What Is Religious Freedom?

The continuing debate over "freedom of religion" has revealed considerable lack of knowledge concerning just what is encompassed in religious freedom. In essence, it is a "leveling of the playing field." What it is not by mere definition is a seeking of advantage for any particular belief system.

Here are seven aspects of said freedom that should be cherished:

• Freedom to worship according to the dictates of your faith

• Freedom to read Scriptures in public

• Freedom to interpret Scriptures without government interference

• Freedom to choose or change your religious belief

• Freedom to preach and try to convince others of the truth of your belief without any semblance of coercion

• Freedom to establish places of worship

• Freedom from being required to affirm a particular world-view or set of beliefs in order to attend university, work in a given profession (such as teaching, healthcare and law); hold a public sector job (except where there is a genuine occupational requirement such as chaplaincy posts); stand for election; or give parental care to a child. This would not include membership or employment in an organization dedicated to or sponsored by a particular faith.

Obviously regulations would have to be in place to ensure the public welfare, the absence of discrimination and the expectation of living one's life in peace and safety.