Freedom of religion

Freedom of religion is the individual's right or freedom to believe or not believe in whatever religion they choose, or no religion at all. Freedom extends freedom of thought by adding the freedom of worship and the freedom of religious congregation, and is regarded as one of the basic human rights.

During history some countries accepted some form of freedom of religion (e.g. Poland or Muslim countries) but very often that freedom was abandoned. In most parts of Western society, freedom of religion was suppressed from the introduction of Christianity until the Enlightenment in the 18th century.

See also United States Constitution, French Revolution, Warsaw Confederation, Religious pluralism, State church, Tolerance.