September 25: Religious Freedom
On 25 September 1555, the Peace at Augsburg provided “religious freedom” in Germany.
In 1521, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V had outlawed Lutheranism. However, he was unable to restore Catholicism in all of the German principalities and cities. Those princes who adopted Lutheranism in their territories were seen as being “protesting estates” which gives us the world Protestantism.
In 1530, Lutherans prepared the Confession of Augsburg to show that their views were Biblical. However, this neither appeased Rome nor the Emperor. However, the Emperor had to finally accept that some type of compromise was politically necessary and the princes of Germany convened in Augsburg in 1555. Peace between the Lutherans and Catholics was finally reached on September 25.
According to the Peace at Augsburg, the presiding prince would select the religion for his territory—either Catholic or Lutheran. Then, all people within the territory would follow his faith. Those who preferred to follow the other faith were given permission and the time needed to move to another territory where their religion was being practiced.
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Although the Peace at Augsburg is frequently seen as bringing religious freedom to Germany, such was not the case. Anabaptists and Calvinists were not protected. In the words of Article 7: “However, all such as do not belong to the two above named religions shall not be included in the present peace but be totally excluded from it.” Calvinists would not gain official tolerance until the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648.
Historically, when “religious freedom” is proclaimed, not every religious practice is covered. Kenneth C. David writing for the Smithsonian argues that “The idea that the United States has always been a bastion of religious freedom is reassuring—and utterly at odds with the historical record.” Even contemporary movements asking people to Coexist differ on which images they use to spell out the word. As a result, the Reverend Brad asks, “Can We Coexist?”
–Steven L. Berg, PhD
Photo Caption: Two versions of the word “Coexist” spelled out using different symbols.
Kenneth David makes an interesting point. Another point of view to take when given this topic is that not only should there be “freedom of religion” but also “freedom from religion.” There are many different campaigns to ensure the rights of those practicing religion, however there aren’t as many voices for Americans with no religion. In 1957, “In God We Trust” was placed on all printed money. Three years prior, the words “one Nation under God” were placed in the Pledge of Allegiance. It should be noted that these two things were added during the Cold War. These additions were made when Americans were stricken with fear of “communism.” One could argue this took away liberties for those that don’t believe in a God. It is also possible to relate this time of fear to the ‘Patriot Act’ which many argue cut into citizens’ privacy, because it passed during a time Americans were fearful and still recovering from the Sept. 11 attacks.