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Topic(s)
  • Religious Liberty

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Seven states have unenforced bans on atheists holding public office. 
  • The Supreme Court ruled in 1961 that the religious freedom clauses of the First Amendment protect the rights of people of all faiths and none to be eligible for public appointments. 

  • That is critical because a growing number of Americans, especially younger ones, identify as religious “nones.

  1. Based on content in the video, in what ways does prohibiting religious tests strengthen our democracy? Why might it be important to have a religiously diverse government (including believers and non-believers)? 

  1. Why is it important that the religious freedom clauses of the First Amendment extend to religious “nones”? 

  1. Why are there so few religiously unaffiliated people serving in Congress? Beyond the previously discussed laws, what might deter such a person from running for office? 

  1. Why is the number of religious nones growing, especially among younger generations?  

 

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