The Reason for Freedom of Religion - 2238 Words

Religious influence in the adoption and development of law is contradictory to the structure of the American government and way of life. We are all familiar with the phrase; â€Å"My fellow Americans†, these are words we probably have heard many times before, Presidents have uttered them in addressing the nation, they always have the same connotation every time they are spoken, that all of us are Americans, notice please that the statement is not My fellow Christians. That’s because being an American does not automatically indicate being a Christian, one of the reasons this is such a great country is that we have specific rights guaranteed by our government, such as the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, freedom of the press and as†¦show more content†¦I suggest that it is not only possible but highly probable that these laws which are basic common sense and much archeological evidence points to have existing in practice if not in some sort of writte n form as â€Å"guidelines† for the earliest of human settlements were influential upon the writers of The Bible not the inverse. Christianity while it is representative of great ethical standards is a religion. A way of life, as such that it is an intricate part of the lives and world view of its believers, as do all religions, equally. Is it possible that the founders actually wanted their legacy to be a nation founded on one religious belief after establishing through forceful adherence to their ideals gain the ability to guarantee themselves and their children, certain civil rights including the right to express their individual religious beliefs, no matter how many of them a minority belief, without persecution for doing so by the government? In answer to this question I offer the first amendment which states: â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.† Ratified on December 15th 17913 this clearly states that our government by their design shall make no law respecting the establishment or free exercise of religious views, If we were toShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Speech On Pray In Schools1066 Words   |  5 Pagespersuade. Specific Purpose and Significance: To persuade my audience to respect religions in schools. Central Idea: ATTENTION STEP I. Attention Getter: Do you have a choice in your religion? Should praying be in Schools? The 1st Amendment states, â€Å"Prohibits Congress from making any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibitingRead MoreThomas Jefferson Declaration Of Religion Essay785 Words   |  4 PagesThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) describes himself as the â€Å"author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute for religious freedom, and father of the University of Virginia.† (Collins 37). Jefferson is established in American history for his accomplishments and beliefs that have had a tremendous impact on the meaning and understanding of religion today. Known as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, one of the firstRead MoreReligious Acc ommodation For Public Schools Essay955 Words   |  4 PagesReligion Debate Papers â€Å"Freedom of religion includes both the right to manifest beliefs and practices and the right to be free from state coercion or constraint in matters of religion ().† One of the most controversial places in which freedom of religion manifests itself is the public school. In order to protect freedom of religion, it is important to make sense of how a school must treat religion so the school does not compromise its role within society. This paper will establish current rulingsRead MoreReligion Has Played An Important Role In The History Of1108 Words   |  5 Pages Religion has played an important role in the history of the United States and in creating the colonies of the New World in many ways. Religion was definitely one of the major reasons for the establishment of the colonies. The early colonists wanted the freedom to worship God as they seen as proper, and they were promised this freedom of worship. Most of these colonies were deeply rooted in their religious beli efs. Religion strongly influenced the social and political life of the colonial timesRead MoreSchool Prayer The Rise Of A Church State Or Freedom1278 Words   |  6 PagesSchool Prayer the Rise of a Church State or Freedom Religious freedom is one of the many freedoms our great nation has worked so hard to protect. During the early 1700’s many different states   made laws only allowing   people of certain religions or certain beliefs   able to hold a state office causing much contention and oppression. Thomas Jefferson tried to draft a bill that guaranteed all   citizens of any religion or no religion, legal equality in the state but his attempts failed. He stated â€Å"TheRead MoreReligious Accommodation For Public Schools1128 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Freedom of religion includes both the right to manifest beliefs and practices and the right to be free from state coercion or constraint in matters of religion ().† One of the most controversial places in which freedom of religion manifests itself is the public school. In order to protect freedom of religion, it is important to make sense of how a school must treat religion so the school does not compromise its role within socie ty. This paper will establish current rulings on religion in publicRead MoreThomas Jefferson And The Second President Of The United States1538 Words   |  7 Pagesour great nation. Jefferson throughout his life was known to keep his religious views to himself even once said â€Å"Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone.† (Ragosta 7). Jefferson held this belief firm throughout his life and believed that religious freedom was a natural right. This paper will examine how Thomas Jefferson supported religious freedom, why he believed that no man should be forced by the government to believe in a God or taxed to support a specific church, and theRead MoreReligion Has Been A Major Force In The History Of The United1104 Words   |  5 PagesReligion has been a major force in the history of the United States and in settling the colonies of America in many ways. Religion was definitely one of the major reasons for the founding of the colonies. The early col onists wanted the freedom to worship God as they had seen as proper, and they were promised this freedom of worship. Most of these colonies were deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. Religion was a powerful influence on the social and political life of the colonial times inRead MoreSeptember 11: The Clash of Civilizations Essay1220 Words   |  5 Pagesmost important, religion† (Huntington 450). On Tuesday September 11, 2001 the unthinkable happened in America. The two World Trade Centers in New York City, along with the Pentagon in Washington D.C., were struck by airplanes that were hijacked by terrorists. This terrible tragedy killing thousands of people had a deep impact on the whole nation. Many are confused as to why the United States of America were targeted instead of any of the other countries in the world. The main reason for the TalibanRead MoreThe Freedom Of The Press1124 Words   |  5 Pagesamendments, the first amendment is often looked at as one of the m ost important, protecting the right to practice religion, to assemble, to petition the government, and the freedom of the press. The protection of these rights is essential to help maintain the United States a free and democratic country. I believe the most important rights are the right to practice religion and the freedom of the press. As I will explain in my essay, these two rights are paramount to the success of a democratic country