In the United States Constitution, the term "religion" is used in the First Amendment and in the unamended Constitution, Art. VI, Cl. 3, the term is "religious." The term "religion" is like a genus that could give rise to various species. What is meant by that term and consequently what is "protected" constitutionally is contentious.
I've observed a tendency in certain Christian Nationalist circles to attempt to limit the meaning to only those religious sentiments that are "acceptable." So for instance, "religion" here doesn't just mean "Christianity," but certain "acceptable" kinds of "Christianity." Roman Catholicism for instance, may or may not qualify. Some religious conservatives accused of "Christian Nationalism" have no problem with adding "Judeo" to the prefix, perhaps in an attempt to form an alliance between traditionally minded Jews and Christians. ... But not others. Not Islam. Not Hinduism. On the other hand, today's Alt-Right breed of Christian Nationalists tend to agree that Judaism is NOT Christianity, and ought to be placed in the same "outside the box" category as Islam and Hinduism.
After intensely researching this matter for over 20 years, I've concluded that when America's founders used the term "religion," it transcended "Christianity," and "Judeo-Christianity." It may not have meant blatant Satanic demon worship; but other religions like Islam, Hinduism and unconverted Native American "Great Spirit" worship qualified as "religions."
Here is a quotation from John Adams that well illustrates this:
It has pleased the Providence of the first Cause, the Universal Cause, that Abraham should give religion not only to Hebrews but to Christians and Mahomitans, the greatest part of the modern civilized world.
–- John Adams to M.M. Noah, July 31, 1818.
I've amassed many other quotations over the years that illustrate the point. But that one above will suffice for now.
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