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  THERE ARE THOSE who seem to be Preoccupied with removing certain words and symbols that literally shaped the foundation and character of The United States, as well as those who created it.   Though all citizens certainly have the right to believe in God or not, "God" and “Religion” are not dependent on each other.  Non-Dependency eliminates constitutional objections to (the word) "God" wherever it has been used, or ever could be. (Joseph Holbrook)
JOSEPH HOLBROOK
 
 
SOME PEOPLE PRESUME that Religion and God are inexorably and forever intertwined and eternally dependent.   It should come as no surprise that it's both the Churches and the Atheists who advocate that premise.   There are and have always been plenty of people who believe in and worship some form or concept of God, but don't belong to any church, or follow any Religion. Organized Religions are belief systems constructed by man to reach for an understanding of God, as they interpret the word. It’s not the other way around, no matter how Religions might advertise themselves.  Religion works well for many, but it certainly doesn't mean God cannot be revered without it.  The Truth of the universe is available to everyone, with or without memberships, dogma, rituals or robes.  God and Religion are not inexorably dependant. It is only those (Religions) that require membership in order to instruct how to “properly believe”, that promote exclusivity. It is religious “exclusivity” dictated or preferred by government that must be avoided in a truly free society; hence: “ . . make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” When "In God We Trust" appears on money, and "Under God" is proclaimed in the pledge of allegiance, when "God" shows up in documents or even in ceremonies at Government functions. . .that is not "Establishment of Religion".  Though it might be construed as theistically devotional for some, it's also a continuing tribute to our forefathers, our present leaders and to the great majority of past and present citizens whose beliefs and spiritual allegiance to God and country established and continue to fortify the United States of America. The mention of "God" certainly qualifies as deistic (in the greatest majority of those who use the word) but it doesn’t conflict with the Constitution or the intention of its writers who, in their wisdom, forbid the government's "establishment of Religion" (theism). . . . . but said absolutely nothing about a recognition of the term god. Though Religions are dependent on a belief in God's existence, the existence of god is certainly not dependent on there being any such thing as Religion.   The statement is indisputable, whether you believe in god or not.  Tribute, praise and thanks only has as much to do with Religion as an individual believes it does, and that's a private, intellectual and spiritual matter. Concepts such as Democracy, Justice, Domestic Tranquility and the Blessings of Liberty, profile our intended pursuits and convictions. By their definitions, we recognize and appreciate their significance and we desire their perfect expression.  There are no absolute guarantees in our material world, but we use those words and others out of reverence for their example. We cling to their potential. . . because we believe in them.   And without objection from anyone I might add. ( Joseph Holbrook ©2006)                                              or back to: “JOURNAL” page "The documents we hold so dear will mean absolutely nothing if we permit the critical words within them to be redefined, or eliminated." (JH) (Originally commenting on the '05 Supreme Court decision to change the definition of "Public Use" in Eminent Domain cases) Back to: “COMMENTARIES COLLECTION “ page GOD STRAIGHT UP - HOLD THE RELIGION
JOSEPH HOLBROOK:  GOD STRAIGHT UP HOLD THE RELIGION
First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.   back to “Working Notes” page