The issue of whether the word God should remain in American culture by remaining on our money is ludicrous. Culture is not defined by government. American culture is a mixture of many definable and unfathomable things. God could only be removed from our culture by us. The issue here appears to be more about separation of church and state. That is an issue that goes beyond this chain mail’s capabilities. It is also an issue better covered in a separate argument, but in the limited reference to this chain mail I would point out the the founding fathers words, beliefs and deeds point to the separation of religion from the state as being a Christian concept.
What interest me is if 86% of Americans are Christian then why is it necessary to put 'In God We Trust' on our money? Does that validate what is in our heart? Does that prove we are a Christian nation? How is that not idolatry? Isn’t that just beating our chest and gnashing our teeth in a show of piety? When Christ was asked about paying taxes to the Romans Christ inquired to the likeness and inscription on the coin. The likeness of Caesar was on the coin and Christ response wasn't that his own likeness should be on the coin. [“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).]
In this country it isn't supposed to be about 'majority rules' if it was then the minority would have no rights. Rights are available to everyone whether in the majority or not. Many of these rights were identified by the founding fathers as inalienable rights which mean among other things that they are NOT defined by man or governments. One of these inalienable rights protects those who wish to worship as well as those who do not want to. It isn't about catering to the wishes of the minority, its about recognizing the rights of everyone.
As for the instructions not to respond because '...I don't want to know one way or the other. By me forwarding it you know how I feel..." let me just say by me replying you know how I feel.
p.s. I realize that this is a chain mail that has been forwarded and that this quoted statement is not necessarily the sentiments of the sender directed at me, but my point is that I am always open to the ideals, thoughts, jokes etc. that are sent to me, but I always retain the right to respond. In this case this particular chain mail has been around for many years in many forms and I have many times in the past just deleted it but these chain mails go on forever and at some point you start feeling that you have to respond if you disagree with some or all of it. Thank you, GlennDLThe above was in response to the following e-mail:
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Friday, November 27, 2009 7:22 PM
Subject: FW: Shock to NBC
This is not sent for discussion.Shock to NBC
If you agree, forward it. If you don't, delete it. I don't want to know one way or the other. By me forwarding it, you know how I feel.
I'll bet this was a surprise to NBC.
NBC POLL
Do you believe that the word God should stay in American culture?
NBC this morning had a poll on this question.. They had the highest Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the Percentage was the same as this:
86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance
14% against
That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.
I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn't .....
Now it is your turn. It is said that 86% of Americans believe the word God should stay.
Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having 'In God We Trust' on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Why is the world catering to this 14%? The majority should rule and understand that the media is biased to sell print and video.
AMEN!
If you agree, pass this on , if not, simply delete.
In God We Trust
"The Nation Which Forgets Its Defenders Will Itself Be Forgotten"
President Calvin Coolidge
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