Freedom of religion is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or community, in public or private, to manifest religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance; the concept is generally recognized also to include the freedom to change religion or not to follow any religion.[1] The freedom to leave or discontinue membership in a religion or religious group is also a fundamental part of religious freedom, covered by Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. [2]
Freedom of religion is considered by many people and nations to be a fundamental human right. Freedom of religion is generally considered to mean that the government permits religious practices of other sects besides the state religion, and does not persecute believers in other faiths.
So many people wanted to decide what religion should be followed, who should be allowed in or not, and who didn’t fit the ‘ordinary explanation’ for that particular religion. Yet throughout history wars were fought, people were persecuted and killed, even witches in Salem, Massachusetts were said to be “of the devil” and burned alive at the stake.
Hardly a day goes by when I do not hear something as it relates to what a human being practices in good faith or not follow upon any faith, or how they choose to worship or which designs they follow and why or why not.
Honestly, why does it matter to any of us? Have we suddenly decided we are a god/God … do we truly believe that anyone here on earth has ALL the answers we seek spiritually? Then do I have a multitude of questions for you!
Truth is I certainly do NOT purport to have the answers, nor do I believe I will until my own day of judgment. And I rather like it that way. There is only one disagreement I have, though I do not push it on anyone dare I say. And that is the Atheist argument. Don’t get me wrong … if you’re an atheist, that is entirely your business. I don’t and shouldn’t have the right to persecute you to change your mind otherwise. Although I may enjoy a civilized, intelligent conversation to see why you feel this way. Otherwise, I’m okay with it.
What troubles me is it appears that in the United States, some people claiming atheists and agnostics argue that “Freedom From Religion” is a right in the United States guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. And, of course, critics of atheism respond, “The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.” This argument is understandable as a talking point, not a crisis deciding anyone’s religious outcome.
We enjoy so many wonderful freedoms in the United States, and yet we argue and bicker even between political parties. No one can seemingly agree. Although I seem to notice that it’s all for show generally speaking. In other words, some folks need the limelight in order to make clear their point which they find most important to them.
I’m glad we have the freedom to speak our mind in this country. In certain other countries, we could be arrested, tortured and beheaded or shot for such evil ways. I take this freedom quite seriously and it is close to my heart.
The same way we fight over who can and who cannot enter this country provide the same lunatic arguments over which religion should we follow or not. Many men and women gave their lives in the military so we could have the liberties we now enjoy. We are now at a time when these liberties are in peril. I think in some cases, perhaps many, our government has grown so big and powerful that the rights of the individual are at risk. This is what the Constitution was about. I plead with all Americans to defend the cause of liberty in this nation for all Americans lest we lose them to our foes.
(1) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18.
(2) The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. The United Nations
SpeakUp! 