Is "under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance appropriate? |
Our nation was founded upon these principals.
Our nation was founded upon these principals to take them out would take out many of our national policies (some of which were founded around Christianity.) Christianity is also part of our history and history is important to all nations. Taking it out makes them lose much of the culture they previously had.
Posted by: LeviUnder God Does Not Mean Christian
Nowhere in the Pledge of Allegiance does it say "Christian God." If it were referring to him, the correct phrase would be, "One Nation under Jehova." Under God should stay because it does not establish a state religion, it only acknowledges the fact the we are a humble nation who expresses consent to a higher authority. Founding Father Patrick Henry said in a letter that religion was one of the ideas that forms "America's Armor" which makes us invincible.
Posted by: UkWildcats24Not forced to say it.
You are not forced to say it, therefore, don't say it if it really bothers you that much. It is just 2 words, and if you don't believe God exist, and we are nothing more then rats infesting the earth, what do care about a couple words? Don't like it? Don't say it.
Posted by: zezimaYou people don't say the pledge anyway, why are you butthurt?
Most people and young teens and adults, don't say the pledge anymore. Walking in the halls of my high school, Me and my teacher were always the only ones vocalizing the pledge. I found this very sad. The very people who don't care to say the pledge are the ones who are arguing to take it out. "God" could refer to anyone's personal God, or belief. It doesn't directly stand for "Yahweh" or "Allah". It is traditional, it is always been there- why change it? Why change everything? In schools, the pledge and prayer are held by the students, not the school. The students are allowed to voice the pledge. If people don't like "under God" in the pledge, then just hold your tongue on that part- or else the arguing will never cease. Whining never gets you anywhere.
Posted by: AnonymousYou tell me!
I am two time United States Army war veteran who has spent 24 years of my life on my own free-will to help defend this nation's right to be free! I love God and this country! Until you have been away from your safety net and feel the cold breathe of death upon your face, God comes to you and gives you courage to tell death "Not Today, I have a mission to accomplish!" Placing the words "Under God" in our Pledge of Allegiance brings assurance to all Americans that regardless of the hard times we will endure, God is only whisper away. I have strong faith in God and the values, morals, and principles that make this country of our great. We need, and more importantly, our children need God foremost in their lives. Removing "God" from our Pledge is like denying the blood that was shed to make this country free. Most will argue that it was not the original pledge, they are correct. We, as a great nation that we are "Improved the pledge!" Seems as though some are open to change and technology, yet those are the same people who oppose God and every man, woman, and child who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to help keep this nation free. Those who claim to be a patriot and oppose God in the pledge must have not seen combat such as I. When you get shot at and surrounded by enemy troops and tanks with nowhere to go......I turned to God! You bet, IT IS PERSONAL!
Posted by: AnonymousYes "under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance is appropriate because it shows our respect for the nation.
Though this nation is secular, the values it was built upon were from virtues derived from Christianity. Further, it does not mean that whether one is or not an atheist that he or she has to pledge under God. However, it would be respectful to state the whole pledge rather than parts of it. The pledge was meant to extol the nationalism for the United States and to state part of it demonstrates the strength of the individual's nationalism. Yes, the Supreme Court established the separation of church and state yet it does not mean that the words "under God" should be removed because it is not enforced upon the people– they have an option whether to state it or not. Though it seems disrespectful to atheists and agnostics to not remove these words, it would be more uncivil towards the nation to defiantly state only part of the American Pledge of Allegiance. This nation has transitioned to the trend to which the individual is the most important rather than their passion for the nation.
Posted by: AnonymousIf people from another country wants to come here to be free they at least must say the pledge of allegiance
every American should have to recite the pledge of allegiance. People that re from other countries most of the time are coming here to be free and not to be ruled under a dictatorship country.in The constitution it says every American citizen must show there loyalty and respect for the country but don't have to recite every word. My statigeck reading class is having a debate about this so I thought I would just list what I know and feel
Posted by: AnonymousWe Stand United
When we say "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, it is not promoting one single religion. Since every religion has a higher figure they look up to, they all have their own "God". We are not forcing religion upon anyone, there is nothing betraying the border of the 1st amendment here, but simply 2 words that show the culture and history of our country.
Posted by: AnonymousYou dont have to say it.
Im fairly libertarian, so I dont believe anyone should be required to say it, however, I do believe America is a christian nation. And, yes, I am aware that there are quite a few arguments against that, not the least of which come from the founding fathers. But everything from the first pilgrims to the creation of the constitution was based in Christianity. I also believe that a nation that doesnt believe in God will fail. Its important to remember that we are a nation under God, and it is not immoral or inappropriate to say so.
Posted by: BlackSandThis has always been a fundamentally Christian nation and the words should not offend anyone.
The country was founded with the concept of separation of church and state and the Constitution has protections for freedom of religion. But that does not mean freedom FROM religion. America has been a mainly Christian country since the very beginning. Others that do not hold those beliefs should be tolerant of the majority that do. The words do not infringe on their rights and should not offend anyone who believes otherwise.
Posted by: ddeathnoteYes it is
Whether liberals want to admit it or not, our nation was founded on Christian values. The problem is many liberals hate God and the idea that they are accountable to Him. That's the only reason gay marriage, abortion, and other sins are accepted. America's liberty is under attack, not by fanatical muslims, but a reinterpretation of the Constitution and the Bible.
Posted by: giraffeloverUnder God
The Founding Fathers were all Christians, and the US was founded on Christian principles. Besides this, "Under God" covers the religions of almost every American, not just Christians, but Jews, Muslims and anyone who believes in a higher being. The Pledge shouldn't be ruled unconstitutional, instead it shouldn't be required that all students say it in schools.
Posted by: AnonymousThe United States was founded under God.
Whether or not everyone shares the same God, everyone still has a God. So why should it matter that it isn't the same? As for the individuals who do not believe in God, you can't please everybody. The question of whether or not "under God" being appropriate shouldn't even be asked. The United States does have freedom of religion, however that is true, the United States itself, in name, will forever have some type of God hovering over it. Of course it isn't just the Christian God or the Muslim God. Closing this, yes of course it is appropriate.
Posted by: AnonymousYes it is
It was what our country was founded on. The traditions of the country was put into the Pledge of Allegiance. This is not a brainwashing experience for the youth. It educates the youth about the culture, tradition, honor, and courage the flag stands for. Not saying it would limit the knowledge about our country. Saying it says you have respect and honor the country and the flag. Our country was founded because of the colonists being free from the church of England and starting a new way of life. That life surrounded God and that's what started the country. You don't have to believe in a god to respect and honor what this country stands for.
Posted by: AnonymousYES I agree!!
America is a Christian found nation and also support our heritage. I mean look at the original settlers who settled here. They were all Christians (Quakers, Catholics, Protestants, Presbyterians, Lutherans, and some Jews) and came to America to seek refuge from the hatred in Europe. Some of my classmates aren't Christian (Muslims and Hindus) and they have no problem saying "under God" because just shows our American heritage and feel united with the people around.
Posted by: AnonymousSeriously? People can't say two words?
First of all, I would like to point out that God is a major part of US. history. He is the reason people moved here in the first place! People wanted to be able to worship Him how they wanted. In America, you are allowed to believe in any God you want. In some countries, if don't believe in a certain god you will be killed. So people can't just say two words? If you don't want to say the pledge the right way, get out of my country. Simple as that. Atheists should have more tolerance of other religions. Our country was built on the word of God. "One Nation Under God": It is saying that all the Americans are one country and we are all below God. Nobody has his power. This may sound harsh, but, if you don't want to say the full Pledge of Allegiance, don't consider yourself a true, pure American citizen.
Posted by: AnonymousThis is a nation built under God.
Keeping the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is important because America was built and organized by religious men and women. Today, the majority of people who live in America believe in a God. Call that God what you will, Yahweh, Abba, Jehovah, or Allah, they all refer to a God. To take that fundamental principle away from something like our Pledge of Allegiance is inappropriate. America was built on these morals and beliefs and will continue to represent the beliefs of the people. The citizens of America should not hide their faith in God because someone suggested it might not be politically correct.
Posted by: AnonymousHe exists and we need to proclaim him.
We as humans did not come into existence on our own, and we have all been in a situation where we have called out to a higher power than our own, which is God. As we pronounce his name, if there is a higher power that we are being protected by, then proclaiming our nation under his name should be APPROPRIATE.
Posted by: AnonymousPlease read.
You can right my answer off as me being a conservative pin-eyed christian but please hear me out first. I am what most would consider a fundamentalist christian. I do only read the King James Version of the bible, but I have also been as far-left as anyone else also. I have had many ideaologies. I have been Anarchist, Neo-Nazi, Liberal, and many others. So you can write my answer off as just some more christian noise or you can consider my past and then read my answer. I do believe in freedom of religion. I think that's one of the things that makes this country great. I also believe this country was founded by God fearing men. I believe the Pledge of Allegaince was written by God fearing men. I know that the phrase "under God" was added onto the Pledge in the 50s, but I believe that if the writers of the Pledge heard it today they would be just as pleased as they were when they wrote it.
Posted by: ChristianMan100511We are AMERICANS!
To use such a wonderful and appropriate phrase coined by my fellow American Mr. TheStormySea. We are Americans and it is under our GOD that we trust and it is under our GOD that this great American nation will rise above that now painful evils of our world. Our nation was established under a GOD. So it is under his name that we pledge.
Posted by: JoeDraperYes.
The "under God" in the pledge is perfectly fine. If they repeal it, it will also be perfectly fine. IF society decides the want to remove it, then they will do so. Until then, its fine.
Posted by: OberHerrabsolutely
if you dont like the pledge of allegiance and it affects you that much, leave the counry. because this shouldnt even be an issue. repsect the country that you live in or get out. this isnt an issue that changes life in one way or the other.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, we ARE a Christian nation.
We were founded by Christians, most people are Christians, we are a Christian nation. It doesn't discard or discriminate anyone, it only helps us remember our ancestors. The colonists didn't want to believe in the British's religion. The colonist wanted their own relationship with God. Don't be offended that the colonists believed in freedom of religion, so they left Britain because they wanted to worship their God. We should strive to be more like the colonists, to be more like Abe Lincoln, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. A godless country isn't something to be proud of.
Posted by: MarysI am for it.
One Nation Under God has been around before any one on this site has been alive. It is part of history.
Posted by: AnonymousFirst amendment to the United States constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The amendment explicitly states an establishment of religion, which the phrase under God does not violate, and does not establish any religion. While some overly-irritable atheists might see it in such a way, it's important to review the definition of the word religion': 1) a personal set or commitment to an institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices 2) a particular system of faith and worship the portion of the population that identifies as nonreligious does not necessarily identify as atheists, a fact that many people might do well to consider. Lack of adherence to a certain system of religious belief does not preclude belief in god, much less an objection to the use of the phrase under God in the pledge. the phrase under God does not establish any religion or system of religious belief. It is purely a religion-neutral phrase, and thus does not violate the first amendment. perhaps atheists should learn more about the constitution.
Posted by: Anonymous"Under God" is Under Interpretation
The words "under God" do in fact have a Christian ring to it, however, the words can and should be considered under interpretation. I personally don't know all religions, but I do believe a Christian can believe that we are all under a supreme being, a Bud dist can believe that we are under the general pursuit of improvement. The word "God" is under interpretation, and if you are concerned for brainwashing children, well then simply explain your concept of God to them, and what it personally means to you. The first and foremost point of creating America was to form a society where religious freedom is upheld. We have done just so in the United States of America, and I think that in order to maintain such religious freedom we should keep religion in our country.
Posted by: Anonymousyes
Yes, if you don't like it go somewhere else! Why are you here if you don't want to except our ways and traditions? "Under God" will stay in the pledge whether you like it or not. I know it wasn't added until later but what is the big deal about saying two words? Make it your own god or whoever you want to imagine it being. GET OVER IT.
Posted by: Anonymousreligous freedom
This nation was built on religon so the fact is that the under God part should stay, because without that part I will not pledge allegiance to the US.
Posted by: lannan13If you do not like the pledge go somewhere else
You are privileged to live in a country that requires little effort to be successful. If you are Jewish go to Israel. If you are Muslim go live in Iraq. I am assuming that someone like you would say, "Oh but I can not live in that environment!" Well then maybe you should have said the pledge without the under God part. You are not cool because you don't stand. If you are atheist then go to Cuba where everything is legal. You are lucky to be here.
Posted by: AnonymousThis Nation was founded on God and the Bible
The 1st amendment "Separation of Church and State" was written because our for fathers wanted a country that did not dictate our religious beliefs and could not tell us how to worship. It didn't mean that religious words or activities couldn't be held on or by the state. The first amendment has been taken way out of context. Our founding fathers were either Godly men or at least respected the Bible enough to use it to frame the Constitution that we have today!!
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that "under God" is appropriate and should be allowed to remain a part of the Pledge of Allegiance.
I believe that "under God" is appropriate and should be allowed to remain a part of the Pledge of Allegiance. I agree with the Bush administration that these words are not meant to be a religious statement but a statement based on our history and to show how deeply felt the words are. I believe that reciting this clause shows that this is deeply felt and that we are looking for the wisdom of our god (which could be different for each person reciting this) to help give us good judgment.
Posted by: SilverMathiWe are a Christian Nation!
I myself am not all that religious. Yes I do believe that there is a God, which religion beats me. The counter argument is based off the fact that it breaks the constitution. But in the Declaration of Independence, the document states "we are endowed by our creator" (a religious reference). Democracy is all about the majority, the majority rules. The majority of our nation is Christian, therefore the Christian's will be pleased. Any attempt to remove "under God" will be met with furious retort from the majority of the nation.
