Religion & Civil Society: Facts, Figures & Recommendations (Issues 2006)

Religion and Civil Society

By Joe Loconte

Religious freedom is widely regarded as the cornerstone of America’s political and civil liberties. Religious institutions play a major role in cultivating the virtues that are essential for self-government and a healthy civil society. Yet that foundation has been eroded by court decisions, congressional actions, and a general climate of intimidation in the public square. The problem is especially acute in policy debates and public schools. Religion should not be barred from the public square, and religious organizations should not be barred from participating in government programs to provide social services. Religious practice is a vital private and public good, and public policy should recognize the important civic contribution of religious institutions and individual religious practice.

Recommendations

Renew serious debate on the role of religion in American life and affirm the right of private associations and individuals to publicly uphold religious tenets. This should include further investigation by policymakers into the relationship between religious practice and the life of the nation, on the health of America’s families and the content of its culture. Religious practice can and should be factored into the planning and debate on the nation’s urgent social problems. Americans cannot build their future without drawing on the strengths that come to them from the practice of their religious beliefs.
Continue to appoint and confirm judges who understand the important contributions of religion to public life.The religion clauses of the First Amendment—"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"—are intended to safeguard religious liberty. The Constitution’s prohibition against an establishment of religion does not imply that religion should be barred from political or civic life. The Founders, in their passionate love of freedom, promoted the freedom of all Americans to practice their religious beliefs (or not to practice any), but Congress and the courts have begun to crowd religion out of the public square. It is time to bring it back. Competent judges, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, will work to accommodate religious belief in the public square wherever possible so that it may at times be religious, not only agnostic.
Continue to level the playing field in federal social service programs by reviewing procedural issues that disadvantage faith-based organizations that wish to participate. Federal policy should seek, as President George W. Bush has said, to "mobilize the armies of compassion." The reach of faith-based organizations often extends beyond that of government social service programs in changing lives. Government should continue to protect the religious liberty and integrity of faith-based organizations that participate directly and indirectly in government social service programs. Congress and federal agencies should continue to resist attempts to deny religious organizations the right to use religious belief as a factor in employment decisions.
Recognize that religious organizations and government are allies in the pursuit of civil society. For the sake of the nation’s future health, public policy should seek to honor and encourage the vast resources of family and religion. Reintegrating religious practice into American life while simultaneously protecting and respecting the rights of non-practice is one of the nation’s most important tasks. Research clearly demonstrates that regular religious practice is both an individual and social good. It is a powerful answer to many of our most significant social problems, some of which have reached catastrophic proportions. The practice of religion is good for individuals, families, states, and the nation. It improves health, learning, economic well-being, self-control, self-esteem, and empathy. It reduces the incidence of social pathologies, such as out-of-wedlock births, crime, delinquency, drug and alcohol addiction, health problems, anxieties, and prejudices.