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On June 14th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to add “Under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance. The adoption differentiated the United States from communist thought, notably at the time, the Soviet Union.
Eisenhower and others knew well that communist ideology, shaped mainly by Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin, maintained a disdain for organized religion, especially Christianity. In fact, within the Communist Manifesto, strong opposition is directed toward Western ideals and democracy, calling Western religion (Christianity) “the opium of the people.”
Known as one of the most Christian-friendly presidents in U.S. history, Eisenhower sought to adhere to the concept of providence, which is the idea that God guides human affairs. Personally mentored by Billy Graham, Eisenhower even became baptized as president, making him the only president in history to undergo the Christian rite while in office.
Viewed as a champion and hero of World War II, personally overseeing the D-Day mission, Eisenhower’s legacy will always be connected to facing evil head-on. His reliance on the Christian faith complemented his humble and dedicated leadership style. The motto “In God We Trust” is also credited to Eisenhower’s administration, gaining steam in the 1950s. The motto became law and appeared on all currency in 1955, becoming the country’s official slogan in 1956.
As America leaned into its Judeo-Christian identity during these years, the link between faith and freedom became more visible than ever before.
Eisenhower, like many presidents before him, recognized the importance of relying on God and did not shy away from his desire to secure the nation’s future in the faith. Inarguably, he shared the idea of divine providence with George Washington, making the connection between the Founding Fathers and Christianity more concrete. On adding “One Nation Under God,” Eisenhower stated, “From this day forward, millions of our schoolchildren will daily proclaim… the dedication of our nation and our people to the Almighty.”[i]
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage” (Psalm 33:12).
Biblically, Eisenhower was spot-on, as a nation is only as great as its connection to Yahweh (God of the Bible).
While the nation grew increasingly closer to Christianity in official statements, as seen in the 1950s, the impact and reliance on the faith have always been distinct. From the Declaration of Independence to the U.S. Constitution, the verbiage is evident that the Founders relied on Christianity to help form a more perfect union.
For believers, the idea of a theocracy might sound amazing, but the reality of darkness (sin) makes it humanly impossible. The religion of Christianity cannot be forced upon a people group, but it can help influence and restore morality and purpose in a general population. This is what Eisenhower knew.
America continues to stand apart because God has blessed the nation and has used it for His own providential purposes. And if we are to remain strong, we must once again be a people, under God, never shying away from the Word of God.
[i] Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Statement by the President Upon Signing Bill To Include the Words ‘Under God’ in the Pledge to the Flag,” June 14, 1954, The American Presidency Project (online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley), accessed June 12, 2025, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/statement-the-president-upon-signing-bill-include-the-words-under-god-the-pledge-the-flag.
