CNN YouTube Democratic Debate Question On The Meaning Of "In God We Trust"

[MagicTellaVision]

Don’t be a fool and trust your money with a Factious Aramaic God which claims that the Flat Earth was created in 6 Days. Do you know what was printed on the Flat US Dollar before it was changed to In a Factious Aramaic God We Trust? Why does a large population worship a Foreign Middle Eastern Aramaic God which is not indigenousness to their own Native Indo European or Native American heritage?

[MagicTellaVision]

Thank Goddess we don’t live during the time of the Flat Earth Inquisition when The Round Earth Pagans and The Atheist were burned at the stack for challenging The Credibility of Rome's New Middle Eastern Church. These people are Anti Science and they have been brained washed by the Middle Eastern Churchs to be their sheep or they will go to their Factious Flat Aramaic Hell

[screenwriterOscar]

unions created Socialsm?!?!

[GamerGuy320]

almost everyone back in the 1770's believed in god those days. much has changed this days. if they were still alive today they would very disappointed in the nation that we have built.

[ryansuperbee]

@GamerGuy320, The phase "in god we trust" is put right where "god" would want it... On our money. All religions are all just badly told fairy tales. The first few pages of the bible contains a talking snake! Common people.

[Patriol666]

it means:

in the FED we trust.

[stelron5050]

The concept of a God, that can be (and has been) manipulated and exploited by politicians and profiteers, is in its "last throes."

The time has come for a new game of trust, in which the Joker is exposed as the illusion of the separate self, and the currency of a Humanist America proclaims, "In People We Trust."

Are we ready to play?

[inkey2]

LOL....you really like to talk about this "Joker Amongst us"......who is this Joker?

[stelron5050]

The government must have known there would come a time when it would lose the trust of its people, thus they conceived a way to put trust in something intangible, and unaccountable.

The phrase, "In God We Trust" (which was meant to unite people) has intelligent people realizing that these words no longer have significance in America.

As Christians have prophesied, it quite truly is the end of the world (as they knew it). Their game of opposites has reached its end, without any real winners!

[stelron5050]

America is waking up to the realization that without "trust," all money is worthless.

The government game of using the inscription "In God We Trust" on currency (as a form of guarantee) has been destroyed by the Joker amongst them.

In his endeavor to control and manipulate the country with the aid of Christian Evangelicals, George W. Bush has inadvertently destroyed the game of religion bolstered politics.

[AgnosticEra]

Whether or not I trust in God is no business of the government's. Do christians really need daily reminding that they trust in him? If not then what harm is there in removing those words?

@Geographer76 So by your logic, if American money had the slogan "In Allah We Trust", since it is the feelings of many people you wouldn't be offended? If you were I guess you didn't have to use it...oh wait, damn, how else would you pay Pat Robinson his jesus money.

[inkey2]

to agnosticEra: What you said does not make sense : "if the slogan on American money said "In Allah We Trust" would you be offended?" The coin does not refer to any specific God....does not refer by name to Jesus, allah etc. The phrase was first used on the American 1864 "Two Cent Piece". The USA being a mostley a Christian country (especially in 1864)....they could have easily put "In Jesus We Trust" but chose not to. So in effect it is saying "fill in the blank....Jesus, Allah, Isis, etc.

[inkey2]

to AgnosticEra: now,,,,,,if the coin read "in Jesus We Trust".....I would tend to agree with you......but it is left open to "fill in the deity of your choice".......GOD = Jesus, Allah, Isis, Elvis, Ra, money, Thor, Zeus etc.........

[AgnosticEra]

I can accept that. But it certainly doesn't seem nonsecular though, does it? The idea conceived by a christian, defended tooth and nail by christians and gives some of the more simple minded jesus freaks reason to believe we were founded on christianity. I just don't think there's any room in secular government, however generalized, for religion. Otherwise we're dangerously close to a theocracy.

[Geographer76]

There is no "separation" in the Constitution. There is a prohibition of the Congress passing a law mandating a religion. There is nothing in the constitution divesting the church of involvement in government, nor divesting the government of involvement in religion.

