The Hypocrisy of America's National Motto: ‘In God We Trust’

Reverse side of a US one dollar billPhoto byPublic Domain

The Bill of Rights is the core philosophy of the United States of America. It guarantees certain fundamental rights and civil liberties, ensuring that the government serves its citizens rather than the other way around. This document is the backbone of American democracy, embodying the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. Yet, there are times when fear and uncertainty can erode these fundamental principles.

On July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law that made "In God We Trust" the official national motto of the United States. This decision, while celebrated by many, asks some uncomfortable questions about the separation of church and state, a belief that is supposed to be the foundation of American democracy.

Why did In God We Trust become the official national motto?

In the mid-1950s, McCarthyism left a dark cloud over the nation, and the Cold War was in full swing. It was a strange time of anxiety and patriotic enthusiasm. Within this lingering fear of communism, "In God We Trust" was chosen to replace the previous de facto motto, "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one).

The move to change the motto was to differentiate the United States from the so called "godless" Soviet Union. The adoption of "In God We Trust" as the national motto was a symbolic stand against atheism, which was then associated with communism. However, this decision also revealed a certain hypocrisy in the government's commitment to the separation of church and state.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This clause is the foundation of the separation of church and state, making sure that the government stays out of religion. Yet, adopting a motto that invokes a deity directly contradicts this principle.

For a country that prides itself on religious freedom and inclusivity, declaring trust in a specific deity as a national motto is hypocritical to its creed. Not every American believes in God, and among those who do, there are diverse interpretations of what God represents. By embedding a religious phrase in the nation's identity, the government inadvertently endorses a particular religious viewpoint, which runs counter to the very essence of religious neutrality.

The history of "In God We Trust"

The phrase first appeared on coins during the Civil War, and its presence on currency was a reflection of the era's religious sentiments. But what made sense in the 1860s doesn't necessarily align with the diverse and pluralistic society that America has become.

Critics of the motto argue that it is a relic of a time when America was less religiously diverse and more homogeneous in its Christian beliefs. It implies that trust in God is a prerequisite for patriotism, which is a troubling notion in a country that was founded on the principles of freedom and individual rights.

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that "In God We Trust" is a part of American heritage and reflects the nation's historical values. They contend that the motto is more cultural than religious and functions as a reminder of the nation's moral foundations. However, this perspective overlooks the reality that America's strength lies in its diversity, including its diverse beliefs and non-beliefs.

A truly inclusive national motto would reflect the nation's promise to all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs; for example, “Out of Many, One.”