What does the First Amendment say about religion?

The First Amendment explicitly addresses the issue of religion in two significant ways: it prohibits the government from establishing an official religion and also protects individuals' rights to freely practice their religious beliefs. This dual protection is critical for maintaining a separation between church and state, ensuring that the government does not favor one religion over another or interfere with the individual's right to worship as they choose.

The first part of the First Amendment, often referred to as the Establishment Clause, means that the government cannot create a national religion or favor one religious viewpoint over others. This prevents the imposition of religious beliefs on citizens through government action.

The second part, known as the Free Exercise Clause, ensures that individuals can practice their faith freely without government interference, allowing for a diverse range of religious expressions to coexist within the framework of American law.

This balance fosters a pluralistic society where people can follow different religious paths without fear of persecution or restriction from the government.