[peaco1000]

@Geographer76 No. It talks about the state not 'establishing religion'. I think you need to read the VIrgina Statute on Religious freedom which sets the contect for Jeffersons insertion of that provision.

[Geographer76]

The slogan on the coinage does not demand a faith, it states the feelings of many people. For those who are offended by the words "In God We Trust"...feel free to NOT use the money.

[AlanMolstad]

"In God we trust"

It means that we put our trust in God.

We put it on our money to remind us that trusting money is pointless.

We put it on our money to help us remember that all money, (and all that we can put our hope on be it gold and silver) is based on thin air.

Only in God do we find a firm foundation.

Only in God can anyone put their trust...

[1947Chief]

this motto was added 90 years AFTER the founding fathers coined our first currency , please also read my previous comment concerning Roosevelt.

Your comment is a lovely PERSONAL statement

[AlanMolstad]

("Your comment is a lovely PERSONAL statement")...

yes, Zennies question and the way he asks it is very personal.

[tube14159]

lukejob: even if it is a tiny minority (more like 8% then 1-2%) the separation of church and state on the constitution prohibits this to be put on money

[mutedmajority]

If this isn't the United States of Israel, then just show me a Jesus coin. I don't think the true controllers / owners of the USA would allow it. You can not even criticize israel on television in USA. You will get 8-balled.

[1947Chief]

In 1907 Roosevelt eliminated the motto from some newly designed coins . Roosevelt was a devoutly religious man .

He objected to seeing the name of the deity on coinage , and had the courage to impose his convictions on the mint .

The motto was first added to coins in 1866 .

[LubeJob4U]

Gun: The chance of a neighbor believing IN "No God" statistically Speaking 1 or 2%. MUCH Less, for the number who Are absolutely positive to the point of being offended by few words to on a coin. Removal would give special exception to a Minute sampling! Sure! Maybe the phrase should be adapted to "In God we trust - Except some of us" But that would be kind of Silly!

[cockTHEgun]

It is not a matter of percentages. Millions of citizens do not believe in god and/or don't want lies printed upon their money. But it doesn't matter how many, it is the PRINCIPLE that matters. The federal government has no business trying to represent the spiritual views of its citizenry. And don't be so childish as to use straw-man arguments with me. I never said we should print "in God we trust- except some of us". Why can't you understand the principles this country was founded upon?

[theZodiacDigital]

its completely irrelevant how many people dont believe in god. for example, if our money said "we are not native american" it would only be untrue of a small percentage of the population, but dont you see why its still WRONG, on PRINCIPLE?

[1947Chief]

If asked today ,our founding fathers would have no part in placing this statement on the currency .

[LubeJob4U]

Hi Chief: If you read any of the writings of the "FOUNDING FATHER" You will read EXTENSIVELY on the matters of God. Particularly with George Washington. Over and Over and over again. Same with the others. They relentlessly attributed Gods Grace to their strength, and to the blessings of a new Nation. I realize that you said "if asked today", but this country on a DAILY BASIS takes in People wanting to be free to worhip THEIR GOD, without Prejudice. It's STILL 1776 as far as that goes!

[1947Chief]

I think if you read Ben Franklin's thought's he'd tell you to mind your own business , freedom includes freedom FROM god as well .... Not a founding father , but Teddy Roosevelt said money as filthy , therefore it shouldn't bear this statement ...

[LubeJob4U]

Why is it that "believing in God" Offends people, That they NEED to FEEL FREE of it? You ARE Free at any time, Just as you may wish to believe that the Workld is Still Flat. It's a personal choice and I would No Sooner be disturbed if the change in your pocket said "The World Is Still Flat". Maybe Round IS the NEW Flat! Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite ABSOLUTELY! So to follow the statement, HE IS saying that Money is TOO Filthy to have "in God we Trust" on it, and NOT Worthy of it?

[1947Chief]

Reply- "Yes , TR said our currency should not say "In God We Trust " . Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion , if you are so inclined . Why not mention Elvis on the coins instead of god ?? Maybe a TCB logo ???Because Elvis has nothing to do with government , and neither does god ..

[theZodiacDigital]

itd be a lot like if our money said "disco music is great!" and you asked us why we felt the need to feel free of the greatness of disco music.

the point is, the government has ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS telling us what we should believe when it comes to the quality of disco music, and it has just the same amount of business (none at all) in telling us whether to believe in a god, many gods, zero gods, etc. it just SHOULD NOT be there, because it has NO BUSINESS being there, end of story.

[canaanav]

Interesting theory. Its funny too because Jefferson and Paine started the government before the money was coined federally. I'd still like to see it removed.

[peaco1000]

It violates the wall of separation between church and state that Jefferson and Madison strove for. I prefer the previous slogan of E Pluribus Unum (from many comes one).

[LubeJob4U]

Wheres the division? Nation founded on religion. All religion has a GOD. Even Atheist's worship their God of SELF-Riteousness! Who would ever presume to deny their prerogatives to worship themselves, it WOULD BE be kinda hard to hang out with them though......

[1947Chief]

It's clear to me you still believe in Santa ...

[LubeJob4U]

No Chief" There is NO SANTA! I prooved it by staying up all night when I was a kid! You gave a quote from TR that clearly says that money is to dirty to put "in GoOD we trust" on it. BUT, Anyway.... There is ONLY one civilization that is known to NOT haave a religous belief or a GOD. That one is DEEP in the Amazon somewhere, So sure there may be others. WHY? Would it bother ANYBODY that somebody else might believe there is something greater then themselves?

[1947Chief]

which god shall we believe in ? If you don't put MY god on that there coin I'll be so pissed- I'll blow you up !!!!!!

[LubeJob4U]

Well since it says GOD and doesn't specify it's all inclusive. I don't think anybody's GOD goes by the name of GOD. There is YAWE, IAM, and if I'M not mistaken Allah All from the old Testament, and another one or 2. Some worship the Elements as their GOD. Others have Buddah, Idolotry, and I'm sure others! I'm no expert! In this country, doesn't seem to have been specified that anybody must have the same GOD. If memory serves the operative phrase is "Freedom of Religion"

[cockTHEgun]

LubeJob:

The god referenced upon the money refers to a supernatural entity. It has always been the case that we are a nation that includes citizens, who are equal under the law, who do not believe or trust in any supernatural entities. Therefore, "in god we trust" is a lie. It is Un-american, and Un-christian to print lies upon money.

[cockTHEgun]

The issue is not about the existence of gods. The issue is about collectivism versus individual freedom of conscience. You might not agree that there is no god, or that there are many, or that one cannot "trust" in these gods, but you cannot force others to believe as you do. We all agree that there have always been people who are "citizens" of the U.S. who do not "trust" in god. Therefore a LIE has been printed upon the money.

[LubeJob4U]

Gun: You are Very concise in what you say and I agree with what you say.

However I would like to point out one definition and a use, directly from the "American Heritage Dictionary" and used in a sentence.

>>GOD: One that is worshiped, idealized, or followed: >Money was their god.

So I have to wonder, IF an atheist is THAT enamored, infatuated and adamant about money and what may or may not be on it, that maybe this does fit THEIR definition of GOD!

[cockTHEgun]

Since you seem to appreciate language and its proper use, then you will let me correct you. The term "god" denotes an intelligence. In the dictionary definition you provided, god is "one" that is worshiped. "one" in this context implies a conscious being. So money is never considered by anyone to be a "god".

-

The atheists in question are interested in morality. It is immoral to create a monopoly money system on which is inscribed lies about the "citizenry".

[LubeJob4U]

Gun: So you have not heard of Idolatry.

Wikipedia>

Idolatry is usually defined as worship of any cult image, idea, or object, as opposed to the worship of a monotheistic God.

[cockTHEgun]

Money is never worshiped and money is never an "idol". In the same way, valuables in general are not idols. To qualify as an "idol" an object must be linked to a specific supernatural entity.

[LubeJob4U]

No = It doesn't have to be a supernatural entity. The point is that anybody so concerned about the symbolism of an object that it holds reverence (as in revere) over them, it has become much more than an object, a cause. Why can it possibly disturb someone otherwise. IT HAS BECOME A SYMBOL OF THEIR ATHEISM, somehow being threatened? An idol? There already out of the mainstream with the atheism, so how threatened or marginalized, SHOULD a few words make them feel?

