(TheRedWire.com) – “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
The First Amendment is very clear about Americans’ rights to practice their own religions. Yet 2020 saw those rights treated more as privileges, which ignores the very premise of the Constitution itself. See, the Bill of Rights was created in the first place because the states would only agree to the Constitution if our natural “unalienable” rights (those given to us by God) were protected. In 2021, we need to use those rights or risk losing them, starting with religious freedoms.
Many have (somewhat jokingly) suggested the congregations gather in Walmart as box stores and even abortion clinics and strip clubs remained open while churches were closed. But church isn’t even necessarily where we need to start.
- Listen with respect: Every religion has its own specifics, but when you come right down to it, the basic premise is the same. “Respect God and be kind to each other” seems to be one constant theme found in almost all religions, even when “God” goes by a different name. Why not listen to each other’s concepts and perhaps even adopt some of their practices. But at least listen without feeling the need to condemn only because it’s different… and not necessarily wrong.
- Celebrate: Even if the church doors were chained shut or the building itself didn’t exist at all, there is absolutely nothing to stop anyone from celebrating their religious beliefs at home. If that includes Zoom calls or singing in the backyard, so be it.
- Normalize God Talk: Why are religious people made to feel ashamed for their beliefs? Why is it said that you don’t discuss religion and politics? We need more discussions and fewer jokes about God or religion. That means starting conversations and pointing out the fallacy of trying even jokingly to humiliate those who take their religion seriously.
- Vote: With issues like late-term abortion that clearly go against most religions, voting has never been more important. While you don’t need to force your religion on anyone, you certainly should consider all topics and vote according to your spiritual beliefs because silence IS consent, even at the polls.
These points are just a start. Remember that regardless of the details of any one religion, God was considered in the writing of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, giving us specific rights that cannot be taken without our consent, period.
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