Ethan Glaittli

Philosophy
Professor Drexler
March 6, 2018
Signature Assignment – Stage one

1. Introduction: The freedom of Religion has been around for a long time in American
society. In fact, it’s been around since the beginning. The founding father’s included this
principle as the very first amendment in the U.S. Constitution because of its
foundational influence on society. It states that all people are free to believe in what
they will and that government is prevented from withholding the privilege to practice or
establish it. It is this freedom to believe that drives people to exercise their other
freedoms, and is what makes those other freedoms important. Freedoms such as the
freedom of speech or of the press. In today’s world people sometimes forget that we
each have the right to believe what we will and act in order to accomplish what we
believe is right.

2. Issue: Is there still value in defending the Freedom of religion?

Conclusion: Yes.

3. Burden of proof: If my conclusion is true then we all have the burden to prove this true,
however, for the purpose of what I am arguing here, I have the burden of proof for I am
making the claim. As is the rule with any person who makes a claim.

The prevailing assumptions here revolve around the audience. My intended audience,
or all those I believe this topic applies to, is everyone. This applies to all people
regardless of their current circumstances. However, many of those people with power
and influence over people may lead them to believe this kind of freedom would not be
worthwhile, to maintain their power. In that case, they would hold the burden of proof.
On the other had any people enjoying this freedom, it would be assumed, would agree
that it is valuable. Which includes me, which is why I hold this burden of proof.
4. Outline:

Conclusion: There is still value in defending the freedom of religion.

Major Premises:
- Freedom of Religion is a foundation to our other freedoms.
o The Freedom of speech and press is used to talk about and share things
people value.

o Your freedom to pursue happiness is dictated by what makes you happy, by

what you believe in and value.

- Defending Religious Freedom protects the country from religious conflict.

o Countries who have not enjoyed religious freedom have torn themselves
apart and are almost constantly at war.
 The middle east has been at war for years because of religious
intolerance.

- Religious Freedom promotes a thriving society.

o A society of people with a variety of backgrounds and beliefs helps us
progress.

o Freedom to believe as you want promotes strong families.

 Strong family ties make a more moral and prosperous rising
generation.

5. Potential Objections:

- Religious Freedom can lead to conflict between religions/beliefs.

o Different sects or affiliations with opposing views can become violent
towards each other, seeking to “prove” themselves by overpowering one
another.
o Radical beliefs can become harmful to people or societies.

- Possible response:

o When two different sets of beliefs come into contact with one another inside
a society it only leads to violence when people choose to become violent.
Nearly every religion teaches against such aggression. And even if it did not,
 as a society we have established consequences for actions, a concept every
religious belief is familiar with. With the entity that is a proper government
protecting man from each other and an individual’s own sense of values, it
won’t matter if people disagree they will find value in their freedom.

Hidden assumption:
- I think a major hidden assumption throughout this entire argument is that with all
these different beliefs there are none that find value in breaking laws or doing things
that society would deem harmful or bad.

Sources:

Four Reasons Religious Freedom Matters for Society, Hugh Whelchel, July 6, 2016
https://tifwe.org/four-reasons-religious-freedom-matters-for-society/

Why Does Religious Freedom Matter?, Jennifer Marshall. December 20, 2010
https://www.heritage.org/religious-liberty/report/why-does-religious-freedom-matter