God In Government Essays - American Culture, American Nationalism

God in the Government Every time money is used it is seen. When in a courtroom it is seen or heard. When reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, it is said. What is it? It is God. The word God is apart of Americans lives. It is seen, heard, or said on a daily basis. Removing it would throw off Americans? lifestyles. On a poll recently conducted by MSNBC, only 19 percent of citizens want God removed from the government. The other 81 percent feel the word should remain. Beliefs about God in the government range from America not being a Christian based nation, to America being founded by those of religious basis and to God being the foundation of this thriving nation. For many, the removal of God from things like currency and the Pledge would be a good and helpful decision. America is not solely a Christian nation. God was not regularly apart of the American lives until 1954 when ?under God? was added to the Pledge of Allegiance. ?In God We Trust? was not added until 1956 meaning that God has not been the base or ?overseer? of America?s entire existence. God being apart of the government also violates the separation of church and state. This means that the government and legislature can not chose one specific religion or church for the entire nation to follow. The word also violates others religious beliefs. Some religions, such as Buddhism and Muslim, believe in other ?Gods? or do not believe in any whatsoever. To those people, the word God is rude and offensive, thus meaning that the word should be abolished from all items. On the other hand, other people would like God to stay in the picture. Many feel that removing God from the nation would be wrong and harmful. America has been its own country for 200 plus years and every one of those years God has been apart of. The whole idea of adding ?In God We Trust? originated in the 1800?s. A man wrote a letter to the Secretary of Treasury requesting that the idea be considered. The Secretary of Treasury at the time agreed to have it printed on the two cent coins and later gold and silver coins. Also, including God in courtrooms, the Pledge and on currency honors America?s history and historical background. It also honors the ?religious heritage? and those whom thought of the phrase. The people who formed America and thought out the rules did so on a biblical basis, thus meaning the nation?s values and morals are biblically based. ?In God We Trust? is America?s national motto. Removing the motto changes the very principals this country was founded on. The potential removal of God from the society can cause violent acts of rebelli on such as riots and protests. Therefore, the removal of God would be a poor decision. In a personal opinion, it would be an inadequate decision to eliminate God from the government. The religious beliefs of America go back several hundred years to the early 1600?s when pilgrims settled here in America. America was founded by men whom had a religious background and leaned on God in times of hardship. God is also not there to cause offense to anyone person. It is there as guidance. It is there so that the public can be thankful for what they have and know they are being protected. Saying ?In God We Trust? or one nation under God is, also, not geared towards one religion in general. ?God? could represent any God depending on personal religious beliefs. Also, if it was such an issue to have God as apart of America, then how come He is mentioned more than once in the Star Spangled Banner, the national anthem? Francis Scott Key included God for a reason: God is the strong point, heart and soul of this growing nation. Without him America can and will self-destruct. This desc ribed self destruction has already become visible. People care less about others and their opinions. Americans are becoming destructive and violent and this is more than likely because the society is slowly beginning to pull God out of things in greater quantities. Without his power and guidance, people fall