Religious freedoms, not so free

Thomas Pain spoke out against issues he thought were incorrect during his time. One issue he discussed was how he felt citizens were being treated like slaves by Britian. In today’s world, there are many instances where we often feel like our freedoms have come to a halt. One particular circumstance that comes to my mind is the freedom of religion, or the lack of. If America was built on the principles of freedom of choice, how can something as simple as worship become such a huge problem?

[http://www.edupics.com/coloring-page-religions-of-the-world-i4586.html]

Over the years, religion in the United States has become more diverse. However, the number of places were religion can be freely discussed are vastly becoming limited. One main place that issues of religious freedoms arise most frequently is in schools. According to the Constitution (Separation of Church and State), public school officials are to ask themselves two questions: 1) Is the activity religious? And 2) Is it supported and sponsored by the school? It is said to be unconstitutional for a public school to lead a school prayer, or conduct a “moment of silence” where time is given for contemplation. Two federal courts even declared it unconstitutional for students to meet for prayer during non-instructional times. Within limitations on ones religious freedoms such as these, is religion in this country even considered a right of choice? [http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1396]

[http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Ln9KFpNFVts]

In such reports as the video above, both sides of religion in schools are being displayed. Blair Robertson stated, “I think America is losing a lot of it’s core, base values that it was founded upon.” With America being a country founded on religion and freedom of choice, there are only so many laws that can be made before citizens no longer have their individual rights. Pretty soon America will no longer be known as the land of the free.

[http://the-pa-in-connection.blogspot.com/2012/08/oh-those-unintended-consequences.html]

So many regulations have been put upon our school systems today because of the Constitutional ruling of Separation of Church and State. One of the most devastating rulings to hear about, as an American, was the dismissal of the Pledge of Allegiance being said in schools. All because of two simple words, “Under God”, 5 states now do not require their schools to recite the pledge. [http://www.takepart.com/photos/these-five-states-do-not-require-pledge-allegiance-schools] These words, the pledge of our country, should stand for so much more than just a religious battle. They are words said in respect of our freedoms, in respect of our country, and all those who fought for us to live the privileged lives we have. Without what our pledge stands for, who would even have the right to stand up in our country and argue about their religious beliefs?

[http://theprincipal.blogspot.com/2011/06/justices-decline-to-hear-pledge-of.html]

Free. But just for how long? While America is a country built on opportunities and the right to individualism, it is slowly being condensed. While people think they are exercising their rights, and doing things such as having the pledge taken out of schools, they are really harming other peoples’ constitutional rights. To grant their right, they are taking away my right of religion and everyone elses. At some point, the American government needs to know just how far they can go constitutionally, without being contradictory.

Why did Jonathan Edwards care so much about religion?

Jonathan Edwards is often portrayed by high intellect and vast knowledge of religion. It seems that every where time his name is mentioned it is correlated to some religious works. However, just exactly why did Edwards care so much about religion? Hence, why did he feel the need to share his thoughts publicly? To Edwards, religion became a way of life.

[http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/30100/30192/edwards_30192.htm]

Edwards knowledge of religion began at birth. He was the fifth child of Rev. Timothy and Ester Edwards. It was apparent at a very young age that he had a high intellect. [http://christianity.about.com/od/unitedchurchofchrist/a/jonathanedwards.htm] Then, upon his college years, Edwards continued his education in the religion field by studying theology. [http://edwards.yale.edu/research/about-edwards/biography] Finally, to graduate and at age 23 to become a pastor. This was just the beginning start to his contributions in religion, for the Great Awakening was on the cusp.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Vc47CfbZYNA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DVc47CfbZYNA

[http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Vc47CfbZYNA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DVc47CfbZYNA]
(This video gives just an idea of what Edwards preaching might have been like)

The Great Awakening was a very passionate out breaking of religion in the 18th century. During this time period was when Edwards wrote and preached some of his more controversial pieces. He became famous for such works as “Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God”. [http://christianity.about.com/od/unitedchurchofchrist/a/jonathanedwards.htm] However, Edwards was later on dismissed from his church. This left him feeling as if many members of the congregation were hypocrites. With all aside, Edwards stood by his faith, but kept his works in moderation.

Many people often ask why Edwards was so religious and just how he made such a contribution. Edwards grew up on religion based morals, but often question what he believed of them to be true. He wrote hundreds of papers analyzing religion and defending it. He has even been referred to as “the theologian of the heart” by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. [http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/200201/200201_104_johnathan.cfm] To me, it’s more than obvious that Edwards studied and wrote about religion because it was his passion. It was something that he felt in his heart, and that God sent him here to do it. From this one man’s passion, religious aspects have forever been changed.

[http://calvinistcafe.blogspot.com/2012/04/jonathan-edwards-sinners-in-hands-of.html?m=1]