Capitol in Dispute Over God »
Posted By Eagle_Eye 5 months, 2 weeks ago in ReligionUnder the category You Can't Make Everybody Happy comes this bulletin: the brand new $621 million Capitol Visitor Center entrance, designed to make the U.S. Capitol "more accessible, convenient, secure, and informative," has been the subject of a dispute between those who want to engrave "In God We Trust" on the freshly built walls and those who object to religious references in government.
The pro-engraving faction is led by Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, who nearly halted the center's opening last December when he discovered the trusting God motto was not displayed in the structure. DeMint, along with California Republican Rep. Dan Lungren in the House, recently passed resolutions to require the architect of the Capitol to etch in the words.
Last week, the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit to halt the $100,000 engraving job. The foundation, which represents atheists and agnostics, points out that the motto and the insertion of "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance were adopted in the 1950s as anti-communist measures. The group also separately filed a legal complaint against President Obama for proclaiming the "National Day of Prayer" in May.
Read Full Story at politicsdaily.com »
415 Views Share Story 111 Comments Report
Submitted By:
Eagle_Eye
I am a female who has lived a complex life with complex situations and have learned a lot from my experiences.
I love the Environment ...
Who Also Submitted: All »
RSS Join the Discussion
+ Add CommentShowing 110 of 111 Comments (view all)
-
ekklesiawarriorComment removed: Hard Banned16 Replies
-
100%
nickverrok5 months, 2 weeks ago
-
88%
Dionys5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Neither does "In Allah We Trust" because it's just 'God' in Arabic, or maybe "Trust in Brahma". But then that's not exactly the issue for the atheists (who frankly don't have tons of sympathy for me because they're just as virulent in their faith stance as fundamentalists). I think they would prefer, and I do understand this part, to not have any reference to God or faith because they fundamentally believe there is no God and would find it offensive that the government is paying 100,000$ to engrave an offensive fairy tale on the entrance. Plus they don't feel it represents all Americans or themselves. Can't people trust in God without a sign reminding them? I know I can.
Reply -
-
-
-
88%
Dionys5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
I hope not. Because the Christians who came first to this country were horribly intolerant exclusionists. Each little faction of Christians founded their own cities and towns and then the first thing they did was outlaw other factions of Christianity from their town or engage in intentional discrimination against other Christians or other faiths (such as Judaism).
Reply
This is a free nation founded upon principals set down by our founding fathers who specifically left most God language and reference to 'sacred' this or that out of the founding texts. That should tell you something. -
100%
vor5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting "Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.
Reply
-Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, in reference to the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom
Jefferson trumps Truman. Without a doubt. -
-
-
10%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Quincy Adams
Reply
My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ and I cannot cavil or quibble away the whole tenor of His conduct by which He sometimes positively asserted and at others countenances [permits] His disciples in asserting that He was God.
The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made “bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” [Isaiah 52:10].8
In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.-
-
100%
Tangent0015 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Where in the Bible does one find freedom of speech? The right to peaceable assembly? Protection from search and seizure?
Reply
The only thing the Bible really says that has anything whatsoever to do with Government is rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's and rendering unto God what is God's.
In fact, the Bible states that God is the ruler and source of all authority, not the state, and not man. Yet, look at the preamble of the Constitution: "WE THE PEOPLE"! -
100%
oneironaut4205 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Let's not get into a quote war, OK? I can come up with just as many quotes where the FF were condemning religion in general, and especially religion in government. It's a waste of time and proves nothing.
Reply
For example,
Thomas Jefferson: " I have examined all the known superstitions of the Word, and I do not find in our particular superstition of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike, founded on fables and mythology. Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make one half the world fools and the other half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the world ..."
James Madison: ""Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise....During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution."
John Adams: "I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has produced- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced."
-
-
10%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Samuel Adams
Reply
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; “FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION”; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
I rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.
The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.11
I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.12
He also called on the State of Massachusetts to pray that . . .
the peaceful and glorious reign of our Divine Redeemer may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole family of mankind.13
we may with one heart and voice humbly implore His gracious and free pardon through Jesus Christ, supplicating His Divine aid . . . [and] above all to cause the religion of Jesus Christ, in its true spirit, to spread far and wide till the whole earth shall be filled with His glory.14
with true contrition of heart to confess their sins to God and implore forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior.15 -
11%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Benjamin Franklin
Reply
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see.30-
83%
antibrainwasher5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Jesus was a jewish myth, and as such was a liberal homosexual jew, who advocated for the poor and the sick, unlike you and your pack of heynas, swiftboating the truth, and f..ing the poor every chance you get.
Reply
There is nothing more anti-christ than forcing religion down peoples throat.
-
-
11%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Hancock
Reply
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement.38
He called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”39
He also called on the State of Massachusetts to pray . . .
that all nations may bow to the scepter of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that the whole earth may be filled with his glory.40
that the spiritual kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be continually increasing until the whole earth shall be filled with His glory.41
to confess their sins and to implore forgiveness of God through the merits of the Savior of the World.42
to cause the benign religion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to be known, understood, and practiced among all the inhabitants of the earth.43
to confess their sins before God and implore His forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.44
that He would finally overrule all events to the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom and the establishment of universal peace and good will among men.45
that the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be established in peace and righteousness among all the nations of the earth.46
that with true contrition of heart we may confess our sins, resolve to forsake them, and implore the Divine forgiveness, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Savior. . . . And finally to overrule all the commotions in the world to the spreading the true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ in its purity and power among all the people of the earth.47 -
83%
antibrainwasher5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
I'm sending another 100 bucks to the freedom from religion foundation.
Reply
There is no freaking god, morons. There are thousands of con men grifting gullible trailer trash out of there money selling them fanciful version of afterlife.
There is no afterlife, morons.
How about this for an ingraving, "There is no God, so quit acting like an arsehole."
DeMint is a racist crackerhead slave owning traitor.-
-
11%
Georgia505 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
"Before Abraham was born, I am."
Reply
Describe for us, if you will, either the mental state of the person who spoke the above words or that of the man or group of men who wrote, as you allege to be, these words of fiction.
As part of your explanation, I'd like to see examples of other spiritual or philosophical leaders who have EVER made--or had attributed to them--similar statements.
Please...no hurry. I for one have all eternity.
-
-
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Hart
Reply
JUDGE; LEGISLATOR; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION
[T]hanks be given unto Almighty God therefore, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die and after that the judgment [Hebrews 9:27] . . . principally, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner . . . to receive the same again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God.48 -
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Patrick Henry
Reply
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; LEGISLATOR; “THE VOICE OF LIBERTY”; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.49
The Bible… is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.50
Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.51
The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.52
This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.53 -
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Hart
Reply
JUDGE; LEGISLATOR; SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION
[T]hanks be given unto Almighty God therefore, and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die and after that the judgment [Hebrews 9:27] . . . principally, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner . . . to receive the same again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God.48-
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Dickinson
Reply
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE; GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity.27
[Governments] caould not give the rights essential to happiness… We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth.28
-
-
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Dickinson
Reply
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE; GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity.27
[Governments] caould not give the rights essential to happiness… We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth.28 -
14%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Thomas Jefferson
Reply
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The doctrines of Jesus are simple, and tend all to the happiness of man.64
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses.65
I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be: sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.66
I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.67 -
14%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
James Madison
Reply
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECRETARY OF STATE; FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
A watchful eye must be kept on ourselves lest, while we are building ideal monuments of renown and bliss here, we neglect to have our names enrolled in the Annals of Heaven.72
I have sometimes thought there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of religion or against temporal enjoyments, even the most rational and manly, than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and [who] are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent advocates in the cause of Christ; and I wish you may give in your evidence in this way.73 -
13%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
George Mason
Reply
DELEGATE AT THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; “FATHER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS”
I give and bequeath my soul to Almighty God that gave it me, hoping that through the meritorious death and passion of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ to receive absolution and remission for all my sins.76
