FREEDOM OF RELIGION CHAPTER 17

More people have died in the name of religion than…………………..

American Values 3 Most Important American Values 1. Equality – given in the Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence 2. Liberty - FREEDOM! 3. Justice – prevent violations to others others

A. Religious Freedom 1. Many people came to America from Europe for religious freedom 2. Many came to America to get away from religious persecution 3. There is no official religion in America. 4. The Constitution promises religious freedom

B. Why is this freedom important? 1. In order to protect all religious groups 2. Guaranteeing religious freedom allows others to follow their own beliefs 3. To protect people against persecution and discrimination

C. Laws About Religion 1. Protected in the 1st Amendment 2. The government may not set up an official religion 3. The government cannot favor one religion over another 4. Public schools cannot teach religion, but may teach about religion 5. People may believe in any religion they wish, or none at all 6. Religion rules may not violate the law 7. School District of Abingdon Township, Penn vs. Schempp – schools may not participate or require Bible reading and prayer during the school day