I think I would have to say the freedom of religion because it has impacted my life the most. The school I attend, the church I am a member at, and the daily time I spend with God would not be realities if we were not guaranteed this freedom. I thought of the war in Iraq..and the oppression those people lived under, and Paul and the disciples-they underwent a ton of persecution for their beliefs. The worst I’ve ever had to deal with is being made fun of…and that pales in comparasion to what other believers must endure for the cause of Christ. I am thankful I don’t have to worship in secret, or worry when I go to church about the police coming and arresting us all. I am thankful I have the right to pray before my classes, and to talk with my friends about God openly. I wish I could say I have never been ashamed of my faith, but that would be a lie..however, when I think about the amazing freedoms I have, there is no way I should be ashamed. I have nothing to lose, at this point, I’m not going to die for sharing the love of Christ. I am also thankful the government doesn’t have the right to enact a state or national church. Even in my own class at school there are different churches and different beliefs represented, but they aren’t a source of contention or arguements, instead, they have provoked some very interesting conversations with my friends. It’s neat to listen to what other people believe and why they believe that, I have even learned a thing or two. And thanks to our founding fathers, we have the freedom to have different beliefs and attend whatever church we may choose. So for all those reasons, and for many more, I am thankful and I value the freedom of religion the most.