Posted by: locke58Example of Ceremonial Deism
Yes, clearly, "under God" is the highest form of religious discrimination and prejudice. It doesn't make sense at all.
"Under God" just recognizes a higher power, whether it be God, a god, or your own sense of morality, honor, and/or justice.
It just refers to the traditions and religious/moralistic values upon which American was founded.
By the way, is this a good argument. I am in middle school and new to this website (the first thing I've written on it). Notice my "upon which" instead of "which...upon."Posted by: AnonymousGo live somewhere else if you don't want to say it!
In other countries they will kill you if you don't ''bow down'' or ''pledge'' to their gods! So you should feel pretty darn lucky to be living here. And it's only 2 words out of your whole entire day! So my final words for this are, feel lucky to live in a free country!
Posted by: AnonymousFirst amendment to the United States constitution
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The amendment explicitly states an establishment of religion, which the phrase under God does not violate, and does not establish any religion. While some overly-irritable atheists might see it in such a way, it's important to review the definition of the word religion': 1) a personal set or commitment to an institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices 2) a particular system of faith and worship the portion of the population that identifies as nonreligious does not necessarily identify as atheists, a fact that many people might do well to consider. Lack of adherence to a certain system of religious belief does not preclude belief in god, much less an objection to the use of the phrase under God in the pledge. the phrase under God does not establish any religion or system of religious belief. It is purely a religion-neutral phrase, and thus does not violate the first amendment. perhaps atheists should learn more about the constitution.
Posted by: AnonymousA Nation's Founding
No matter what people say, our nation was founded on Christian principles. Today, everyone is trying to take religion out of everything. Separation of Church and State isn't in the constitution. It's in the British government's documents, not the United States'. Furthermore, changing something like the Pledge of Allegiance to a country is a major change, a change that flouts tradition.
Posted by: AnonymousThe "under God" phrase should be kept in the Pledge, as it is non-offensive.
The phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is appropriate in that it is part of a patriotic theory that was founded with the belief of a God at it's base. It does not allude to a specific religious belief, it excludes no one, and those that do not believe in a higher power should not be disturbed by it's reference unnecessarily.
Posted by: ThegaXenYes, quite appropriate.
The U.S. is a nation founded by religious and righteous persons. We are founded by great ties to multiple religions, so having a salute to any God is respecting the basic foundations in the Constitution. There is no Separation of Church and state, for to have the separation promotes atheism, which is against our 1st amendment, so keep it in.
Posted by: jzonda415YES! OF COURSE
It shows the devotion that is needed and that must be accepted by the people of the USA in a matter most people take seriously; such as an oath or sworn agreement or (ahem), a pledge. It also is not going to harm a 5 year old to say something slightly religious in school; the boundary between state and church is very fine, there is no way to say for certain whether or not this is an actual breach.
Posted by: gigiroxzYes, but should not be forced to go either way.
People have their different beliefs. If one kid wants to say "Under God" and one doesn't let them! The original didn't have under God, but it was added later on by Eisenhower. Either would work. Some schools don't even require you to do the pledge. In my opinion, the pledge should be read, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Or do the same without the under God part. The important thing to remember is the meaning of the pledge of allegiance. If you have believe in God (as I do) then by all means say it, but if not, then don't! This is not forcing a religion on anybody mentioning God in your pledge of America!
Posted by: AnonymousIt's an important part of our history.
It doesn't force you to worship a God... It simply reminds children that God has been a major part of US history. Government needs to remember that the Religious views are still the views of citizens. It can't listen to just Atheists and pretend the Religious sector has no say. It's like a door, when you open it to let the breeze in, you start to let the flies and rats in. What this means is that if you start by removing religious influence from schools and Government, you end by removing it from society. Religion is protected from Government, not vice versa.
Posted by: donald.kellerThis nation was founded uder God, so yes
This nation was founded under God. So the Pledge of Allegiance is merely reiterating that fact. Our nation respects all religions. If you are pagan, wiccan, or don't worship God, you have no religion. But that's too bad. Our principles are inseparable from our faith in God. If you don't like it, I hope you leave my country.
Posted by: GarretKadeDupre"under God"
Without God there would'nt be a debate on the American Pledge of Allegiance. Christian's all over the world believe without God's hand in this world we would not have evolved to the one nation that we are today.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, if you don't like it go somewhere else!
Why are you here if you don't want to except our ways and traditions? "Under God" will stay in the pledge whether you like it or not. I know it wasn't added until later but what is the big deal about saying two words? Make it your own god or whoever you want to imagine it being. GET OVER IT.
Posted by: AnonymousWe arent obligated to say "under G-d"
It honestly makes me sad that people have such a problem with those simple two words. Yes because I believe in G-d and that with all the problems we have in this country people really debate over such thing. Are you really that repulsed by G-d that it bothers you to hear a 10 second pledge? Ok that's my bias point..but anyway even if you don't believe in G-d, you are not obligated to say "under G-d" in schools parents can simply send a note sayng they dont want their kids saying the pledge of alligance for x reason. You can resite the pledge and not have to say those 2 words..but the fact that is SUCH a big deal for people that those two words are added there is really sad. And again this is my personal opinon but even if you are not a Christian, if yore a muslim or a Jew or something else..those religions DO beleive in G-d..you pray to whatever G-d you want but G-d..YOUR G-D. Its only a small percent that dont believe in a higher power at all..why the rest of the nation has to such it up for that small percent. The day Under G-d is taken from the pledge of allegiance, I'm going to lose a lot of respect for my country.
Posted by: naomipenaIt's Not Against the First Ammendment
Nobody forces you to say the "under god" part. The pledge of allegiance should mean something special to you, not something that everyone agrees on. If you take it out, then to you it means that we are one nation, indivisible. People argue that no law can force religion, yet there is no law. You can say it any way you want to. If they took it out, there would still be people saying it.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is appropriate in the American Pledge of Allegiance!
The United States of America was founded on Christian values which is where the phrase "under God" came from. However, all people should be allowed to practice their own religion. As for the words "under God" I do not care whether a person is Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim or some other religion. We all have a GOD! They may be different in many ways but they are still what we consider Gods. A being that is far superior to us and in some way will help us get through this thing we call life.
Posted by: w00tboycomicNot necessary, but not inappropriate.
It is not necessary to have "under God" in the pledge, as we are a nation where religion or lack thereof is not meant to be a factor in our political system. The Pledge of Allegiance is a direct political statement of a person's affiliation to a nation. Religious context is not essential.
However, it is not wrong. If a person's loyalty to a higher power, and to their sovereign nation, are related, that is their business. They can appeal to the favor of whomever they like when swearing fealty, if they even chose to do so. As such, it makes very little difference, except perhaps that the written form of the pledge should make some annotation on the new nature of this excerpt. Aside from that, you cannot force someone to say "under God" in their pledge, but on the same virtue you certainly cannot stop anyone else from saying it either. So by that, I do not say it is appropriate, because that would be saying that it is in some form necessary. Rather, it is not inappropriate, and there is no reason why it should not be allowed, and those who wish to cite it should be free to do so.
I find it strange that so many people who do not believe in God would be so aggressive about the issue. I do not believe in God either, but the concept is not disturbing to me. I understand that it is in disagreement with the separation of church and state. Perhaps some of you have been religiously persecuted, if so, then I am sorry. But if not, it seems your anger on various injustices could be better spent elsewhere. This one is trivial.Posted by: AnonymousHear me out. I have a VERY good explanation that both sides will want to hear.
Just because it says "under God" doesn't mean it is only Christian. Each religion has their own God. Like in Christianity we call him Lord. In Muslim they call him Allah. In Buddhism they call him Buddha. And so on, so forth. "God" is just representing all the religion's Gods or different names for God in general, not forcing a certain religion onto anybody. And if you're Atheist it's not forcing a religion on you either. You people are saying it's offensive. You people are saying just because YOU don't believe in a God means NONE of us can! Now THAT"S not right! However if you people just take out "under God" in our nation's pledge; THAT would be VERY offensive to those who do have a religion. For those of you Atheists who still would say you are not under a God, you are correct. You aren't believing in a God and we are not forcing you to believe in any God. Those two words then don't apply to you at all, so you should feel no pain in saying it. Also, many of you are wrong about how it violates the first amendment; because it doesn't. Look deeper into it and you'll find out yourself; trust me. And if you STILL think it does, then consider this very thoughtfully; Just because it may be legally wrong doesn't mean it's morally wrong. (as President Abraham Lincoln said a very similar statement himself!) I am only a child; in seventh grade, yet I can see these things many of you older than me can't! PLEASE: no madder what side you are on, CONSIDER AND TAKE INTO DEEP THOUGHT WHAT I HAVE JUST STATED HERE. I know that many of you might just cast me off as another geeky Christian girl, but please read closely to all the word I have typed here. And her I am NOT trying to convert you, no one is, into Christianity; but I do have much hard proof that GOD IS REAL. He has spoken to me through so many ways, performs miracles that saved one of my friend's LIFE one day! And my friend even saw him; with her very own eyes. AND I have also seen a glimpse of the Lord's kingdom in Heaven, and I must say it was beautiful. Now I know that many of you will not believe me as I say that, but PLEASE still consider and read and think of my words carefully. THANK YOU very much for hearing me out and for you understanding.
Amen.Posted by: AnonymousOf course, is part of us.
If you don't believe in God, is ok. But why force those who believe in HIM to take everything out of our lives? Remember: Your rights end where my begins.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that "under God" is appropriate in the Pledge of Allegiance because the USA was founded on Christian beliefs.
I believe that the United States of America was founded on Christian beliefs and principals. History shows us that our founding fathers were devout to their faith and believed that God would guide the country through its difficult times. Now it seems we only turn to God in the midst of tragedy, as a source of blame for some, and a reason to rejoice for others.
Posted by: C0rnGetGod is a part of the American heritage
Are we serious? We are cutting out God? Our founding fathers built this nation on Christian values. Most of American's don't have a problem with "Under God" being in the Pledge, so why is this an issue? I guarantee you, if you polled this question on a ballot, 80 to 90 percent of American's would uphold this in the Pledge. Even our currency says "In God We Trust" or are we considering taking that out too? If there was any time in history where we needed to believe in God, now is that time. Look around us and see what's happening. This country is deteriorating from the inside out. Our kids have no respect for their elders, they don't care about education, they care about what new club Jay-Z opened up in NYC, or what Nikki Minaj is wearing to the MTV Music Awards, or what Lady Gaga is doing on Twitter. We have become a nation of Heathens. As soon as we lose sight of what's important, which is family and community and having a value system that isn't based on idols, then we will be back on track to a world that is less violent and interested in self gratification. If you want to live in a world where Jersey Shore is what our kids look to for normalcy, then take me out of it.
Posted by: cradlefanUnder God should be in the Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance is what all Americans say. America was based on a Christian standard when the Pilgrims came. We should keep the words "Under God" in the pledge of Allegiance because of history. For example, if some people wanted to take out some piece of famous American history out of a museum, we wouldn't take it out would we? The same goes for the words "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. If you do not believe in God, its simple: don't say "Under God".
Posted by: AnonymousThis is appropriate and it should not be reworded, if we don't put God first everything else will crumble.
Taking under God out of the pledge wouldn't be right. This is how it was written and it should not be changed because it would change the meaning completely. This country was built under God and that is how it should stay. Without God there would be no country because we wouldn't exist.
Posted by: B3rkIffyit definitely is
Why shoud we change it????? If it offends you then vote no. It is your "GOD-GIVEN" right as an American. Honestly i am a christian and believe this country has already gotten to far away from God spiritually. I mean obama was elected only because he was black. That is messed up.
Posted by: AnonymousGod has blessed United States of America.
As a nation, we should be very thankful for God's many, many blessings. If we turn our back on God by taking "under God" out of our Pledge of Allegiance we will be telling God that we don't need Him. Without God's blessings this great nation will be lost forever. We need to pray to God and ask Him to forgive us of our many sins. Then, we need to begin to live in accordance to His Word, the Bible. May God bless America.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
I was reading the no side and noticed that most people said that they were "atheist and are offended by the pledge". And as a person that is also atheist, I would like to say that I do not have a problem with the pledge at all. I also don't say the pledge, but what I don't get are nasty or dirty looks from "hateful religious brainwashed morons", like the majority of the no side said that they got. I think that the pledge has been the way it is for years so it is ridiculous to change it now. It is a part of Americas history and its not like by saying the Pledge you have to believe in God!
Posted by: AnonymousUnder god, in god we trust and god bless America
It is what it is, we cannot change the history. Besides, god is god, and he will always be, he does not need man to promote him. He can rise up stones to worship him, he made us and he has the power to make anything else to call upon his name. If we remove his name from the whole of the united states, it doesn't mean he shall not exist and he shall no longer be god, may god forbid. I am sick and tire of people putting god down, he does not deserve it. All he's trying to do, is to make us safe. If you don't believe in him, so be it he will still be above all, we cannot change that. It is the same hatred they had for him that made Satan to turn against him in heaven, therefore, whatsoever is going on today in the world is not strange. People do not believe in him but yet and still, everything he said from genesis never changes. All what he predicted had happened and still happening, so what more evidence we need in order to believe in him? With or without "in god we trust, one nation under God, and god bless America", people are still living lives that are pleasing to themselves regardless. While can't we just sit back and enjoy our so-call freedom and see if god is a liar. God gives us the choice to believe in him or not but he never gives us any right to live life on the contrary of his ten commandments.
