VII. Conclusion
The war on religious liberty is a contest between two incompatible views of God, man, and government. The Founders’ view, established in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, holds that God created man, giving him freedom and inalienable rights. Government’s role and powers are limited to protect man’s freedom. Men are free to live according to the religious dictates of their conscience.
The war on religious liberty is a contest between two incompatible views of God, man, and government. The Founders’ view, established in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, holds that God created man, giving him freedom and inalienable rights. Government’s role and powers are limited to protect man’s freedom. Men are free to live according to the religious dictates of their conscience.
The Progressive view, on the other hand, replaces God with human government. Freedom is the realization of human potential, and freedom is the gift of the state. Government’s role and powers are expanded as needed to remake man in a way that fulfills his human potential. Since God does not exist, however, no one is free to live according to religious dictates.
Why are Progressives waging a war on religious liberty? Progressives reject America’s founding principles.(167) Although Progressives have enjoyed significant success in eroding the
U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, religious liberty remains the primary obstacle to the Progressive transformation of our government and culture. Progressives are therefore waging a war on religious liberty, particularly the religious liberty of Christians. The Progressive philosophy of naturalism deifies scientific methodology and rejects the existence of God.(168) Progressive jurisprudence justifies religious intolerance and denies legal protection to religious liberty.(169)
How are Progressives waging a war on religious liberty? The Progressive war on religious liberty employs the following strategies: (1) driving Christian influences out of education,
(2) driving Christian influences out of the public square, (3) government discrimination against religious speech and activities, (4) destroying Christian businesses, religious institutions, and educational institutions through arbitrary regulations and excessive fines, (5) destroying freedom of speech for Christians,
(6) using federal discrimination laws to usurp the authority of Christian churches and schools to select their own leaders, and (7) destroying the livelihoods of Christians who refuse to abandon their faith.(170)
Why should we protect religious liberty? Religious liberty must be protected for three reasons. (1) Religious liberty is the cornerstone of our Constitution. Our Constitution has enabled unprecedented progress and prosperity in America and around the world.(171) (2) Religious liberty and political liberty are inseparable.
Political liberty and religious liberty developed together in the same struggle against tyranny, and neither can flourish in the other’s absence. Men are not angels, and any government that denies religious liberty to its people will inevitably deny political liberty as well.(172) (3) Religious liberty is necessary for maintaining a free republic. Preserving our form of government requires a politically virtuous people, and political virtue requires religious liberty.(173)
How can we protect religious liberty? Six legal strategies have proven their ability to protect religious liberty.(174) (1) The First Amendment requires federal and state governments to accommodate the religious practices of individuals. Government must recognize the right of individuals to avoid practices that they consider contrary to their faith. (2) Government may not unduly burden the free exercise of religion by individuals, businesses, or religious organizations, including educational institutions.
(3) Government cannot engage in “viewpoint discrimination” against Christian activities. (4) Government cannot limit the First Amendment free speech rights of Christians, including the right to pray. (5) Americans are free to honor traditions which have both historical and religious value, including public prayer and memorials in public places. (6) The First Amendment guarantees the right of religious organizations and schools to choose their own ministers and teachers without government interference.
Thomas Paine wrote in 1776 that “these are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”(175) The future of our republic depends on protecting religious liberty. Each of us must do our part, in our families, in our schools, in the public square, and, if necessary, in the legal arena as well. The Morris Family Center for Law and Liberty at Houston Baptist University is dedicated to preserving religious liberty, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. We hope you will join us.
