A Comparison of the Freedom of Religion in the 1980s and Today in the United States

Ever since the formation of our country's current government system, citizens have been allowed the freedom to worship how they please without involvement from the government. Over the years though, it appears that interpretation and recognition of this freedom in the constitution has changed. In the first amendment to the constitution it states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." We find though, in more than one instance, that this is not the case.

After not having this freedom while under the British government, the founding fathers of our country wanted the people here to have the ability to obtain their own beliefs and worship how they believed, rather than being forced; thus bringing forth the first amendment allowing this without government interference. However, there are a good number of examples from the past in which the government has interfered or discriminated against certain religious groups. One example of this is with the Jews. During the time of the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11 which forced the Jews of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky our of those states. Also, during the 1800's and a portion of the 1900's, it was also illegal for anybody of Jewish belief or background to own property in the US.

In the 1800's there was also much discrimination against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormons), not just by the people, but with government involvement too. In Missouri in 1838, Executive Order 44 was passed declaring Mormons to be treated as enemies, and made it legal to kill one on site. Not only is this act inhumane, but is a direct violation of the first amendment to the constitution.

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In the 1830's, the LDS church began the practice of plural marriage. At the time, there was no law prohibiting this practice in the United States. However, in 1862 congress declared this practice illegal. After this law was passed, the church fought lengthy court battles against this, claiming the practice was protected by their constitutional rights but eventually ended this practice in order to conform to the law. Federal officials made attempts (and had some successions) to prosecute those who happened to already be married to more than one spouse before the passing of this law. This again, is unconstitutional because it violates the ex post facto clause in the constitution (which prohibits retroactive enforcement of laws).

Today, although it is not prevalent with specific religious organizations, the government has been getting somewhat involved with some religious issues. For example, prayer in schools being eliminated. Other examples include The Ten Commandments not being allowed to be displayed in public buildings, Nativity scenes not being allowed to be set up on public property, and also the changing of the phrase "Merry Christmas" to "Happy Holidays". These are all just a few of many instances in which the government has involved itself with religious practices.

It is quite apparent that the United States Federal Government has in fact "meddled" with religion and many people's ability to worship how they choose. This is contrary to what the original founding fathers envisioned for this country. Over time in more than one instance has the constitution been violated by the same people enforce it. This in fact is quite hypocritical and although is not of the largest of our issues at this time, will hopefully get better as time goes on.

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