Most don't understand the importance of the Separation of Church and State though, how it benefits the religious more than the non-religious actually. I have no problems with people who pray in public, at school, etc, but I do have a problem when it's the government choosing one religion over the thousands of others that exist. If we are to be a country with the "freedom of religion" then it's best to just pray before the official meeting begins or after its over, either that or include all religions and all gods in such prayers. When the government starts choosing one religion over all others, take Iran as a good example of where it leads, the government starts to tell you what and how to believe, which is not a good thing if you are to keep your religious freedom. If we are to keep "In God We Trust" on our currency and plastered on government walls, then people shouldn't have a problem if we plaster "In Allah We Trust" or "In Zeus We Trust" either to keep it fair and square. That's why it's best to keep government out of religion and religion out of government, it simply works best without them mingling together.
But....but....but....but, how could we have the current version of the Republican party if everyone didn't realize the God being referenced in "In God We Trust" is, of course, the Judeo-Christian-turned-evangelical version?
Money + God I do not think my God care about money. I also don't think the founding Father would like the Motto IGWT? My 2cent
However, with the recent uprising of the holier than thou types who want prayer to end, most Governments invite clergy from all religious sects to offer an opening prayer. This has been an issue in my town Government monthly board meetings. They invite local clergy from different religious groups to offer opening prayer at the board meeting. The issue came when a practicing Wiccan was invited to offer invocation at a meeting. The town was sued over it, but the NYSSC ruled the town can invite any and all religious leaders to offer opening prayer.
I was thinking that as well when other discussions become politically charged, the owner of this site also has a political forum to discuss these matters.
Just a side note; I don't want this to get too political. In Malta, most people are Roman Catholics - if they pray to their god in English, they use the word "God", if these Catholics pray in Maltese, they use "Alla". Good that you added that second part. At least here in Europe hardly any country does that these days. The UK comes to mind (where the abbreviated version "D.G." still appears on coins). And Switzerland and the Netherlands have a religious motto on the highest denomination only, and on the edge of that only. The others ... don't think so. Christian
Actually, I think the world would be better off if Dogs ruled thee world rather than humans. Their natural religion is Love Everyone.
During the time of Consantius II (and Constans) a series of coins were minted with what seems to have a religious and political neutrality between Pagan and Christian, as well as between Christian and Christian (Arianism and Athanasius), with a “general political or military character, with slight reference to religion” on the coins. I suppose one could say that "In God We trust" is almost as ambiguous since it doesn't say which god, though we can easily assume which it refers too. edit: here a couple examples
I never met him, so I don't know if I should hate him or not. Was he 1 of those born-again Republicans?
Those uprisings are not by people that want to end prayer, they are by people that want everyone in the world to be governed by Sharia (Islamic) Law. Not a lot unlike those that want everyone in the US to be governed by Christian Law.
Which is why God made Dogs. They love us unconditionally. A trait which could be well adopted by humans.
