"In God We Trust"

[kyrielle]

Elsewhere, there was a question posted about whether "In God We Trust" is a religious statement.

Some people said no, at least one person saying they didn't believe in God as such.

I don't believe in God as is meant in that phrase, but I contend, and I will continue to do so, that it is a religious statement. The question of whether one believes in that religion, and/or whether it is true, does not prevent it from being a religious statement. In fact, I would almost argue that any sentence that speaks of God as if based on the assumption of His existing is a religious statement, absent any other portion. That one, expressing trust/faith in Him, most assuredly is.

Discussion of deities in the sense of their actually existing, regardless of the deity chosen, and regardless of the listener's belief or lack of same, is a religious statement. (It is up to the listener to decide if it is a valid, real, or relevant statement - but it is religious.)

Just my two cents. Or twelve. Sorry, I just hate carrying around all these pennies....

Comments

[the_rck]

I agree. The statement's quite religious. I think the US has a weird disconnect in terms of trying to convince people that certain religious behaviors and phrases are secular. I expect it comes from so many of the early European immigrants coming over for religious reasons.