America's founders wrote a Constitution to intentionally exclude God, and their first amendment forbids the government to establish any religion. Thomas Jefferson even called for a "wall of separation between church and state." But, during the Red Scare of the 1950's, "In God We Trust" not only appeared on American money, but replaced E Pluribus Unum —"Out of Many, One" — as the national motto. Even though there was no substantive challenge in sight, Congress reaffirmed that last year—by a vote of 396 to 9. Americans have the right to practice any religion they want to, but are these official references threatening the commitment to a secular government? Do they imply that this is a Christian nation or recognize that one God is as good as another in a country of many different faiths?
Church and State in 21st Century America
Credits
Guests:
- Rob Boston - Americans United for Separation of Church and State - @americansunited
- Richard Land - Southern Baptist Convention - @erlcsbc
- Becky Hale - American Humanist Association
- Salam Al-Marayati - Muslim Public Affairs Council - @mpac_national