Should We Fight for "Under God"?
The right approach to these two little words may not be obvious.
By Collin Hansen

If the U.S. Supreme Court decides later this month to strike the phrase "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, America could be in for a rhetorical facelift. Not only will millions of schoolchildren cease reciting the Pledge known by their parents and grandparents, but other American symbols would also appear to be on the way out. "In God We Trust" no longer.

Of course, the Supreme Court may choose to side with the overwhelming majority of Americans, who want the Supreme Court to preserve the Pledge with "under God." When the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck the phrase in 2002, their decision sparked widespread public outrage. Politicians voiced their indignation, while religious leaders decried the ongoing secularization of America.

As usual, some historical perspective can help us think about this issue.

Read this article from the Christian History & Biography website.

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), June 05, 2004

Answers

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-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), June 05, 2004.

Why do we need to say "under God"? America is a secular nation. Our leaders' authority does not come from God. It comes from the people. That's what makes this country great. And "under God" wasn't in the Pledge of our grandfathers. It was added to the Pledge in 50's. And I would really like to see the figures proving that an "overwhelming majority of Americans" want to keep "under God" in there. Unless of course you don't have any.

This whole idea that "God is on our side" is rediculous and stupid. God has always been around and he always will be. The idea that God has a vested interest in the relatively meaningless political squabble of a nation that has only existed for the blink of an eye by his standards is just dumb.

-- Anti-bush (Comrade_bleh@hotmail.com), June 05, 2004.

And I would really like to see the figures proving that an "overwhelming majority of Americans" want to keep "under God" in there. Ummm okay, here you go:

6/30/02 NEW YORK (CNN) -- Nearly nine in 10 Americans believe the phrase "under God" should remain in the Pledge of Allegiance, and most believe it is acceptable for the government to promote religious expression, as long as no specific religion is mentioned, according to a Newsweek poll.

-- Brian Crane (brian.crane@cranemills.com), June 05, 2004.

Why do we need to say "under God"? America is a secular nation.

{nO ITD NOT. iTS A FEDERAL REPUBLIC THAT should REPRESENT ALL ideolohgies of its collective people.

indeed, America was founded oon rleigiosu freedom, and the earliest colonists where themselves deeply religiosu people.}-Zarove

Our leaders' authority does not come from God.

{Yes it does. God is what gives us life, and permits us to even exist.}-Zarove

It comes from the people.

{Not since jucdicial activism took over. Thigs htat woudl never survive a popular vote now become law.}-Zarove

That's what makes this country great.

{No, religious freedom, freedom of speach, and right to assembely make it great. As well as its massive wealth base, which the Libals seem intent on destorying to create a european modled welfare state... Why do you think a hardened Brit like me remains in tennessee?}-Zarove

And "under God" wasn't in the Pledge of our grandfathers. It was added to the Pledge in 50's.

{Correct. But its a nice addition.}-Zarove

And I would really like to see the figures proving that an "overwhelming majority of Americans" want to keep "under God" in there. Unless of course you don't have any.

{Paul handled this...}-Zarove

This whole idea that "God is on our side" is rediculous and stupid.

{The plede didnt say " God is on our side." The plede merely said " Under God." WHich is tehciclaly true. Unless you do not beleive God exists, the nation functiosn UNDER God.Just liek the laws of nature and everythign else. Affirming this fact is hardly an indication of God beign on anyones side.}-Zarove

God has always been around and he always will be. The idea that God has a vested interest in the relatively meaningless political squabble of a nation that has only existed for the blink of an eye by his standards is just dumb.

{Yeah those stupid Israelitres... they thougt they where his chosen peopel and all. Oh you meant America.

A Bible verse you reminded me of form the Psalms.Palsm 8.

4. What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? God loves each of us enough to take interest in us. He lvoes the Bird fo the field and cares for them. he loves each blade of grass, and has them numbered. do you really think if he lvoes me enough to keep me in my life, and I have only been aroing 27 years, a 200 year odl nation-state WOUDL NOT be of concern?}-Zarove

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), June 05, 2004.

Why do we need to say "under God"? America is a secular nation.

Because it's institutions are based upon Christian principles.

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), June 05, 2004.

If the nation is not "under God", then presumably it is "under the godless". Perhaps the Supreme Court will be honest enough to substitute that phrase for the current one, so everyone knows where we stand.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), June 06, 2004.