Posted by: AnonymousThere is a separation of Church and State.
If we as a nation want to stop separating people and denying them rights (gays) we need to take religion out of the politics. Religion backs up most arguments for lots of politicians, so if we get rid of religion in all of the everyday stuff we might grow as humans.
Posted by: AnonymousIt Represents Historical and Civic Value
The point of "Under God" is more civic than it is religious. It is part of our history. Also, you are not forced to say it. It does not force a religion, nor does the phrase establish any religion or religious institution. It's just a phrase and it's anyone's choice if they want to say it. It clearly does not violate the Constitution.
Posted by: 1HistorygeniusI believe that having "under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance is absolutely appropriate because it is a part of our American heritage.
Having "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is absolutely appropriate because is a part of the history of our country and how it was founded. Our forefathers would not have thought for one minute about founding this country without God's involvement. If you study the history of the US States our country was founded upon a belief that it was God that established our nation and gave us the freedom that we enjoy. And despite what is happening in modern society I do not believe that our forefathers could have envisioned our nation as anything but one nation "Under God"!
Posted by: TasticBranI dont see anything wrong with it
I wouldnt fuss about it being repealed or replaced but personally I see nothing wrong with it since the Pledge of Allegiance is meant to spur patriotism, not secularism
Posted by: imabenchUnder God
Our Country was founded with God as our spiritual leader and he will always be. It is alright for others to have their beliefs but our Country was founded and believe in God. You wouldn't expect us to change your Country if we moved there. Why do you expect the Americans to change their beliefs to suit you??? This is the United States and it will always be God.
Posted by: michelle.chisholmThe US will soon be Unrecognizable!
Quit trying to change history
Posted by: AnonymousIt's freedom of religion
I really think having god in the pledge comforts people. I know some people who only say "under God" when the pledge comes on every morning. This is a freedom, that nobody should ever have the right to take. That is really and truly what I think. I even know people with no religion at all and they love to say the pledge.
Posted by: AnonymousAmerica, our nation
Our founding fathers labored over the words in the pledge of allegiance with intent. God was meant to be used. Change the pledge, change America. This country is becoming less and less patriotic and its definitely a shame. I hope my children grow up in a country where burning the flag is a crime, being in the military is honorable, and saying the pledge in classrooms is still allowed.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is appropriate in the pledge.
This country was founded by Christians and if we think that we can just take "Under God " out of it then you must be mistaken, we are "One nation under God". God is the one guiding this country, not our leaders. God has authority over them, not him over God.
Posted by: AnonymousOur Country Was Founded Because Of Religion
The Pilgrims Came To America Because They Wanted Freedom of Religion Mainly GOD Not Buddah Or Any Other Crap You Come To America You Better Love America Or Get Out.
Posted by: AnonymousThe phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance has historical significance and so should remain.
Editing the American Pledge of Allegiance would be somewhat similar to going back and changing the words of famous person's speech. The Pledge of Allegiance can be seen as a piece of historical literature that was appropriate at the time and should remain in its original form in order that future generations may get a glimpse of how people felt about Pledging to the United States at the time it was written.
Posted by: Wynn354Respect our founding fathers
If we truly have pride in our country, we should keep ourselves original. The United States founding fathers have made our country what it is. We were in our true glory at that time. Some of you may find it offensive, and I would like to state that I am an atheist, but I still take pride in saying our pledge, no matter what the words. If we think we should change this because we are offending people from other countries, I disagree. We should be proud we are a nation of many cultures, but this does not mean we should change our ways. It was their choice to come to this country. If we go to a foreign nation, do you really believe they are going to change their ways to accommodate us?
Posted by: MlledeVrocheYes TO GOD
“Under God” should be a part of the Pledge of Allegiance because it is part of our heritage. I know not all people believe in God but, it is part of how our country was founded and part of our history. I believe taking away “under God” would be like trying to delete our founding fathers from history.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is appropriate because it salutes our American heritage.
Heritage is important, rather you believe in what the heritage pertains to or not. The phrase, "Under God" has always been in the pledge and it should remain in the pledge because it salutes the person who wrote the pledge. It doesn't matter if you believe in something or not, it only matters if you believe in what you doing as a whole and as country, that's where our focus should be. We shouldn't focus on trivial issues.
Posted by: R3ubHockeyMy Accurate Opinion
A part of becoming a citizen is embracing the American culture for what it is-- including the pledge. Youre not actually pledging your devout allegiance, its just a way of accepting American culture. There is no law demanding non-Christians to say the pledge! It is honestly not a big deal!
Posted by: AnonymousThe founding fathers founded America as One nation under God.
Children need to believe that there is such a thing as absolute truths. Every human is born from a woman. No one can dispute this absolute truth. The founding fathers believed in God in the same way. Namely God's existence is an absolute truth! Period. Do you get it now.
Posted by: craigR"under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance is appropriate!!
This nation is so lost due to God being taken out of everything!! The enemy is deceiving so many! There are so many lost people with no morals, no values, no love, and no respect!! God is in my Heart and no one can take that away!! I will serve God all the days of my life!! God is with me and is still in control no matter what!!! He is the Light of this dark world!! Hallelujah!!!
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is completely appropriate and should not be removed.
This country was founded on a belief in God. Our founding fathers believed God to be such an integral part of America that they saw fit to include God in our pledge and on our currency. Removing God from our Pledge of Allegiance would only undermine the principles that America was founded on.
Posted by: R0m4nticCarI believe it is okay
i think it is okay to say this because it isnt neccesarily meant to be taken literally. i take it literal as a christian, but i see the metaphorical value in the phrase as well. its also based off of the fact that this country was formed with a lot of religious values in mind, and this statement pays tribute to those efforts made by our forefatthers. besides, only the minority are actually against it. the minority always looks and sound louder because theyre always bitching. theres a reason why the minority shouldnt have it their way over the majority, its because their are less of you. why hurt or offend the major public to please the few. its foolish and the reason why we are a censored, welfare loving country today.
Posted by: AnonymousOur country was built in the name of god.
Our country was founded based upon the principles of religion. Religious freedom is part of our country, but even atheists should realize that they are in the minority, and should respect our country's foundation.
Posted by: AnonymousWake up America!
This is a Godly nation! We have freedom of religion but that doesn't mean our country needs to act as an athiestic nation. I believe that God has blessed our country and that this is the greatest nation on earth, but if we turn our backs on God we would have ourselves to blame if we fall! Our nation was founded on Godly and biblical foundations that progressive liberals should not forget.
Posted by: AnonymousRead the Establishment Clause and the Lemon v. Kurtzman case.
I'm surprised at how these arguments are built. The atheists are calling people ignorant religious fanatics that don't understand history and the Christians are kicking all the non-religious people out of the country. I myself am not religious. Catholicism has inspired me to shun religion and instead listen to people's arguments and reasoning. However, I believe all religions have integrity because they provide a socio-spiritual outlet for people that look for it. I respect other people's beliefs because I have no right to refute them or to tell them they are ignorant and cause all of the world's problems. Has religion encouraged a lot of people to shed blood simply because others do not believe the same thing they do? Of course it has, but that is not the argument here. The argument here is the First Amendment protects against establishing a national religion or that government cannot show preference of one religion over another. According to the Lemon v. Kurtzman case, which is the precedent for cases of religion in government, the act in question must have a secular purpose, must not advance or inhibit other religions, and it most not be an excessive government entanglement in religion. Now when I think of the pledge of allegiance, my mind doesn't go to "God," it goes to the flag. That is the secular purpose of the pledge of allegiance, to establish patriotism in young children. As for advancing a particular religion, the word "God" is used to refer to all supernatural beings that hold power. The Greeks had dozens of gods as do other religions and other religions have their own god. "Under God" is not a direct association with Christian values. Just because Christianity is prevalent and most Christians want to monopolize the word, it is still used to describe gods of other religions as well. As for excessive government entanglement, these are two vague words. Personally, I never recited these words when I said the pledge because I didn't want to, that was my choice. I would like to see the pledge returned to its original words because that was the original creation but considering that most of the country is still affiliated with a religion, I doubt they'll change the pledge soon. I have no problem with that. I simply refrain from saying words I don't believe in.
Posted by: sambagginsWhy do you think this country has been so blessed?
The people who built this nation, where FREEDOM reigns, did it on the foundation of their deep and passionate love for God. Did He hear them? You bet. Instead of kicking Him out more, let's keep Him where He still is, and let's bring Him back where he has been kicked out .... in families, schools, churches, medias, and everywhere... and the Beautiful America will flourish once more.
Posted by: undergodI love God truly and without any question he is real.
I also cannot stand the anti-theists who don't want to have two little words, "under God". I don't want to enforce my religion on others, yet I want to live in a nation based on morals and if the morals do happen to slip away from this country, I want to be in heaven. I am a Roman Catholic, and I listen to the Vatican, and also, I am 17 years old. I can't tell you how many non-religious kids these days don't have the morals that this beautiful, blessed country was founded on. Thanks.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it most definitely does.
Have we completely forgotten the principles that made our country great? Our nation was founded on the Biblical principles that "all men are created equal," and the fact that they have "certain, unalienable rights." We are even denying the unborn these rights. Look at nations all across Europe. They are weak and not nearly as important on a global scale. This is because their nations were not founded on such principles or they have strayed from them. For our nation to be strong, it is imperative that we elect good leaders who want to revert our nation back to the principles it was founded upon
Posted by: jjowIt's a Privilege as Americans to have the freedom, and I will use it!
America was founded on the freedom of religion, speech, etc. ANYONE who says my children can't say UNDER GOD are infringing on my family rights. Now aren't our soldiers fighting for our freedom? Why is our government attempting to steal it from us? I'll continue praying in JESUS name, AMEN!
Posted by: AnonymousDUHHHH
OFCOARSE!!! I honestly cannot belcieve they could even imagine to take those words out of the pledge. ITs part of our nations pledge! That means we pledged those words to it. This nation was founded on christianity and thats what holds it strong. What words are printed on your money!!! IN GOD WE TRUST! If you "religion" doesnt agree with those words then simply ignor them beacus those words are what we are built on. THey sustain this nation and i will stand by it all my life.Yes this nation is also allowed religios freedom. . . wich is an important and just thing. But I can not stress enough christianity is what this nation was built on!
Posted by: AnonymousWhere did our Country Go??
Our founding fathers built this nation on Christian values. Even our currency says "In God We Trust." But anyway even if you don't believe in God, you are not obligated to say "under God" in schools parents can simply send a note saying they don’t want their kids saying the pledge of allegiance for x reason. Make it your own god or whoever you want to imagine it being. Muslim and Jews do believe in God. You can pray to whatever God you want. YOU’RE GOD.The colonist wanted their own relationship with God.The colonists believed in freedom of religion, so they left Britain because they wanted to worship their God. If you don't like the pledge go somewhere else! As far as I’m concerned if you don’t say the pledge and show respect to your country you’re a terrorist.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that having "under god" in the American Pledge of Allegience is appropriate
Everyone has an opinion toward religion and people have the choice to just sit down and not say it. Why should evryone else not say it just cause of others beliefs.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is appropriate
Our Constitution is based on Regligion and God has to be in our lives. If we force no God in our lives there are no morals, nothing to keep killers from killing. Nothing to stand on or believe in. There are no Gods before me and they never will be. Only one God and in that God we have to trust. He gives us the strength to solve problems and to live. Without God we are nothing.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
I think that is is perfectly exceptble to have "under god" in the pledge allegiance.I can see how this would affend atheist but im am a christian.This is apart of our history long ago people but there faith in god and now today we have a beutiful country.this country was formed with high expections and relgious values.I know when i say under god i am proud
Posted by: AnonymousThis Country was Based on Religious Freedom!
Yes, the words "Under God" should be taken out of the pledge of allegiance because it is insulting to some religious and non-religious people. This country was based on religious freedom and the words "under god" gives an impression that you need to belong to a religion that believes in "God". Since there are many different religions in this country I think it should be removed.
Posted by: AnonymousGod belongs everywhere.
You have the right to not say the pledge, or get out of the country if you do not like it. I have the right to religion and free speech. That is what this country is made of. What has it come to when you can't pray in school? Amen
Posted by: AnonymousI agree that "under God" in the pledge of Allegiance is appropriate because that is what our country was formed under.
Our founding fathers formed our country based on the principles and teachings of the bible. Our country should continue to operate as closely as possible to the ways which were set forth from the beginning. Although we should be open to some changes in our country, our basic principles should still apply.
Posted by: SauBauerOne Nation Under God.
A page of History is worth more than a volume of logic; the highways of history are strewn with the wreckage of nations that forgot God. Think about it. God is great and God is good, let us thank Him for all we should. Jesus is the focal point for history, it looks back and forward by His life. If you detest Him you are detesting history, and time in that which you currently live in. Therefore, you must be on a whole different level of understanding: a world through confusion, and miscalculations. Those of you might as well live your life on your own calender and not adhere to any type of historical frame of time, and disregard time in all aspects. I believe that when the silent majority still out number this staggering percentage of out-spoken people stop ruling our country is when it will fall.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, "under God" is appropriate.
Like it or not, this country was built on Christianity. Because of the high Christian population in the early history of the United States, there is Christian artwork in public buildings, government facilities, and even the floor of the Capital building. Although this is rapidly changing, the fact that Christianity greatly shaped this country cannot be ignored. People who see this as "forcing" Christianity on others are sorely mistaken. "Under God" should be allowed in the pledge of allegiance because it simply respects the fact that this nation was built around Christian values. It is not meant to offend or force religion on anyone, but is only meant to show respect for the United States.
Posted by: CK3137yes
For the people who think they don't believe in God, our forefathers did and they started our country. Why can't people just honor the people that do believe in God it doesn't hurt them? If it were not for God there would be no atheists.
Posted by: rufus10Yes it is appropriate to state "under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance.
Im not going in long detail... But it should stay due to its been in the plege for as long as I can even remember... So what people don't like it... If you don't like it too f*ckin bad... Its the U.S.A. And it should stay... You either say the pledge or you don't but as an american born and bred in the u.S. It should stay!!!
Posted by: AnonymousGod bless the United States
Now and days there is a lot of talk of removing the phrase "under God" from our Pledge of Allegiance. The simple fact is that the United States is a predominantly Christian nation with 77% of the population being Christians. If we allow these words to be removed we will open the door for future attacks on the principals our nation was founded on. No one is forced to say the pledge of allegiance, but we should not allow the majority of people to be dominated by a vocal minority.
Posted by: AnonymousJust a reminder...
So the opposing belief is to take "under God" out of the pledge so that kids who do not have a clear view of their own beliefs won't become confused as to the meaning of "under God." But I would like to remind you that you probably said the pledge as a child and STILL developed your own beliefs that are not Christian minded. So please don't put the blame on children just because you want this phrase taken out of a statement that you probably never say.
Posted by: AnonymousGod is real.
There is evidence present throughout the world today that supports the statement that God is real. Take for instance a reference in the Bible that tells how Israel, the dry and desolate land would bloom as a rose, Israel is now the place with the most roses around the world.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, "Under God" is appropiate,
because our country as a Power of the World needs to be a Moderator, Roll Model for all the countries in the world but in order to make all these taks "WE" (USA) are "Under God" guidance because without GOD we are nobody.
Posted by: AnonymousWe should
Think about it. Even if you aren't Christian like I am you can make Under God mean something else. Atheists, religion is important to religious people. Even if you aren't Christian, saying the two words "Under God" won't hurt you. Even if "Under God" was taken out of the Pledge, I'd still say it no matter what. Even if it were against the law.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
I agree with OberHerr. It's fine to have it, it's also fine not to have it.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouYes
It is apart of our American heritage. If people do not like it then they do not have to say it. However, let those of us who have said one nation under God since children say it with pride and without arguments from those who wish not to say it.
Posted by: AnonymousGod is not in the pledge of allegiance to convince people to believe in him, he is mentioned because he is the reason our country came to be.
Like many others have explained, our nation was founded because of people who escaped their homeland because of religious persecution. God was a major role in the founding of our country, and if it hadn't been for religious rights, America wouldn't be the way we were today. People who are offended by the term "under God" Are simply people who don't believe in god (atheists), people who believe in god but are confused about his particular place in religion (agnostics), or people who feel that having god in the pledge of allegiance is irrelevant. But let me ask you this? for everyone out there who is atheist, why do you care so much if god is in the pledge or not? Everyone has their beliefs or opinions, but that doesn't mean that people who don't believe the same things have to succumb to others beliefs just because they are mentioned in the pledge. For the most part, people who do believe in god are proud of their religion, and no matter what most atheists say, they don't try to shove their religions down your throat. I'm a devote catholic, does that mean that I try to go up to all of my Jewish friends and tell them why my religion is better? No. For the most part, atheists are actually the ones who try to shove their beliefs down everyone's throats, and then accuse them of being overly-religious. It's hypocrisy in the simplest form. But the pledge is not about religion, it's about respecting and honoring the country that has given you so many opportunities to be who or what you want to be. If people are just going to focus on two little words and refuse to stand and recite the pledge because of it, you are disrespecting the country that has given you multiple opportunities. And you know what I say to that? If you can't accept history, and you can't accept that fact that our nation was created off of religious and political freedom, then you don't deserve to have the honor of respecting your country. People misunderstand the use of "under God" In the pledge. It's not saying that all Americans have to believe and worship god. It's saying that belief in god is the reason that our nation came to be. So stop letting your own opinions of whether god exists or not get in the way of the oath to our country. Understand the facts before you voice your opinions.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, for now.
What was 'appropriate' yesterday may not be appropriate tomorrow. What mirrors the make up of the country determines what is acceptable.
When the country was substantially christian or closet agnostic/atheist it was appropriate to pander to Christianity. The very men that debated and signed the Constitution/Amendments attended church INSIDE the Capital building and in-grafted prayer and religiosity into their political lives and actions. And they done those things acceptably and unopposed.
For now, it is appropriate but that is fading pretty quickly as we become a godless country.Posted by: maxtrIt should be choice
I couldn't really decide if my opinion was a yes or no, but because I do say "under God" I put this under yes. Being a Christian myself I do say "under God" In the pledge of allegiance. But if somebody does not believe in god then he/she should not have to say it.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God is appropriate
Although we do not endorse a specific religion, we were founded as a nation that acknowledges a higher Being. This reality is sprinkled throughout the language, traditions, architecture, in our currency " In God We Trust"..... To prohibit our Creator from the public forum was not the intention of our founding fathers. Please, we need to snap out of it. We should be united by this fact and by our Flag.
Posted by: AnonymousThis Country was Based on Religious Freedom!
Yes, the words "Under God" should be taken out of the pledge of allegiance because it is insulting to some religious and non-religious people. This country was based on religious freedom and the words "under god" gives an impression that you need to belong to a religion that believes in "God". Since there are many different religions in this country I think it should be removed
Posted by: FreddieMercury2God has given America to the free!
So that our children and our children's children will never forget!- When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...
Posted by: Anonymous
It does not belong.
These religious ideas do not belong in the courthouse. They do not belong in the schoolhouse, and they do not belong in my house. The Christian community has only recently lost the power to cause Crusades, Inquisitions and the Holocaust. They retain the power to cause war. They should be opposed at every turn.
Posted by: DeFoolI believe that the American Pledge of Allegiance is not be reworded.
I believe that the American Pledge of Allegiance should not be reworded. Our forefathers are the ones who pledge this nation "under God," therefore it should remain that way. The Pledge of Allegiance is a part of our history. Do we change history to make more suitable to some people? Why would we change it? Would we change the Constitution because it doesn't seem appropriate to non religious people?
Posted by: RaouICyberAmerica is not founded on Christianity.
God is never mentioned once in the constitution. Yes he is mentioned in the declaration, but in the treaty of Tripoli article 11, it directly states that this country is not founded on Christianity. It is unconstitutional to classify it under any religion. I haven't stood for the pledge in years because of all of it's lies and hypocrisies. I don't live "under God" Or any god, so I refuse to say it.
Posted by: AnonymousCongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion
The first amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." We are supposed to have separation of church and state. The phrase "under God" was added into the Pledge of Allegiance June 14, 1954, so it wasn't something the founders wanted. Freedom of religion doesn't mean we should force religious beliefs in schools. We don't know if a god exists so we are basically brainwashing children by telling them there is a god.
Posted by: lefty"Under God" violates separation of church and state.
Why is it so many "Christians" are trying to force their beliefs on others? Is there a basic insecurity among those Christians? Is their "faith" on shaky ground? Do they realize, on the one had, that there is a good chance there s no "God", and other the other hand, they are deep believers in "God"?
Posted by: eldonoIt's a country for EVERYONE of all religions and all races.
You might as well list every other God on our money, and not all of us even believe. How would the Americans feel if it were changed to "In Allah we trust?" I personally think it's just better to leave religion out of currency, government, the pledge, etc. Religion is a personal choice and isn't for all of us.
Posted by: AnonymousGod has nothing to do with America.
This is a direct violation of the first amendment, as it definitely secures Christianity as the de facto religion of our government. Yes, the a few of the founding fathers were religious to some extent, but they had the decency to think that if they ever let anybody other than white men have any rights, they'd be able to by allowing diversity in religion, including in the government. When a massive storm hits America, and politicians say that they're putting their faith in God over their dependence on the federal government, we realize that they're out of their mind and give them federal aid so that their cities don't flood, and people have some chance at making a recovery. The human spirit has done more for America than God and prayer ever has; why should we lower our standards to be under God?
Posted by: kayslay5000It is not appropriate to be recited in public schools.
A lot of people on the other side of this argument are saying that we just shouldn't say it if we don't believe in it. Well, I'm an atheist in a public school, and I have been judged and ridiculed by a good many of my peers for doing just that. I recite our pledge everyday because I love this country and the freedom it gives me, but the "under God" portion of our pledge is just not necessary and I refuse to say it. Under the constitution the government is not supposed to support a national religion, and obviously the phrase "under God" is going towards the Judeo-Christian God. No matter how many people say that the word "God" is up for interpretation, they are all very mistaken or just in denial. Having to be criticized in my school for not saying a part in our nation's pledge of allegiance because it goes against my beliefs is just wrong and just makes me embarrassed that our supreme court can't recognize this injustice.
Posted by: ChristianDWe aren't all religious.
Americans are often atheist or agnostic. It's disrespectful.
Posted by: rogueThe First Amendment
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." I won't get into the history of the pledge or of this country, as this page is flooded with it already. I feel that is is inaccurate to say that the insertion of this phrase into the pledge is appropriate, when appropriate is defined as constitutional. It is very clear that the "God" in the pledge is the Christian god, and that is clearly respecting an establishment of religion. If one were to argue that it just means god in general, well even if you want to change what the actual intent is, I would argue that it still violates the Constitution.
Posted by: lit.wakefieldThe left side of this page is scary
"If you don't like it go somewhere else" what a scary, uneducated response. First of all "under God" wasn't added to the pledge until 1954. Look it up before you go spouting out your religious bullsh*t. Most organized religion is for weak minded sheep and has done nothing but plague humanity for thousands of years. Most of the left sides arguments are exactly the reason it should not be in the pledge...SEPARATION of church and state!
Posted by: imrightyourwrongThere is no evidence for god.
This should not be ingrained in children while they are growing up in public schools. It poisons the mind and brainwashes them instead of focusing on logic, reason, science, and the Socratic method to determine how the world works and the meaning of life. There should be a clear and necessary separation between church and state at all times.
Posted by: AnonymousWe push what made us a nation.
If you trace our history all the way back to the pilgrims, they tried to escape their home to find and make their own nation under God. Our very nation was forged through and by god as our number one, but after our nation has reached such a great rank and superiority over many other nations we try to shove and push him out of our lives. We were born and put under god....
Posted by: The-patriotWe are n0t a Christian nation
The United States does not have an official religion. We should not require any individual to possess certain beliefs about a higher power, and having those two, simple words as a part of our Pledge of Allegiance is promoting religious beliefs that not everyone possesses, which is against what our country stands for.
Posted by: CaliforniaNo, it is unnecessary and divisive.
We have bigger fish to fry, but why include language in a secular pledge that makes some people cringe? Perhaps people who believe in God might have a hard time imagining that such language can marginalize children and other people, but I think "official" approval of God by the government does put non believers on the outside. Our Government should take no position on God's existence. Whether God exists or not does not change our government's duties to its citizens.
Posted by: AnonymousI don't believe the American Pledge of Allegiance should be reworded to remove the phrase "under God" because the words to the Pledge are part of tradition.
The American Pledge of Allegiance should not be reworded to remove the phrase "under God" because the way the Pledge is worded is part of tradition. While I agree that there should be separation of church and state, the phrase "under God" is symbolic and whether you believe in a God or not, the Pledge was created with that phrase. If you remove that phrase, it is no longer the Pledge of Allegiance. For those who would like to see the Pledge altered, I would be curious to know what phrase should be substituted for "under God."
Posted by: SandDariWe should show respect for all religions.
Christianity has held a grasp of the Country for far too long. It's grasp is unconstitutional, but enforced by a mob called the religious right. It has no place there. What if you are Atheist or Polytheistic? You should have the same rights as anyone else, long denied to you by the Krazy Khristian Kult.
Posted by: AnonymousSeparate Issues
I think my belief, or lack thereof, in God has nothing to do with my patriotism. "Under God" implies our nation divisible without God. It means that if you have a Great Spirit or Allah or are an atheist or a Buddhist, etc, you weaken and are disloyal to your country. It's the issue of God and religion that divides us. Prior to 1954, there was no "under God" clause and we got along fine without. Now we argue and bicker about it.
I believe America was founded by deep believers in God, but no where did they require it in the rest of us. The framers of the constitution had ample opportunity to ratify the Bible (or parts of it) into our constitution but did not do. Instead, they guaranteed just the opposite.Posted by: AnonymousConsideration
Atheists have consideration for you, they don't follow you around telling you're a sinner, and that they hate you and that some imaginary friend of theirs is gonna burn them. Atheists deserve the right to be patriotic also! Forcing them to say this as they pledge allegiance to their country is not only inconsiderate but it is malicious and selfish. Just because you have beliefs doesn't mean you should force them onto other people. Our country was founded not on freedom of religion technically, but on the freedom to believe what you want to believe religiously, which includes believing it is not true, despite any twist you put on it. They were an add in even, not even part of the original pledge!
Being a strong and proud atheist I believe this should be removed from the pledge of allegiance. I love my country! Not some imaginary god. My country is not 'under' anything!Posted by: AnonymousSome quotes from America's "moral and religious founders"
"Religion is the most perverted system known to mankind" - Thomas Jefferson
"This would be the best of all worlds if there were no religion in it" - John Adams
"the Bible is such a book of lies and contradictions there is no knowing which part to believe or whether any..." - Thomas Paine
and to top it all off...
"I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution."
- George Washington
The great irony is that almost all of the founders might have been kicked out of the states nowadays - for refusing to take th pledge of allegiance that they originally wrote! (Under god was added centuries later)
Religious and philosophical freedom is at the heart of freedom of speech, and freedom of speech is at the heart of democracy, thus the words "under god" are laughably inappropriate and, one hopes, ironic as long as Americans can vote.
The words "under god" were added in 1948 and really are a manifestation of cold war paranoia. The founders would have cried.Posted by: NumidiousThe Red Scare added this to the pledge!
The phrase "under God" wasn't added to the pledge until 1954. Anyone who said it's part of our "founding" is delusional at best, and stupid at worst. Our country was not founded as a "Christian nation" and is not a Christian nation. The Treaty of Tripoli, ratified by the United States government on June 10, 1787, states in Article 11: ". As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen,—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries." Whether Barlow's translation is incorrect or not, it was ratified and printed in three public newspapers and there was no public dissent. Keep living in the delusional microcosm of your world.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is offensive to those who don't believe in God.
There are many people who believe in no god or different types of gods. The founding fathers specifically made a godless constitution and keeping god out of government is essential. Religion has a habit of incorporating cult activities and hatred for others outside their clique. I also believe it was in 1948 that Louis bowman inserted, "under God," then Eisenhower made it official in 1954. If I am not mistaken, it was in response to the perceived threat of communism. The Christian Reich is constantly trying to state that the U.S. was founded on their principles when it was not. In fact, the Christian clergy was dead set against Thomas Jefferson because of his views and statements on Christians. I think it was Thomas Paine who people called the "father of the American revolution?" Until he wrote a book on his beliefs of deism criticizing Christians. I believe it was called Age of Reason. After that Christians in their usual cliqueish way ostracized him and he died as an outcast. He was an extremely brilliant man. Just goes to show you why so many free thinkers crafted the constitution the way it is. Most abhorred organized religions and institutions because it stands against any type of reason.
Posted by: AnonymousAllegiance does not require theism
I'm a combat veteran of the US and an atheist. Belief in a god has nothing to do with one's allegiance. I don't want to live in a Christian state, just as I don't want to live in an Islamic state. I want America to have a separation of church and state. I want it to be a place where everyone is free to express their religion, but no one has the power to force it upon anyone else.
Posted by: KuriouserNKuriouserIt is offensive to those who don't believe in god.
There are many people who believe in no god or different types of gods. The founding fathers specifically made a godless constitution and keeping god out of government it essential. Religion has a habit of incorporating cult activities and hatred for others outside their click. I also believe it was in 1948 that Louis bowman inserted, "under God" And then Eisenhower made it official in 1954. If I am not mistaken it was in response to the perceived threat of communism. The Christian Reich is constantly trying to state that the us was founded on their principles when it was not. In fact, the Christian clergy was dead set against Thomas Jefferson because of his views and statements on Christians. I think it was Thomas Paine who people called the "father of the American revolution?" Until he wrote a book on his beliefs of deism criticizing Christians. I believe it was called age of reason. Anyway after that Christians in their usual clickish way ostracized him and he died as an outcast. He was an extremely brilliant man. Just goes to show you why so many free thinkers crafted the constitution the way it is. Most abhorred organized religions and institutions because it stands against any type of reason.
Posted by: AnonymousNo god!
God, I think, does not exist. So why should I have to say it during homeroom at school. I never did... The US has free religion. If the pledge of allegiance had something to do with budah then people (Christians) would be upset. So what about god? I mean really!
Posted by: AnonymousI Didn't Vote for God.
God does not belong in the pledge, because the pledge is to the flag of the country, not to the cross of the church. God is something other than human nations, and when nations try to anoint themselves as auditors of God's will, they inevitably fall into tyrannical oppressors. It's hard enough holding back the dogs of war and oppression without giving them claim to the power and authority of a God they claim to know. The religious words implanted into the pledge should be removed.
Posted by: AnonymousIT IS NOT !
Saying that is inappropriate because it might offend Christian people. Lots of them. If you can manage it with out offending any, I would take my hat off to you. If I had a hat I would take it off to you. This is my argument for why it is inappropriate .
Posted by: AnonymousKeep religion out of schools
This country needs to draw major lines between church and state. Children should not have to be constantly bombarded with other peoples beliefs. Despite what many say, America was founded on the principles of keeping religion out of government and that's how it needs to remain. If people want to go out and talk about their gods or religion there is a great place for that... it's called church. Go there.
Posted by: twistedfaithPresumes a belief in god
The pledge of allegiance was made by theists to support and promote their theistic views and as such doesn't take into account differing viewpoints.
In a time when Theism was presumed to be the only ideology that a person can have, the "under god" stance might have seemed natural. However, in the modern world, it does seem out of place and non-secular.Posted by: F-16_Fighting_FalconSeparation of Church and State
What people don't seem to realize is how ridiculous it is to say that our nation was founded on the belief of God, or Christianity. Our founding fathers believed in the separation of church and state for our own good, but church and state have often run in a fine line thanks to religions forcing themselves upon others. No, religion isn't all bad, but kids who haven't developed a clear view on the things they believe in say "under god" without understanding the context. Not all people believe in god, and not all people will. We can not rationalize keeping the few words we added to fight the atheist communists because "they were always there". America is supposed to be the place of freedom of belief, and the narrow-minded view keeping "under god" in is ridiculous to those of us who don't believe or are not familiar with our religious beliefs yet. We all have morals, whether god exists in our lives or not.
Posted by: HarmonicHeavenThe phrase "under God" in the American Pledge of Allegiance is not appropriate because it supports god-worshipping religions.
America was meant to be a melting pot of cultures-- a place where everyone was accepted, and would be equal. Having under god in the pledge supports god-worshipping religions more than atheistic ones, and makes the idea of equality seem transparent and ignored. This goes against what our country was created to do.
Posted by: AnonymousSeparation of Church and State
Even though the pledge doesn't specify which "God" America is under, it still discriminates against Atheists. We have a separation of Church and State. The words "Under God" were not even part of the original pledge and were added in the 50's due an unfounded fear of Communism. No child should be indoctrinated into believing in a God by a State run school.
Posted by: qopelThere is no God, and if there were, he would certainly not favor one nation over another
There is zero proof of any deity, or supernatural being. To be forced to state a belief in a deity as part of pledging your allegiance to our country is not appropriate. The pledge of allegiance has nothing to do with religion, and yet religion feels compelled to dig it's claws into every aspect of American life. Remove this phrase, which is not part of the original pledge.
Posted by: AnonymousComing from an all American Satanist
I myself am SATANIST and in 7th grade. I shiver every morning as everyone says "under god." if we have freedom of religion then NOTHING patriotic should have anything about god or any religious views.
Posted by: Justjess321We are not required by law to have religion.
Sounds a bit like a dictatorship if we're required to acknowledge any god when reciting the pledge. I know it might not explicitly refer to a specific god, but there are still atheists who don't believe and agnostics who would like a chance to make that choice. Take 'under god' out officially, and if you wish to say it then go right on ahead. But it shouldn't be TAUGHT that way.
Posted by: AnonymousNo. Jesus commands it.
The separation of church and state is the ONLY way to prevent the evils of theocracy. It's why Protestantism began. Jesus commanded it. Render unto Caesar that which is Caeser's, render unto God, that which is God's. The essence of government is coercion, a neccesary evil in some cases in the world. The use of coercion in religion is the road to the Spanish Inquisition. It's just evil. The two must be kept strictly apart.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe in God 100%
I believe in God 100%, but i don't think it is fair for those who have different thoughts about him, religion and country should never get mixed. A country is something that states what place you live in and what laws it enforces. Religion is something that describes you as a person and what you believe in. Believes and facts shouldn't get involved. Anyways you are who decided to pledge or not.
Posted by: AnonymousAtheists Should NOT Say It
I don't know why "under God" is in the pledge. There are people at my school who aren't even Christian (including me), so why bother having it in? I'm an atheist, for one thing, and I find having to have the "under God" part of the pledge unnecessary.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, it's not
It may have served its purpose in the 1950's during the country's crippling fear of Communism, buy today there's no basis for it.
The United States was not founded on Christianity, nor any deity. As an Agnostic, I'm proud to live in a country that practices religious freedom, but the Pledge goes against these ideas.Posted by: AnonymousPresuming that people need to follow God is un-American.
People shouldn't have to pledge their allegiance to this country only because it's "under god." What if people don't want to believe in it? This is why so many people are becoming atheists. Because of the bogus belief that America is a land to be served under a religion. It's also brainwashing the American people AND children to believe in some trash that they probably don't understand or want to believe. This is why America is so messed up nowadays. Adults forcing their children to believe in a religion. We should give them a choice for themselves once they are mature enough, and not repress them if us adults don't think the same way. The first step: take out "under God" from the pledge.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely not! Its completely inappropriate to impose beliefs onto people that done believe.
While granted I do have faith, it is certainly inappropriate to say the only way to have allegiance to their country is by enforcing ones to hold loyalty in a being that one does not believe in. Do I think it hurts people to say it? No, but I am a believer. In retrospect if someone forced me to make statements that I did not believe in I would be irate.
Posted by: AnonymousA Devote Christian, but...
I am a leader at my own church and a very religious person. However, in keeping with the First Amendment, it is a violation. We are not supposed to promote religion with pledges and such. I say "under God" with full confidence, however were I an atheist, I would be offended.
I'm all for telling the political correctness crackpots to shut up, but they are right in this stance.Posted by: AnonymousRead history and the Constitution
Through the active campaigning of a Catholic Church group and a sermon by a Presbyterian minister amid the McCarthy communist scare, the words "under God" were added in 1954 to the Pledge. The Pledge was originally written in 1892 by a fromer Baptist minister who was a Christian Socialist.
And if someone could tell me which religion, Christian or otherwise, the Constitution tells me I should join, I will be glad to consider doing so.Posted by: AnonymousThe Pledge of Allegiance isn't appropriate in and of itself
See above. Pride in imaginary things is irrational and leads to nothing positive. Be proud you're alive and of what you accomplish in reality, not of what's baked into your imaginary existence as a stat. No one cares that you're American except other Americans and people that hate Americans. Seems kind of pointless don't you think ? Stop drawing lines in sand and do something useful.
Posted by: AnonymousInfluence on the children
Obviously as the headline says, saying "under God" will influence them to keep saying. Should anyone same something so conisistently for many years, they tend to believe it, even if it was originally a lie. The environment people grow up in greatly affects them, so the "under God" part of the pledge should be removed to avoid having children believe an idea they normally wouldn't have. In other words, brainwashing them.
Posted by: AnonymousI am Atheist for one.
And for two church and state are supposed to be separate and that is a pledge of our allegiance to our country and our country has nothing to do with churchs.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is rather unconstitutional.
As in our constitution it is stated that state and church must be seperate. And while saying "under God" does not harm anybody it makes the government favor one religion over another. And that is the true american heritage. The Constitution and the beliefs of our Founding Fathers.
Posted by: AnonymousSEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!
America was founded for religious freedom. Christianity is not the only religion out there. I am not a religious person, and while I respect the people who do believe, I do not belive that everyone should be subjugated to speak the words "under God" thus affirming faith that mayt or not be there. I leave the words out, and seeing as they were added in 1954 because of a threat to "American Society" that is no longer imminent, they should be taken out.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy is this necessary at all?
We are not "under God" nor under anything else, but the sky and stars. Even if you are a person of faith, you should realize that our nation is under the control of our Government, or arguably, the free people of our nation. This argument is impossible to counter, seeing as there is no tangible proof of a higher power. Believe what you may, the United States of America is not under a higher power. A religious man may be "under God" but, as whole, no country is beneath an immortal being.
And on a personal side-note, a friend of mine refused to say the pledge during Government class last year, for the reason brought up in this debate, and our substitute teacher tried to argue.Posted by: AnonymousThis does not belong in the Pledge of Allegiance, nor should any religion appear in any form of government documentation!
Well first of all, Ii would like to say something about the US history. The European people did not come over to the new world for religious purposes, they came for MONEY! The Spanish accidentally stumbled upon what is now America because they thought if they sailed far enough, they would reach the Indies, and then at later times, they came because they heard there was gold and silver. The English came over to the new world because they wanted gold! Jamestown was the first English settlement (1607), and it had nothing to do with religious purposes. No, this country was not formed on Christian Values, but more so of RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS! Now that I got that out of the way, our country is supposed to have the state and religion separate, but when talking about a god in a pledge of a country that is supposed to keep politics and religion separate, the government kind of failed. Saying that taking religion out of schools and government takes it out of society, has to be one of the most BS statements I have ever heard. Why should we have “under God” in our pledge? Well there is no good reason because that does put other religions, and atheists below Christianity.
Posted by: AnonymousNo
It is unconstitutional that we require, every day for our children in school, to say "Under god." It makes religion confusing for children, espcecially those who have a religion with more than 1 god, or no god at all. This country was founded on the ideas or religious freedom, and yet, it is not complete freedom until we make one of our most important traditions of the flag respectful for everyone.
Posted by: ZacharyDamonIt is the establishment of religion.
First off let me say to anyone who says "our forefathers said it" you are wrong. Under God wasn't introduced into the pledge until 1954. It is an abomination and causes anyone who wants to pledge allegiance to their nation to also be forced to identify with believing this nation is in the sense "under a God" Which is completely WRONG, especially if you're going to make students say it at school. It is the establishment of religion by the government.
Posted by: LeonTheBraveIt contradicts freedom of religion.
