Religious Liberty

No greater liberty was ever conferred on a people than that of freedom to worship according to the dictates of one's own conscience. The first amendment to the Constitution declares that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibit the free exercise thereof." All persons have the privilege to entertain any religious belief, practice any religious rite, teach any religious doctrine, which is not subversive of morality and does not interfere with the personal rights of others. However, this liberty can not be "invoked as a protection against legislation for the punishment of acts inimical to the peace, good order, and morals of society," because professed doctrines of religious belief are not superior to the laws of the land. No person is permitted to become a law unto himself, nor may he in the name of religion, or through a religious ceremony, violate the law. Religious liberty does not include the right to introduce and carry out every scheme or purpose which persons see fit to claim as a part of their religious system. While there is no legal authority to constrain belief, no one can lawfully stretch his own liberty of action so as to interfere with that of his neighbors, or violate peace or good order. - United States Supreme Court. Laws are made for the government of actions, and while they can not interfere with mere religious beliefs and opinions, they may with practices. - United States Supreme Court. Separation of church and state. - The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of American Government. Neither is permitted to dictate to or exercise power over the other. In no other way can religious liberty be preserved. Religion and national defense. - There is no place for the doctrine of "noncooperation." Religious beliefs will not excuse any citizen from rendering service in the defense of the country, although Congress has power at its discretion to exempt him.