My soul I resign into the hands of my Almighty Creator, Whose tender mercies are all over His works. . humbly hoping from His unbounded mercy and benevolence, through the merits of my blessed Savior, a remission of my sins.77 -
0%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Benjamin Rush
Reply
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; “FATHER OF AMERICAN MEDICINE”; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; “FATHER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION”
The Gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey them in all situations! . . . My only hope of salvation is in the infinite tran¬scendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the Cross. Noth¬ing but His blood will wash away my sins [Acts 22:16]. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! [Revelation 22:20]98
I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament.99
By renouncing the Bible, philosophers swing from their moorings upon all moral subjects… It is the only correct map of the human heart that ever has been published.100
[T]he greatest discoveries in science have been made by Christian philosophers and . . . there is the most knowledge in those countries where there is the most Christianity.101
[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible.102
The great enemy of the salvation of man, in my opinion, never invented a more effective means of limiting Christianity from the world than by persuading mankind that it was improper to read the Bible at schools.103
[C]hristianity is the only true and perfect religion; and… in proportion as mankind adopt its principles and obey its precepts, they will be wise and happy.104
The Bible contains more knowledge necessary to man in his present state than any other book in the world.105
The Bible, when not read in schools, is seldom read in any subsequent period of life… [T]he Bible… should be read in our schools in preference to all other books because it contains the greatest portion of that kind of knowledge which is calculated to produce private and public happiness.106 -
0%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
George Washington
Reply
JUDGE; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; “FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY”
You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.122
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.123
The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.124
I now make it my earnest prayer that God would… most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of the mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion.125 -
-
0%
FairNBalanced5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
HERBERT HOOVER: This occasion is not alone the administration of the most sacred oath which can be assumed by an American citizen. It is a dedication and consecration under God to the highest office in service of our people. 15
Reply
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT: As I stand here today, having taken the solemn oath of office in the presence of my fellow countrymen – in the presence of our God . . . 16
JOHN F. KENNEDY: For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. 17
RICHARD NIXON: I have taken an oath today in the presence of God and my countrymen to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. 18 -
moonstream1Comment removed: Spammer, Hard Banned
-
-
0%
hoshianabr5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Did we forget that this country was build on the Bible.There is a lot of people out there in America that believe in GOD.We and I'am one of them that believe in GOD and JESUS His Son.
Reply
Let's not forget where we come from,'cause if we forget about GOD.He'll forget about us.Now we don't want this to happened to all of you out there that opposing putting "In GOD We Trust".
It's not the words that will make you holy.It's your relationship with the LORD.-
100%
Dionys5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
"Did we forget that this country was build on the Bible."
Reply
We'll never forget that a lot of angry Christians want to make this claim, that's for certain.
"There is a lot of people out there in America that believe in GOD."
There ARE a lot of people who can write in English, are Americans and do not believe in God. Why are you somehow better than they are?
"It's not the words that will make you holy. It's your relationship with the LORD."
Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves. Whether you find that model in Christ, Buddha, the actions of Muhammad or Ghandi is relatively unimportant. -
-
-
100%
crespi5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
God told George W. Bush to start the Iraq war.
Reply
God (or his twisted followers) told "Reverend" Ted Haggard to preach "Death to the homosexual abominations!" even though he was GAY.
GOD told Republican Governor Mark Sanford that he is a "better person" for having an adulterous affair and humiliating his wife.
THANK YOU JESUS!!!!-
doggammitComment removed: Retracted by user
-
100%
Ciera-Marie5 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
You forgot God told Pat Robertson that Hurricane Katrina happened because of sin (I forgot the reasons he gave. Just know they were pretty stupid.). Wonder if God also told him it's okay to own a diamond mine and have minors working in it.
Reply
I know he told a lot of Televangelists it's okay to own top of the line Harley's, and private jets. Plus to keep upgrading that diamond they gave the misses. wonder the mistress is getting.
-
-
100%
Tangent0015 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Dispite FairNBalanced exhaustive cut-and-paste, the simple fact of the matter is the founding fathers took great pains to avoid any reference to God in the founding documents.
Reply
Yes, we have had many devout presidents and statesmen, but our nation is not a dictatorship where the opinions of one man dictate those of the entire country.-
doggammitComment removed: Retracted by user
-
More News
LA Times
UCLA study says legalizing undocumented immigrants would help the economy
Federal judge wants Prop. 8 trial shown to the public
Obama favors 'Cadillac tax' for healthcare
Northern Ireland's largest Protestant militia surrenders weapons
GOP senators voice reservations about TSA nominee Erroll Southers
Add a Comment
Sign In With Your Propeller Account
Please keep your comments relevant to this story.
To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.