Is Religious Freedom A Myth - 967 Words

Is religious freedom real in America? According to Sehat, religious freedom is just a myth and explains so with the three-fold myth of religious freedom. The first myth is separation of church and state in which Sehat states that a moral establishment formed between church and state, allowing religion to influence morality and laws in the states. The second is the myth of decline, Sehat argues that religious affiliation has not declined but has actually increased. The third myth is of exceptional freedom, where Sehat claims the moral establishment set boundaries and restrictions to America’s liberty. These three myths come together in support of Sehat’s claim of religious freedom as a myth. Throughout the semester we have examined Sehat’s claims about this â€Å"myth†, as well as counterarguments that do not support these claims. I argue that Sehat is wrong, religious freedom is not a myth, but a working process Americans have tried to maximize. We have s een religious freedom growing since the 1800s, as well as multiple religious and minority groups forming outside of Christianity. During the 1800s the second great awakening occurred. Many groups formed with innovative movements and beliefs that were outside of Christianity norms or beliefs. Sehat claims that American religious freedom has been â€Å"circumscribed,† and shaped based on the moral establishment. However, if religious freedom was restricted than none of these groups could have been formed or expanded in great numbers.Show MoreRelatedMyths Are Influenced By The Founding Of America1193 Words   |  5 Pages Four popular myths are commonly associated with the founding of America. The first myths is that all of the settlers came to America, seeking religious freedom. Secondly, all of the settlers were from the middle of the English social class and brought their families with them. 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