Related articles and links |  1 of 3

If the U.S. Supreme Court decides later this month to strike the phrase "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, America could be in for a rhetorical facelift. Not only will millions of schoolchildren cease reciting the Pledge known by their parents and grandparents, but other American symbols would also appear to be on the way out. "In God We Trust" no longer.

Of course, the Supreme Court may choose to side with the overwhelming majority of Americans, who want the Supreme Court to preserve the Pledge with "under God." When the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck the phrase in 2002, their decision sparked widespread public outrage. Politicians voiced their indignation, while religious leaders decried the ongoing secularization of America.

As usual, some historical perspective can help us think about this issue.

Judging by the public reaction, one would think George Washington or Abraham Lincoln penned the Pledge. Actually "under God" first appeared in the Pledge as a Cold War-era addition. But the history of this phrase extends back to the nation's birth. And during the Civil War, these two words comforted a nation unsure whether their experiment with democracy would succeed. Nevertheless, is it possible that a seeming Supreme Court victory could actually be a defeat in disguise?

The Pledge of Allegiance made its debut in 1892 when Massachusetts educator and Baptist minister Francis Bellamy authored the oath for Columbus Day festivities. Celebrating the 400th anniversary of the explorer's landing in America, schoolchildren around the nation recited the Pledge: "I pledge allegiance to my flag, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

This first version of the Pledge reflects the lingering effects of the Civil War, from which the nation was still recovering. Bellamy's oath stresses the inseparable Union and ideal of fair treatment of all citizens regardless of race. Near the end of the 19th century these concerns persisted as immigrants streamed into America from around the world. The Pledge underwent a small revision in 1924 to clarify that Americans pledged their allegiance to "the flag of the United States of America."

The Pledge did not change again until 1954, when Congress approved the addition of "under God." This was the era of America's Cold War stand-off against the aggressively atheistic Soviet Union. Americans wholeheartedly supported the change in the same spirit that led them, two years later, to approve "In God We Trust" as the national motto.

Partly spurred by Cold War uncertainties, Americans flocked to church during the 1950s, fueling a boom for Protestant and Catholic churches alike. After more than two decades of uncommon upheaval at home and abroad, many sought God's comfort. As he approved the Pledge alteration, President Eisenhower echoed these concerns. "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future," he said. "In this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

Congress reached into American history for "under God." In the throes of the Revolution, George Washington had spurred his troops to victory by invoking God's provision. As the Continental Congress prepared to ratify the Declaration of Independence in the summer of 1776, with British troops gathering on their doorstep, Washington made the stakes clear to his army. "The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves," he told the troops. "The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of the army."

next page... |  1 of 3

May (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48