Is this one nation under God or one nation under religious freedom? The two aren't compatible: whereas the latter requires that all religious beliefs be accorded the same legal status, the former implies that we all have specific theological duties or obligations which arise out of our citizenship. Being "under God" (under God's protection, guidance, etc.) suggests that we must give something in return: worship, obedience, etc.

Many sincerely believe that we are one nation under God, but that path leads us closer to theocracy, not democracy - and besides, it simply isn't validated by the Constitution, the document which creates a legal structure for our government:

The word God does not appear in the Constitution. It grants neither the president nor the Congress any religious powers. ...The framers of the Constitution had learned the importance of protecting religious freedom. The colonies had a long history of intolerance and persecution enforced by the state. Although they came to America to escape persecution, the settlers reversed roles and became persecutors themselves.

People have a right to believe that we are one nation under God - that stems from their right to religious freedom. They do not, however, have the right or the authority to try and have that belief enshrined and encouraged by the government.

 

Read More:

• Separation of Church and State 101
• Secularism 101
• Church and State News
• Religious Privilege
• Christian Privilege
• Hidden Christian Privileges
• Pledge of Allegiance