Celebrate Freedom of Religion Day this January 16th!
Religious Freedom Day, enacted by Congress in 1992 and recognized every January 16 by an annual presidential proclamation, commemorates the enactment of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786. This was written by Thomas Jefferson and later pushed through the state legislature by then member of the House of Delegates, James Madison, saying that individuals are free to believe as they will and that this “shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.”
What does this mean in today’s modern era? Plenty, especially if you are not one of the mass followers of one of the Abrahamic faiths. It means we American citizens are free to pursue any religion, be it witchcraft, Voodoo, Satanism or, yes, even Scientology if we so choose. The founding fathers did not want any religion established as the state faith. Jefferson said: “But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” Before his death, Jefferson wrote that this act contained “within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohametan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination.” Nearly two hundred years have passed since this statement, which refutes the current claims of the Christian Right who continue to erroneously insist that America was founded as a Christian nation. It is too bad that many Americans fail to understand the consequences of not respecting their actual history—we are all then forced to suffer the bigotry this statute was meant to end.
I have had much exposure to different beliefs over the years as a member of many subculture identity groups, which I had joined in order to experience people of many faiths. I have also participated in university lectures and at several conventions as a guest speaker alongside panelists from various world religions. But not everyone I’ve encountered has shared my willingness to stand alongside those who believe differently.
One well-known paranormal television personality had a classless, prima donna fit prior to both of us participating as speakers on a paranormal cruise to the Bermuda Triangle last year. He contacted the event’s organizer’s and said he refused to be on a panel with a Satanist. Bear in mind that I had never said anything antagonistic to this person when we both were VIPs at previous conventions. However, he elected to be as hypocritical as any stone thrower of ages past. It came down to myself being the honorable person, taking the high road and bowing out of the event to allow the event’s host to keep the better-known celebrity in order to keep the cruise booked. Then, this graceless person literally abandoned ship, thus depriving many fans of both of us.
As much as we like to think our society has evolved, there is ample proof in the daily news—as well as by watching people on the streets and via social media—that civilization is but a thin veneer that quickly rubs off if you are not “one of the crowd.” Some would think that for such an “evil” religion as Satanism is perceived to be, I would be a bitter and brooding man. However, I am not. As a speaker and author, it is my hope that I can continue to educate others and see all the glorious sights this world has to offer, all while appreciating the fact I have the good fortune to live in a country that allows such freedom to practice any religion—or total lack thereof—in peace…for the most part. Perhaps, the masses might one day grasp the significance behind Freedom of Religion Day and celebrate it as I do. Until then, I will continue to commemorate it with great appreciation!