or the Anglican Church in America, membership in which was required to hold public office.
Why do some people get their “panties in a twist” when God is mentioned? And why do they go absolutely apoplectic when the generic phrase “God” is replaced with the more specific “Jesus”? My best guess is the same logic and sentiment that is expressed in John 3:19-20.
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”
So, what are we to do as born-again believers who are American citizens, but whose true citizenship is in heaven (see Philippians 3:20)? We are to love those who disagree with us without giving an inch. After all, the Pledge of Allegiance still says that we are “One nation under God”… and God forbid we should ever become something else.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!” Psalm 33:12 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
