Reflections on Religious Freedom and Duty

In 1535, St. Thomas More faced his death not as an enemy to his king but in a profound commitment to both God and England. His last words—”I am the king’s faithful servant, and I will die the first man of God”—embodied the essence of what true religious freedom means. It’s about the ability to fulfill one’s obligation to worship God correctly. This ideal challenges lawmakers and church leaders alike, urging them to reaffirm their dedication to protecting their sacred responsibilities.

Religious freedom, as More understood, isn’t merely about evading governmental intrusion; it’s fundamentally the freedom to adhere to God’s will, even when it entails the ultimate sacrifice. His final statement underscored that devotion to God is paramount, even above civil obligations. Pope Leo XIII captured this idea succinctly in his encyclical, stating, “We are absolutely bound to worship God in such a way that God has been shown to be His will.”

When laws hinder the rightful obligation to worship God, they undermine the foundation of religious freedom that the Founders aimed to protect.

More truly lived by this principle, opting for martyrdom rather than yielding to worldly pressures. His demise illustrates that real freedom begins with submission to God—a belief grounded in the moral responsibilities of human existence. To maintain religious freedom is to affirm the duty to offer worship deserving of God, recognizing that even a king lacks earthly dominion over such matters.

The Founding Fathers of America grasped this concept thoroughly. They did not view religious freedom as mere indulgence; instead, they saw it as a right and obligation to honor God. James Madison once remarked, “It is the duty of everyone to honor the Creator and to make sure he believes he is accepted. This duty is a precedent for civil society’s claims, both in time and obligation.”

The creators of the Constitution acknowledged that practicing one’s religious duties is not optional but essential to a free and ethical society. John Adams famously stated, “Our constitution was created only for moral and religious people. It is completely inadequate for other governments.”

However, this understanding now faces increasing challenges. Take the situation of Colorado baker Jack Phillips, for example. He refused to create a cake that conflicted with his beliefs, leading to over a decade of legal struggles, fines, and business hardships. He didn’t ask for special privileges—he simply wished to practice his faith. Ultimately, the Supreme Court intervened, but not without Phillips losing valuable years of life and resources in his fight for religious freedom.

True religious freedom, as envisioned by the Founders, requires robust protections for individuals and institutions to uphold their beliefs across all arenas, not just confined within places of worship or limited exemptions.

Americans should reaffirm their commitment to bolstering their religious rights through laws that foster the common good, realizing the vision of religious freedom exemplified by Thomas More and embraced by the Founding Fathers. An elected official must intertwine their faith with their public duties, as the truth of faith influences governance.

During Religious Liberty Week, it’s vital to remember the core message: “The First of God.” Genuine religious freedom starts with the obligation to worship God as mandated. This duty serves as the bedrock of a just and free society.