Religious Freedom should be a Citizen of the World Right, Not just an American Right | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Religious Freedom should be a Citizen of the World Right, Not just an American Right

We live in a country where its legally acceptable for me to walk down the street talking to my God, but other countries don't have that right.

59
Religious Freedom should be a Citizen of the World Right, Not just an American Right
uktamilnews.com

I, myself, am a Christian. However, This article is not to offend those who practice other religions nor is it to talk about mine. It's to elaborate on the fact that in this country, it is a legally sanctioned right that we may practice whatever religion our hearts desire.

Taking into consideration the extreme measurements that certain countries such as China, Burma and North Korea take to ensure that their people practice only one religion, it is not hard to be appreciative of the freedom of religion that we have here in America. The thing is that we do not often think of other countries and the problems they face on a day to day basis. As a young woman who was born and raised in the United States, I find it impossible to imagine what it may feel like to have a government tell me what to believe in or what to instill my trust and faith in.

I live in a country where I can walk down the street and talk to my God without fear that I will be punished for doing so. I will not be prosecuted. I will not be tortured. I will not be forced to convert. I will not be exiled. I will not be maimed and put up for propaganda.

There are countries where all of the above happen daily and to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Congregations are denied building permits, people are slaughtered in, or exiled from the streets of their hometowns for religious expression. Yet for some reason, American residents and citizens still take this right for granted.

In China, only five religious groups are permitted registration. This means that if you aren't Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Catholic or Protestant, you cannot legally hold a religious service.

In Iran, Jews are attacked regularly by government organizations.

In Burma, citizenship was denied to over 800,000 people. It is legally required for citizens in Burma to disclose their religion.

In North Korea, if people are caught with Bibles, they are imprisoned, tortured or killed. Sometimes all three one after another.

I implore my fellow Americans to see that though we have religious freedom, many countries do not. I implore you to be grateful. I implore you to never take this country for granted. I implore you to keep those struggling communities in mind, and whether you pray or not, carry with you in your hearts the people who aren't as blessed or as fortunate as we are. Not many people like to talk about all of the negative things that happen around the world but it's important that we shine a light on the atrocities that tend to get swept under the rug. It's important that in countries like ours, where we are allowed a voice, that we use them to help those who cannot use theirs. Barack Obama said it best. "I will never forget that the only reason I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky. Stood up when it was hard. Stood up when it wasn't popular. And because that somebody stood up, a few more stood up. And then a few thousand stood up. And then a few million stood up. And standing up, with courage and clear purpose, they somehow managed to change the world." So if I have to be the first of the million to stand up for those who don't have religious freedom but deserve it, I will be, but I pray that many follow.

.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2830
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1691
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200951
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21374
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments