RELIGIOUS FREEDOM | AUGUST 4, 2022

Why the History of Religious Freedom Matters to You, Right Now

There’s a passionate cultural conversation going on about the rights and freedoms of individuals versus the social policies that we’re all obliged to adhere to, whether because of changes in laws passed or because of societal pressure to abide by certain norms.

Clock and books — Photo by Triff/Shutterstock.com

It has become increasingly daunting to find common ground on a wide range of social issues. Good-hearted, thoughtful people on both sides of every major debate are finding that the climate and forum for modern communication seems increasingly designed to amplify the loudest, most extreme voices at the expense of more well-reasoned arguments that might actually create consensus.

It’s my sincere hope that when it comes to religious freedom we always move forward from here.

In the face of such a crucible, I’m especially grateful for the work my church has done and continues to do in the field of human rights and religious freedom. Understanding the history of how our society came to be in its present condition, what legal precedents exist and how one landmark decision led to the next and the next helps freedom fighters who create change in the fields of free speech, free thought and religious liberty stand on the firmest possible ground.

The philosopher George Santayana is credited with the famous quote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” It’s therefore the duty of every person who is working to make the world a better place to study and understand the past so they can make the best possible decisions in the present and for the future.

Court — Photo by BlurAZ/Shutterstock.com

With that in mind, I invite you to explore the amazing resource of landmark religious liberty cases compiled and curated by STAND League. Take the time to read the brief introduction and then enjoy the fascinating human stories that have created legal and societal precedent for millions of people in the U.S. and around the world to practice their beliefs safely and openly.

It’s my sincere hope that when it comes to religious freedom we always move forward from here.

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