Religious Liberty Talk - Essay Example

Introduction The article, ‘Religious liberty talk’ by Kathleen Parker has yet again raised critical issue of religious liberty that gives citizens the fundamental right to practice the religion of their choice. Religion is an important paradigm of social structure that influences people’s life in myriad ways. The context of religion becomes pertinent in the current era of rapid globalization because pluralistic societies have increasingly become common phenomena across the globe. It promotes social guidelines and principles for leading mutually complementary life within a multicultural environment.

Thus, for widely distributed network of people, freedom of religion becomes hugely important issue.Explanation The article explores the speech of President Obama at the recent National Prayer Breakfast which was attended by eminent people across different segment of society. Kathleen has criticized Obama who had ‘lamented eroding protection of religious liberty’ across the globe’. She says that it is unethical of Obama to talk about religious liberty when modules of healthcare reforms of Obamacare are distinct in their violation of religious liberty, especially the contraceptive mandate.

She contends that while overtly we may be supporting the issue, covert actions and diminishing redlines between state and religion has become major concern. Conclusion/ Opinion The author’s has rightly brought the issue to the limelight as Obama administration has adopted confrontational attitude with regard to religious liberty. The case of Hobby Lobby and Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are significant in their differing opinions. In the later case, jury had unanimously voted against the government interference in the recruitment of minister in church.

Indeed, religious freedom is inherently linked to democratic postulates of American constitution that promote freedom of actions and thoughts. By infringing the religious freedom of individuals within a multicultural society, the government is also violating constitutional rights of the citizens.ReferenceParker, Kathleen. (2014, Feb. 10). Religious liberty talk. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved from http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2014/02/10/Religious-liberty-talk/stories/201402100028