Have you ever wondered why you and so many others are able to practice a religion of choice, or why you and they are allowed to freely practice? It is because we have religious freedom, the basic human right that protects the morals and beliefs of all people. It also allows the right to think, demonstrate, and act upon what you believe in. Religious freedom is very important in our society, but however, there are also many places in the world where people are forced to practice designated religions often against their will. There are also laws that threaten us to commit such actions that may violate our beliefs. As stated in the previous paragraph, religious freedom is the basic human right that protects the morals and beliefs of all people, …show more content…
Luckily, the United States Constitution states religious freedom and we are able to practice openly without consequence, however there are many parts of the world where civilians are forced to practice designated religions. If caught practicing any other faith, persecution could result. Even terrorist groups like ISIS have been known to torture non-believers of Islam. Some countries that lack religious freedom include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and according to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), religious groups that are government-sponsored exist to issue the illusion of religious freedom. Once Jesus even refused to curse non-believers of Christ, as stated in the Bible: "...they did not receive him...And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."- Luke 9:52-56. Promoting religious freedom as a core objective of U.S. foreign policy is the mission of The Office of International Religious Freedom, according to the U.S. Department of State. They establish programs to encourage religious freedom, and also observe religious victimization and discrimination …show more content…
One specific law in the United States that may result in us violating our beliefs and practices is the legalization of abortion, or the killing of an unborn child while in the mother’s womb. This goes against our beliefs, for an abortion is killing a developing fetus, or in other words “Interfering with God’s plan.” Another example is the death penalty, or putting a criminal to death for certain crimes. In present day, most nearly half the states in the United States outlaw the penalty of death, yet there are still the states whose statuses on the death penalty remain legal. Some of those states include Texas, California, Virginia, and Florida. As Christians, we believe that all forms of death, other than natural death, go against the church and
The choice of religion belongs solely to the individual and shouldn’t be able to be taken away from a
"Prayer has been banished from schools and the ACLU rampages to remove “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance. Moreover, “Separation of Church and State” is nowhere found in the Constitution or any other founding legislation. Our forefathers would never countenance the restrictions on religion exacted today." -- Bill Flax, Forbes, 2011
The First Amendment gives its citizens the freedom of religion, not the freedom to only practice the beliefs instated by Christianity:
No other independent enlightenment in the world allows individual independence to the United States of America. American courts, especially the Supreme Court, have improved a set of lawful policies that comprehensively shelter all types of the power of appearance. When it comes to appraising the level to which people take benefit of the occasion to convey believes, many members of culture can be accountable for misusing the boundary of the First Amendment through openly offending others through racism or obscenity (Karen O’Connor & Larry J. Sabato 2006). America is what it is because of the Bill of rights and the Constitution of the United States of America. The ratification of the Constitution warranted that religious dissimilarity would continue to develop in the United States. American has enhanced a different nature toward the power of word throughout history.
Religious freedom can be viewed in different ways depending on the person or persons seeking the freedom. One group may search for the freedom to practice their own religion, such as the pilgrims and the puritans. However others may view religious freedom as the right to openly practice any religion, a view portrayed in, “Roger Williams on Liberty of Conscience”. These different views are all but insignificant in the development of the American colonies because many of the colonies were formed solely on the quest for so-called religious freedom.
Freedom of religion, as we’ve discussed, can cause huge controversies in our society. Whenever you find yourself in a situation that have to do with discrimination against you based on your religion, know that you have the rights to freedom of religion. Antidiscrimination laws are set in place to protect you from being discriminated against based on your race, color, gender, religion, and national
America has been named the "melting pot" of the world. It houses many different cultures, nationalities, ideas and religions. There are Christians, Jews, Catholics, Buddhists, Mormons, Hindus, Spiritualists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Islamic, plus many more. America is unique in that all these religions are represented in a nation that is only 200 years old. And America has upheld, throughout history, that the freedom and equality of religion is extremely important in order for this nation to function as a free nation. The foundations of America were set as a result of England's persecution; more specifically, England's religious persecution. The colonists wanted to create a nation that allowed people to be free. They desired to speak what they wanted to speak, do what they wanted to do, and practice what they wanted to practice... without the government watching their every move. Thus came religious freedom.
Across the world, people are persecuted because of their beliefs. In America, we are fortunate to be able to have freedom of religion. Freedom of religion is important; people can freely partake in the practices of their religion without defiance. Religion can easily be defined as something one believes...
What is freedom of religion? Today people speak freely about their own views over specific topics regarding what they believe and what they think is the truth. Along with everything in life there are limits and laws that the government of the United States has established. Let’s take a look at the definition of freedom, what the government says about our freedom, how it is acted out and portrayed in America, and a few case studies regarding freedom of religion.
A little boy lies on his deathbed because his parents refuse to take him to a medical doctor. Two men were fired and were refused unemployment benefits for smoking peyote, an illegal narcotic. One man looks to change part of a national recitation because two words of it offend him. A woman and her husband are trying to prosecute a man for a letter he sent to members of their church. These four situations may sound strange and unrelated, but all of them fall under the issue of religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Since the early 1980's, there has also been an increase in the number of people
While it may it be true that laws influenced by religion can seem harmless, such as not being able to buy alcohol on a Sunday, the reverse is also true. For every situation that seems harmless, is another where someone has committed unspeakable acts in the name of their religion. Not only that,
Introduction Discussions and controversies over religious oppression have been around for centuries. There has always been the idea of dominant religious groups and groups that are oppressed due to their religious beliefs. Religion is often deeply imbedded within individuals and is typically instilled at a very young age. It can be one’s moral foundation and set guidelines for a person’s way of living. Religion helps us make sense of our world and keeps people united.
Most people are probably wondering how is it possible to live in a country who says that they allow their citizens to practice whatever religious belief or desire they have but then turn around and try to control what they practice. You would then look at this situation and say yes it is stated in the constitution but no this is not something that he country keeps their word on. Stated in Mexico: Freedom Of Religion Or Belief “... In majority of these cases the right
Religion is the foundation for all societies and cultures. Religion makes people who they are. Because the United States was founded on the principles of religion, the citizens of this country can practice whatever religion they like without being persecuted. The liberties provided under the Constitution allow individuals to practice their religious beliefs openly and without judgment. These beliefs provide guidance and structure in the lives of these individuals. Religion influence many aspects of day to day issues such as life choices, dress, and education. Religion is an important entity in the lives of many. Religious freedom includes the right to assemble for private and public worship, determine the conditions of membership, give religious instructions, preach its message publically, and publish and circulate religious material (Religious Freedom).