What use is freedom of religion if citizens are expected (and sometimes required) to pay lip service to a god in order to affirm their patriotism? It is unnecessarily divisive and alienates atheists who are no less citizens than the theists are.
Posted by: PazuThis pledge is offensive to me
As a atheist i am offended by this pledge, I have in the past tried not to say it at each school day, But I was ridiculed for being atheist and called unpatriotic. Even the teacher shook their head at me. If you want relgion in the pledge, then it is only fair for all religions and non religion to be represented in the pledge. Of course than the pledge would be a little too long, but it should either remove under god or add "Under god, gods and goddesses, or no gods and spirtuality." Sounds bad, but i would rather have it than just under god.
Posted by: AnonymousFirst Amendment Breaker
The First Amendment allows freedom of any religion, so the others, like the Muslims and Hindu and other religions should not have to say it. They should have the right to say other things, like for the Muslims, "Under Allah." People should NOT have to say things against their religion.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's a country for EVERYONE of all religions and all races.
You might as well list every other God on our money, and not all of us even believe. How would the Americans feel if it were changed to "In Allah we trust?" I personally think it's just better to leave religion out of currency, government, the pledge, etc. Religion is a personal choice and isn't for all of us.
Posted by: AnonymousSeperation of Church and State is there for a reason.
"it's part of American Heritage"? But if that heritage is based upon ignorance and logical fallacies, it's time to start living in the present. It is absolutely infuriating not saying the "under god" part in the Pledge just to get nasty looks from other hateful religious brainwashed morons.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, having "under god" goes against many founding fathers beliefs.
If you look back to see what it is that many of this nations founding fathers believed in their belief is "Deism". While deism is/was a branch of Christianity the founding fathers did not wish to have religion even effect how our nations government acts or runs.
Posted by: Anonymous"Under God" is not appropriate in the Pledge of Allegiance for it is unconstitutional.
The original pledge of allegiance did NOT have "under god" in it and I believe they should've stuck with that. It CLEARLY states in the constitution that we are allowed to follow whatever religion we want to or believe in. As most schools have kids recite the pledge daily, it is not fair for a Buddhist to have to say that our nation is "under god".
Posted by: FlawlessAwesomeNO
No because there are so many different religions in this country that it is wrong to put that in the pledge of allegiance. The christians should no longer dominate the country
Posted by: AnonymousNo, it isn't approriate.
Like it or not, this is a secular country; even if you don't want to accept that is the premise on which it was founded - in modern times it has certainly become one. Adding 'under god' was simply an unconstitutional change made in 1954 that shouldn't have passed. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" It's the first part of the First Amendment and is was purposely left broad to cover things just like this - You can believe in a god or gods if you want, but belief in such is not necessary to be a citizen, and that's the point. You're pledging allegiance to a country, or a symbol of that country - not a supernatural being of any kind. If you have one person from every religion in a large room, each one of them an American, all saying the pledge - which god are you asking them all to pledge to, given that each one of them holds atheistic views towards the others, i.E. Christian's are unlikely to believe in the Hindu Monkey God Hanuman. The 'God' referred to in the pledge is most likely the Christian version, or one of them at least - not only is it unconstitutional, but this is not an applicable standard for half of the country or possibly more.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder God, indivisible.
What? That right there is a contradiction. It says indivisible. When a national pledge of allegiance says "under God", it is dividing our country. Not saying there is one is completely saying there isn't one. It should be removed. In fact, it should have never been added. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, with liberty and justice for all."
Posted by: Anonymous"Under God" in the American Pledge of allegiance is unconsitutional
It was NEVER part of America pledge of allegiance, it was added to it in 1954! It was never part of it, America is supposed to be secular nation but fundamentalist Christians begun to corrupt our forefathers and American society, so How muslims and Jews feel if America begun to allow bible study in public schools? absolutely no i'm certainly sure if "under God" will be removed in near future, wow most Americans is ignorant of true origin of our sacred original American Pledge of Allegiance.
Posted by: AnonymousAmerica was never, and will never be a Christian nation.
We were founded by a colonial group of Deists. A main pillar of our nation is the separation of church and state. Christianity has a bad habit of hijacking things and Christianizing it.
Similar to a virus in a previously healthy body.
It is because of the Evangelist movement that the Republican Party has gone sour.
It is because of the Evangelist movement that puts "Under God" into our pledge.
It is because of the Evangelist movement that we have become an anti-intellectual group of fanatics and passionately dedicated idiots, despising the elite and distrusting the intelligent.Posted by: Gaerteuth"Under God" disrespects other religions.
There are different religions and if you make them say "under god," they might be breaking an oath they say for their religion. I believe they should stand respectfully and be quiet while the other students are saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Children come from different countries and cultures and they don't want to feel uncomfortable by getting singled out in front of their peers.
Posted by: AnonymousThis violates the seperation of state and church.
1.The first amendment to the US Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (From Wikipedia.)
2.People have the right to believe their own religion, and have the right to not believe a religion.
3.Not everyone in the US is a Christian.
4.The freedom of religion is also a human right, and no one should be forced to believe a religion.Posted by: jh1234lGod does not represent a nation.
The "under God" part wasn't added until 1954, at a time when the Red Scare had everyone paranoid about communism. It was added as a way to separate the U.S. from communist nations by showing that it was not an atheist nation. This was due to the conception that communism stemmed from atheist nations, showing that atheism was somehow a cause. It was an addition at a time when everyone seemed to overreact to everything, and it's albeit ridiculous purpose has been served. Communist spread has stopped, so any security reason for it's remaining in the pledge is now gone. Then comes the whole "not everybody believes in god" ordeal. The pledge of an entire nation should not concentrate on a certain group within it, especially if it is a nation based on the idea of equality. It only serves as an awkward line for atheists who are pledging to the nation they live in, showing them that they have officially not been wanted there "since 1954".
Posted by: AnonymousNot all citizens of the USA believe in the same God.
I do believe in God but some others, such as Buddhists and Muslims, do not believe in one single God. They believe in multiple rulers of the Universe. Some don't believe in a God at all. The government is disrespecting the 1st Amendment: Right to Freedoms of RELIGION, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition.
Posted by: AnonymousThank god for the first amendment
The courts should have thrown this out years ago as it goes against the first amendment to the constitution. We have the freedom of religion right there in the beginning of the constitution. Pledging allegiance to a nation 'under God' is asking for zealots to use it as an excuse to do whatever they want as long as they say it's "god's will." It does not say "under allah" or "under yahweh" or anything else, which means it's to be taken as the Christian god. It scares me every time I hear someone say "and god bless America" because it's usually after they have said something hateful and they add that on to 'soften it' making them look like patriots. But they know well and good that jesus would not like whatever it was they said. So, no zealots, no forced religion and no 'under God'.
Posted by: AnonymousExclusion and History
As is, the pledge and official motto of the United States excludes millions of Americans. Do we really want the implication that they are not American, or encourage an atmosphere that breeds hostility, alienation, and contempt for hard working Americans?
This also promotes particular religious views as American, something that our founding fathers forbade. Consider this: if our motto was "In Allah we trust" or "In Vishnu we trust" would you still be defending it? Of course not. In that light, it seems silly to endorse one religious view in a country that prides itself in its freedom of religion.
Also, "In God we trust " was not adopted as the official motto of the United States until 1956 as an alternative or replacement of "E pluribus unum", ("Out of many, one") which is both more poetic and inclusive. The phrase "under God" was incorporated into the Pledge of Allegiance June 14, 1954. Indeed, America has spent the majority of it's life as a neutral nation rather than the one that unjustly plays favorites today. It was only fear and McCarthyism that convinced a select few to make America "under God", and in turn making it under bias.Posted by: AnonymousIt is not an original part of the pledge.
The pledge should be secular, just like the constitution is. The original author of the pledge, who was a preacher, intentionally left out any reference to God or church, and it was only added in the 50s as a result of the red scare and its association with atheism. The founding fathers strongly believed in the practical separation of church and state, and It has no purpose being in there at all.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, we are NOT a Christian nation
We are not a Christian nation, and in fact, the nation has no religion. Under God is a clear establishment of religion as it supports some type of religion, and discards the other 20% of us. It also allows us to be discriminated against because people can fall back on the logic "well, it says under god, so you're wrong obviously and need to find a new place."
Posted by: AnonymousReligious freedom.
Not everyone believes in god. Everyone should have the liberty to believe what they want. I, for one, don't believe in god, so why should I believe what the society wants me to believe? Do I not have my own right to believe what I want?
Posted by: NobodyMoveOur nation is not a theocracy!
I am not a Christian, I have never said "one nation under God" (I never will), and I rather detest how early Christians have manipulated the Holy Bible and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth to their own purpose and for that reason I will never be a Christian. Example 1; according to the original Bible (predating the King James Version) Adam had a wife before Eve. Example 2; indulgences, I shouldn't have to explain that to a Christian. Example 3; Jesus was Jewish! Example 4; Jesus put others before himself, the Pope (Catholicism) and Priests (Christianity) put themselves before the populous. Example 5; the U.S. Constitution clearly states a separation between Church, any church of any sect, and state. I will not call upon any witness beyond the Constitution, the foundation of the county we pledge allegiance to every day.
Posted by: AnonymousSeparation of church and state
People don't identify by their religion anymore. People claim to be Americans before they call themselves Atheists, Christians, Muslims, or whatever. Expressing patriotism has nothing to do with religious beliefs. To imply otherwise suggests our government advocates for a national religion. You can be American and not believe in God, and forcing Atheists to express spirituality in a strictly non-religious pledge violates the 14th and 1st amendments.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's amazing what people think of.
America wasn't founded by religious means. It was a place to colonize when their religious freedom was being attacked. When America was founded, it was based on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Not religion. I'm not atheist or anything, its just the fact that some people consider this a Christian nation, even though it is supposed to be one of the nations in the world that support freedom of practice. That is what sets it apart from the other world nations. Oh, and also, half the people on the yes side don't seem to have a proper sense of grammar and can't spell right. :)
Posted by: Anonymous"Under God" Wasn't added until 1954
It amazes me how many people that want to quote the great history of the United States don't know it. Adding god to anything govt related is unconstitutional and noninclusive. Isn't it funny how everyone thinks their god is the right one and everyone should follow it?
Posted by: AnonymousGod is America vs. America is God
Either way, a group of people will be unhappy.
I say leave it as it is because this is the foundation of what America was built on. Fact is, in the past when Godly statutes were applied and acknowledged in schools, workplaces and homes, things were better off. Many Americans are headed for destruction already, financially, ecologically, mentally, physically, morally etc. Should we take Santa out of Christmas, and the Easter bunny out of Easter...the fairy tale lies made up to cover the same truth that is under scrutiny right now? Why not cancel them all together!
Come on. We are better off focusing on changing the way we live on this planet and the way we treat one another, not trying to change history. If you don't believe in God then don't pledge.Posted by: AnonymousPerfection should not have been tinkered with
The pledge of allegiance was perfect as originally written. If it's not broke, don't fix it. For all the Christians that insist on the idea of dominionism, imagine a Muslim were in office. Are you fine mixing church (mosque) and state now? Religion has no place in government period. There are too many varieties of religion so it's best to avoid it. There are enough squabbles in govt. Already. This is a lesson our forefathers already learned for us.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have a freedom to have our own beliefs.
By stating "under God" in the pledge, you are claiming to believe in a god. However, if you don't say the pledge you are considered to be unpatriotic. You can always not believe in a god and be a patriot that supports your country, but that line in the pledge prohibits that ability.
Posted by: AnonymousSome history for those who don't know
The pledge in it's original form written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 read "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." So no, to those who have said that "under god" has always been there, you are wrong. And the pledge was meant for ANY nation to recite if they wanted.
In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God". This was a method of propaganda against Communists essentially labeling them as ungodly people. This also served as a form of indoctrination, Eisenhower stated, "From this day forward, the millions of our school children will daily proclaim in every city and town, every village and rural school house, the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty. ... In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future." This is in blatant opposition to church and state, and furthers a Christian (note that Eisenhower said "...to the Almighty" a very Judeo-Christian term) ideal that America is a nation of god's people. It teaches that we are subservient to "god" which is not a belief shared unanimously by all Americans, just some of them.
Last I checked, America has Christians, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Agnostics, Satanists, Catholics, Buddhists, etc etc. It is a pledge to our country, not religious beliefs. We are Americans, this is not a label representing our religious faith, it is a label representing our nation.Posted by: AnonymousNo, America was not founded based on this.
America is supposed to be land of the free, and the first amendment, clearly states that the government should not favor one relegion. even though, yes, Christianity is the most practiced Relegion, that does not mean thaat other relegions are not practiced as well. Now, truthfully, you are not REQUIRED to say the pledge of Allegiance in school, but it is still part of the pledge.
Another thing is that, anyone who is saying that it is part of our heriage is wrong. America was founded because people came here to flee from Great Britian looking for RELEGIOUS FREEDOM!!!! The sad thing is, that as soon as the people got here they started to do the same thing to Native Americans as Great Britian ws doing to them.Posted by: AnonymousA Pledge to God?
alienation of all opposing beliefs sets in such a pervasive manner is particularly inappropriate in a nation as diverse as this - "under God" has no place in the pledge of allegiance - a pledge of all things. We might as well commit ourselves to Christianity while we're at it.
Posted by: 000ikeHard decision on this one.
