All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience, and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious establishment or modes of worship.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Penn asserts that everyone has a right to worship as they choose without government interference.
- In plain terms
- No one should be forced to attend worship or support a religion against their will.
- What can you take from it?
- Freedom of conscience includes freedom of worship.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much freedom is too much?
- Why is worship important?
Another view
Religious freedom can conflict with other social rights.
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Permalink to quote #8 Any government is free to the people under it where the laws rule and the people are a party to the laws.
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