[cockTHEgun]

I guess you don't think words mean anything. Would you be threatened if the money said, "in god we don't trust"? If you didn't care, wouldn't you understand and support those who do care. Don't you understand that it is immoral to ascribe beliefs to your neighbors? What if your neighbors don't believe in any gods? Would you still force money upon them that espouses deism? Do you have the intelligence to answer any of my questions? answer me.

[inkey2]

to: cockTHEgun: thats where you are wrong.....my boss worships money. He is a filthy, greedy piece of shit. It is his idol. He would push his own mother off a cliff for 30 pieces of silver

[cockTHEgun]

I believe you when you describe your boss as a "piece of shit". But he only does something analagous to "worshipping" money. And you do use the word correctly, because it is understood that you are making an analogy. When we say "worshipping a god", and "worshipping money", we are using two different definintions of the term.

[moemoney]

Don't you people even know what GOD stands for???.... Not the almighty God, but GOD.... It stands for Government Of Democracy... So "In Government Of Democracy We Trust".... Let the truth be known.

[canaanav]

No way. Dumbest thing I've ever heard.

[LubeJob4U]

In that Case it would be spelled G.D. OR GoD at Best! Kind of like "HoUD" or "OMaB"

[imikewillrockyou]

Ironically, the reason "In God We Trust" is on the money is due to the history of money being used in Idol worship. For example Caesar would place his image on Roman coins because he declared himself a god on earth. The coins themselves were considered mini idols. So if we take "In God We Trust" off our money then the presidents become something of an idol on the money. So efforts to erase God from the money is unwittingly embracing a historic form of idolatry. "In God We Trust" = Not Idol

[clipper197]

Any religious symbolism should not be apart of any government and that is why I take a sharpie to every bill I get and blank out "in god we trust"

[stevekap8]

In means that in the 1950' our guts politition were so afraid of the "godless communist" that they decided to forgo our secular heritage and put up some worthless simble aligning this nation with Yahew.

[marucadepv]

well i dont think the us trusts in god, i mean they believe in something called inlight destine(or something like that)which meant that god wanted the us expand their teritory. there was a war between mexico, the us, and some other states for that stupid believe. now tell me do you think god would want a war and human lifes lost, the same god i trust is the one the us trusts and i dont think my god would like to make wars.

im mexican and i dont know english that much excuse my spelling.

[Boboboy00]

The controversy over this isn't whether the God being referred to is a nice one or not. It's over the fact that not all Americans believe in a God (myself, for example) and the government shouldn't be endorsing a certain religion. If you read the first amendment it says this in the first statement.

The belief you were referring to is called Manifest Destiny which was widely believed in the 19th century, long before In God We Trust was put on money in 1956. It really has nothing to do with this.

[marucadepv]

ok, but still i dont think you americans, believe in a different god when you mean in god we tust, ur country is making my god look like a blood thirst demon.

[Boboboy00]

I don't see how the U.S. could make the Christian God look any worse than he already is.

[marucadepv]

i know you alreadyu mest him up to the limit.

[canaanav]

I agree. I'd be pissed if he turned my wife into stone.

[crissdemardesale]

the American currency was and is undenyably designed by freemasons (you can find proof of this on the internet) , and freemasonry is a pagan religion

this GOD they trust is not an actual deity , G.O.D. is used as an acronyme for what the blue bloods trust in , G for gold , O for oil and D for drugs

[marucadepv]

nice stupid definition.

[ridderklip]

Well sead, very intresting quote

[bornagainbrutal]

I think that "In God We Trust" should be removed from government items, if, for no other reason, the fact that it's not even correct anymore. America seems to have quit trusting God a long time ago...

[Boboboy00]

I see nothing wrong with that.

[coorser07]

If we all had the values in being christians this world would not be in the crap its in today, and we should keep god in everything we do

[naomidavelaar]

Money is noT evil but the LOVE for money is .

Love God not money .

[naomidavelaar]

but for the love of money roots to all evil

[naomidavelaar]

Money is not from GoD , but from his enemy's.

even do we under the devils control ,I was saved from my sin true jesus christ

In GoD we TrusT ?

in this WORLD of Evil control

its all about money.

BuT I knoW its about our GoD in who I trust

[WingedPaladinLight]

"Wherefore, this land [America] is consecrated unto him whom [the Lord] shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever." (The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 1:7)

[1wdc]

Mormon is stupid, I'm sorry but I think it's just something joseph smith made up so he could have more wives.

[WingedPaladinLight]

That and to get attacked, mocked, slandered, beaten, tarred and feathered, and jailed - much of it before the wife thing even came up. Before judging Joseph Smith, read the Old Testament through. You'll see having more than one wife to be the case with Abraham, David, Solomon and other prophets mentioned there.

[OniLinkSword]

It bothers me more in the pledge of to the flag.

I do not agree with it. The statement "one nation under God" is very unsettling to me. This is a nation where people are able to choose their own religion/belief/spiritual meaning. After what this nation has done, I don't even think that Liberty, Justice, or Freedom should be included in the defection of modern America. Assuming that it keeps going this way.

[aajoeyjo]

To me, the words "In God We Trust" mean slavery and lawlessness. When I was a Christian, it was never my choice, and I did a lot of hard work for that religion--unpaid. I learned that IGWT was placed on our money thanks to Congress making a "law respecting an establishment of religion," which is word for word prohibited by our federal constitution. Lawlessness and slavery are the backbone of our nation's motto.

[illusionist1977]

Liberty means equality for all Americans to me. In god we trust means nothing to me because I don't believe in any god or gods.

[bornagainbrutal]

jesus loves you anyway and wants to save you

[cultofculture]

It was a good question and it was certainly a defining moment where my vote is concerned; this question and the other establishment question made up my mind to vote for Obama. He's the only one I trust to protect my religious freedom.

I was actually kind of wondering if it was intended as a trick question.

[cultofculture]

Zennie62, are you aware of the history of the inclusion of that phrase in US currency?

It first appeared on some coins during the Civil War and was added to the dollar in the 1950s as part of the shameful Red Hunts. The current design of the quarter dates to 1999.

Currency designs change a lot and are easily affected by opportunistic politicians. That is why the Constitution, not the text on a coin, is the law of the land.

[tkx7]

As far as I'm concerned it doesnt mean much to me. It doesnt bother me to have it there either and if it bothers other people they are way to sensitive.

[Fixhist]

Hi Zennie, Your question was picked up and answered on CNN. Can you update the answere here,Please !

[j0eg0d]

Congratulations, Zennie ...

I was really hoping for your "Too Many Candidates?" question ^_^ to be presented

I know several people including myself that brought up that very topic. It should have been addressed.

[Klashbash]

..."the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion" ~ Treaty of Tripoli

[abram730]

It is founded on God via Angels. As in God not a book. The framework that exists under religion. That is what the eye is. The connection of the spirit without the filter of religion. It's not secret to all, yet many may wonder exactly what beliefs are. One can see this in the synchronicity that exists in the world. The explanation would fill books but that's the short of it. It's fear that threatens America and could destroy us.

[feetnycam2]

Right On! however all of the leftists cringed as they knew that in God We Trust is not enough, they all believe in Government We Trust! bigger govt libs.. been there done that.. tax and spend etc etc.. here we go again..

[EgoArguoArguendo]

That depends entirely on what that person has faith in.

[Fixhist]

This means the at inception America belived in GOD, now there is no trust and money is no more than a paper check with 0 treasury trust.

[cultofculture]

Study your history. It was NOT on our currency at the "inception."

It was added in the 1950s as part of Joseph McCarthy's shameful and thoroughly unAmerican attacks on the freedom of thought that is the very soul of this nation.

What America believed at its inception is written out in the Constitution. If you don't like living in a secular nation, you have two choices: deal with it or move to Iran.

[cultofculture]

My laswt comment was in response to Fixhist's ignorant assertion that it "means the at inception America belived in GOD."

I do not think that religion is ignorant, but I do think that claims that the Framers somehow intended to establish it in the United States of America are.

[Fixhist]

Did you read what point you made ? OK in 1950 America started believing in GOD and wrote it on Curency.

If America is secular country now, than why is "in GOD we trust" is still written, 1st or 2nd statement is not true.

Why you suggested me to go to Iran ? Here I find stupids like yourself quite easily.

I believe life is charming due to poors,ignorants and stupids around,living will be too hard among crooks.

[cultofculture]

"Did you read what point you made ? OK in 1950 America started believing in GOD and wrote it on Curency.

If America is secular country now, than why is "in GOD we trust" is still written, 1st or 2nd statement is not true.

Why you suggested me to go to Iran ? Here I find stupids like yourself quite easily.

I believe life is charming due to poors,ignorants and stupids around,living will be too hard among crooks."

Wow. I knew our schools were in trouble but I didn't know it was that bad.

[Fixhist]

Yeh ! Education system can't give better results, when there is not good stuff coming in there.

You are not alone, 2/3rd of urban school kids have trouble learning due to unsupportive, broken families.

[dlix]

It means the value of money is imaginary.

But really, no such mention of a god deserves to be put on money every American uses. (saw this on CNN just now)

[LoveShinePower]

Heh heh heh...

But seriously, I'd hate to hear the kind of ignorant answers you'd get from a question like that. Blah blah blah FAITH IS COOL blah blah blah CHRISTIAN NATION <_<

[timmatimma123]

"In God I trust." And a very good question.

[commandernova]

I wish I didn't have to look at that BS every time I look at my money. If it said something about Satan on it people would freak out. Some people are satanists. Not me, I believe in Science.

Science and Honor,

=Angel=

[Justin9Noble]

that means that we keep our faith in our checkbook. The dollar is a faith-based document that's value (for 36 years) is imaginary.

[theZodiacDigital]

well, it's only as "imaginary" as anything we ascribe value to. value is not an inherent property of matter, it's something we give to objects. paper money's value though is real, and youre silly if you disagree (if you think paper money value is not real, mail me a hundred dollar bill)

[inkey2]

to theZodiacDigital: Paper money is "not real money" when you get right down to the core of this topic. Every paper currency in the history of the world (to my knowledge) has eventually failed. Paper currency, that is backed by "nothing" has a real dangerous potential to devalue. For example ...an American paper dollar has devalued by 93% since 1913 (the advent of the Federal reserve banking system)...."Gold" is now above $800. an ounce...see my point?

[theZodiacDigital]

all paper money hasnt failed....think of every form of paper money used today...duh.

and forms of "non paper money" like cocoa beans has failed, in that you cant use it to buy stuff anymore.

[inkey2]

to the zodiacDigital: You speak of the paper currency today. Just take the US "paper" Dollar. It is devaluating from the "over printing of paper dollars. Since 1913 the value of the US dollar has dropped 93%. Has gold dropped 93%? no. Has Silver dropped 93%, no. Britians pound was seriously devaluated in the 1950s, The Mexican Peso hase been devaluated at least twice. Germany in the inflationary depression where it took a dumpster of German Marks to buy a loaf of bread.

[inkey2]

to theZodiacDigital: PART 2: the problem is.....is that it is just too damn easy to keep running the printing presses when a country needs money. ....where as valuable precious metals take considerable work to get out of the ground, smelt the raw materials etc.. Also look at any inflation chart from the USA in 1965, when we stopped using silver currency. Inflation started going "straight UP from 1965 on.

[flyacow]

It means freedome for all and hope.

[prophetofdoom]

Brilliant!

What I like most about you is that people aren't sure where you are coming from.

[j0eg0d]

To most in this country it means an affirmation to a better way of life, while others sees it as valuing one belief above others.

[USAOwnz]

Excellent question!

[Xidlarus]

...I was hoping you'd ask a better question, for you're the only person so far who seems to be able to speak without giving the impression of having not completed High-School. 'Too bad.

[kenrg]

Another good question... and maybe a trick question? In addition to what they mean to the candidate, I'd like to know how appropriate they think the words are to place on U.S. currency.