Blessed Lent and Ramadan Mubarak: The Freedom to Exercise Your Religion

(Illustrative Only)

The dove and Eastern White
Pine represents peace.

This is a holy season for many people. Muslims have begun Ramadan, and Catholics have begun Lent, both spending this time in reflection and spiritual discipline. The insight gained from religion and its potential to raise and develop a person's capacity through reflection and insight are profound. Our very core as a nation is designed to foster the free exercise of religious practice

Consider, 

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Congress Constitution

I tend to speak more from a spiritual perspective than a strictly religious one, but I think this season offers a good reminder for all of us—religious or not—to reflect on the Constitution and what it represents. It is built on core principles: there is no state religion, no one has the right to impose one's beliefs on others, and our institutions are not meant to promote any particular faith. That freedom protects everyone’s ability to worship—or not worship—as they choose.

If you study different religions, you start to see real similarities. Many of the core messages overlap, and those connections point us toward peace rather than conflict. People who try to force their religion on others often get caught up in minor differences and miss the broader wisdom other's traditions offer (Duty requires one to protect free religious practice no matter one's background.). Quality of character and leadership is based in part in the ability to understand freedom of religion and the broader benefits of togetherness.

We are at our best when we support each person’s right to practice their faith freely. What matters in this context is not which religion someone follows, but that their ability to practice it is protected. Religious traditions carry lessons about compassion, patience, humility, and becoming better people—lessons worth appreciating. I have learned from many religious. For those practicing over the next month or so I want to wish you a blessed Lent and Ramadan Mubarak. 

With knowledge and insight comes personal discovery. One can even learn from beyond these three religions.

What is Ramadan? and What is Lent? and What is Judaism?

As a reader you may want to reflect on history. One of the biggest most important words in each of the religions is peace. What helps mankind the most is peace.

Catholics and Muslims in Kosovo