America’s Founding Fathers Did Not Intend To Get Rid Of Religion

September 16, 2005, Many Americans are outraged by a San Francisco judge’s ruling that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because it includes the words “under God.” I, too, am outraged.

In 2002, a California atheist won his argument for striking “under God” from the Pledge. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court, but the court never ruled on the case. It was thrown out on a technicality.

But the case is back in the courts. And the Supreme Court may have another chance to correct the bad decision out of San Francisco.

Our founding fathers believed that separation of church and state was a vital part of preserving religious freedom. In fact, that was one of the primary reasons why the Pilgrims came to America.

I agree with our forefathers. They included religious liberty in the First Amendment to protect us from a government-imposed religion. But they didn’t want to remove all mention of religion from public life.

In the past, the Supreme Court has ruled that mentions of God are not an establishment of religion or a step toward establishment. These mentions are simply an acknowledgement of beliefs widely held among Americans.

These same beliefs were held by our founding fathers, who gave them a place in some of our nation’s most treasured institutions.

Thomas Jefferson, who gave us the phrase “separation of church of state” also gave us the Declaration of Independence. That document points to “the laws of Nature and Nature’s God,” which give us the freedoms we enjoy today.

There is a non-denominational chapel in the U.S. Capitol. Congress begins each day’s session with a prayer by the House Chaplain, a tradition that dates back to the Continental Congress. The walls of the House Chamber are inscribed with the words “In God We Trust.”

Even the Supreme Court is not exempt from patriotic invocations of God. The court’s opening proclamation concludes with the words, “God save the United States and this honorable Court.”

I remember reciting the Pledge in childhood. It made me feel more a part of my school, community and country. Today, millions of children are introduced to the values of responsibility, loyalty and patriotism through this simple act each morning before class.

I hope cooler heads will prevail in this case. Last month, the 4 th Circuit Court in Virginia ruled that “under God” does not violate the Constitution. I hope the Supreme Court soon will look to this case as proof that God should stay in the Pledge, and in public life as well.

And if not, I will take a lead role in efforts by Congress to keep “under God” in the Pledge.

“Under God” is a part of our Pledge. The Supreme Court needs to affirm that and draw a firm line on this issue.