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.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179764
 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

6869
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
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452236
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23173
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments