In God We Trust. Really?

How, in a single presidency, Americas religious rights were violated. Probably forever.

For most Americans born between 1946–1964 (i.e. Baby Boomers), the term “In God We Trust” has been in the mainstream vernacular in a variety of vehicles from our earliest memory. So much so, that it would have been a logical assumption that it’s origin dated to the founding of our country. We never gave it a second thought. However, a bit of research dispels this myth. In reality, the broad usage of the term was mostly a 1950’s political creation.

Personally, and I suspect my experience was the norm, neither my parents/relatives nor teachers ever explained the history and/or motivation behind its addition to oaths, pledges, currency and our national anthem. This is my reason for writing. I want to outline the history of this issue and present a few of the unintended consequences.

The Founders were adamantly opposed to religious mentions in the Constitution. They advocated a strict separation of church and state because of their negative experience with the Church of England in British culture. Its tentacles reached into virtually all areas of its citizen’s lifestyle. But, their single mindedness on this subject was resolute — government should have no role in religion. That was to be an individual responsibility. We have a constitutionally guaranteed freedom to…