Is the phrase "under God" unconstitutional?
Asked by: Dixie Wehner | Last update: August 6, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (46 votes)
While this is not an easy question to answer, careful analysis of both sides of the issue reveals that in light of legal standards, the phrase “under God” is indeed unconstitutional.
Should the phrase "under God" be removed?
Should the phrase "under God" be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance? The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment says the government must remain neutral in religious matters. Keeping “under God” in the Pledge means that the government endorses religion as desirable.
Does the US Constitution say one nation under God?
It doesn't say “one nation under God,” and context matters in Establishment Clause cases.
When did Under God get taken out of the pledge?
In a 2002 case brought by atheist Michael Newdow, whose daughter was being taught the Pledge in school, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the phrase "under God" an unconstitutional endorsement of monotheism when the Pledge was promoted in public school.
Is the phrase In God We Trust in the Constitution?
Even though the Supreme Court has never ruled directly on the constitutionality of "In God We Trust", several appellate federal courts and some state courts have, and the Supreme Court itself did not seem to have any problem with the phrase being inscribed on coins and banknotes.
HEAVEN CAN WAIT: Is the Pledge of Allegiance Unconstitutional?
Where is God mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
In the United States, the federal constitution does not make a reference to God as such, although it uses the formula "the year of our Lord" in Article VII.
What was the original motto of the United States?
E Pluribus Unum. “Out of many, one.” This is the literal translation for the motto of the United States of America. It was a motto suggested by a committee on July 4, 1776. Does that date sound familiar?
Is God mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?
While the U.S. Constitution does not mention God, nearly all state constitutions reference either God or the divine, according to a 2017 analysis. God also appears in the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and on U.S. currency.
Are we still under the old covenant?
Jesus fulfilled/completed the entirety of the Old Covenant Law. Therefore, followers of Jesus Christ, those who have accepted by grace through faith His death and resurrection as the atoning sacrifice for their sins, are not under the authority of the Old Covenant Law.
What religion were the founding fathers?
Many of the founding fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison and Monroe—practiced a faith called Deism. Deism is a philosophical belief in human reason as a reliable means of solving social and political problems.
Does the phrase "under God" violate the First Amendment?
U.S. Congress, a divided panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the 1954 Congressional amendment adding the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance violated the First Amendment's proscription that, “Congress shall make not law respecting an establishment of religion.” Because ...
Is Jesus mentioned in the U.S. Constitution?
The Constitution does not mention God, Jesus Christ, or Christianity. It contains the word “religion” only twice, in Article 6, which exempts government office holders from a religious test; and in the First Amendment.
Where in the Bible does it say one nation under God?
Symbolically, it pertains to a multitude of people. God's hand rests on those who follow Him. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12 NKJV).
Did founding fathers want separation of church and state?
Founding Fathers like Jefferson were concerned that allowing religion and religious denominations to cross over the wall and introduce beliefs and practices into the governing realm would create a polarizing environment that could make policy decisions and national leadership a difficult and contentious process.
Why are we not supposed to say oh my God?
Answer: The consensus of theologians has been that the second commandment forbids deliberate misuse of the name of God. Such misuse would be false oaths or using the name of God in a hateful or defiant manner. The context of “Oh my God” makes all the difference.
What religion was the United States founded on?
Some researchers and authors have referred to the United States as a "Protestant nation" or "founded on Protestant principles," specifically emphasizing its Calvinist heritage. Others stress the secular character of the American Revolution and note the secular character of the nation's founding documents.
Where in the Bible does it say we are no longer under the law?
We are not under the law, we are “under grace” (Rom. 6:14). This is what it means to live in gospel freedom.
Is Jesus considered God?
The Bible ascribes the characteristics of deity to Jesus Christ. He is described as eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent and immutable. Jesus Christ is equal with God the Father. He is worshiped as God.
Can Christians get tattoos?
19:26). Ultimately scripture neither presents the idea that tattoos somehow harm the temple of God (our body) or dishonor God. In fact, God uses the idea of a tattoo favorably when he speaks of his remembrance of his people. However, while tattoos are permissible it is not always wise to get one.
When was under God added to the Declaration of Independence?
The last change in language came on Flag Day 1954, when Congress passed a law which added the words “under God” after “one nation.” Originally, the pledge was said with the hand in the so-called “Bellamy Salute,” with the hand resting first outward from the chest, then the arm extending out from the body.
How many times did the word God appear in the Bible?
If you count the times they use lord or God it is close to 6892 times.
What does e pluribus mean?
E Pluribus Unum – “out of many, one” – was first featured on the original 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States and was formally adopted by the U.S. Congress as our nation's official motto in 1782. The Latin phrase reminds us that from the original Thirteen Colonies emerged a single nation.
Is In God We Trust on money constitutional?
The inscription of the national motto “In God We Trust” on currency does not violate the Establishment Clause, amount to compelled speech, violate the Free Exercise Clause or infringe on person's rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a federal appeals court has ruled.
What is Russia's motto?
Russia: No official motto at sovereignty level. Tatarstan Unofficial: We can! (Tatar: Без Булдырабыз!, romanized: Bez Buldırabız!).