It can be argued that we live under the most democratic government in the world.  The First Amendment of our Constitution guarantees us the freedom to several rights: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to the petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”  We find this clause, in particular the “freedom of religion” clause in the First Amendment of our Constitution, but how much are we willing to invest to secure the freedom of these ideals?  Are we willing to send our loved ones across the world to die in the name of religious freedom?  Are we willing to sacrifice everything to promote what we hold most dear?

            I believe that most American citizens are willing to accept that we are culturally diverse and have a variety of religions across our nation; however how dedicated are we to securing the protection of religious freedom?  In my mind, the previous question I listed above leaves me at a crossroads…Am I willing to die for my religion?  For multiple reasons, I will not elaborate on the previous question, however let me tell you how much I respect someone who is willing to risk everything in order to secure their own religious freedom.  Regardless of your personal religious views, you cannot help but admire Martin Luther’s ability to sacrifice everything in the pursuit of his own religious freedom.  In an era dominated both secularly and religiously by the Catholic Church, Martin Luther risked everything to defend the things he believed in.  He stood up against the strongest governmental organizations of his times to defend what he believed in, and for that reason I cannot help but admire Martin Luther.  You always should stand up for what you believe in, but what are you willing to stand up against? Are you willing to face adversity in the best interest of your beliefs? To Martin Luther the answer to these questions was yes, and I cannot help but respect him for defying adversity in the best interest of his beliefs.