United States Constitution: Amendment 1. Religion

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

The Establishment Clause 
Congress can't start a religion.

In Everson v. Board of Education (1947), the Supreme Court set down the following criteria:

1. The government cannot set up a church.
2. The government cannot aid one religion, aid all religions, or prefer one religion over another.
3. The government cannot force a person to go or to remain away from church against his will.
4. The government cannot force a person to profess a belief or disbelief in any religion.

Common Practices accepted by Society

1. Most public officials take their oath in the name of God.
2. Military chaplains serve every branch of the armed forces.
3. Money stamped with "In God We Trust."
4. Church/mosque/synagogue property and contributions to religious organizations tax dedutible.
5. Congress and many state legislatures and city councils open with a prayer. Marsh v Chambers (1983)

Religion and Education Questions

1. Release-time for public school students for religious purposes? 
   • McCollum v Board of Education (1948) 
   • Zorach v Clauson (1952)
2. Religious school aid? 
   • Everson v Board of Education (1947)
   • Tilton v Richardson (1971)
3. School Vouchers? Zelman v Simmons-Harris (2002)
4. School Prayer?  Engel v Vitale  (1962)
5. The Teaching of Evolution? 
   • Epperson v Arkansas (1968)
   • Edwards v Aguilard (1987)
6. Equal Access of Public School Property for Religious Activities? 
   • Widmar v Vincent  (1981)
7. Tax Exemptions for Religious Educational Institutions Practicing Racial Discrimination 
   • Bob Jones University v United States (1983)
8. Compulsory Education? Wisconsin v Yoder  (1972)

Religion in the Public Square Questions

1. Holiday and Religious Displays? Lynch v Donnelly (1984)
2. Sunday Closing Laws? McGowan v Maryland (1961)
3. Institutionalized Persons? Cutter v Wilkinson (2005)

The Free Exercise Clause:
And it can't prevent people practicing their religion.

The Test whether a practice is protected: United States v Ballard (1944)

1. Did the Government force the individual to violate their religious belief?
2. Is the belief sincerely held?
3. Is the Government's case compelling?
4. If the action is not compelling, did the individual break a criminal law?

Controversial Religious Practices Questions

1. Polygamy? Reynolds v United States (1879)
2. Flag-saluting? West Virginia State Board of Education v Barnette (1943)

Violations of Religious Beliefs

1. Government regulations based on Religious Beliefs: Cantwell v Conneticut (1940)
2. Unemployment Benefits. Hobbie v Florida  (1987)
3. Ministers. Hosanna-Tabor v Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2012)
4. Government Benefits. Trinity Lutheran Church v Comer (2017)

Action That Are Not Violations of Free Exercise

1. Conscientious objection to a specific war: Gillette v United States (1971)
2. Avoidance of social security taxes based on religious belief: United States v Lee (1982)

Source: The Bill of Rights: A User's Guide

Anne Hutchinson (1591-1643), Advocate for Freedom of Religion
Public Domain

Other Movies about Religious Freedom

1. Agora (2009)
2. Becket (1964)
3. The Crucible (1996)
4. The Handmaid's Tale (1990)
5. Inherit the Wind (1960)
6. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
7. Of Gods and Men (2011)
8. Sergeant York (1941)
9. Silence (2016)
10. The Ten Commandments (1956)