Argumentative Essay On Freedom Of Religion

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“Religious liberty might be supposed to mean that everybody is free to discuss religion. In practice, it means that hardly anybody is allowed to mention it.” ― G.K. Chesterton
Many occasions in the United States history have shown that religion has caused many controversial questions. These questions have brought the American Justice System to a running halt, leading society to begin to ponder about the importance of freedom of religion, true meanings of the free exercise and establishment clause, and if there should be limitations imposed on the free exercise of one’s religious beliefs. The primary importance of the Founding Fathers was their belief that all religions should be protected by law regardless of religion. This is the first …show more content…

I believe that one's ability to trust a certain religion or not having a religion at all is solely up to that person to decide. Congress should not inflict or interfere with anyone's belief because that is their own personal private domain. While people may influence how you perceive your religion nobody should ever be in the way of your beliefs. Such as in the case Torcaso v. Watkins. Appellant was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to the office of Notary Public, but he was denied a commission because he would not declare his belief in God, as required by the Maryland Constitution. Claiming that this requirement violated his rights he sued in a state court to compel issuance of his commission, but relief was denied. The State Court of Appeals affirmed, without the need for implementing legislation, and requires a declaration of a belief in God as a qualification for office. It was a unanimous decision. The Court decided that holding such a requirement places the state of Maryland firmly on the side of those people who believe in God and are willing to state their belief. The First Amendment expressly prohibits a state from taking this position. Although the candidate has the option of not pursuing public office rather than declaring a belief in God, the test is an unconstitutional encroachment on the