In dismissing the case, the judge ruled that the words have become a secular national slogan that don’t force anyone to believe in God. But Michael Newdow, the atheist who filed the suit, says the government put the phrase on money to have religious effects.

Newdow says he wasn’t surprised by the judge’s decision. 

"It’s not unexpected and strategically it’s actually very good because it allows me to go to the Court of Appeals as the appellant which gives me an extra brief."  

Newdow also lost an effort two years ago to have the Pledge of Allegiance banned from public schools because it contains the words "under God."