22 – Religious War on Liberty?
The Bill of Rights – Amendment One: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Americans have a complex relationship with religious beliefs. We share a general knowledge that many immigrants came here to escape religious intolerance by governments across the oceans. Most understand and support the idea that citizens are to be allowed to practice the religion or denomination of their choice.
Few are knowledgeable of historic facts related to harsh realities associated with other government’s or citizen mob actions associated with rigid enforcement of “state religions.” An example can include Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572, during which thousands of French Huguenots were murdered in the streets. The murderous conflict resulted from the planned marriage of the Catholic, King Charles IX’s sister’s marriage to a Protestant. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bartholomew%27s_Day_massacre)
But there is little thought or discussion on whether “freedom from religion” or “freedom from other’s religions” is included in the First Amendment. For example, there exist many differences among Christian denominations regarding Biblical concepts. Is it possible that polarization within American society is based on religious groups gaining enough voting power to enact their religious beliefs into laws so that others acting upon their different religious views can be criminally charged?
Reading about and watching Ken Burns miniseries on Prohibition might provide some insight into these issues. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_(miniseries)
Reading American history, indicates the common exercise of a broad scope of personal actions that have become restricted through passage of laws that seem related to religious views. Should such laws be investigated based on them being violations of First Amendment freedoms of religion?
Joseph L. Bass 11/5/2025