Voices as diverse as Congressman Mike Quigley from Chicago and Ann Romney, wife of former Presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have defended and advocated the religious freedom of everyone. Quigley has stated, “Protection of religious freedom means considering the faiths and beliefs of everyone involved.”
And Romney said, “I think we recognize as Americans there are certain things that are just primary to the freedoms and liberties that we enjoy here, and religious freedom is one of the most important things we as Americans cherish.”
In Naperville, there are many religious traditions. Ss. Peter and Paul is a lovely historic Catholic church in downtown Naperville; the Jewish synagogue is next door to my son’s school; and I pass the Islamic Center each morning on my daily walk. Throughout this city, there are many different congregations cherishing their unique views of God, including my own – First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Naperville.
As a Christian Scientist, I particularly value the freedom to pray and practice my religion that this country affords.
In 1866, Mary Baker Eddy’s recovery through prayer from the effects of a near-fatal accident, led her to deepen her study of the Bible and conclude that spiritual healing – turning understandingly to God and His healing Christ in prayer – is an effective way to combat disease and illness. For over 140 years, individuals all over the world have found healing of sickness possible through Christian Science.
Christian Scientists live under no church mandate to choose prayer for the treatment of disease. They are free to make their own decisions in any given situation.
Speaking from my own experience, one afternoon I was in my office when an acute pain went right through my head. I lost control of the left side of my body and was glad I was next to a chair, as I collapsed into it. I turned to God, acknowledging His ever-presence and omnipotence, and striving to learn more of His healing power.
I could feel God, the embrace of divine Love, answering my prayers. In a short while, I felt well. Not just better, but well.
How grateful we can be for our country’s Founding Fathers who provided for this freedom in our Constitution’s Bill of Rights and for the countless individuals who work not only to protect religious freedom, but also practice their religion.
