In the Dark Ages a similar religious monopoly existed, as there was one main church which had close ties to the government. History tells us that this religious monopoly allowed or even encouraged the church to abuse its power.
One outcome of religious freedom is the ability to choose between several options. This discourages religions or denominations from abusing their power, knowing that if they do, membership will decline. Tragically, switching denominations or avoiding religion altogether wasn't an option in the dark ages.
In conclusion, I thank God for religious freedom. I truly believe that the ability to choose your own belief system without pressure is one of our most important human rights. What are your thoughts?
Religious Freedom Quotes
Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. - Thomas Jefferson
The United States government must not undertake to run the Churches. When an individual, in the Church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest he must be checked. - Abraham Lincoln
Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects? - James Madison
Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate - Ulysses S. Grant
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