Terry Frank
Pastors at about 50 churches in Anderson County have asked to put the motto “In God We Trust” on the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton, the county mayor said in a report to county commissioners.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank said that putting the motto on the courthouse wouldn’t cost the county anything. Instead, it would be funded by donations from churches, businesses, and individuals, she said.
The request is included in Frank’s report to Anderson County Commissioners for their Tuesday evening meeting.
Late last year, the motto was emblazoned above all four main entrances of the Putnam County Courthouse in Cookeville, the Associated Press reported. County commissioners there approved the adornment during an Oct. 14 meeting, and the cost was covered by donations from businesses and individuals, the AP said.
Frank’s report includes news articles announcing court decisions that found the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on U.S. money do not violate the Constitution’s separation of church and state.
“In God We Trust” is the U.S. national motto, and it appears on U.S. money.
Tuesday’s Anderson County Commission meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in Room 312 of the Anderson County Courthouse at 100 N. Main St. in Clinton.
Bird Loveall says
No thanks.
Peter Scheffler says
It’s been a while since I was over there, so I don’t know if there are any other words on the building already, but I think there should some positive statement relating to the governmental offices and court system. Maybe something like “In service and justice to all”
Anne Garcia Garland says
I doubt the ministers are interested in paying for “secular” messages but I do agree that words about law and justice are more appropriate for the courthouse than words about God. I think Jesus as quoted in Luke 20:24 spoke to this subject when he said, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto the Lord that which is the Lord’s.” Better to put “In God We Trust” over the doors of the churches. The courthouse is the face of secular law. The law has been influenced by many faiths but we chose in this country to separate government from church in order to promote fairness to all regardless of their religion or lack thereof. Just saying.
Sam Hopwood says
I don’t have strong feelings one way or the other but have you ever looked at what is displayed on the Supreme Court building? And of course “in God we trust” is displayed on all of that filthy stuff we call money. I can’t recall anyone grumbling about that, can you? Just saying.
mary connolly says
I Agree!
David Allred says
I’m not against the idea enough to picket it or allow it to sway my votes one way or another, but I’m certainly not an advocate for picking such a low-hanging fruit and feeling like we’ve accomplished something. Our courts are full of good people – many are deeply spiritual people – but the primary job of the court is to compensate Justice in the places that the Gospel’s power didn’t reach. Christ’s message to turn the other cheek is a far cry from pressing assualt charges. And to give away your shirt when someone steals your coat (another of his commandments) is a far cry from suing someone for damages. If we as Christians really wanted to impact the courts, we would reduce the number of citizens needing the intervention of law. I am certain some well-meaning people believe this will make a difference. What it ultimately does however promote anxiety and further drives a wedge between the lost and Jesus. I would remind us all that the only dealings Jesus had with the courts was on His way to a cross. The kingdom was never built on political power, but on the love and grace of our God who remains relevant and attractive to all in the face of such power whether it is good or bad.
CK Kelsey says
Good Points . But the other side of my personality loves to see people like Biloski exposed for their un American mentality. it just brings out the truth when this type thing happens. I’m buying popcorn and soda to watch ,the Liberals will provide the nuts . 🙂
mary connolly says
Why is Ms. Biloski “Un American” because she believes in separation of church and state?
Abbey says
It is my understanding the majority of commissioners voted in favor of this request by Anderson County citizens so isn’t the point moot? I think your other sayings are nice but they aren’t our national motto. And when I watched the proceedings on tv they began with a prayer and the pledge to the flag which includes the words God in both of them. This plays like sour grapes to me. I’m still reeling from the tax increase to fund a jail and property that “might” be purchased for some reason or another. But then I have a life and I have moved on. These four commissioners (Iwanski, Bulloski, creasy and Hitchcoock) are disrespecting their colleagues which does not bode well for future negotiations.