# So, how long before ''In God We Trust'' comes off the money? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [June 27, 2002, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230 "2002-06-27T14:01:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/1 "2002-06-27T14:01:54Z")
Well? I’m an atheist and I don’t put my trust in God and neither do a lot of people. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/2 "2002-06-27T14:23:09Z")
Not in my lifetime, because the Supreme Court will find a way to find it Constitutional, just like they will with the “under God” pledge issue. ---
**Author:** ![jacksen9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@jacksen9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacksen9)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/3 "2002-06-27T14:59:15Z")
I am not an athiest. But, I do not think this society will be either more or less “godly / god-like / or godless” because this phrases is printed or not printed on money. I can understand how some might fear that this may happen. Regardless of what gets said in a pledge or printed on money, this country will continue to have large numbers of people that are both faithful and or spiritual. The U.S. will remain a country where issues like this one are debated and protested fearlessly. This is what makes this nation free, fair, diverse, and a popular place to live, work, and dream. ---
**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/4 "2002-06-27T15:09:53Z")
**Mr Blue Sky** , writing fictional praise on a work of social fiction (that is, writing “In god we trust” on money) is profoundly appropriate, I think. I just wish they’d let me make my own money, and write stuff on it. Wouldn’t be such an exclusive club then, you know? But who wants to see “Hail Eris” on their hard-earned cash? As such, my struggle ends before it even begins. ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/5 "2002-06-27T15:47:27Z")
I’m sure someone will come along and say they don’t like seeing the “GOD” word on cash. I predict along with that someone will want to have crosses that are visable outside of churces be taken down, Bible’s won’t be sold is bookstores, claming to be a Christian will be “uncool”, actually that seems to be the case already. Eventually America will succumb to the pressing issues about religion and freedom of religious beliefs. It seems the only ones who are fighting over it are the ones who don’t want it to exist and continually find new things to complain about. Thankfully the few that fight back are doing a good job of it and standing up for what they believe in, but soon enough fighting back will become more and more difficult. ~a Christian girl’s outlook on our bleak times~ ---
**Author:** ![Mandelstam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Mandelstam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mandelstam)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/6 "2002-06-27T15:55:09Z")
Dream on **dreamer**. Or better yet read the Constitution. Church crosses are on private property. The pledge of allegiance is a public ritual mandated by many public schools. Can you understand the difference? As matter of fact the Supremes have just might a very controversial ruling that favors our nation’s current theocratic bent. [Bleak times indeed…](http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Scotus-Vouchers.html) ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/7 "2002-06-27T17:16:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by dreamer \* > \*\*I’m sure someone will come along and say they don’t like seeing the “GOD” word on cash. I predict along with that someone will want to have crosses that are visable outside of churces be taken down, Bible’s won’t be sold is bookstores, claming to be a Christian will be “uncool”, actually that seems to be the case already. > > Eventually America will succumb to the pressing issues about religion and freedom of religious beliefs. It seems the only ones who are fighting over it are the ones who don’t want it to exist and continually find new things to complain about. Thankfully the few that fight back are doing a good job of it and standing up for what they believe in, but soon enough fighting back will become more and more difficult. > > ~a Christian girl’s outlook on our bleak times~ \*\* :rolleyes: “It seems the only ones who are fighting over it are the ones who don’t want it to exist and continually find new things to complain about.” What “we” don’t want to exist is state-sponsored religious establishment. Putting “God” on money, and “under God” in official, congressionally approved daily affirmations are such establishments. Putting a cross on your church, a pentagram on your lawn, a burning head of Bob on your chimney, an invisible pink unicorn in your pants or Buddy Jesus on top of your car is not state sponsored, and is a legitimate expression of your beliefs. Feel free to do any of the above, and with vigor. Just please don’t ask the government to require it/condone it inside our public schools or courthouses. ~a Catholic boy’s outook on our bleak times~ ---
**Author:** ![gex\_gex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/94ad74/32.png) [@gex\_gex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gex_gex)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/8 "2002-06-27T17:26:44Z")
instead of muttering slippery slope arguments **dreamer** , how about you tell us exactly why americans need to be told via their currency that they trust in god. what’s that? it’s “uncool” to be a christian? you poor, persecuted dear. ---
