The United States and Religion

Question

This activity will help you meet this educational goal:
You will explain the relationship between religion, philosophy, and culture.

Directions
Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.
Activity
In this lesson, you’ll look at some historical documents to see what they say about the religious identity of the United States. Determining that identity is not always easy. Is the United States a Christian nation because it was established by Christians? Or does its religious diversity make it a nation of many religions? How has religion affected the culture of our nation?
Part A
Question
Select the correct answer.
Read the First Amendment to the US Constitution. Pay close attention to the highlighted portion:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

What does the First Amendment say concerning religion?

The government should establish an official religion and forbid people from practicing any others.
The government should outlaw established religions but allow unestablished religions.
The government should not be disrespectful toward any religion or impose fines on any religious group.
The government should neither support a religion nor prevent anyone from practicing a religion.
Part B
Question
Select the correct answer from each drop-down menu.

Read this excerpt from President George Washington’s Farewell Address. Then complete the sentence that follows:

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens.

The given excerpt leads to following conclusion:

Washington believed that religion and morality are
the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of its people.

Part C
Think about what you read in parts A and B. Do you think the ideas that Washington expresses contradict the First Amendment? Why or why not?

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part D
Do you agree with what Washington says? Why or why not?

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work below. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000

Answer 1

Part A

Question: What does the First Amendment say concerning religion?

Correct Answer: The government should neither support a religion nor prevent anyone from practicing a religion.

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Part B

Question: Complete the sentence based on the excerpt from President George Washington’s Farewell Address.

Completed Sentence: Washington believed that religion and morality are indispensable supports of the prosperity of the nation and the happiness of its people.

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Part C

Response: I do not think the ideas that Washington expresses contradict the First Amendment. The First Amendment establishes a separation of church and state, ensuring that the government does not favor or establish any one religion over another. Washington’s emphasis on the importance of religion and morality suggests a personal belief in their significance for societal values but does not imply that the government should promote a specific religion or interfere with individual religious practices. Both perspectives can coexist: a government that remains neutral towards religion while acknowledging its role in promoting ethical behavior among citizens.

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Part D

Response: I agree with what Washington says to an extent. I believe that religion and morality can play important roles in shaping positive societal values and fostering a sense of community. However, I also think it is crucial that religion remains a personal matter, allowing individuals to freely choose their beliefs without government interference. This balance can promote a diverse and harmonious society, where morality can thrive independently of any specific religious framework.

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Self-Evaluation

Rating: 4 out of 5

Evaluation: I feel confident in my responses, especially regarding the First Amendment and Washington's views on morality and religion. I appreciate how I could articulate the coexistence of personal belief and governmental neutrality. I learned more about the nuanced understanding of the role of religion in American governance and culture. One challenge I faced was ensuring clarity in expressing the relationship between the historical context of Washington's statement and contemporary interpretations of the First Amendment. Overall, this activity helped deepen my understanding of the complexities of religious identity in the United States.