Patriotism, Civil Religion, and Citizenship

Different takes on religion and the United States

• Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists.
• Truman's letter to the Pope
• Lee v. Weisman

We can see visual evidence of the "civil religion" in many places:

• Winthrop's "City on a Hill"
• The Great Seal of the United States
• The Liberty Bell
• The national motto, "In God We Trust"
• The Pledge of Allegiance (see old method of salute)
• Early Thanksgiving Proclamations
• And note where Americans volunteer

In 2002, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that including "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional. A Newsweek poll then asked a national sample if the Pledge should contain the phrase. Eighty-seven percent said yes and 9 percent said no.

• Note requirements for naturalization.
• Ponder the official citizenship oath.