In the pledge, what does "one nation under god" mean to you?

Question

I've always found it ambiguous and wondered what other people think. Does it mean:

1. That we are a nation subservient to god,

2. That this nation is a creation of god,

3. That, by the grace of god, we shall remain indivisible and provide liberty and justice for all, or

4. Some other meaning?

Background, the words, "under god" were not part of the original pledge. They were added in the 1950s on a petition from the American Legion (organized by a neighbor of my mother) to differentiate our nation from the godless soviet union.

The words "under god" were co-opted from Lincoln's gettysburg address which reads "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining be for us ... that this nation, under god, shall have a new birth of freedom, ..." Which is a different meaning than any of the above.

Like I said, I am interested in your interpretation

Answer 1

Well according to the "founders" of the America, it is a ideally a Christian country, so it would follow that all it's inhabitants believe in a God--the Christian God--and live their lives according to the parameters of his word; maybe also that we are all viewed equally in his eyes...........Who knows? Who cares?

Answer 2

One nation, under god. A nation serving god. Seems pretty straightforward to me. Please keep in mind that nearly everyone back then was some sort of Christian religion.

Answer 3

G

Answer 4

It means that without the sacrifices and martyrdom of Christians this nation would not exist, and still could perish if we do not give credit where it is due.  1-3 sound like you are going in the right direction.  Lincoln and all of his predecessors acknowledged God even Jefferson who tried to custom fit his.  Name one President before Lincoln who was an atheist or agnostic, there was none.  Name one since Lincoln there was/is none.  How can we as a nation now, abandon what our forefathers held so dear, so easily.  If you think what happened in the 50's was an accident or propaganda, it wasn't.  Eisenhower was under threat of nuclear weapons as everyone was and they thought it would be the end of the world, they built bomb shelters, did air raid drills in classrooms, and were dealing with a sinister nation who wanted to destroy everyone who wasn't communist.  Does this sound familiar to what is culminating now, it should, those nations without God have/will fall without question.  Name one country more than 100 years old that hasn't fell.

Answer 5

One nation under Canada and just above Mexico.

Answer 6

that it is pretty much not a country for liberals.

Answer 7

To me it is a direct indication that the "separation of church and state" policy of the United States is complete nonsense. I have an idea. How about we leave pledges in their original form, or don't use them at all, rather than having some jackass interject whatever his religious beliefs are into already authored pieces.

Answer 8

Under His protection,

and under His direction.

Answer 9

Interesting: One Nation, Under God, Indivisible. I always felt it meant

One Nation = United States

Under God = His wish & promise for us as a united people, I believe we are such a Blessed country because of the godly view of our forefathers that we have carried on, even tho there is a separation of church & state, most of our leaders have & have had a profound Belief in a higher power & look to him for guidance in all we do. Why do you think all politicians say GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Indivisible = inseparable, kinda like the marriage vow that say's whom God joins together Let no man put as-sunder. Look at other countries fighting over Territory. We tried that with our own civil war, but in the end we are still the United States Of America. One Nation Under God Indivisible With With Liberty And Justis For ( were still working on the ) All.

Hey Thanks For The Question

Answer 10

Oh Mr Aviron, it really depends on which angle one looks at it.

Number 3 seems like a nice one as it is imbued with a sence of humility, solidarity and freedom.

Unfortunately this kind of quote can be used by unscrupulous polititians to manupulate masses in order to fit their own political agendas, it is done in most Arab countries, (especially in Iran), where the definition of democracy is a relious one.

This pledge, has been misinterpretated as arrogence amongst Atheists in your country and even as a Theist, I cannot blame them!

DrD's answer is very nice, TU to you D!

Answer 11

I think it refers to god guiding hand and how helps keep America one indivisible nation that preserves liberty and justice for all.  

Answer 12

beneath a greater unseen or known rule or power.not controlled by it but rather looked over as in cared for.even if this just means the creation.