10 Ways to Celebrate Religious Freedom

Today is Religious Freedom Day, a day on which we can celebrate the fact that we’re not executed for our beliefs as many of our ancestors were. However, that doesn’t stop the persecution and violence directed against people of many religions today—both at home and abroad—and we still need to work together to overcome such atrocities and treat one another as brothers and sisters. Here are ten things you can do to do just that.

10. Refrain from judgment. Unless someone is getting hurt, a person’s religion is his or her personal choice. Being different does not mean being bad; it’s simply something other than what you are used to. If you have questions or concerns, he or she will probably be glad to answer them as long as you ask in a nonjudgmental way. If nothing else, do a little research from a nonpartisan website.

9. Celebrate your religion. This doesn’t mean to force it on others by any means; it means to be grateful that you can choose your beliefs without fear of punishment, and if your beliefs are mainstream and accepted be grateful for that, too. Realize that others don’t have that same privilege. Teach others about your religion if they are curious or ask questions. Encourage healthy dialogue.

8. Try out another religion. Be a Buddhist for a day and see what it feels like. Or just look into another spiritual way of living and find out what that might be like for you. Were you raised a certain way that you never really questioned? Are you sure it’s the way you’d like to be? Look into yourself and into options for your answer.

7. Travel. Explore other places and ways of life to expand your own knowledge and understanding of the world and its people.

6. Attend a service from a different religious group than your own. This can be a lot of fun, as well as a way to meet new people or to sing new hymns you’ve never heard of.

5. Celebrate an alternative holiday. Or if there is a festival happening sponsored by a religious group, take part. Who knows, you might meet some new friends.

4. Cook religiously. Try using the same rules that different religions enforce—say, Orthodox Judaism or Islam—when eating for a week. Note how it makes you feel.

3. Read children’s books on religion. These are often a great introduction to different beliefs. Move on to adult texts if your interest is piqued.

2. Teach open-mindedness. This is one of the best things we can do to foster a nonviolent world.

1. Be open-minded yourself.