S3 E64 No Establishment and Free Exercise of Religion

Episode discussion topics

• The first amendment holds many liberties that are of the utmost importance to self-rule. One, in particular, was captured in the first 16 words of the amendment:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"

• It was designed this way because many founders had no interest in the tyranny of theocratic regimes. They were farmers, lawyers, businessmen, and plantation owners. Many founders did not even subscribe to a religious tradition or church. Nor did they want to be forced to live under the rules of one.
• The government is meant to have a live and let live under our laws and policy. Like all citizens are subject to our laws, so are people in groups.
• Organizations can get tax-advantaged status as non-profit or venture capital churches. The government should not respect an establishment of religion by providing a tax-free ride.
• Let's talk about what prohibiting the free exercise of religion looks like:
  • Police raids on churches and parish leaders.
  • Bogus charges will put followers behind bars or perhaps die in police custody.
  • Religious groups getting denied applications to organize a non-profit or acquire wealth or property for the church.
  • Harassment, threats, and violence as authorities look on and no recourse comes from the courts.
• The first amendment does not give rights to businesses to discriminate against customers because of religious beliefs. Selling a product to a customer has nothing to do with exercising religion.
• There can be no religious test to run for elected office either since our laws do not respect any establishment of religion.
• Calls to Action:
  • One of the best ways to break down divides is to ask questions and find common ground with those in our communities that are different from us.
  • Whatever you believe, seek out someone who believes differently and see if you can appreciate what you have in common as humans.
  • Seek out and vote for representatives that fight to preserve our first amendment rights.

Your hosts: Michael V. Piscitelli and Raymond Wong Jr.

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