"Under God" Under Attack

George Washington in Prayer

The “under God” phrase of the Pledge of Allegiance is once again under attack by an atheist named Michael Newdow and a renegade, unelected Federal judge. Both are hiding behind the specious argument of a violation of the First Amendment. It would be helpful to revisit the opinions of our nation’s fathers and ask; Does Michael Newdow’s understanding of the nation’s founding fit in with the original intent of the founder’s vision of America and the role of religion in public life? Below is a list of quotes from the father of our country, George Washington, the father of our Constitution, James Madison, the father of the American government, Alexander Hamilton, and the author of our Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson. Noteworthy are Jefferson’s remarks, since he is the figure most often quoted by those who resurrect and misconstrue his famous “wall of separation” letter.

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness.” –George Washington

“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors.” –George Washington

“The belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the world and to the happiness of man, that arguments which enforce it cannot be drawn on from too many sources nor adapted with too much solicitude to the different characters and capacities impressed with it.” -George Washington

“And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.” –Thomas Jefferson



“Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.” -James Madison

“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.” -George Washington

“Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand.” –John Adams

“The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among old parchments, or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.” –Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton