Do we still have Freedom of Religion?

Freedom of religion is a right we have identified in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution, but the question today is whether that right has been restricted. There has been much discussion and many decisions through our court system affecting this basic right given to us under the Constitution. Today there are many issues being surfaced by individuals and groups raising concerns about exhibiting our religious preferences. While these groups and individuals also have a right to their opinion, the law of the land should be upheld. The term freedom of religion appears to have been convoluted over the years with a number of lawsuits brought by individuals and groups. These lawsuits have brought about many decisions through our court system and in some cases there is some inconsistency regarding the same issues made in lawsuits. Having a difference of opinion is a right we all have as individuals, but when that opinion impacts the meaning of the language in the Constitution, it is wrong.

In discussing this topic, it is important to point out that the main violations have to do with religious displays in an attempt to promote a specific religion. It is illegal to do so on public property. This, however, does not appear to be the case in many instances as identified in the news. The main point of contention in the lawsuits is the term separation of church and state. It is a term, though not specifically written into the Constitution, that has been widely used over the years. One of the key elements of the 1^st Amendment are the words identifying that Congress can make no law respecting the establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof.

Displays do not appear to be the problem, but where they are displayed. Displays which are regarded as religious beliefs, such as the Ten Commandments, have brought about objections by groups and individuals through our court system. One point that appears to be lacking exposure in these court battles is the fact that we as individuals are what comprise “the public”. Many religious displays have been in place for years and the efforts of a few groups or individuals to change these are wrong. They want others to respect their opinions, but they do not want to respect those of others.

We are a nation of many religious beliefs and in some cases of non-religious beliefs. This is what makes this country great. I do not have a problem with individuals voicing their complaints, but their complaints, unless they can be undeniably proven should not alter what has been in existence for years. The number of individuals involved in these situations appears to be in the minority in many cases. As such, the will of the minority should not have the power to alter the rights of others to profess and display their religious beliefs whether it is on public or private land.

Another example of the restriction of the freedom of religion involves court cases prohibiting the act of praying in our schools or at sporting events. Praying in our schools is not permitted in many locations even if it is a personal preference. Some have thought of ingenious ways to get around this issue legally in the way it is offered. Even the Pledge of Allegiance has been brought in contention regarding the statement under God. This nation was founded on the principles of religious freedom and the pledge is a symbol of those principles. It is a symbol of what this nation stands for with the statement liberty and justice for all. Our currency is another example that issues have been raised about, as some do not like the fact that the word “God” is on our printed currency.

All reference to religious activity appears to be targeted, whether it is a fact or an opinion. Nevertheless, we as individuals have a right to express our religious beliefs as identified in the Constitution. There may be specific circumstances which require some restriction, but to restrict our religious activity goes against the very meaning of the term freedom of religion. Even businesses have taken to saying happy holidays rather than Merry Christmas in an effort to avoid offending some of their customers. It appears the we have always been a nation where majority rules, but efforts to impact how we express our religious beliefs are in the minority. I do agree where it can be implemented, that displays should be done in a way that expresses our beliefs while acknowledging that others also exist.