The Anchor of the Soul: Why "In God We Trust" Matters More in 2020 Than Ever Before

Author: The Editorial Board | Date: July 4, 2020 | Category: American Heritage

The year 2020 will forever be etched in the annals of American history as a year of unprecedented trial. From a global pandemic that emptied our churches and schools to social unrest that shook the foundations of our cities, the American spirit has been tested in ways not seen since the tumultuous days of the 1960s. In times of prosperity, national mottos can feel like mere decoration—words stamped on a coin or printed on a wall. But in times of crisis, words gain weight. They become anchors.

The phrase "In God We Trust" is more than just a legislative decree; it is a theological and historical assertion that the United States of America relies on a power greater than itself for its sustenance and survival. As we navigate the stormy waters of 2020, it is imperative that we revisit the origins of this motto, understand its constitutional validity, and embrace the unity it offers to a divided nation.

1. A History Forged in Crisis

Many Americans mistakenly believe that "In God We Trust" has been the national motto since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the sentiment was certainly present—the Declaration itself appeals to the "Supreme Judge of the world"—the phrase itself was born out of the bloodiest conflict in our history: The Civil War.

In 1861, as the nation tore itself apart, a Pennsylvania minister named M.R. Watkinson wrote to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase. He urged that the United States recognize "Almighty God in some form on our coins" to relieve the country from the "ignominy of heathenism." Secretary Chase agreed. In 1864, the phrase first appeared on the two-cent piece. It was a declaration that even amidst the horror of brother fighting brother, there remained a higher unity and a higher hope.

The phrase was later codified as the official national motto in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This was during the height of the Cold War, a time when the world faced the existential threat of nuclear annihilation and the ideological threat of atheistic communism. Once again, in a time of fear, America turned to faith. The parallel to 2020 is striking. We face an invisible enemy in the virus and a visible enemy in division. History teaches us that the path forward is not found in despair, but in trust.

2. The Constitutional Argument: Faith in the Public Square

In 2020, the debate over the role of religion in public life has intensified. We have seen churches battle for the right to hold services amidst lockdown orders, raising fundamental questions about the First Amendment. Critics often argue that "In God We Trust" violates the separation of church and state. However, courts have consistently ruled otherwise, describing the motto as "ceremonial deism."

This legal concept acknowledges that America's heritage is inextricably linked to religious thought without establishing a state religion. The Founding Fathers understood that rights come from the Creator, not the government. As Thomas Jefferson asked, "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 of the gift of God?"

                    "To remove God from the public square is to remove the foundation upon which our rights stand. If rights are granted by the state, they can be taken away by the state. If they are granted by God, they are unalienable."
                

In 2020, as we see government powers expanding in the name of emergency management, this distinction is crucial. "In God We Trust" serves as a check on power. It is a humble admission that the state is not the ultimate authority. It reminds our leaders that they are accountable to a higher law.

3. Unity in a Divided Era

The political polarization of 2020 is undeniable. Social media algorithms drive us into echo chambers, and cable news profits from outrage. In this environment, religion is often weaponized as a political tool. However, the motto "In God We Trust" was intended to be a unifying banner, not a divisive wedge.

The "God" referenced in our motto is not the property of a single political party or denomination. It is an acknowledgment of a moral order that transcends our petty squabbles. It calls us to the virtues of charity, forgiveness, and humility. Imagine if the political discourse of 2020 were flavored with these virtues. Imagine if, instead of trusting in our own righteousness, we trusted in a God who calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s was led by clergy who understood this. They did not appeal merely to secular laws, but to divine justice. They trusted in God to move the hearts of a nation. Today, as we grapple with ongoing issues of justice and equality, we would do well to remember that true justice is a divine attribute.

4. The Path Forward: Spiritual Renewal

So, where do we go from here? The year 2020 is not just a year of pain; it is a year of opportunity. It is a "Selah" moment—a pause in the chaos to reflect on what truly matters. When the economy stalls, when sports are cancelled, and when our health is threatened, the idols of modern life are stripped away. We are left with the essentials: Faith, Family, and Freedom.

A revival of the motto "In God We Trust" does not mean mandating prayer in schools or enforcing religious dogma. It means a revival of the spirit of the motto in our hearts. It means:

Trusting in Providence: Believing that America has a purpose and that we can overcome these challenges.
Acting with Integrity: Living out our faith through acts of service to our communities, especially to those hit hardest by the pandemic.
Praying for our Leaders: regardless of their party affiliation, as instructed in scripture, that we might lead quiet and peaceable lives.

Conclusion

The story of America is not a story of perfection; it is a story of striving. It is a journey toward a "more perfect union." As we close the chapter on the first half of 2020 and look toward the uncertain future of the November elections and beyond, let us hold fast to the four words that have guided us through civil war, world wars, and depressions.