¶ … PROTECTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN THE U.S.A.
In spite of the fact that the constitutional order puts across a series of elements from which the American public (as a whole) benefits, it is also responsible for enabling many individuals to freely express religious fanaticism through criminal acts. It is very surprising that matters in the U.S. were relatively peaceful for the last two centuries, with the recent decades marking a significant change in nation's connection to religion, especially considering that many individuals have come to associate the country with Christianity and with elements favoring the discrimination of other religions. The constitutional order is of no use to the well-being of the public in particular situations, as it can be overridden by some, regardless of the morality in their behavior.
The First Amendment of the Constitution (ratified in 1791) says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." These clauses were installed with the purpose of limiting the government's power while the masses were allowed to choose which religion they wanted to serve. Even with that, given that Christianity was the dominant religion in the U.S., Christians expressed their desire to maintain their cultural supremacy in the country. Protestant Christians in particular appear to be greatly interested in imposing their power in the country and in spite of the fact that there are many religious sects in the U.S., it is obvious that the dominant religion influences most of the activities within the country's borders.
In spite of the fact that it is obvious that they are acting against the Constitution, a great deal of people recognize the opportunity of encroachment against the constitutional order and hence act accordingly. Communities are apparently less able to differentiate between legal matters and matters that come in contradiction with some of the nation's greatest values. People cross the line exaggeratedly because they know that they can evade the constitutional order through the activities they perform.
It is impossible for the U.S. government to favor a religious sect over another and it would thus be mandatory for religion to have less influence on people and on the way that they behave in society. Fanaticism is however present in the U.S. In large proportions, making it even more difficult for moral people to be able to express themselves freely. Extremist religious individuals go through great efforts with the purpose of injecting their ideology in their victims. Moreover, many of them are actually determined to do anything for their religion to receive the appreciation they think it deserves.
It is particularly surprising that religion can stand as a basis for fanaticism, considering that it is also responsible for some of the greatest moral advancements in the history of the U.S. However, people should not necessarily view this as proof that religion is the reason for which the country has come to be appreciated for the freedom that it puts across.
The general population in the U.S. should understand that moral progress occurs mainly as a result of the fact that people who recognize the difference between right and wrong have gotten actively involved in promoting ethical values. Religion and society as a whole have changed greatly from the times when the Constitution was devised, making it somewhat uncomfortable for people living in the twenty-first century to relate to the belief that the concept of the U.S. is fueled by Christianity.
Religious extremism poses a threat to the nation's general well-being, aiming at destroying large communities or at installing a state of chaos. Religious fanaticism has reached great heights, with some of the country's most influential individuals expressing their blind support for anything that is related to religion. Mike Huckabee, one of the 2008 presidential candidates, put across his determination to serve religious purposes during his speech: "I believe it's a lot easier to change the constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God, and that's what we need to do is to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards" (First Read). This stands as proof regarding the fact that some people are virtually unable to abandon their religious convictions, even when the position that they hold involves values concerning total freedom for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds.
The international public has expressed confusion regarding events in which the U.S. was the main target of terrorist attacks. This confusion is most probably generated as a result of the fact that the country is renowned its supportive take on autonomy of any kind, especially when...
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now