Growing Support for Religious Freedom in America

In a time of deepening divides in American politics and society, it’s somewhat uncommon to find a value that resonates across different generations and ideological lines. However, one principle seems to unite many quietly: respect for religious freedom.

Earlier this year, the Beckett Fund for Religious Freedom revealed its latest Religious Freedom Index, which showed that support for religious freedom in the U.S. is not only robust but also on the rise.

This Index is based on a survey conducted with 1,000 American adults and assesses support along six different dimensions, ranging from “religious behavior” to “religious pluralism.” A score of zero indicates total opposition to the aspects of religious freedom measured, while a score of 100 reflects total support.

This year, the combined score reached an impressive 70, the highest since the Index was published in 2019.

According to the findings, an increasing number of Americans are expressing a desire for a culture that values religious freedom—a space where faith is acknowledged and respected.

But why is this significant? Mainly because young people are starting to recognize that religion encompasses more than just belief; it embodies a form of freedom.

A big part of the story, and a reason for optimism, lies with Generation Z. They appear to be particularly open to discussions about personal beliefs and are supportive of religious expression in public arenas. This suggests that despite the common narrative of narrow-mindedness, younger generations are actually comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with differing viewpoints.

Another encouraging trend noted in the Index was the rise in religious pluralism. Historically, this metric has been strong, but this year it hit an all-time high of 86, with non-Christian respondents increasingly feeling a sense of acceptance.

This is excellent news for people of faith. But it raises questions for those who identify as non-religious. Is religious freedom solely beneficial to those who adhere to a faith?

Actually, quite the opposite is true. Many secular rights we enjoy today emerged from the struggles of religious minorities advocating for their right to practice and express their beliefs.

For example, take the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Back in the 1930s and 40s, they faced significant backlash for their efforts to convert others and their refusal to salute the flag or participate in military service. Many communities attempted to restrict their preaching, leading to arrests over alleged “disturbances” caused by distributing religious materials without permits.

Rather than back down, they took their battles to court—and they won. Their legal efforts resulted in numerous cases, generating at least 190 appeals and many favorable Supreme Court rulings. Today, these decisions contribute to the foundation of American free speech rights.

These victories not only safeguarded the rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses but also shaped the First Amendment as we understand it. As a result of their advocacy, various groups, from political campaigners to Girl Scouts, can go door-to-door, pitch their ideas, and sell cookies. Activists are free to demonstrate publicly, and students have the freedom to express themselves on campuses.

It’s interesting to note how the right to preach has broader implications for secular movements as well. For instance, the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s greatly benefited from the free speech and press rights that were secured in part by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Similar to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, civil rights activists—like the late Congressman John Lewis—were often arrested for distributing leaflets and assembling in public spaces. Notably, Lewis was arrested in Selma, Alabama, for demonstrating with a sign that read, “One man, one vote.”

Many of these cases eventually made their way to the Supreme Court, where opinions in favor of civil rights activists were influenced by precedents established from the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ legal battles.

A similar dynamic seems to be playing out now. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed at the 50-yard line after games, it upheld the rights of other coaches wishing to express their religious beliefs. Interestingly, this ruling might also set a precedent that could protect coaches who kneel in support of social justice.

Overall, religious freedom doesn’t have to exist solely for the benefit of the religious. It can raise the status of everyone. Supporting it, even if you’re not a person of faith, seems to be worthwhile.