Religion is the foundation of all societies and cultures. Religion makes people who they are. Since the United States was founded on the principles of religion, citizens of this country can practice any religion they choose without being persecuted. The freedoms provided by the Constitution allow individuals to practice their religious beliefs openly and without judgment. These beliefs provide guidance and structure in these individuals' lives. Religion influences many aspects of everyday matters such as lifestyle choices, clothing and education. Religion is an important entity in the lives of many. Religious freedom includes the right to assemble for private and public worship, determine the conditions of membership, give religious instructions, publicly preach one's message, and publish and disseminate religious materials (religious freedom). Religion has been a heated topic since the beginning of time. . People have been shunned, ostracized, sacrificed and killed because of their religious beliefs. These acts take place because individuals have different opinions about religion. Religion is personal and evokes a strong emotional response. When an individual attacks another individual's religion, he is essentially attacking the individual. Since there are different opinions on religion, it is important to remember that everyone in this country has the right to worship as they see fit. Because the United States allows the practice of many religions, hundreds exist today. The British colonists established their own religion when they arrived in America. As more and more immigrants made America their home, more and more religions began to emerge. The major religions in the United States are......center of paper......Works CitedBantilan, D. (2009). A Christian philosophy of education. Muslim beliefs. (2010). Retrieved January 28, 2012, from Religious Facts: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/beliefs.htmReligion and the Founding of the American Republic. (2010, July 23). Retrieved January 26, 2012, from the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel01.htmlReligious Freedom. (n.d.). Retrieved January 26, 2012, from http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/rights.htmlShortt. (1997, June). Christian education means something. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from Transforming Teachers: www.transformingteachers.orgSyed, I. (2001). Education of Muslim children. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from Mission Islam: www.missionislam.comWelcome to Judaism 101. (2011, October 6). Retrieved January 28, 2012, from Judaism 101: http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm