In the United States, we might consider ourselves lucky because we have the right to say whoever we want and worship whoever we want. Any American will tell you that that is our first amendment right! How does that apply to religion?
But is it really such a good thing to be so free? Many religious people would say it's a good thing to have free will.
In the article titled, "Are Christians Meant to Feel Guilty," written by Kevin DeYoung, DeYoung writes, "I imagine there are plenty of Christians who rarely feel the sting of conscience or the pangs of regret. But I also know many, many Christians (including the one I see in the mirror) who easily feel bad for all the things they are not doing or are doing less than perfectly."
To those of us that aren't religious, religion seems like a pause on our freedom. Religion has its own set of rules, etiquette, and roles of power. In turn, many religious leaders often times turn to guilt to control those that they lead in worship.
Martin Luther fought directly against the Catholic Church for this very reason. People in the streets were selling pieces of paper called, "indulgences" that were supposed to be the ticket to forgiveness and wipe the sinner's sins clean. This lead to the formation of the Lutheran Church. A church in which you're saved based on "faith alone".
Regardless of this though, those who pray more, read holy texts, or attend church, mosque or synagogue more often will feel more holy than others. This leads to unspoken guilt or shame to those who don't practice religion as well as they preach. Literally.
While on the other hand, those religious folk typically feel more liberated to live in their own truth. I have met many religious people who genuinely believe non-believers are shackled to the world.
As a Political Science major, I have gone around the Central Florida area and registered hundreds of people to vote. There are some religions that don't vote. For example, some Jehovah's Witnesses that I have met in Orlando have told me they don't want to register to vote because they just don't vote. They don't vote because their holy text says that Jehovah is above the laws of this world. They will follow the rules of the world, but they won't take part in our election system by actively voting in our democracy.
Religion changes the perspective of the world that you live in. Our motives, social groups, clothes and hobbies all change based on what values we hold dear to our heart.
For example, Some of my Muslim friends wear long sleeves at all times and still feel liberated. Meanwhile, my Christian friends wear short shorts and still don't feel as liberated from time to time. This shows the difference in perspective and how societal influences can shape our daily life and presentation.
