NationStates Jolt Archive

Now, I am a strong advocate of separation of church and state. Why? Quite simply because I don't want the government involving itself in my religion whatsoever. I don't want the Senate telling me when and how to pray.

That said, the biggest complaint people have nowdays concerns the motto "In God We Trust". Well, I got some sad news for the people trying to fight it.

It didn't start in 1957. Yes, it was enacted by Congress as the official motto of the United States in 1957, but such things have been around for a while. As a matter of fact, "In God We Trust" first appeared on paper money on the 1935G Series $1 Silver Certificates - 20 years earlier.

The reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States - approved by the Founding Fathers - has the motto Annuit Coeptis (He [God] has favored our undertakings) alludng to the many interventions of Providence in favor of the American cause.

No, we're not a Christian nation any more than we are a Muslim or Pagan nation, but, like it or lump it, the Divine has always been a part of the US and its endeavors.

You're a jerk, and you're dumb too. Eat shit and die. I hate religion.

**POINTLESS POST ON ME***

I'd like to point out that the divine is only a factor in the development of any idea or nation if you beleive in it.

I am not an atheist, but I can realise that some may think that the success of the United States has come from the hard work of its citizens, and the good luck/ good decision making of its leaders.

If you ask me, any form of religious expression by the state (bar that which is requested at religious festivals - nativity scenes, menorah's etc etc) is wrong.

I actually am an atheist, and I can tell you that, intentional or not, "In God We Trust" is about the most offensive thing you can say to me. This is for the simple reason that in God I don't trust. If we changed it to "In Satan We Trust," then I think that we might witness some hullabaloo.