Should Under God We Trust be taken off US currency - Essay Example

It is then a bit troubling and awkward for the US treasury to continue to print money bills with the phrase “In God We Trust.” This essay provides arguments to the position that the US should eliminate the use of this phrase in the printing of future currency bills. To understand why the religious motto “In God We Trust” is utilized in the printing of money it is essential to look at the history of this event. The motto was first utilized right after the civil war in America to serve as a sign of peace and unity among U.

S citizens who were separated by internal conflict and need a common reminder of higher being watching over the horrendous acts being committed in a war. At that time it may have been justified, but in modern times this religious connotation should have been eliminated a long time ago. If our education system prohibits the teaching of religion in our public school system, then why should our economic system openly promote religion through a slogan? The utilization of this slogan contradicts the official position of the US government of separating state and the church.

President Theodore Roosevelt once expressed in a letter his position on the issue, “My own feeling in the matter is due to my firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good but does positive harm, and in effect irreverence which comes dangerously close to sacrilege” (Procon, 2008). The utilization of this motto sets forth a precedent right before our eyes that discriminate against believer of other religions that are not Christian based.

Since other religions such as Buddhism and Muslim do not believe in god, instead they refer to the almighty as Buddha or Allah. “In this nation that is suppose to be this beacon of religious liberty. What’s next? ‘In Jesus We Trust’ ’In Protestantism We Trust’ ” (Newdow, 2006). The US government is taking an official stance in preference of Christians; when the