"In God We Trust" Still Stirs Opposition

Fifty Years After First Appearing on Dollar Bills, "In God We Trust" Still Stirs Opposition

Oct. 1 marks the 50th anniversary of the use of the phrase "In God We Trust" on the nation's paper currency. Polls show that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the motto, but others argue it is divisive because it excludes those who don't believe in God, as well as Buddhists, Hindus and others who follow non-monotheistic faiths.

An analysis by Pew Forum Senior Research Fellow David Masci traces the use of the phrase from its conception to recent lawsuits challenging its constitutionality.

Read the analysis