The Controversy of the Phrase "Under God"

The Pledge of Allegiance is one of the most common morning traditions throughout American public schools. The expression of loyalty was altered and modified four times during its existence to be muttered, yawned, or delivered by millions of students. The first composed version stated “ I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" (Robinson). The most current addition of the Pledge adds the phrase “under God,” implying “monotheism and control... God who interferes with events on earth guiding the U.S. in the direction that he wishes.” Requiring and promoting the Pledge with this new addition of words erupted criticism and legal disputes in the United States. Along with time, several American’s viewpoints changed, one including religion. Unfortunately, the Pledge was no longer the simplistic faith to the country. Requiring the recital of the Pledge in the school systems instigated more controversial events. The ongoing contest against the usage of the Pledge led the House of Representatives to construct the Pledge Protections Act of 2005. The bill intended “to amend the federal judicial code to deny jurisdiction to any federal court, including controversies involving the Pledge of Allegiance” (H.R. 2389 (109th)).
Society changes daily, even to a point in which the Constitution’s relevance is currently questioned. Although the Pledge is important to the majority of Americans, it should not be required in consideration of others. The American students who do choose to say the morning pledge should be respected by those who do not. Teachers should enforce no talking or distractions during the Pledge of Allegiance. How has the Pledge of Allegiance worked its way into American society? Francis Bellamy wrote the first version of the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892 as a Christian Socialist (The Pledge of Allegiance). His ideas described the middle class’s plan for equality,