When atheists attack

If atheists get their way, "under God" will be dropped from the Pledge of Allegiance. They argue that the mention of a higher power in government documents a violation of church and state. \nThey are dead wrong.\nThis country was clearly founded on the individual rights of men that were "endowed by their Creator." If the United States was meant to be a godless nation, why refer to a Creator? From this phrase alone, it is clear that our nation was shaped by a faith-based worldview.\nAtheists retort that the First Amendment clearly says the government shall make "no law respecting an establishment of religion." What exactly is "religion"? In this context, it is an institution lead by men to interpret the will of God. The First Amendment is not saying that God should be abolished from guiding government, but simply that no one religion shall be nationalized. \nThe genius of the First Amendment is that it has prevented religious genocide in this country for over 200 years. Tyrants are not able to hijack the government by claiming "divine authority" to pass laws that make their religion more powerful than others. This problem led to countless crusades in Europe, and the Founding Fathers were determined not to have that bloodshed repeated here.\nMuslims, Jews, and Christians currently all live here in relative peace. These peoples, along with others who believe in multiple deities, all agree that there is something more to the universe as we know it. That is the one common thread that binds them.\nAtheism is different. \nYou either believe or you don't. Is it wrong to be an atheist? No. Even though it is not a faith, it is still a philosophy that you are free to believe in. \nThe problem is that practically all religions are validated by the founding documents and the Pledge of Allegiance, while atheism is clearly rejected. Let me repeat: It is and should be acceptable to be an atheist in this country. However, atheism is given no credit by the framers for establishing the government that currently fosters our nation's high standard of living.\nIn essence, the founders credited faith as being the way to prosperity. The converse is that non-believing is not the best way to achieve earthly success.\nIf I were an atheist, this proclamation would make me pretty upset, too. The extreme power of the United States is stunning proof that a nation founded on Judeo-Christian virtues can be successful for over two centuries. This is not to say that there are not ethical atheists in the world, or that atheists have not contributed to society, or that successful governments who give no credit to a Creator cannot exist. \nHowever, as citizens of this country, atheists must begrudgingly admit that the Creator, regardless of whether he/she/it does or does not exist, has been kind to us through the values that He/she/it has inspired man to cherish.\nOur country would likely survive if all references to the deity were to be eliminated. However, there is no contradiction in the Constitution between the First Amendment and the mention of God on our coins, courthouses and Pledge. It is a lie to say otherwise. \nIf you are an atheist, please have respect for the traditions and customs that have made this country what it is. You may have good intentions for wanting to eliminate the idea of a supreme being, but distorting the Constitution is no way to justify your agenda.\nAnd to you believers out there: If you are proud of this country, take heart that her success can be viewed as a strong validation for the principles you cherish.