A group of atheists in Mississippi are suing the southeastern state over its new license plates, which display the phrase, “In God We Trust.” They’re claiming the motto is rooted in “deep hostility” toward non-believers.
One of the plaintiffs in the suit, Jason Alan Griggs, said that, because of the license plate design, he is “forced to profess a religious idea that I do not believe” whenever he uses his trailer.
“Imagine a Christian having to drive around with ‘In No God We Trust’ or In Allah We Trust,’” he said.
One of the other plaintiffs on the court filing, Derenda Hancock, describes herself as “a radical atheist” and said the government should not have the ability to infringe on “her right to be free from religion.”
“I don’t want Jesus riding on my car,” she reportedly told a state agent in January 2019, when she applied for a new license plate. At the time, she opted to pay a $32 fee for a specialty “Mississippi Blues Trail” plate.
Hancock did the same thing again in 2020.
HD Editor’s Note: Why Is This News Biblically Relevant?
Back in 2019, while running for the Governor’s race, Tate Reeves the now Governor of Mississippi, released a campaign video in which he put on the controversial license plate, and stated, “Mississippi has a brand new license plate but the out-of-state liberals hate it, It’s because of these four words: ‘In God We Trust.'”
“I know Mississippi’s values are our strength…and I meant it when I said as Governor I would defend our values every single day! I will defend “In God We Trust” on our tag, on our flag, and on our state seal….Every. Single. Day,” he promised.
Jameson Taylor of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, called such a lawsuit “a media and fundraising stunt.”
“Federal and state courts have upheld the constitutionality of the government’s use of the phrase ‘In God We Trust,’” Taylor explained. “‘In God We Trust’ is on U.S. currency, and ‘In God We Trust’ is also on Mississippi’s state seal as well as its new state flag.”
Many have pointed out that although the secular left continuously states that they are the group that stands wholeheartedly for tolerance, it is abundantly clear that they only “tolerate” the views and values that align with themselves.
The godless will not “tolerate” the true and living God being acknowledged. The very mention of Jesus is an offense to those who reject Him.
The Bible provides us keen insight into the mind behind this thinking.
1 Peter 2:7-8 states that to those who believe, Jesus is precious, but to the disobedient to God, Christ is a “stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”
In Romans 1:18-32, we are told about this godlessness and depravity. First, it outlines that it will not merely be sins kept behind closed doors but instead will be out in the open in defiance toward God. Second, the chapter explains that this reprobate mind will demand participation and celebration from everyone, especially Christians.
2 Timothy 3:1-13 states that in the last days, perilous times would come and that all that live “godly in Christ shall suffer persecution.” In other words, people would despise all those who live according to the truth and morality standards laid out in God’s Word. The same chapter explains that man in the last days will be corrupt, despise the truth, and be “reprobate concerning the faith.”
