About this episode
The episode discusses the historical context of the Bill of Rights and its implications for religious freedom in contemporary America.
June 8, 2026 On June 8, 1789, James Madison of Virginia introduced a series of amendments to the US Constitution, Ten of his amendments would eventually be adopted and become the Bill of Rights, One of the amendments said that no national religion would be established and the full and equal rights of conscience would not be infringed, Madison cared deeply about keeping the government away from religion, believing that representative government was at stake, The reality of these concerns is playing out today, Defense Secretary Hegseth has removed about 180 faith traditions from the list recognized by the Department of Defense, 31 religions are still recognized, 22 of them are Christian denominations, Mormons were originally left off the list, but after an appeal by Sen Mike Lee of Utah to the president, it appears poised to be included, Madison and those who passed and ratified the Bill of Rights believed that to make people’s religion - their right of conscience - depend on the approval of the president would destroy self-government. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ- Get full, free access to Letters from an American here…
People in this episode
Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Topics covered
- Bill of Rights
- religion and government
- James Madison
- freedom of conscience
- Department of Defense
- current events
Keywords
- Bill of Rights
- James Madison
- religion
- freedom of conscience
- Department of Defense
- faith traditions
- self-government
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Department of Defense
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