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."
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2 comments:
yeah, i do sorta have to agree with you. tis something i have thought about myself (and I be not being American) and what you say makes sense... (though I wouldn't say that "do not take the Lord's Name in Vain is the 1st commandment... maybe 3rd?)
maybe the slogan on the coins should be "in money we trust..."
here's to the eating to save the world! (or at least not contruibute to the less good effects of what we eat. and being responsible consumers in a system where consumers hold the power)
I saw a bumper sticker I really like: "America, Bless God!" Another might say "God Bless Our World". Printing "In God we trust" on our money does not make it so for our nation. The arrogance of our slogans and the fight to protect them in law is a symptom of American jingoism that breeds hate abroad. Removing a slogan from our money or removing "Under God" from the Pledge does not bother me. The Bible tells me we win in the end. Until then, it is our duty as Christians to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8) If we feel so strongly that our "Christian nation" is on a slippery slope away from God, we should redouble our efforts at evangelism and personal accountability, rather than trying to legislate our faith.
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