In God We Trust?

I've received a few emails recently concerning the idea of removing the motto, "In God We Trust" from our nation's money. One message was about a survey MSNBC was taking about removing the slogan. A couple of folks even sent me a song, "In God We Still Trust," that is banned from the airways.

Here's my reply to this general topic:

My belief for decades has been that our nation's unwritten slogan has been "In America We Trust." 9/11 helped many realize we can't trust ourselves, but for the most part, it has only increased our efforts to trust in our own efforts, might, strength, money. Many turn to God when the going gets rough, but it would be better if all professing believers really trusted Him every day.

Frankly, I don't think God wants His Name on our money, but I can't really speak for Him. However, Jesus did say to give to the government (Caesar) the things that belong to it and to God the things that are His. The prophets repeatedly said He hates our empty rituals, but He wants our hearts. That can't be legalized, or il-legalized.

When believers support the slogan, "In God We Trust," on our money, when we cannot say that as a nation we really trust in God, then we are agreeing with unbelievers to break the first commandment of the Ten Commandments, taking God's Name in vain. To identify something with His Name that is not true, is, in fact, taking His Name in vain, besides breaking another commandment, lying. When God's Name is outlawed, then only true believers will call on Him, and we will not be supporting others in using His Name in vain.

My thoughts are similar for the oft-used phrase, "God Bless America."

For more, read my 9/12/2008 post: "Remembering September 11."