**Author:** ![gex\_gex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/94ad74/32.png) [@gex\_gex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gex_gex)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/9 "2002-06-27T17:35:53Z")
instead of muttering weak slippery slope arguments **dreamer** , how about you tell us exactly why americans need to be told via their currency that they trust in god. what’s that? it’s “uncool” to be a christian? you poor, persecuted dear. ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/10 "2002-06-27T21:51:59Z")
Wow **gex gex** , chill out. The OP asked for an opinion and I gave one. Calling it a “weak slippery slope argument” is what it would be if you told me why you think the currency should be changed. And the truth is, for many people it is “uncool” to be a Christian. Did I ask for your sympathy or rude little comment? No. I’m merely saying a lot of people don’t like Christians and what they believe in and stand for. And btw, please don’t call me _dear_. ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/11 "2002-06-27T21:55:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by gex gex \* > \*\* > > what’s that? it’s “uncool” to be a christian? you poor, persecuted dear. \*\* I’m thinking I just might have to use that for my signature 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2002, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/12 "2002-06-27T22:42:54Z")
No time soon. As noted in this brief history of the motto from [ReligiousTolerance.org](http://www.religioustolerance.org/nat_mott.htm), several earlier (and presumably more liberal) Supreme Courts have already danced around the decision and left the motto alone. I strongly suspect that with this decision emanating from the 9th Appellate and with the current makeup of the Supreme Court, the PoA decision will stand no longer than the next session of SCOTUS. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/13 "2002-06-28T00:44:02Z")
“In God We Trust” – IMO one of the greater of the Great Debates we’ve had. A few times. Not to discourage conversation at all, but you might want to see what was said before: [linky](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=66514) [linky](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=30875) You can also search the archives for “In God We Trust” or “IGWT.” ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/14 "2002-06-28T01:14:20Z")
Great links **Jodi** thanks. I’ve never actually seen a bill with “In God We Trust” crossed out, but if that makes them feel better than so be it. ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/15 "2002-06-28T02:12:24Z")
dreamer wrote: > [@](#): > > I’m sure someone will come along and say they don’t like seeing the “GOD” word on cash. […] ~a Christian girl’s outlook on our bleak times~ dreamer? This may shock and alarm you, but the motto “In God We Trust” **has not always appeared on U.S. currency!** It first appeared in 1864, on the (experimental) bronze 2-cent piece coin, partly as a result of the increase in religious fervor brought about by the Civil War. It didn’t appear on paper money until the 1950s – at the same time as it became our National Motto. The appearance of IGWT on paper money, the making of IGWT as the National Motto, and the addition of “under God” into the pledge of allegiance, **all** happened as a result of paranoia about “godless communists” at the height of the Red Scare. ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/16 "2002-06-28T04:43:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by tracer \* > \*\*dreamer wrote: > dreamer? > > This may shock and alarm you, but the motto “In God We Trust” **has not always appeared on U.S. currency!** > > \*\* No, I’m not shocked and alarmed at that. Not at all. ---
**Author:** ![perspective](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f475e1/32.png) [@perspective](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perspective)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/17 "2002-06-28T05:14:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Munch \* > an invisible pink unicorn in your pants :eek: the very symbol of spiritual fecundity…have you no shame? Seriously though: a very long time until it comes off the money. Although, since I live in one of the nine states covered by that “liberal” court, maybe I should bring a case… ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/18 "2002-06-28T06:06:20Z")
I have a pink unicorn in my pants, but it isn’t invisible. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/19 "2002-06-28T13:33:19Z")
Hey, **dreamer** , I don’t want this to turn into a pile-on, but I fail to see how “uncool”=persecution. I’m a big fan of musicals a la _Oklahoma_. In many circles, this is uncool. However, I hardly consider this to be oppression. In fact, I hardly consider it at all. Frankly, getting God off the currency is really not a pressing issue for me. I do think it would be better for both Church _and_ State if the government got out of the business of endorsing religion. Failure to endorse your religion does not mean oppression and persecution of your religion’s followers. ---
**Author:** ![dreamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dreamer)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2002, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230/20 "2002-06-28T14:26:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by burundi \* > \*\*Hey, **dreamer** , I don’t want this to turn into a pile-on, but I fail to see how “uncool”=persecution. \*\* Where_ever_ did I say I was being persecuted?? What I meant about Christianity being “uncool” comes from my view of how people (like the ones who want to change the Pledge of Allegiance and take IGWT off the currency) view Christians. Obviously not _all_ people feel that way, but then again many people do. Maybe “uncool” was the wrong word. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-long-before-in-god-we-trust-comes-off-the-money/116230.md?page=2)