The first amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” As being the opening to one of the most influential documents in the United States, it is only inevitable that religion had a major impact on the development of American government. Religions including Puritan, Roman Catholicism, and Christianity all played a role in how America is functioning today. Puritans were English Protestants. They believed in the idea of uniformity in religion.
Their main goal was to reform the Church of England and its Catholic ways. Leaders in England were advocates for the church and wanted the Puritans to practice religion their way. Puritans were persecuted and threatened, as well as removed from any political office. When they fled to America, Puritans began to execute and persecute people who reformed against their beliefs, much like the Church of England had previously done to them. Jefferson opposed the idea and Puritan ways.
This established anti-Quaker laws and the impacted the government as it is known today. Roman Catholics were also victimized because of their religious practices. Many rights were denied to them in England including the right to vote, hold office, and publicly worship. In turn, this led to many rebellions against England until the American Revolution. The population of Roman Catholics slowly diminished. This act of discrimination continued on through the years not only in religion, but race and sex.
The Essay on Religion And The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire is credited with many things due partially to their ability to share, spread, and adapt culture. Rome was successful because it both conquered and shared the fruits of conquest with the conquered. Religion was one part of the culture that demonstrated the tolerance of Romans. For example, at the time of Jesus' birth, paganism could be divided into three spheres: the official state ...
Laws that are used today ban this from happening. Religious legal discrimination is only inexistent because of the events that occurred earlier in history. Christianity was the main religion practiced by politicians. The Continental-Confederation Congress greatly promoted Christianity. All aspects of government included an idea of the church. Chaplains were a part of the armed forces and land was granted to Indians if they spread the idea of Christianity.
Members were extremely religious men, but were not officially authorized to openly discuss religion. Thomas Jefferson also used religion during his inauguration, to gain Republican supporters. Religion was not only privately practiced, but services and gospels were held right on the White House property, which was surprising due to Jefferson’s idea of “separation of church and state.” The persecution and support of religion impacted the laws enacted and traditions used in the American government today. The importance of religion stems back to the start of government in America. It is used in all facets of Americans daily lives.
Whether it is to say the Pledge of Allegiance or swear under in oath in court, religion was the creator of the government. The first laws were made to ensure unity in religion, and the first punishments were because of religious differences. Without the many occurrences of religious intolerance, America would not be the open-minded, free country it is today.
