Freedom of Religion

Society try to hold true to all and whatever freedom that they are entitled to. Especially here in the United States. The founding fathers worked feverishly to have formulated a document that would cater to all the citizens of the New World, as well as those who come in the future. Today's legislature try to keep those well-wishes in their minds when it comes to ratifying new laws or tweaking old ones.

The debate regarding religion has always been a continuing battle because of differences in opinions by each individual citizen. There are actually two aspects of religion which has been discussed in class. The first aspect concerns the personal level. This aspect engages in the right that a person has to not belong to any religion or religious organization. This just means that an individual can not be forced to join a religion against their own will. That was the main basis of why the United States was established. Of course, after Columbus brought about the realization that there was another route to take to "India" and Amerigo Vespucci confirming that the world is round and there was other land out in the ocean. The first settlers fled to the New World to be free from British persecution when it came to practicing their own religion.

The second aspect involved the political side of religion. This gave individuals freedom from government imposition of religion. Basically, the government cannot interfere with a religious organizations operations if the organization is not causing direct harm to the public or breaking any justifiable laws. This gives religious organizations the freedom to practice their beliefs without having to answer to the government. Many new religions at times will take advantage of this freedom by depriving followers of certain privileges of the world or engaging in outlandish exercises that can be deadly.

This reminds me of how I was in a quest to find out just who I was and what I should do with myself. I studied with Jehovah's Witnesses and joined the Church of Christ. I studied and attended meetings with the Witnesses because that was how I was raised. I moved over to the Church of Christ because of how the sermons caters to the everyday problems that I am faced with. Both teachings were comparable the same. The only difference was the nature of the programs. The Witnesses congregated as an assembly and is calm throughout the session. The Church of Christ, on the other hand, is boisterous with music and the Pastor is very animated while delivering the sermon. I have come to the realization that by the teachings of religion sharing qualities that I can get my knowledge and comfort within myself. There is a fashion show going on at many religious institutions and organizations. I feel that I should be able to dress comfortably and not have to worry about being snickered and looked down upon by certain members of a religious congregation. I am not there to impress anybody, I am there to impress the Lord. The Church is located within all of us and not in a erected building.