National History Museum Highlights Role of Religion in Early America

VOANews: National History Museum Highlights Role of Religion in Early America

The role of religion in the formation and development of the United States is at the heart of an exhibition at the National Museum of American History in Washington. The exhibition, which runs until June 2018, explores the themes of religious diversity, freedom and growth from America's colonial era through the 1840s. VOA's Nikoleta Ilic spoke with the curator, Peter Manseau, and filed this report.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/national-history-museum-highlights-role-of-religion-early-america/4176694.html


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Smithsonian National Museum of American History: Religion in Early America Exhibit

Religious freedom is a fundamental principle of American life. While taken for granted today, its acceptance emerged only gradually in the nation’s history. The many peoples who called early America home represented a great variety of spiritual traditions. Although most colonies had established churches that received state support, the framers of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights determined that the nation as a whole should not follow this precedent, but protect the free exercise of all religions. Rather than limiting belief or practice, religious freedom fostered diversity and growth.