Last week I was promoting the idea of adopting "E Pluribus Unum" as a motto for everyone because I think that the next step in our earthly evolution is learning to recognize that we are all one. Each contributes to the whole. Each deserves respect. Each has unique gifts and viewpoints which makes the whole stronger.
But, you ask, what about the other motto, "In God We Trust"? Are you throwing out God in this equation?
Not at all. I believe in God and talk to Her every day. But when we say, "In God We Trust," some may argue: "Whose God?" or "Which religious tradition?" Is it the God with white skin and a long, white beard? Or the one that exists inside every cloud and under every rock? Is it the God whose Name cannot be named? Or is it the one that lives within our ancestors? Religions often promote a tribalism which has not proved beneficial through our history.
My second issue with "In God We Trust" is that it can be disempowering. It can make one feel as if we are handing God all our problems and saying, "Here. Fix it." That is, in my opinion, a form of magical thinking.
The motto "E Pluribus Unum" recognizes, I believe, the contribution we each can make toward fixing our world problems. And there are many.
A sub-motto to "E Pluribus Unum" might be: "Get to work."
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com)
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