This year we’ve been celebrating 250 years since the US declared its independence as a sovereign nation. In the month of September, we also celebrate Constitution Day on the 17th.
The United States and it’s Constitution became a light to the world, as America established a new form of freedom for its people that didn’t depend on the whims of a ruler.
The United States Constitution set up a framework for our government that we could rely on. It also provided limitations on how government could treat citizens. It put in writing specific rights that were considered inherent for all people and required the government to honor and protect those rights.
The Constitution also established–as the first right mentioned in the Bill of Rights–the right and freedom to live our religion without interference from the government.
The Constitution defines and controls the Federal government, but really doesn’t place any requirements on the people. Other laws have been enacted that regulate the affairs of people, but our freedom of religion provides us a better way.
That freedom of religion helped provide a moral foundation for the people that could balance our responsibilities with the rights protected by the Constitution. Through the light of religion, people could gain a view and motivation to voluntarily live in a way that would maintain a peaceful society.
Certainly, there are some who view religion with contempt because of darkness that historically has been tied with religion. No doubt, some evil has taken place in the name of religion. But religion has also given us much good. The good is the light for which religion exists. I believe any evil that has been tied to religion in some way has been due to the malpractice of religion. As with anything good, people have found ways to use it for evil. Even our communications and information technologies, that provide us with many good things, are at times used for evil and darkness.
We don’t avoid the use of technology because others misuse it. We should look at faith and religion the same way. If we are looking for the light in faith and religion, we will find it, if we keep searching. That search, that pursuit, is about as important as anything else in life.
During this time surrounding Constitution Day, let’s take some time to renew our knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of our nation’s Consitition. At least equally important: let’s take advantage of the freedom of religion it grants us and renew our efforts to seek out the light of faith and religion.
NOTE:
Lightward bound does not endorse any particular religion or spritual path. Rather, we encourage all people to seek out, for themselves, the light that can be found in faith, religion, and spirituality. This is an important part of human life, not to be neglected.
More quick thoughts on religion:
The Christian call stated by Jesus Christ to love others as ourselves is a great light to adopt into our own lives.
Both Christianity and Judaism espouse and advocate The Ten Commandments, which are a source of light that includes honoring God and honoring our parents; and avoiding the darkness of theft, murder, and false testimonies against others.
Similar light can be found in the Muslim faith. Not being so familiar with the religion, I asked for an AI response and received this:
“Islam promotes gratitude, compassion, justice, patience, devotion to God, and care for family and animals, alongside community support and personal spiritual growth. It encourages positive psychology, kindness to parents, and ethical conduct in daily life.”
Search Assist on duckduckgo.com in response to the question: “What sort of good things does Islam promote?”
You may find light in many religious groups. In which do you find the most light? That’s your obligation to find out. And always beware of any darkness that is inseperable from the religion or sect.