In God We Trust on Money

"In God We Trust" is a hugely popular sentiment in the United States, with nine-tenths of Americans supporting the inclusion of In God We Trust on money. Periodically, this American motto, which is included mandatorily on all money minted in the U.S., has been objected to by both religious and nonreligious individuals.

The motto of In God We Trust on money was not seen until 1864, when it was printed on the two-cent coin. Gradually, it found its way onto additional coins, and, by 1938, was written on all coins produced in the United States. This was supported by the Coinage Act of 1873, which made permissible the inscription of the motto on all U.S. coins. However, it was not until a resolution was passed in 1956 that made In God We Trust, and not E. Pluribus Unum, the official motto of the country. It was also mandated that all money distributed in the U.S., coin and paper alike, must have the country's official motto on it.

Since the passing of the resolution, the motto has been challenged based on the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment three times. None of the cases were reviewed by the Supreme Court, and the issue has generally been passed over by judges as the motto is seen as either secular or ceremonial. Critics argue that the issue of including In God We Trust on money is that it does seem to show support for monotheistic religions over atheism or other nontheistic religions. Additionally, some Christians, notably former President Theodore Roosevelt, find the inclusion of the phrase on money to be sacrilegious. Roosevelt even claimed that the inclusion of the phrase on money "cheapened" it.

The future of the economy with the U.S. motto In God We Trust imprinted on it seems secure, considering the legal precedent and popularity it enjoys.