The Delcaration of Independance likely will not be ruled unconstitutinal because it is an historical document. Children do not attend school of a morning and recite religous excerpts from the Declaration.
Here, we have children reciting the pledge of allegiance. In this pledge, the phrase "under god" appears. A phrase that was not originally included in the pledge, but was added in 1953.
Our currency has "In God We Trust" on it. Our Congress prays before each session. Our Supreme Court has scripture along the top of the walls. These are all viewed in a different light because the delicate and influential minds of children are not at stake. If we required our children, upon entered elementary school, to hold up a dollar or coin, and all recite "In God We Trust" - clearly there would be a problem.
I am not a religious person. And quite frankly, I think this is a bad decision. It goes just a little too far. However, Courts are starting to really crack down on historically religous events. Christmas is an excellent example. Nativity scenes, standing alone, have been found unconstitutional, by the Supreme Court. Christmas Music Programs with strictly Christian songs have been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. School prayer has been ruled uconstitutional. Prayer at graduation ceremonies ... the list is endless for religious events that have been ruled unconstitutional when they involve and incorporate the youth.
And yes this country was founded by religious people, but they were not christians ... nor were they catholics. [Referring to the signers of the Declaration of Indepence].
Anyway, just a quick history of religion and what has and has not been permitted by the courts.
Nim