I would love to say yes, but in reality society does not run off of religion. We all have different beliefs and views on life and how it was created. "Under god" in our Pledge of allegiance is just not in the minds of the majority of society anymore, and forcing us to recite it is only an act of communism. It's one thing to ALLOW us to recite the Allegiance because it is an American thing to do. FORCING us to say "under god" is just immoral and against some if not most Americans beliefs. Of course it would be different if society ran off of a specific religion, but it doesn't. I hope this reply put the right point I was trying to make across.
Posted by: Reni-1_3A Denial of Rights
Our First Amendment states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" This clause seeks to equalize men of all religious denominations by stating no mans god shall ever stand in the way of the free practice of his or her own religion. The aforementioned clause also sought to equalize people by stating that no one shall have is or her religious rights put before another individuals, in other words everyone is on equal turf. By including the Phrase "Under God' in our pledge of allegiance, a pledge officially recognized by the US government, an establishment of religion is being respected. This implies that one denomination has more ground than another in government, and that is what the founding fathers had in mind when they labored to create the constitution.
Posted by: AnonymousPledge of Allegiance to America goes against America's own Constitution
You are basically going against the Constitution by having it in public schools. I am all for religion, at home, but not in public education. It's not fair to make those who aren't Christian pretty much announce they aren't Christian when they don't participate in the pledge. Non-Christians have to have their religion known, they don't have the option of keeping it secret. The only way they could keep it secret is if they pretended to be a Christian. That's just not right.
Posted by: AnonymousTalk about forcing religion on adolescents!
Have any of you actually did a little research on the pledge of allegiance? Most likely not, because if you have then you would know that "under God" Wasn't actually in pledge until 12 years after the pledge was adopted! So technically speaking, you are in the wrong for changing it! In the first amendment it clearly states freedom of religion. So why are you trying to force Christianity on Americans so much. Very un constitutional of you.
Posted by: AnonymousWhich God? We have thousands from which to choose.
No, because our founding fathers demanded a separation of church and state, and the pledge was originally written without those words. Besides when we start insisting on recognizing "God" I beg to ask, which one?! I'm sure most people picture their own God, their own beliefs. Americans have the freedom to choose their God, their religion, or lack thereof. If the pledge is being recited in a private school, then by all means, but a public school, paid for by the public monies, then absolutely not.
Posted by: AnonymousAgainst the First Ammendment
The first ammendment clearly states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemblem, and to petition the government for a redress of greivances. This was passed in 1777. In 1954, they passed the addition of the two words "Under God" being included into the pledge as a response to communists' threats of the time. It's unfair to those not of Christianity to speak of words they do not truly believe. It's unfair over all, and 43 states have passed laws regarding requirements of the recitation of the pledge.
Posted by: AnonymousRe-Writing history
Bellamy who wrote the pledge and was a minister and didn't feel that "under god" was necessary. 62 years later it was officially added in 1954. This is just another way that Christian's have taken a part of history and tied to make it appear as though their god is and always has been apart of everything. Change it back or Christians continue to and eventually will change all historical events and writing to included their god. Its not like they haven't spent centuries trying to erase all other history or tweak it to make all non-Christians look like evil, savages.
Posted by: christyann27I am a mage of buddhist ways
if it was changed to differnt kinds of gods and goddesses or even one, nation, under differnt ideas maybe that would work better but just having the under god part feels wrong becuase your forcing down one view point
Posted by: AnonymousNo, its really not.
I was raised as a Hindu when I lived in India. I came here to America as a little toddler still worshiping my gods. The children in my class used to make fun of me because they said "God wouldn't let me in Heaven" because I wouldn't convert to Christianity...now as a grown kid I don't believe in any religion, not my native Hinduism, not Christianity, not even atheism....I'm not an atheist...I don't believe in God because the Bible doesn't sound accurate and I don't believe in gods because even though some religions with more than one god sometimes have amazing myths like the Greek myths or Hindu tales that I loved hearing from my mother and father they really just don't sound true to me. I believe that some parts of science are true, yet I also believe in one or more unknown supreme forces of the universe.
Posted by: ArunavNo.
While it certainly does not hurt anyone, it also does not really measure in all of the support that this country could have, nor welcome those in this nation who do not believe in a deity.
Contrary to popular belief, the "Under God" part of the Pledge of Allegiance was actually added in 1954 after a campaign by the Knights Of Columbus ,A Christian Group, who lobbied Congress until they passed it.
It was not originally part of the Pledge of Allegiance, which was written in 1882 by Francis Bellamy. Later, his granddaughter would say that 'Under God' placed in the sentence, removes the original intention of the pledge. "One nation, indivisible." Not "One Nation, under God, indivisible"...The message of that part of the pledge was after the Civil war, and that we, as a country, are indivisible. All the States are connected. Not indivisibly connected to God.
And another thing, most of the founding fathers, who even wrote the declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were NOT Christians. Benjamin Franklin was a Deist. Thomas Paine, Deist. Even George Washington was EXTREMELY private about his beliefs, and is suspected to have also been a Deistic Freemason.
It does not state anywhere in our Constitution that this is a religious nation. So I have no idea why, in 1954, "Under God" was forced down our throats! It's an outrage if you ask me....yet at the same time...It really hurts no one. A shame though.Posted by: KingFrogNo
It wasn't in there when it was written on purpose. We should have never added it in the 1950's. People forget of why this country is great, because it does it's best to not discriminate and it keeps religion out of it. Under god, excludes atheists, and other religious people that don't follow the Christian god. People who fight for it, don't even understand what they are fighting for. Do they think we will be more moral somehow if we have it, in there??? Do they think we need it, to praise the almighty no-show?? Do they think there is a god that cares about that??? Just take it out. It is pointless.
Posted by: Anonymouswhy should religion be involved
if schools aren't aloud to celebrate certain holidays because of religion why should be pledge oath "under god" this is hypocritical statement that the government should of thought about before. this also violates the first amendment in the constitution. the Europeans came to America to be free not to make everyone be under religion !!!!
Posted by: AnonymousIT IS OFFENSIVE TO NON-THEISTS
I am an atheist in a public high school and I have to pledge to live under god or face punishment. I take offense in this, I have to say a pledge every morning that goes against my beliefs and I can even get suspended because of the required allegiance to god.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, it is completely unconstitutional.
I'm aware we do not have to say it during school or even stand up for it, which I don't, but I believe the fact that it's even accepted into the pledge is outrageous. Not everybody in the U.S is christian/ believes in God. I don't. So if we have our religious freedom, why are the favoring one religion, or religion at all into the pledge of the United States? Not only that, but today I got in trouble at school because I didn't stand for the pledge, and was sent to the office for it. That is 100% unconsitutional and against my rights. I think it's a crock of shit.
Posted by: Anonymous" Under God" is so over rated, like some people might not believe in god.
The statement "Under God" is not appropriate because of reailgon. Some kids might not believe in god. Some kids would take the offensive. I believe that they should take "Under God" out because it's not bad, but just inappropriate for students. They need to fix the American Pledge of Allegiance. And many things in the United States. Maybe it would help.
Posted by: AnonymousReligious persecution
It's forcing children to acknowledge the existence of God without any regard for what the parents practice at home. Public schools are government ran institutions therefor "Separation of church and state" applies no mention of any religion should be conducted. This is a constitutional violation. Further more its not the original pledge that was introduced to schools but a 4th version changed by christian politicians back in a time period where other religions had little say.
Posted by: AnonymousSeparation of church and state
“Under God” should not be used in the Pledge of Allegiance because the church and state are supposed to be separate. It is a pledge of our allegiance to our country and our country has nothing to do with churches. Also, forcing non-religious people to say “under God” as they pledge allegiance to their country is not only inconsiderate but it is selfish too. Religious people can practice their beliefs at church; they do not need to be going around forcing their beliefs on others. The original Pledge of Allegiance did not have the phrase “under God” in it, that was added during the Cold War in 1954. There are so many religions in this country that it is kind of wrong to put that in the pledge. If we have our religious freedom, why are they favoring only one religion in the pledge? By saying “under God” in the pledge it might insult those who do not believe in any religion or different religion with different beliefs.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is unconstitutional
As quoted in the previous post, the Congress, as a representative of 'We the People", shall respect no religion. It was the age of Enlightenment when people were moving towards scientific discovery and reason, for a reason. Theocratic governments are by their very nature oppressive, and it was a concious, deliberate decision to disavow such governments and form one based on the will of the people. Pledging allegience to your country does not imply that any god favors it over other nations - it simply means you are faithful to your own.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, for numerous reasons it is not appropriate.
If there's one thing that scares me, it's the people who think this country is not subject to change. The phrase "under God" wasn't added into the Pledge until a while into the nation's separation; it wasn't there from the start, yet people seem to think that their God, that their "religion" is right for this country. If that was the case, then the Bible should still be incorporated into the governmental and political system. That would mean that women who marry and are not a virgin must be executed, no more than two different fabrics should be worn at a time, seafood is prohibited, and pigskins should not be used. That's right, there goes football. How's your religion sounding now?
First of all, this country was not founded upon Christianity. It was a cause, yes, but not the ulterior motive for the Pilgrims to cross the Atlantic. They crossed the ocean because they were seeking freedom. Have you heard of that term? "Freedom"? Yea, this country's constitution supports it. Other people have an explicit right to believe what they want to, and express it with responsibility and maturity. Sadly, there are numerous "religious" people in this country today who do not express their religion and their beliefs with said responsibility and maturity. Your rights end when your fist connects with another man's nose. The same goes for religion. Your religion ends when it cuts off the rights to others.
The phrase "under God" should be removed from the pledge for the sake of respect and neutrality. Otherwise, due to the First Amendment, as mentioned before, this country will be viewed as a group of hypocrites. If we don't support one sole religion, why do we continuously and potentially falsely assume that this nation is truly under God? "Majority rules, minority rights." Hindus, homosexuals, and non-religious individuals still exist. And yes, we still have our rights.Posted by: AnonymousNot all Americans believe in "God".
Not all of American people believe in any god or just one god, so why not "under gods"? I bet Christians would love that. I think they should just take it out; some people don't say the pledge because they don't believe in a god and others just say "under gods", but I got in trouble for that. Why should other religions be punished for our beliefs?
Posted by: AnonymousPeople have different beliefs
It is ignorant to keep "Under God" in the pledge due to the different faiths in the USA and around the world. No one should be forced to say a pledge regarding a false idol which they do not follow. Plus there is no god and people who believe in one are idiots.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, 'under God' is not appropriate to have the Pledge of Allegiance because of the separation of church and state.
The phrasing "under God" should be taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance because of the separation of church and state. We are supposed to be a country of respecting everyone's religion or lack thereof and putting the world God in our Pledge of Allegiance shows a lack of respect.
Posted by: SlayClimTheir God, not everyone believes.
The original didn't have it. Religious beliefs currently (and always have) dividing this country and the world. Otherwise Pilgrims would have stayed in England. Right? The existence of God in the Pledge is a political statement of elected officials from a time when the 'enemies' were seen to have no God. It should be found unconstitutional, but most justices are religious.
Posted by: AnonymousNo. It is inaccurate and misleading and is subverted corporatism.
You must understand what the founding fathers intended (correctly); not, what Christian fundamentalism desires. The united states of America was intended to be a country of universal freedoms, religion or the lack thereof was just one of many of its dream of freedom and equality. The founding fathers studied and respected many faiths. I pledge allegiance to the flag (the people) of the united states of America and to the republic (governance for not of the people) for which it stands, one nation under God (in general and not decisive), indivisible (as the people), with liberty and justice for all (the people who decided to join this great nation). The pledge in its current form is to incorporate you, subversively as slave to the system. The people is not nor should we ever be considered a corporate entity. This is the trick they use to this day. It's like getting you to commit to a verbal contract and you blindly repeat it. Behahaha! So did I. If you really want to chant something worthwhile, try this: I, an authorized and legal citizen of the united states of America solemnly accept my unalienable right and duty as one of the people of the united states of America to enforce and direct the republic for which it stands, one nation unto each their our own god, indivisible, made free by the liberties and powers granted by the people and enforced by the people, as citizen of the united states of America.', sounds right to me.
Posted by: AnonymousChristian
I'm a Christian...and I do not want under God in the pledge. I served in the U.S. Army. I defended every American's right to FREEDOM OF RELIGION. In the military we discussed how middle eastern terrorist attack our culture based on religion, we are evil because we are not on the same page as them.
How are American Christians any different if you expect non Christian children to have to acknowledge God at public school? I DID NOT serve in the military to religiously persecute non Christian American's or under mine how the parents religiously raise their children at home! I served to protect Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, and anyone else's constitutional rights without question.Posted by: AnonymousIt wasn't added until the 1950's.
Separation of church and state is already the biggest reason, so much so that any semblance of a reference to a divine power in the pledge didn't show up until nearly after two hundred years after we founded the sovereign.
If you want to say it, go for it, it is your prerogative, but on an objective, legal standpoint: it is NOT "appropriate".Posted by: AnonymousReligion is NOT CITIZENSHIP!
No, "under God" is not appropriate in the American Pledge of Allegiance. 'God' is not the same for everyone, nor does a belief in God have anything to do with anyone's allegiance to a country! There are too many faiths, too many beliefs, and this is not a safe, generic blanket statement. As an atheist, I find it offensive. Man created governments, not God.
Posted by: inaneoneFreedom of Religion
Children learn religion at home. When they start having to say and do things that go against their current religion, it upsets and confuses the child. The home is where children need to be choosing their religion and their values, it's not the school's job. When my child is forced to say "under God" and we are Buddhist, it confuses her and then I am forced to explain a topic that I hoped we would discuss at a later time.
