First Amendment

"The [First] Amendment embraces two concepts--freedom to believe and freedom to act. The first is absolute but, in the nature of things, the second cannote be.... In every case the power to regulate must be so exercised as not, in attaining a permissible end, unduly to infringe the protected freedom."* How and why does the First Amendment protect both the freedom to believe and the freedom to act?

-Do you agree that freedom to believe can be absolute, but that freedom to act cannot be? Why?

-Why has the power to regulate in the area of religion proved to be difficult and controversial?


*Owen J. Roberts, Cantwell v. Connecticut, 310 U.S. 296, 303-04 (1940

"Why has the power to regulate in the area of religion proved to be difficult and controversial?"
Religions are organised groups with many supporters who's success depends on indoctrinating children to believe unsubstantiated dogmas. Free speech allows criticism of their religion and lowers their support base.

"Do you agree that freedom to believe can be absolute, but that freedom to act cannot be? Why?"
Yes. Because the freedom to commit crime will allow people to commit crime and intimidate others.

the freedom to act is only protected by the first as long as it's non-violent and legal.