The article “The Development of Religious Liberty in America” by Steven Waldman discusses historical development of the USA in terms of religious preferences and how religious life affects political and cultural aspects of national life. The author argues that from the very beginning of American historical development the country was dominated by Christianity; in particular it was settled as Protestant nation. Most of the colonies didn’t accept pluralism and could be hardly characterized by religious tolerance.The idea was to make society follow Protestant values and beliefs.
The church and the state were united to fight against Catholicism. (Waldman, 2008) Nevertheless, state-supported experiments failed and young James Madison with other Founding Fathers concluded that “official state religions led to oppression of minority religions and lethargy among the majority religions”. (Waldman, 2008) I think that it was the first step on the long road to religious freedom and religious tolerance in the USA.The second step was the War of Independence which managed to re-shape colonial attitudes towards religious liberty. Moreover, George Washington was the first to impose tolerance in the Continental Army.
In the end of the 18th century the practice of official religion was broken and relations between the state and the church were re-established. I think that one of the most positive changes is that government nowadays is forbidden to establish any official religion as the nation is diverse.Religious freedom in the country should be characterized by pluralism and religious diversity as nowadays is democratic era. And Founding Fathers were the first to agree with all statements. Government should support religion if national interest and safety are considered.
The article contributes the Sociology of Religion as it discusses historical development of religious freedom in the USA, long and difficult road to religious liberty and national attitude towards imposed official religion. (Waldman, 2008)
