Not everyone believes in the same God, and by design, they do not have to. The founding fathers made it clear that you can be American and not necessarily be any specific religion. ‘Under God’ should not be necessary when swearing allegiance to America (which is a geo-political entity, not a religious one) if for no other reason then the alienation of those who do not believe in the Judeo-Christian teachings.

On a somewhat related note, of what relevance is the use of the bible for swearing in of people in court if the person does not hold that particular writing sacred? Some people might as well use Moby Dick or the SCDOT Driver’s Manual, that way everyone feels uncomfortable, not the poor atheist/Buddhist/pagan who is called upon to swear xy and z to a deity he or she does not believe in.

Tags: religion, social