In Praise of Religious Freedom »
Posted By scott4261 4 months, 2 weeks ago in ReligionAmong the freedoms we celebrate during our annual Fourth of July observance is our freedom of religion.
Religious freedom is a lot more than religious toleration. Toleration implies that one group holds a privileged position and tolerates minorities and dissent. In our nation, no religion is privileged. In America, the right of religious conscience is paramount.
Writing to a Jewish synagogue in 1790, George Washington said:
"All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship. It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it were by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."
George Washington and our Founding Fathers knew about religious bigotry and persecution....
Read Full Story at nwanews.com »
472 Views Share Story 89 Comments Report
Submitted By:
scott4261
I had been spending way too much time on propeller. Some of the recent changes have made it more user friendly.
.....I don't do ...
Who Also Submitted:
RSS Join the Discussion
+ Add CommentShowing 83 of 89 Comments (view all)
-
100%
scott42614 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
The writer of this article is the rector at the Episcopal Church I sometimes attend in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Father Lowell Grisham has been at St. Paul's since 1997. He is my priest.
Reply
This is a history lesson of the colonial years leading up to the founding of this nation. The purpose of Jefferson's wall implicit in the First Amendment and our heritage of freedom of religion ....as opposed to state religion.
And FTA:
"It is time that our officially sanctioned celebrations of the National Day of Prayer be rescued from the narrow grasp of the Dobson's Focus on the Family industry, and their practice of excluding all but what they call a 'Judeo-Christian expression of the national observance,' whatever they mean by that. In America, everyone is welcome to pray...."
We don't have a state religion. We are a secular nation. Free to worship - or not worship - as we choose. And that's what freedom of religion really means.-
100%
Goppy4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Part of being a Modern Republican in America is a frustration at the influx of people to America with ideas and culture that is not familiar to them.
Reply
The Evangelicals have spent decades upon decades spreading the Good Word, trying to convert everyone to believe in THEIR interpretation of Salvation.
NOW ... it appears as though they are in a losing situation as people flood into America who don't subscribe to their ideas of Salvation and interpretation of Righteousness.
Of course, given the propensity of America's Evangelicals to support ... Polluters ... Insurance Companies that fight against sick people ... and ... TOTURE ... (as all polls indicate) ... it's no wonder this movement has lost some steam.
. -
50%
Nevron4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Actually there is no Jefferson wall implicit in the first amendment. The statement you are referring to regarding a wall of separation between church and state, was made in a personal and private letter on january 1 1802 written to Danbury Baptist Association of Connecticut. This was 13 years after the 1st Amendment was debated in the first congressional session of 1789.
Reply -
0%
Endoscopy4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
He is correct up to the point of what the two constitutional statements are about. They prohibited any religious test as a requirement for public office. This was because the religious tests of the time were tests of which denomination the person belonged to. The same goes for the establishment clause. That would have elevated one denomination over the others like in Europe and the earlier days of the colonies. If you read the Federalist Papers you will fined that this was not to make it a secular nation but a nation where all Christian denominations were equal. Thus not making us a secular nation but a nation inclusive of all Christian denominations. Prior to this all nations had a denomination as their selected denomination that was allowed to practice. Read your histories about why many groups came here to begin with. Also in the Federalist Papers it is stated that the constitution will fail if the country becomes a secular nation.
Reply
-
-
100%
jordan114 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
It is time for Christians to give up the arrogant claims of privilege and hegemony. Christians have no special right to public endorsement. The Ten Commandments have no more privilege for display in public venues than the Nine Buddhist Prayers for Love or the Five Pillars of Islam.>>>
Reply
Good article, and quite true.-
-
0%
ChefEOD4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
I don’t disagree with all in the article, but I do with your comment.
Reply
You have never visited Washington DC and viewed the different monuments have you? Also, look up and read some of the transcripts from the earlier days of Congress. Some try to claim that those folks were deists but if you look carefully at the terms and phrases used in referring to "God" they line up with how the Christian Bible describes God and His attributes, not some un-nameable supreme being. Also, if you were able to speak with the many generations before say the 80's (and increasingly so the further back you go), you would find the vast majority of Americans considered the US a Christian nation.
Today, that no longer necessarily holds true, even though most polls will show upwards to 80% of Americans consider themselves Christian in their beliefs.
My point is; I have no issues with acknowledging other religions within the US, but please don't try to erase our heritage. What, do you plan to go to Washington and tear down the monuments there, or simply deface them and remove the Christian Bible references inscribed on their walls?
-
-
-
100%
Jaydee404 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
There have been many a great people throughout history, if christ was real why not just say he was a great man of vision and leave it at that, far more believable that the son of a god don't you think? I see ideas can be a good thing but religion is the corruption of those ideas to suit the goals of the few. Do you think christ would put the run to the pope or even the bishops in any of the christian churches of today?
Reply -
20%
Endoscopy4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
The ones spreading the hatred is people like you. You put words into peoples mouth and then state that they are wrong. You assume motives that are not there and in the history of the country have never been there. Christians have controlled this country since it was founded. So since that is the case where are all of the hated things that have been enacted in all of that time?
Reply
-
-
100%
Jaydee404 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
FTA "Religious freedom is a lot more than religious toleration. Toleration implies that one group holds a privileged position and tolerates minorities and dissent. In our nation, no religion is privileged. In America, the right of religious conscience is paramount."
Reply
Utter bunk. When will people realize that the very ideas they cling to about their nation are lies and nothing more. The Christian religion rules supreme in the US and even tolerance is a stretch at times. Look at the last election and you can see that, how often did the Right try to portray Obama as a Muslim, and if he were how successful do you think he would have been?
Would a Hindu have a chance at achieving the office of president? How about an Atheist?-
100%
Radiofreeeuropa4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Lincoln was an atheist by all accounts of the people who actually knew him.
Reply
All claims otherwise stem from the biographer who asked his wife and friends about his faith.
They said he had none and he replied "we'll fix that!".
Had it been common knowledge...I doubt he'd have won the presidency. -
-
-
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?...
Reply -
100%
djn3nunez34 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
We have welcomed the gifts, ideals and spirit of every religion and philosophy, and the conversation among us makes us wiser.
Reply
lets talk about the Rastafari. Then we can talk about the Native American Church. After that we can discuss the works of Carlos Castenada. K? -
doggammitComment removed: Retracted by user
-
100%
Radiofreeeuropa4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
There is no question what the architects of the constitution wanted. They elaborated quite a bit on the subject in their personal writings. However I recently attended a lecture where the behavior of the rightwing nutjobs was explained scientifically and it likely isn't their fault.
Reply
There is an area of the brain that processes the ability to co operate with others, or to process new information that allows for new conclusions. If this part of the brain isn't developed or is getting lower than normal amounts of serotonin, the resultant behavior is to be intolerant of any views other than your own. These people would be argumentative over the simplest things. "It's a nice day"...they would argue as to why it wasn't...etc. This was clearly demonstrated (nothing to do with politics in the lecture but the behavior was identical!) -
0%
Commodore14 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
It's 2 bad the nazi liberals don't understand this. Unless of course you're a Muslim. The nazi liberals will attack and try to denigrate U if U believe in Christianity but not if you're a Muslim. Liberals will also attack U if disagree w/the Muslim religion. The so-called religion of peace. Just more liberal double standards and stupidity. At least Christians believe in something. What do liberals believe that isn't harmful to the country? Nothing!
Reply-
-
100%
willottica4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Odd. Your comment doesn't reflect the reality I've experienced. I believe in Christianity, but the "nazi liberals" don't attack and denigrate me...
Reply
I've also never seen a liberal attacking someone for disagreeing with the Muslim religion... though I have seen many a poster called down for spreading fabrications, misinformation, insinuations and smears about a religion they know next to nothing about. -
100%
DarkWizard4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Commodore1,
Reply
You are a fine example of someone who uses patriotism and religion to insulate yourself from reality while standing on your pulpit complaining of the very things you accuse others of. Your every diatribe defines the concept of intolerance. -
-
100%
djn3nunez34 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Again there is no such thing as a liberal/nazi.
Reply
Muslims beleive in the same superstitious, or super-natrual being that Christians do, so I cut them no slack. I'm appalled at their treatment of women. But then again I'm appalled at the history of how women were treated by Christians too( and in the case of some of the more wacky denominations it's still happening.)
