Perhaps sometimes we may forget about the significance of religion in the traditions or our American heritage. As many of us are aware, the pilgrims were motivated to cross the ocean in hopes of finding religious freedom. They were not able to worship as they chose to. This religious tradition continued throughout American history with many families studying the Bible together.

Although many families didn't attend a particular church or organization due in large part to the challenges of frontier life, many families held deep-rooted religious beliefs. This is evident in the feelings among the colonists that freedom was granted to all men from God, not from royalty in England. When we consider the history of the struggle for America's freedom one can't really deny that it was a miracle in and of itself.

This religious sentiment is woven into the very fabric of our nation. Even our money denotes this with the inscription "In God We Trust." Our founding fathers were mostly educated men with varying trades. Many were lawyers, doctors, and merchants. Many of these educated men were very religious as well and felt strongly about having the freedom of religion available to all.

Religion in our country today seems like an almost taboo subject. It is interesting to consider how our nation has gone from such deep-rooted beliefs to having arguments about displaying a Christmas tree at a firehouse. It should be asked, is it freedom of religion that inhibits the display of religion even on public property or is it really defending the right of individuals that don’t share the same religious beliefs?

Should Christians really be offended when they see a Menorah displayed or should any religion try to impede the worship of any other religion? It seems interesting that the debate has become so heated and that everyone seems to feel like they have to walk on eggshells when they discuss religion. It's a little scary that the religious discussions in general have really come to that. It makes one wonder what the future holds as far as religion in schools (the Pledge of Allegiance, prayers at college graduations) and how it will affect the future generation.

To some, it may feel very uncertain and troubling. It would be interesting o have our founding fathers present today and have them weigh in on the condition of religion in America. They would more than likely be shocked at the very least. That would be an indication of how far we have strayed as a nation on a whole from the original values this country was built upon. Let us remember the sacrifice and dedication of those who have come before us.