In God We Trust Motto Overview

Opposition Talking Points
  • Having a religious oriented motto contradicts principles regarding the separation of church and state and violates the Constitution of the United States that prohibits the government from passing any law respecting the establishment of religion.
  • The concept of “trust” in God is not a universal belief within the United States and therefore, should not be considered as a national motto.
  • The United States is a melting pot of cultural values and the motto does not support all beliefs, including atheism, agnosticism and deism.
  • The United States is a democracy and not a theocracy and should not promote a specific religion.
  • Placing the motto in public schools is a waste of valuable educational funds, creates the impression of school sponsorship and requires vigilant monitoring due to the “captive audience” nature of the school environment.
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