What does freedom of religion guarantee?

Freedom of religion guarantees individuals the right to practice any religion they choose, or to practice no religion at all. This fundamental principle is rooted in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which ensures that no government may establish a religion nor impede the practice of individual faiths. This means that everyone has the liberty to worship according to their beliefs without interference or persecution, and also has the option to abstain from religious practices entirely.

The other options, while important rights in their own contexts, do not pertain specifically to the concept of religious freedom. Practicing only a specific religion, such as Christianity, would contradict the very essence of religious freedom, which promotes a diverse and pluralistic society. Criticizing the government is related to freedom of speech rather than religion, and the right to bear arms pertains to Second Amendment rights, which are distinct from the principles governing religious expression.