May 18, 1908 Congress mandates use of "In God We Trust"
99 years ago on this day, in a move that to modern eyes seemingly flew in the face of many of the founders' beliefs in the separation of church and state, Congress passed legislation in 1908 that made the maxim "In God We Trust" an obligatory element of certain coins.
The motto dates back to the early 1860s, when the Civil War stirred religious feelings throughout the nation. America's heightened piety manifested itself in many places, including the Treasury Department, which received countless letters requesting that the nation's coins pay some form of tribute to God.
Concerned citizens and religious leaders found a fast friend in Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase, who readily agreed that the "trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins."
Salmon P. Chase
James Pollock, director of the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia, was charged with devising a suitable motto.
James Pollock
After some key revisions from Chase, Pollock decided upon the now-familiar "In God We Trust."
There has never been a serious constitutional challenge to the use of the words on US coinage or currency. Even if one were brought, my guess is the challenge would not be successful since people with a brain understand the First Amendment only proscribes Congress from making laws establishing an official government-sponsored religion. Since Christianity, Judaism and Islam all share monotheism, "In God We Trust" doesn't equal establishment of any particular faith as the "official religion" of the United States.
The popular view today is the founders believed in the "separation of church and state." They didn't. They just didn't want government funding and endorsing a particular church (e.g. Church of England.) Contrast the fact that even in modern "progressive" Europe, some British and German tax dollars go to the church.
Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists written in 1801 stands for the proposition of complete separation and it's become pretty ingrained in American life. It's worth noting however, there is nothing in the US Constitution that states the federal government can't be involved in religion. The plain language of the First Amendment merely states that Congress can't pass laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or pass laws restricting the free practice of religion.
That said, state laws establishing a religion are probably constitutionally okey-dokey...although none do now as a result of the impact of Mr. Jefferson's letter and a ton of SCOTUS jurisprudence.
Here's the letter Jefferson wrote to the Baptists who were concerned that their denomination was being repressed in Connecticut.
FWIW, the current Constitutional test per the Supreme Court's decision in Agostini is government can't 1) endorse a particular religion or 2) compel participation in religious practices.To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.
Gentlemen
The affectionate sentiments of esteem & approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. My duties dictate a faithful & zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more & more pleasing.
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state. Congress is thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and as the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from presenting even occasional performances of devotion presented legally where an Executive is the legal head of a national church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.
I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.
(signed) Thomas Jefferson
Jan.1.1802.
Originally Posted by Okla-homey
I just wonder why the hell do I have to have a religion at all?
