e-Letters: Oct. 03, 2023

Should “In God We Trust” be removed from United States coins? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. “In God We Trust” is as American as the Star Spangled Banner is. We, as Americans, have gone through so many other changes to our statutes, products, and sports names that you can’t use their old names without offending someone. The small portion of our country that wants this change, I feel sorry for them. If this little phrase should hurt them so much, they would deprive the rest of us Americans that “In God We Trust” should remain on our coinage and currency.

Roy E Robertson, Annapolis, Md.

Should not be removed. We keep putting ourselves further and further away from God. If we remove it from our coins, it will just make it easier to remove  “In God We Trust” from everything else. Then it will be a sad country. The only reason our country still exists is because God knows there are still a lot of believers. When you convince everyone not to believe, then we will no longer exist.

Kim Schaefer, Address withheld

I am not offended by the motto being on our coins and currency. If it were to be removed, I would defer to a higher authority. Jesus was quite clear about the mixing of God and money when he overturned the tables at the temple. (Matthew 21:12-13 and Mark 11: 15-18)

So out of an abundance of caution, who am I to argue the point?

Richard Bumpus, Marion, Mass.

Because we have the rights of freedom of religion and freedom from religion, “In God We Trust” should never have been placed on our coins and currency in the first place.

James Kern, Grand Ridge, Fla.

No, because I am a firm believer in Jesus [Christ]. However, people are allowed their opinion. If it bothers them that much, don’t use American money.

Richard Pittman, Address withheld

I’d like to keep it even though I don’t think we trust God like we used to. It’s been on our coins almost continuously since 1864, and I don’t see any reason to remove it.

Bob Lessnau, Southgate, Mich.

When we removed prayer from schools, what happened? Whether you believe in a god is your business, but it has been the cornerstone of our republic. That’s as much as I want to write so as not to rile up anymore in your readership.

Name and address withheld

Remove it.

Randy Pavlik, Address withheld

Yes. One, because it no longer reflects the beliefs of all Americans. Second,”E Pluribus Unum” is the more appropriate and unifying motto. Third, retaining “In God We Trust” fails to separate Church from State. Fourth, its elimination would allow for better coin designs. I know I am going to catch flack on this issue; that said, it is my opinion, and I respect all opinions regardless of whether I agree with them or not.

Lorne Lavertu, Herndon, Va.

Why not make coins both with and without the motto?

Robert Finnan, Syosset, N.Y.

Never! God is part of our heritage and the great founding of this nation. Our wonderful Constitution is the culmination of Western enlightenment, the great philosophers, and our trust and strength from God and the Bible.

Thomas Cestaro, Address withheld

My question is, why? Why remove any mention of God from coins or paper money? What kind of person would want that change and why? Our founders believed in a higher power that guided their venture. But even if you’re not a believer, “mind your business.”

Joe G., Carlsbad, Calif.

By all means, “In God We Trust” should remain on coinage and paper currency.

Brian C., Address withheld

Remove? No! A beneficent power has smiled on this country. Whether you call it God or something else, the motto reminds us of that fact.

Gary Burhop, Memphis, Tenn.

“In God We Trust” should be on all coins and paper money as God is real and invoked by our founders, and he is the creator of natural law.

Rev. Gregory W. Brown, Momence, Ill.

No! We have already removed gold, silver, and copper from our coins. If we remove God, we won’t have anything left to put our trust in.

J.M. Davis, Olympia, Wash.

No! Do not remove it! America was founded on a belief in God. Those who do not like it should move away from America – do not stay here and try to change it. God Bless America.

Ken Evanchuck, Germantown, Ohio

No, we should not remove “In God We Trust” from our coinage. We are a lawless country now. Why should we be godless?

Name and address withheld

No. Without the blessings of our Lord, there is no U.S.A.

Steve Friel, Address withheld

No, it should not be removed. It should be on both sides.

Mike Drewnowski, Franklin, Pa.

If the motto wasn’t already on our coins, I certainly wouldn’t advocate for adding it. But it’s harmless enough as it is, so I’d let it be. Far better battles to fight in this world.

Andy Lustig, Nyack, N.Y.