Posted by: AnonymousThank god for the first amendment
You must understand what the founding fathers intended (correctly); not, what Christian fundamentalism desires. The United States of America was intended to be a country of universal freedoms, religion or the lack thereof was just one of many of its dream of freedom and equality. The founding fathers studied and respected many faiths. "I pledge allegiance to the flag (the people) of the United States of America and to the republic (governance for not of the people) for which it stands, one nation under God (in general and not decisive), indivisible (as the people), with liberty and justice for all (the people who decided to join this great nation)." The pledge in its current form is to incorporate you, subversively as a slave to the system. The people are not nor should we ever be considered a corporate entity. This is the trick they use to this day. It's like getting you to commit to a verbal contract and you blindly repeat it. Behahaha! So did I. If you really want to chant something worthwhile, try this: "I, an authorized and legal citizen of the United States of America, solemnly accept my unalienable right and duty as one of the people of the United States of America to enforce and direct the republic for which it stands, one nation unto each their our own god, indivisible, made free by the liberties and powers granted by the people and enforced by the people, as citizen of the united states of America." Sounds right to me.
Posted by: AnonymousUnder separation of church and state, there can be no involvement of any god.
By pledging to America under God, you also pledge to god. That is in no way right, for America is a country thy has legal separation of church and state, and has very diverse religious beliefs. The "under God" phrase should be dropped. Additionally, no one should be made to pledge to anything. If someone does not want to pledge, they should not have to. The pledge is taken too lightly. Pledging your allegiance is a serious thing, yet most people never even think about it as they blankly recite the words.
Posted by: Anonymous"Under God" violates the principles of the 1st Amendment and Separation of Church and State
The 1st amendment states that Americans have a freedom of religion. It certainly doesn't promote the government to support a specific religion in schools. The term opposes the beliefs of multiple gods in polytheistic religions, and opposes atheists, who don't believe in a God. The term also opposes the Islamic religion, since God is referred to as "Allah" in the sacred text of Islam, the Quran. I know this technically isn't in any official law, but it is normally acknowledged that there is a separation of Church and State. That policy should continue, making this term inappropriate.
Posted by: daytonanerdWe are AMERICANS!
Separation of Church and State. No person in a public venue like a school should be forced to hear or speak about a Christian God. We are not a Christian Nation-we are simply Americans, pledging allegiance to being AMERICAN. Not Christians, as there are tons of other religions in this country. We are a melting pot. Let us love America equally.
Posted by: TheStormySeaIt forces religion on those who are not religious or on those of a different religion.
The phrase "under god" was not originally in the pledge of allegiance and was only added in 1954, and by the first amendment, America 1. Has the freedom of religion and 2. Will not have a national religion. America was not founded to be Christian, in fact most of the founders were either atheist or deist (which means they thought something was running the universe, but did not follow any organized religion because they thought it was wrong), plus the main reason the colonists left the rule of England was because of religious persecution from the Church, forcing them to attend a certain church or have a certain religion. While some may believe that there is a god, it is wrong to force your own religion on others just because you believe yourself to be right. Many so called "Christian Bills" which would make Christianity the religion of America, have been attempted to be passed but without a doubt, every single one has been stricken down because it violates the first amendment. And look what has happened to other countries that have a national religion like Iran and other countries from the middle east. Thomas Jefferson coined the phrase "Separation of Church and State" which basically describes the first amendment. Any religion must stay separate from any form of government or public place for fear of discriminating or alienating a specific religion or race for their beliefs. Politics are continually promoting the idea of being "politically-correct" when speaking, so why does it not apply to the Pledge of Allegiance? To make sure a people is not excluded and if you really want to keep "under god" in the pledge it should really read "under God, Ala, Buddha, all of the Hindu deities, Ik Onkar (of Sikhism), and no gods because maybe there aren't any, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL." And that seems like a lot more work than just removing it once and for all. Especially in such a public place, children of all types of religious beliefs are being forced into this religion. And if you really, truly believe that somehow you saying "under god" in the pledge of allegiance is going to help you or your children into heaven, be my guest, but do it on your own terms, and do not force everyone else to conform to your personal beliefs. Religion is a personal, spiritual belief and should be reserved for the home and for the church, not for the educational setting of the school. So if you want to keep "under god" in the pledge of allegiance, is your conscience fine with promoting the alienation and persecution of other religions and peoples?
Posted by: AnonymousTwo flippin' words
I'm a Christian and hate political correctness, but there are plenty of people out there who disagree and I just want them to shut up already.
Posted by: AnonymousOl' Church n State
Okay the country was founded on the basis of the separation of church and state (CLEARLY WRITTEN IN THE CONSTITUTION THAT AMERICANS LIVE BY) so why are children told to say under god? Are we influencing their beliefs? Are we trying to prevent them from becoming secular or think for themselves? THIS IS INDOCTRINATION PEOPLE.
Posted by: AnonymousTHE FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
If that statement above did not give you the adequate information as to why the pledge is not appropriate, then here's a clarification of what the First Amendment is: it states that all citizens have the right to freedom of speech, press, and of course, religion. That clearly means that this is infringing upon citizens' first amendment rights, and is therefore wrong. It is actually very simple to understand, if you have a logical mind which can process information.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is hypocrisy and slander.
Why bother saying "one nation under God" when we have completely thrown away the meaning of the words? The president during the inauguration places his hand on the bible and swears on it yet we have taken what it says in the bible and disregarded it. I'm not saying that we as a nation should illegalize gay marriage again and illegalize abortion, though I am very much against it, what I am saying is that if we are going to do this, legalizing gay marriage and abortion, instead of pretending the government cares, we should stop saying "under God" in the pledge and stop printing "In God We Trust" on our currency. We claim to be a nation under the protection of God, yet we take what the bible says and we go against it. You can't mix religion and politics anyway, it just won't work, it has been done and it has failed, so we should stop pretending to support Christianity alone as a nation. We should just stick to support religious freedom and the right to freely practice whatever religion it is that you choose to practice, just like it says in the constitution.
Posted by: AnonymousThe phrase "under God" is not appropriate because America is supposed to be accepting to all individuals, that includes those that do not believe in God.
The phrase "Under God" was not originally part of the Pledge of Allegiance. It was added 1954, after the Knights of Columbus campaigned for its inclusion. This made it not only a pledge to our country, but changed it to a prayer. Because our country respects the right of the individual to believe or to not believe in God, it is inappropriate to include that phrase and expect all Americans to recite it.
Posted by: 5h4n3GotI do not believe there is a god.
That is like saying we should all be Christian and believe in god. What about those Americans who are proud to be American,but have different religious views? I thought this was the land of the free? Even if the U.S. was founded by Christians, doesn't mean we should all follow.
Posted by: dianairSeparation between church and state.
I'm all for freedom of religion. Go ahead any worship your magical deity in the sky, I don't believe in him and neither do 16% of other Americans, the fact that despite the constitution and this huge population of which it does not represent the "under god" has remained in the pledge is astonishing.
Posted by: TheSaint"Under God" is completely inappropriate in a nation based on freedom of religion.
When the "Pledge of Allegiance" was written I highly doubt they had Allah, Jehovah, Buddha, and countless other gods in mind. They especially didn't have atheists and agnostics in mind. No one religion's god should intermingle with our government because that would be hypocritical and a spit-in-the-face of the "Bill of Rights". The fact that at least three different religions claim to pray to the one true god does not negate the fact that, by law, this is a country of religious freedom. So, therefore, "under god" is insulting to every religion practiced in the United States and especially insulting to atheists and agnostics.
Posted by: BrianDjMaintaining secularism
A state that influenced by religion is one that threatens the rights of those under its jurisdiction who do not share the spiritual beliefs that are upheld by the state. The Pledge of Allegiance is meant to show respect to the country, and God has nothing to do with it.
Posted by: InVinoVeritas"Under God" was not always in the Pledge of Allegiance
Originally, the Pledge went: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
The "under God" part was a later addition, added during the Cold War.
Read up on it. Here's the Wikipedia article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_AllegiancePosted by: AnonymousNo
I feel that making kids say under God in the pledge of allegiance is religious indoctrination and is making them conform to Christian supremacy, since the god in under God, is the biblical god Yahweh, who is no more real then Zeus or Jupiter, or Poseidon, I say that since there is no evidence to support that god(Yahweh) exists. And by making kids say under God in school, is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th amendment of equal rights. If a kid is atheist, shintoist, Buddhist, or a of a pre Christian faith. Then they are forcing Christian belief on these kids, so under God in the pledge is completely inappropriate, and it also violates the separation of church and state.
Posted by: AnonymousHave to separate Patriotism with Religion
You cannot force people to say religious things in order to be a citizen of the country! Are we a theocracy? NO! We are a democracy! If you said yes, you should think about, "what if the pledge said under no god? Or under Allah? You wouldn't agree now would you? Maybe you should think this over from a Muslim or non-religious perspective.
Posted by: AnonymousGiven the current country situation, let's change it to "two countries, one under God, one not".
I know it is hard for a person who truly believes in the Judeo-Christian "God" to understand, but when I hear "one nation under God" and I don't believe in your god, what I hear is I am not part of your nation. That really can't be true. I was born in the U.S. I pay my taxes. I served in the U.S. Air Force. Etc., etc. I am every bit as American as you are. Why am I forced to participate in your religion against my will, which being required to recite the pledge as is means. Why are my children being indoctrinated into your religion, which is what happens when they are forced to recite the pledge as is at school. Think about it.
Posted by: mttafwkOur founding fathers believed that religion must be seperate from government
Our ancestors fled to America to be free from religious persecution (and taxation without representation).
Our founding fathers designed our goverment to:
-- not allow,
-- not include,
-- not influence 'religion'.
(In addition the original intent was that each State raise taxes and then decide what amount of their tax dollars should be alloted to the Federal government. Thank you President Wilson for taking this right away from the States :( ; the 16th amendment to the Constitution.)
As a citizen of the United States you should be outraged when religion is included in any function of the government; doing so is at the very least an act of disrespect to our founding fathers and ancestors. Our Constitution demands that there not be any interface of these two entites.Posted by: AnonymousNo.
First, not everyone believes in god at all. Second, some believe in multiple gods. Third, some believe "go?" Is a woman (a goddess). Fourth, the phrase "under God" Was added in 1954, so no, it was not our forefathers who came up with it. Fifth, just because it has "always?" Been there (which it hasn't) does not mean that we should keep it. Black men, women, and children were kept as slaves by whites for centuries, and we have rightfully deemed that unacceptable. Why is "one nation, under God" Acceptable?
Posted by: AnonymousRequiring those pledging allegiance to our country to also affirm a god is just wrong.
The government's inscription of the phrase "In God we trust" on coins and currency, as well as its addition of the words "under God" to the pledge of allegiance in 1954 and adoption of the phrase "In God we trust" as a national motto in 1956, were mistakes, which should be corrected. Under our Constitution, the government has no business proclaiming that "we trust" "In God." Some of us do, and some of us don't; each of us enjoys the freedom to make that choice; the government does not and should not purport to speak for us in this regard. Nor does the government have any business calling on its citizens to voice affirmation of a god in any circumstances, let alone in the very pledge the government prescribes for affirming allegiance to the country. The unnecessary insertion of an affirmation of a god in the pledge puts atheists and other nonbelievers in a Catch 22: Either recite the pledge with rank hypocrisy or accept exclusion from one of the basic rituals of citizenship enjoyed by all other citizens. The government has no business forcing citizens to this choice on religious grounds, and it certainly has no business assembling citizens' children in public schools and prescribing their recitation of the pledge--affirmation of a god and all--as a daily routine.
But that's just me talking. The courts, on the other hand, have sometimes found ways to excuse such things, for instance with the explanation that they are more about acknowledging tradition than promoting religion per se. Draining the government's nominally religious statements or actions of religious meaning (or at least purporting to do so) and discounting them as non-religious ritual--sometimes dubbed "ceremonial deism"--is one way to find them not to conflict with the First Amendment. Ordinary folks, though, commonly see things differently; when they read "[i]n God we trust," they think the Government is actually declaring that "we" as a people actually "trust" the actual "God" they believe in. If they understood it as merely a ritualistic phrase devoid of religious meaning, they would hardly get as exercised as they do about proposals to drop it. As you can imagine, those more interested in championing their religion than the constitutional principle of separation of church and state sometimes seek to exploit and expand such "exceptions" even if it requires they fake interest only in tradition.Posted by: AnonymousNo, it undermines religious freedom for everyone.
Under god was not in the original pledge - look it up. It was added years later by some overzealous political leaders. If you are religious, you shouldn't want it there because, as you know, there are many different gods and religious affiliations. If you want your religion to remain your choice - keep the country out of it.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat happens if I am atheist?
The Pledge of Allegiance of the United States is an expression of loyalty to the federal flag and the republic of the United States of America. So in the pledge when it says "Under God" what if you are atheist? Are you still pledging loyalty? Because you do not believe in god. So if someone was to go against this pledge and they are atheist can't they just say oh I do believe in good therefore this pledge is not valid? And considering 16.1% of the citizens in America are unaffiliated this affects a large population of Americans.
Now which god are we making this promise to? Who knows in the future this question may lead to conflict, I personally would like to know under which god I am pledging this allegiance.Posted by: AnonymousGeorge Washington, heard of him?
The original pledge of allegiance did not contain that phrase. George Washington intended for America to be a place that is politically neutral, and therefore indirectly religiously neutral. According to George Washington, it is our right to seek shelter from oppression, becoming free, independent, and proud to be an American.
Posted by: Anonymous