When you read the U.S.Constitution, especially any references to RELIGION, which can be found in the FIRST AMENDMENT and ARTICLE SIX, their Importance is Based on:
The Ability to Worship as One Chooses, Free of Unwarranted Harassment from Government. No System of Faith is Treated as Superior to another. While this is indeed important, and worth defending at all costs, it is only one part that defines the Necessity of Religious Freedom in a Constitutional Democracy.
Why? Because Throughout World History, CRIMINAL ACTS NOT ONLY INCLUDED CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE, BUT ALSO BEHAVIOR THAT STOOD IN OPPOSITION TO STATE SPONSORED/ENDORSED RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE.
It could be "THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS", where the Authority to Rule others is taken from "THE WILL OF GOD." Therefore, to Attempt to Overthrow a Reigning Monarch was considered Heretical, and a Crime Against God and the Church.
Sometimes it would be Actions that upset the "God Given" order of Society, where ROYALTY, PRIVILEGE AND AFFLUENCE were acquired by Birthright, and not by any Specific Talent or Ability.
Perhaps the Most Prevalent Form of STATE SPONSORED RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, was simply Refusing to Accept the Faith, Symbols and Observances of the Dominant Religion, which owed much of its Premier Position to an Alliance with the Established Form of Government.
In other words...
- You could Obey the Laws Preserving Social Order and Peace.
- Accept the Rule of the Monarchy.
- Pay Taxes and Fines.
- Serve in the Military to Protect Your Country and the Monarchy.
...and your Reward could be a Prison Cell, Loss of Property, or in the Most Extreme Cases: The Hangmans Noose, The Executioners Ax, or Burning at the Stake.
END OF PART 2.
