Freedom of religion facts for kids

Freedom of Worship, a painting by Norman Rockwell from 1943

Freedom of religion means that people can choose their own beliefs. They can follow any religion they want, or they can choose not to follow any religion at all. This freedom also means people can practice their religion openly and safely.

When there is no freedom of religion, people might be punished. They could be treated badly or even hurt for not having the "right" religion. In some countries, like China or North Korea, people have been punished for their religious activities.

What is Religious Freedom?

Religious freedom is a basic human right. It means you can think and believe what you want. You can also worship in your own way. This right protects people from being forced to believe something they don't. It also stops governments from controlling people's spiritual lives.

Why is Religious Freedom Important?

Religious freedom helps create a fair society. It allows different groups to live together peacefully. When people are free to believe, they can share their ideas. This can lead to new ways of thinking and living. It also means people can follow their conscience.

Freedom to Choose

This freedom means you can join a religious group. You can also leave one if you wish. No one should force you to be part of a religion. And no one should stop you from practicing your faith. This includes praying, going to a place of worship, or celebrating holidays.

Freedom from Harm

Religious freedom protects people from harm. It means you should not be hurt or jailed for your beliefs. It also means you should not lose your job or home. Everyone should be treated fairly, no matter their religion.

History of Religious Freedom

The idea of religious freedom has grown over many years. In the past, many countries had one official religion. People who believed differently were often treated badly.

Early Ideas of Tolerance

Some early thinkers argued for religious tolerance. This meant allowing different religions to exist. For example, in 1568, the Diet of Torda declared religious freedom. This happened in what is now part of Romania. It was one of the first times this idea was made into law.

Important Documents

Many important documents now protect religious freedom. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen from 1789 is one example. It was written in France. This document said people could have their own religious opinions. It also said their religious actions should not disturb public order.

The United States also has strong protections. The First Amendment to its Constitution guarantees religious freedom. This means the government cannot set up a national religion. It also cannot stop people from practicing their own faith.

Religious Freedom Around the World

Today, many countries protect religious freedom. However, some places still have problems. People might face challenges because of their beliefs.

Challenges to Freedom

In some countries, governments control religion. They might limit where people can worship. They might also punish people for certain religious practices. This can make life very hard for religious minorities.

Promoting Understanding

Many groups work to promote religious freedom. They try to teach people about different faiths. They also work to stop unfair treatment. Understanding different beliefs helps everyone live together better.

Related pages

• Religious toleration
• Separation of church and state
• State religion
• Secularism
• In Spanish: Libertad de culto para niños

Images for kids

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  Hindus praying to Brahma in Bangkok, Thailand, a majority-Buddhist country.

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  Minerva as a symbol of enlightened wisdom protects the believers of all religions (Daniel Chodowiecki, 1791)

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  The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) guarantees freedom of religion, as long as religious activities do not infringe on public order in ways detrimental to society.

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  Nineteenth century allegorical statue on the Congress Column in Belgium depicting religious freedom

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  A U.S. postage stamp commemorating religious freedom and the Flushing Remonstrance

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  The cross of the war memorial and a menorah coexist in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England

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  Declaration, by Ferenc Dávid of Religious and Conscience Freedom in the Diet of Torda in 1568, painting by Aladár Körösfői-Kriesch

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  Original act of the Warsaw Confederation 1573. The beginning of religious freedom in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth

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  Adam Smith argued in favour of freedom of religion.

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  Women detained at Western Wall for wearing prayer shawls; photo from Women of the Wall