"In God We Trust" Once Again Found Legal in Federal Court
Can Atheism Be Considered a Religion?
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has unanimously found for the defendant in
Kidd v Obama and Bernanke, the latest case in which an atheist filed suit against the phrase "In God We Trust." Carlos Kidd claimed it established belief in God as a nationally-endorsed religion.
(Sometimes, lawsuits against phrases like "In God We Trust," or "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, use the name of the United States, Congress, the President or other government officials as "defendants".)
The district judges voted 3 to 0 in favor of "In God We Trust," citing previous cases which supported the phrase, and stating that the motto does not encroach upon the Establishment Clause.
The judges pointed to Gaylor v United States (1996) and Aronow v United States (1970) to affirm their decision, stating that the history, character and context (reasons) for the text prevent it from being in violation of the First Amendment.
Another 2010 case against "In God We Trust" was Michael Newdow's March, 2010 U.S. Court of Appeals lawsuit stemming from his 2007 District case, Newdow v LeFevre etal. Newdow is the well-known atheist who has also contested the Pledge of Allegiance phrase, "Under God." In this year's case, the U.S. Court upheld the lower court's ruling that "In God We Trust" doesn't violate the First Amendment.
Is atheism itself a religion?
Michael Newdow is founder of the First Amendmist Church of True Science ("FACTS"). The judges in Newdow v LeFevre stated within their decision that Newdow calls himself a minister and his members are atheists "whose religious beliefs are specifically and explicitly based on the idea that there is no god."
The FACTS website states that they reflect on each new moon as a religious ritual.
Therefore, since atheism is a belief that there is no god, and since atheists may regard certain events as religious celebrations, it could be considered a religious belief.
Hypothetically, if the Supreme Court should one day outlaw freedom of religion for those who believe there is a God, they would, in effect, be declaring atheism as the established religion of the United States. That would be a true violation of the First Amendment.
Sources:
Kidd v Obama and Bernanke, July 2010, decision found at scribd.com.
Newdow v. LeFevre, etal, 2010 and 2007, decision found at U.S. Ninth District Court.
"'In God We Trust' Again Upheld By Federal Appeals Court," Philadelphia Bulletin, 7/31/10.
Published by Sheryl Young - Featured Contributor in Politics
Freelance writer since 1997; Featured Political Contributor for Yahoo!; Tampa Tribune Community Columnist/Blogger; Chicken Soup for the Soul; Amy Foundation National Writing Award; happy wife, proud step-mom... View profile
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76 Comments
Post a CommentI do my very best to stay out of politics. Curiously, some even view a political state, the modern Israel, as the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. In the document released in connection with its formation, the word God doesn't even appear. If the Jews don't view that as the fulfillment of prophecy, why would anyone else? The Israel of God is, in fact, the spirit-anointed Christian congregation (1 Peter 2:9, 10; Romans 2:29). In the case of the U.S. -- the government takes the view the expression "In God We Trust" is not a religious statement. If they don't accept it as an affirmation of faith in the God of the Bible, why would anyone else?
Beautiful! ♥
Sheryl, I missed this one when it came out! I totally agree that having a church and rituals based on God not existing is just as much a religion as anything else. Wow, you have beaucoup comments!
I disagree.
I've valiantly tried to bite my tongue and not respond to some of these posts. Sorry, Sheryl, but my mouth is now full of blood due to my now raw tongue. I have to respond to Shirley here. I hope you allow links to YouTube videos. If not, I suggest you search for the title "Why Atheists Care About YOUR Religion". The presentation is a bit sappy, but she makes good points. Not that logic ever changed the mind of a believer. Anyway, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ImMtHrrKo
I want you to know something, Sheryl, I don't believe in atheists. How can they fight something so relentlessly they don't believe in and how can they shake their fists at a heaven that does not exist. They are full of bulla.
I'm glad the ruling was in favor of the phrase 'In God We Trust.' However, Joe Martin's comment does raise an interesting question on an unrelated topic. How does 'placing God in the US Constitution' (a statement made in the last Presidential election) compromise freedom of religion and the Establishment Clause?
Thanks everyone, again for your support. Beautifully worded, Michael..I will forever believe, until someone can absolutely prove it is not true, that God exists.
Sheryl, I'm sorry to take this long to read such a fine article. But I have also read every comment even those from the very angry atheists (The ones who register with AC as a member for only one reason – to comment on articles they disagree with, and never write anything.). You, my good friend, are standing on the promises of God and you are a real Christian soldier. God blesses your writings, please keep it up.
A loving brother in Christ,
Michael.
I believe in God and accept him based on the promises of Jesus Christ, my Lord, God and Savior. Dear atheist readers, I will willingly tell you about Jesus Christ and how He wants to save your soul and prepare a place for you in heaven, but it is up to you to make the decision. And just like my Christian friend Sheryl, I will pray for your salvation. If you decide to accept Christ as you savior, you will become a Christian - A child of God. Now listen carefully, religion comes in many forms and labels including Atheism. A person can be very religious about something but still not be a Christian. I know how this infuriates you but it is true.