Quote Originally Posted by def90 View Post
Hmmm, I believe that when the founding fathers used the term "God" in our countries originating documents it was in a generic manner meaning that god represented a higher power, whatever that may be to whomever.. similar to the Freemasons that require that you believe in a "God" yet that god is not defined in any way.

In the spirit of the founding fathers "In God We Trust" refers to the idea that there is an entity that exists that is greater than any single man himself. This was a response to the idea that humans such as monarchs and military despots had the right and the ability to somehow reign supreme over their subjects.

The pledge of allegiance was modified in the 50's to add the God phrase which at that time was a direct reference to "God" as in the christian/catholic church and was a response to growing communist influence by our congressional leaders. Unfortunately these days people now take the term "God" literally as being a direct reference to the christian/catholic god when it was never meant to be. To those that believe "God" means the christian/catholic deity.. or any other for that matter, you are wrong.

The original pledge:
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Modified in the 1920's:
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Modified in the 50's:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Interestingly the original pledge as enacted when drafted required a military salute to the flag prior to the beginning of the recitation and then extending the the arm to point at the flag at the words "to the flag". During WW2 the change was made to simply placing your hand over your heart as it resembled the Nazi salute.
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