Religious Freedom: What You Should Know and Why...

Religious Freedom: What You Should Know and Why You Should Care by Liberty Davidson

The free exercise of religion is the first freedom guaranteed to all Americans in the First Amendment of the Constitution. It’s kind of a big deal.

So big, in fact, it’s imperative that you understand religious freedom in America and actively defend it.

Let’s make this simple. The free exercise of religion boils down freedom of conscience. If the government limits your free exercise of religion, it is ultimately limiting what you can and can’t believe.

We know some will say, “Limiting how you act out your beliefs isn’t the same as limiting what you believe.”

Really? What’s the point of believing or identifying something if you can’t act it out? That’s like saying a priest can’t wear his clerical collar outside of church, a math teacher can’t teach multiplication (or calculate a restaurant tip!), and a vegan can’t eat tofu at work – just to list a few potential examples. Is that what you’re saying?

The freedom of conscience is fundamental to every other freedom Americans enjoy. Why have freedom of speech if you can’t speak what you believe? Why have freedom of the press if you can’t write or read about what you believe? Why have freedom to peaceably assemble and petition the government, if you can’t stand up for what you believe? You see, free exercise of conscience—which includes religious conscience—doesn’t actually affect just the religious among us. It affects anyone who believes strongly about anything…and that’s everyone, including you.

So what should you do about it? The first step to protecting your First Amendment freedoms – including freedom of religion – is to know your rights and how they apply to your situation. Fortunately, First Liberty Institute has several free resources available to help you know your religious rights – in school, in the military, in church, and more. Start here.

America is the land of the free – and chances are, that’s something you value pretty highly. So prove it. If you value your freedom, value the free exercise of religion, and don’t be afraid to stand up for it.

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