The discussion of the Christian roots of Quakerism is certainly interesting, but I don't think I have anything to add to it. Instead, I would like to ask Friends for their thoughts on a subject that I have been contemplating for some time. Lately I've been thinking about the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion in the context of government. Conscience, for my meaning, refers to a person's choice of faith.
Religion is the outward expression of that faith.
It has occurred to me that freedom of religion is not a God-given, inalienable right. For the vast majority of people since the beginning of time freedom of religion was not a reality. In various times and places it has existed, but only in the 20th Century did it become widespread throughout the world. The first factor for freedom of religion is for a people to demand it from their government. If the people do not demand it, freedom of religion will not be given to them.