Christopher Thompson

Religious Diversity - US
HUMA 2400-002
Synthesis Paper
5/4/2015

Religion in America

Religion lies at the very center of the establishment of America. Many of the
original settlers to this country came here to find religious freedom. They understood
what a government with oppressive laws could do to restrict freedom and inhibit
religious practices. As they became established here upon this new continent, they
realized that they needed a vehicle to protect them in their worship of religion. Through
much effort and perseverance, they created the Constitution of the United States. The
very first amendment outlined in the Constitution was centered in protecting their
religious freedom and keeping government out of religious practices. They sought to
create protection that was broad enough to protect all of the citizens in their own diverse
religious practices and yet narrow enough that protection could be defined and
understood and enforced. Throughout the past two hundred and forty years, that
protection has stood and safeguarded the American people from oppression. However,
over the past fifty years the established Constitution and amendments have begun to be
questioned and reshaped to better define what Americans want from their laws. Due to
this change in the temperature of the religious attitudes of most Americans, we are
faced with task of continually trying to further define what rights are associated with
religious freedom.

Religion is shaping America at a very dramatic and rapid rate. Almost every day
we hear in the media about some conflict that has a foundation in religion or religious
rights. Many of the major issues that Americans are facing relate to defined religion and
what should be protected in religious freedom. As the courts continue to vacillate back
and forth over this issue, they are continually trying to find the balance between the
freedoms to express religion and trampling upon religious freedom. This issue is the
very core of why this country was established and the decisions that are made in the
next few years will either continue to protect religious rights or bring the people into
bondage and oppression. The history of the world has taught us this fact; we must
either uphold religious rights or give them up for slavery and tyranny. This debate over
what religious rights we have or dont have will define who we are as a nation. Although,
in some respects, who we are as a nation has been slowly changing over the past few
decades due to the minority religions who are growing and making more of a name for
themselves and pushing hard to ensure that their rights are also heard and protected.
There are many ways that we encounter specific minority religions in America.
One of the most common ways that any minority religion is brought into the news or
media is because of someone complaining about how they function or feeling violated
or oppressed from that religion. The religion is usually forced to more clearly define who
they are and what they believe. A better approach that we as Americans should take is
to seek out the minority religions and strive to better understand their needs and
concerns. If we made the effort to understand them, we would be on the road to finding
a plausible solution for them and us.

There is a way for all Americans, no matter their belief, faith, or religion to interact
in a successful pluralism. Although, we as Americans may not always agree when it
comes to religious beliefs, there are many platforms that we can work together on and
improve upon to help us find a common ground to keep the peace and order of the
nation. The first step to this peace is through open and clear dialog among the leaders
of religion and those who are in political leadership positions. This would not only help
to begin a working platform of agreement, but it would raise awareness in the public eye
and increase understanding about the issues. If all religions would present their issues
with clarity and kindness and if the political figures would receive them and listen in
kindness, we would have the time to build a working structure that would protect all and
safeguard pluralism.
In conclusion, if we as the people of America will understand where we came
from and realize where we are going; we would begin to establish a friendly and
cohesive environment through communication and kindness for all of our children to
grow up in and for the religion of all to be protected and upheld.