In God We Trust Analysis

Rafael Campos
Prof. Nyitray
RLST/ETST 012
1 March 2012
In God We Trust The United States of America carries its identity in its rich history which provides the festival days, heroes, and activities that the world defines with the country. These people and events can be seen as more than just cultural icons and practices. There is a sense of religious identity to them which make them seem more as sacred days, saints, and rituals. The cultural/religious type of association a country has with itself has come to be known as the civil religion of the country. A “succinct” definition as mentioned by author Bruce T. Murray in his book “Religious Liberty in America” is religious studies professor Rowland A. Sherrill’s definition which states
This leads to sayings such as, “In God we trust”, and “God bless America” which are found on money, shirts, posters and many other places across America. In return this gives The U.S a belief that there is a kind of importance for them in the world. This is reflected by both Roosevelt’s and Obama’s proclamations. In Roosevelt’s proclamation he states that, “from our earliest recorded history, Americans have thanked God for their blessings…” and that we as Americans should pray for “unfortunate people” in other lands. In Obama’s proclamation Obama quotes George Washington in saying, “[we acknowledge] with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.” As seen in both the quotes there is a sense in that God blesses and protects the U.S thus making the nation as a type of big brother to the world that has to protect the weaker nations. This belief stretches across all America and all people around the country believe it. It is a good example of the civil religion that America has been
For instance both Roosevelt and Obama mention George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in their proclamations. It is common for both those two presidents to be mentioned in any patriotic event or writing. They are the symbol of the U.S and they are respected somewhat as saints and heroes. Thus the fact that both proclamations contain these two key figures is more support for the illustration of civil religion in their writings. Another symbol that is heavy in the American culture is democracy. Roosevelt directly touches on the subject by saying, “We have cherished and preserved our democracy. We have lived in peace and understanding with our neighbors…” As for Obama he does not directly mention democracy but he heavily alludes to it by saying how we should recall the freedom and independence we have and give thanks for it. Democracy is “freedom” and “independence” and is seen as the rightful good in America. So it is also a symbol and part of the civil religion that defines the U.S. Roosevelt and Obama use democratic themes well in their