Sofia Felix

Writing

Sally Knutsen

28 February 2017

The Importance of Religious Freedom

Freedom is at the heart of any prosperous nation. Religious freedom is one of the

most crucial things in todays society. It creates a strong basis of equality and allows for

individual beliefs and ideas. I believe that religious freedom is important because it helps

create a unified nation, promotes justice, and advocates diversity.

In allowing a nation to choose their religion, you bring all the citizens together,

even if their choices are not the same. When looking into history we can see that when

religious freedom is restricted, there is conflict. Lack of freedom causes groups of people

to begin to turn on each other until the nation is completely divided. For example, when

the pilgrims started the settlement Marys Land under the belief of religious freedom, it

prospered. However, once violence began toward Catholics the settlement was in deep

turmoil. The settlement was split into two sides, the Catholics and the Protestants

(eventually the Puritans aswell), and was engulfed in conflict. This is just one example of

how peace and unity was supported by religious freedom.

Through religious freedom, justice is supported. Justice means fairness or

righteousness. The Church teaches that every human being is worthy and deserving of

their own beliefs; therefore, religious freedom is basic right. It is essential that for justice

to be present, freedoms and liberties must also be present, because it is what is fair
according to Gods plan of free will. That is why religious freedom so closely coincides

with justice.

The most diverse nations are also the strongest. America for example, is the

melting pot of all cultures and is also a very prosperous country. A main reason for this is

because of the religious freedom that it is considered a constitutional right. It allows all

citizens to practice their religion without fear of harassment or persecution. Therefore

America has become a haven for the persecuted. Many people find refuge in the freedom

that America offers. This is why it has historically been one of the strongest and most

diverse nations. Diversity is also very important because it teaches tolerance and

acceptance among the citizens.

Freedom of religion plays a crucial rule in all societies. It is one of the most

important factors in a strong Nation. In accordance with Gods teachings, religious

freedom is incredibly important. I believe that it is important because it creates a unified

nation, promotes justice, and creates a diverse nation.