Freedom of religion is an unalienable right all citizens of any country should rightfully possess.
For centuries, people of color, women, and immigrants fought for their religious freedoms, and it has
become a right that has shaped America for what it is now. Today it is one of the only “melting pot”
nations widely belonging to all types of cultures, and religious beliefs. Without its extensive amount of
diversity, America wouldn’t even compare to the progressive country it is today and citizens would be
conflicted by what they think is right in their hearts, and what is technically right according to the law.
Everyone, no matter the financial circumstance, has come across a bump in the road due to
life’s challenges, and it has been most responsible for the continuation of religion. The tragic passing of a
loved one, the struggle to pay bills on time, or even the stress of studying for that upcoming calculus
final, for example, require an extra source of hope to surpass. Religion has been that shoulder to rest on
for people since they were little kids, who most likely didn’t even fully understand what it was. The
belief in a higher power, stronger than any of life challenges is what provides unconditional hope for
what outsiders might consider hopeless situations. Religion provides personal motivation, the belief that
you can be successful despite the circumstances, because God has a better plan for you. Through
religion, negative, “throwing in the towel” thoughts are extinguished thanks to preaching that suggest
the harder the struggle, the closer one is to a much needed miracle.
There is no specific definition of a “God” but even if they’re different for various cultures, the
powers that they have over these peoples’ lives are exactly the same. They provide a source of hope for
the hopeless, and strength for the weak no matter how strange it may appear to a non-believer. Taking
away the freedom of religion is the same as taking away someone’s will to push through their struggles
and what good would that do for anyone? America is a country where dreams come true and through
economy crashes, the positive energy continued thanks to the each personal investment in a higher
power that is capable of pulling Americans out of dark times.
Governments refusing freedom of religion, fail to realize the domino effect it has on a society.
Religion represents the source of hope and perseverance for a nation. People who are convinced their
struggles are only temporary give 110% in whatever they can to improve it. In summary, religion
provides hope, hope provides will-power and determination, and that determination leads to hard work
that is necessary to run a successful nation. Today law makers need to realize how important religion is
and that taking it away is unethical. Religion is a source of hope for those in need, and removing it is
prohibiting any hope for the future. By withholding free religion governments are actually setting their
country at an economic disadvantage, and hopefully in the future, all religions will be viewed with
respect, and people of all nations will have the right to believe in whatever higher power they please.