Seatbelts. Liberals believes in seatbelts. Is that harmful to the country. OSHA? March of Dimes. -
-
100%
jakesguile4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Equal rights for all
Reply
Multiculturalism
Peace and prosperity
A brighter future for our children
Liberals believe in all of this.... are you saying all of these things are harmful Comrade?
Why do you hate America? We disagree only with the Christians who want to violate these principles. As we would disagree with anybody else who did, regardless of the religion.
-
-
100%
ProudBlueTexan4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Freedom of religion includes freedom FROM religion, but try to tell that to prison inmates who'd better complete an array of christian courses, seminars and programs if they want to see parole. THAT is freedom of religion in today's America; just pick your religion, as long as it's christianity.
Reply-
0%
Endoscopy4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Who says they have to do that? Not the parole boards. They have to show that they have become better people. That is a technique that many try to use. The parole board has to separate the truth from the lies of a group of very good liars. They are all innocent. Just ask them.
Reply
-
-
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Samuel Adams
Reply
Father of the American Revolution, Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I . . . recommend my Soul to that Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins. -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Charles Carroll
Reply
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
From an autographed letter in our possession written by Charles Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., on September 27, 1825, from Doughoragen, Maryland. -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
William Cushing
Reply
First Associate Justice Appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court
Sensible of my mortality, but being of sound mind, after recommending my soul to Almighty God through the merits of my Redeemer and my body to the earth . . . -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Dickinson
Reply
Signer of the Constitution
Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity.
Will of John Dickinson -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Hancock
Reply
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I John Hancock, . . . being advanced in years and being of perfect mind and memory-thanks be given to God-therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make and ordain this my last will and testament…Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it: and my body I recommend to the earth . . . nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mercy and power of God. . . -
-
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Jay
Reply
First Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court
Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for His manifold and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by His beloved son. He has been pleased to bless me with excellent parents, with a virtuous wife, and with worthy children. His protection has companied me through many eventful years, faithfully employed in the service of my country; His providence has not only conducted me to this tranquil situation but also given me abundant reason to be contented and thankful. Blessed be His holy name! -
-
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Henry Knox
Reply
Revolutionary War General, Secretary of War
First, I think it proper to express my unshaken opinion of the immortality of my soul or mind; and to dedicate and devote the same to the supreme head of the Universe – to that great and tremendous Jehovah, – Who created the universal frame of nature, worlds, and systems in number infinite . . . To this awfully sublime Being do I resign my spirit with unlimited confidence of His mercy and protection . . . -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Langdon
Reply
Signer of the Constitution
In the name of God, Amen. I, John Langdon, . . . considering the uncertainty of life and that it is appointed unto all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say-First: I commend my soul to the infinite mercies of God in Christ Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, who died and rose again that He might be the Lord of the dead and of the living . . . professing to believe and hope in the joyful Scripture doctrine of a resurrection to eternal life . . . -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
John Morton
Reply
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
With an awful reverence to the great Almighty God, Creator of all mankind, I, John Morton . . . being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and memory-thanks be given to Almighty God for the same, for all His mercies and favors-and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the times thereof, do, for the settling of such temporal estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life . . . -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Robert Treat Paine
Reply
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears.
Robert Treat Paine, The Papers of Robert Treat Paine, Stephen Riley and Edward Hanson, editors (Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 1992), Vol. I, p. 48, March/April, 1749.
[W]hen I consider that this instrument contemplates my departure from this life and all earthly enjoyments and my entrance on another state of existence, I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the Author of my existence, in full belief of his providential goodness and his forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ, through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state, acknowledging with grateful remembrance the happiness I have enjoyed in my passage through a long life. . . -
-
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Rufus Putnam
Reply
Revolutionary War General, First Surveyor General of the United States
[F]irst, I give my soul to a holy, sovereign God Who gave it in humble hope of a blessed immortality through the atonement and righteousness of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. My body I commit to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner. I fully believe that this body shall, by the mighty power of God, be raised to life at the last day; 'for this corruptable (sic) must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality.' [I Corinthians 15:53]
Will of Rufus Putnam -
0%
FairNBalanced4 months, 2 weeks ago
This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
Benjamin Rush
Reply
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
My only hope of salvation is in the infinite, transcendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the cross. Nothing but His blood will wash away my sins. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly!
Add a Comment
Sign In With Your Propeller Account
Please keep your comments relevant to this story.
To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br /> tags.