Your Welcome Don,

I'd love a roll of the mis-minted coins, though....

Ok. That's good but it raises another question. Has anybody seen the new coins that have "In God we trust" around the outside edges? I mean actually on the tiny outside grooved rim of the coin. I've seen some and I don't know what to make of it. Is it also a rumor that they have been moved to the place of greatest wear where they will eventually rub off? And a part of that rumor is that this is the first step toward getting rid of them altogether.

Anybody know anything about this? 

** Rant Alert **

Sorry, but I just get this way sometimes. 

I think we Christians have developed a bad habit.  We assume the world is out to get us, decide it's our job to stop them (like God can't?), and bully the world into doing what we want (using politics mostly).

Jesus never used a coin with the phrase "In God We Trust" on it.  I think He is more concerned with me showing love to the person next to me, than the statements on the coins my government issues.  I'm just praying that God will work in my heart so I can show His love in all my life - including how I use my finances.

There are bigger issues on this planet we Christians should focus our efforts on - like spreading the Gospel in the limited time we have, not worrying about whether or not the things of this world, of which the enemy is king, say "In God we Trust", when obviously, so many trust in things other than God.

God Bless!

Thanks GrowingInFaith: I agree.  We're both saying the Great Commission is the best priority for Christians to pursue.   

Thanks Robin: I'm not sure we fully agree.  I see many of the endeavors Christians follow these days are attempts to change culture without involving God and His power.  Politics cannot change the human heart.  As God changes more hearts through the Gospel, culture will change automatically.  I certainly try to be as available for God to use me as He wants me to be.  I also realize He can accomplish everything He needs to without my help or involvement.  He's God, after all.  I agree that loving other people is the key.

Thanks Kat.  I'm sure there's something on the Treasury site about why they chose such things. 

Jess,

You and I agree completely on the role of politics. I agree that we should make our voices heard where possible. However, the world has always gone its own way, pitied itself and expected the Church to deliver it from the consequences of its collective actions through social programs and good works. I know of no biblical precedent for this kind of thinking. The Church can only point the world to Christ and follow after Him herself. There is something about the presence of Christ in a life that eventually breaks the cycle that binds us, but He converts the world one heart at a time.

Thanks Gene.  I didn't think about that before, but I think it's a valid concern.  Should anyone not know how much money is in their hand for any reason?

Thanks Arlene.  I guess my view is this: the popular acceptance of Christianity in the USA is an exception in human history.  It isn't the rule.  That's why Paul didn't address national politics in his epistles.  I'm concerned that some view that God somehow isn't bigger than the government.

Thanks Ragland.  I totally agree.  I'll look up some Indian money on the internet.  I'm interested in seeing it.  Judging by the art in Indian culture, I'm sure the money is beautiful in it's own right.

Thanks Kat.  Christ is the only answer.

Thanks Latisia.  I totally agree.

"Where is your passion for God?"   "I guess we Michigan people are wired differantly."

Arlene, I understand how people can be very passionate about their viewpoints.  These statements are calling someone's relationship and sanity into question - merely over a difference in opinion on a Biblically minor issue.  Just because I may not have the same passion, or have a different viewpoint doesn't mean I'm not passionate about God, nor does it mean I'm wired incorrectly.

My biggest concern is that any believers are willing to think this way about other believer. 

Romans 14:1-5
1 AS FOR the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions.
2 One [man's faith permits him to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to vegetables.
3 Let not him who eats look down on or despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains criticize and pass judgment on him who eats; for God has accepted and welcomed him.
4 Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another's household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.
5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike [sacred]. Let everyone be fully convinced (satisfied) in his own mind.

Thanks Don,

That's pretty much my viewpoint.  The one thing I'd add is this: do we really want to rely on a secular government to be responsible for enacting Spiritual power?

God's given you a powerful gift for prose!

Howdy arlene, I don't have a problem with anyone's viewpoint.  I may not agree, but that's cool.

I do have a problem with statements like "Where is your passion for God?"   "I guess we Michigan people are wired differantly."  These statements call other people's relationship with God and their thinking into question in a manner that puts them down.

Passion for God and anger over how people treat Him aren't an excuse to tell people there is something wrong with their commitment to God, or their thinking processes.  I accept that you may not have intended to question people.  The words used were centered on other people, and strongly implied that the other people had a problem.

Thanks Victorious, I didn't know that about people in China.

Thanks LorenDP, that's precisely my point.