Religion is the foundation of all societies and cultures. Religion makes people who they are. Because the United States was founded on religious principles, citizens of this country can practice the religion of their choice without being persecuted. The freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution allow individuals to practice their religious beliefs openly and without judgment. These beliefs provide guidance and structure in the lives of these individuals. Religion influences many aspects of everyday issues such as lifestyle choices, clothing and education. Religion is an important entity in the lives of many people. Religious freedom includes the right to assemble for private and public worship, to determine the conditions of membership, to give religious instructions, to preach one's message publicly, and to publish and distribute religious materials (religious freedom). Religion has been a hot topic since the dawn of time. . People have been rejected, ostracized, sacrificed and killed because of their religious beliefs. These acts take place because individuals have different views on religion. Religion is personal and elicits 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, there are hundreds of them today. British settlers established their own religion when they arrived in America. As more and more immigrants settled in America, more and more religions began to emerge. The major religions in the United States are...... middle of article......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. (July 23, 2010). Retrieved January 26, 2012, from the Library of Congress: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel01.htmlReligious Freedom. (nd). Accessed 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.org Syed, I. (2001). Education of Muslim children. Retrieved January 20, 2012 from Mission Islam: www.missionislam.comWelcome to Judaism 101. (October 6, 2011). Retrieved January 28, 2012 from Judaism 101: http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm