For children to recite "under God" each day in public schools under
the leadership of their teacher and surrounded by their peers is a
state-sponsored form of religious indoctrination that should not be
permitted.
The Circuit Court was correct in concluding that this phrase in
the Pledge of Allegiance is an unconstitutional endorsement of
religious belief; that is, the belief in monotheism. Although the
belief in one God is shared by Christians, Jews and Muslims, it is
easy to see how inappropriate it is if we imagine students being
required to say "one nation under Jesus," "under Vishnu" or "under
Zeus" (examples the court used).
That a majority of Americans believe in God and do not believe in
Zeus does not change the fact that it is religious indoctrination in
a public school. The very purpose of civil liberties is often to
protect the rights of those who hold minority or unpopular views.
I would not want a Buddhist child, for example, to feel that the
religious tradition of other students had a special place at school,
and that his or hers was ignored or even inferior. I would welcome
the study of all religious traditions at every level of education,
but not indoctrination unless parents choose it by sending their
children to religious schools or by providing religious training
outside the public schools, which I highly recommend. Instructing
children about the change in wording in the Pledge would be a perfect
time to discuss religious freedom, diversity and tolerance --
cherished values of our way of life.
I believe that saying "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance each
day in public schools actually teaches children only two things: 1)
it is the social norm to believe in God and 2) God is on the side of
the U.S.A. The addition by Congress of this phrase during the
McCarthy era should cause us to question underlying political
agendas. Government should stick to governing and social programs to
assist the public, and leave religious instruction to families in
partnership with their churches, temples and synagogues.
THE REV. DEBORAH BARRETT
Zen Center of Orange County
Costa Mesa
Since the Pledge of Allegiance is usually said mindlessly, with
little engagement of heart, mind and spirit, I do not think children
receive any great moral or spiritual benefit from reciting the words
"under God."
I am not convinced that the sheer quantity of repetition makes for
a stronger impression on students. Nor do I believe that the excision
