Religious Freedom in the USA

Long before the first amendment was penned, man has needed understanding. Every person that has ever stood upon this Earth has a code of ethics. Whether based in any one religion or atheistic altogether, it is the sole decision of each individual to decide how they live. However, as it has oft been said, the desirable scenario should be a world where all people have freedom of religion, but not freedom from religion. As of late there has been an almost palpable feeling of animosity towards religion, in specific, Christianity. Whether or not somebody chooses to follow a religion or not is their choice, and their's alone. If a person decides he doesn't believe in a God, then that's their decision. When it comes to tearing others down on the basis of faith, however, it becomes bigotry. As a Christian, I understand that since the crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and a myriad of other crimes, wars, and atrocities that have been committed supposedly "in the name of faith", that non-Christians have plenty of reasons to hate us. As a Mormon I understand that the LGBT community feel we have overstepped our bounds in the name of protecting something that matters to us. Let me just put all of that on the table and say, we're sorry if we have hurt you. We're sorry if some of us have acted self-righteously, if our ancestors were cruel to your's, if our beliefs and convictions conflict with your lifestyle. Now that apologies have been made, let it be known that not everyone of us is the same. It is a small, but boisterous minority of us that soil our name. Let me offer one consideration: It's not about us. Those in our number who think it is, are mistaken. It is about one thing and that alone: Jesus Christ. Any true Christian will tell you that. While some can be misguided in carrying it out, all we do is to build the kingdom of God the Father and Jesus Christ. With all the controversy and animosity from all sides, now it is more important than ever to preserve our first amendment rights. Let all people worship how they will, or not worship if they so choose. If you choose to live a certain way, that is your choice. If your beliefs involve backing legislation you care about, by all means stand up for what you believe. We must remember not to demonize those who disagree with us. Everyone has the right to believe what they will, and when there's conflict, it becomes all the more important to remain civil. When hate blinds our actions, nothing is accomplished. If you would like to learn more about religious freedom,please click here.