Believing that only under God Almighty, to Whom we render all homage, do we Americans hold our vast Power, we shall guarantee to all persons absolute freedom of religious worship, provided, however, that no atheist, agnostic, believer in Black Magic, nor any Jew who shall refuse to swear allegiance to the New Testament, nor any person of any faith who refuses to take the Pledge to the Flag, shall be permitted to hold any public office or to practice as a teacher, professor, lawyer, judge, or as a physician, except in the category of Obstetrics.
In Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," the author explores the complex relationship between religion, power, and political freedom in America. He suggests that the nation's strength is rooted in a belief in God, which shapes its moral landscape. This belief imposes certain restrictions, particularly in public roles, where adherence to specific religious standards becomes a requirement for participation in society.
Lewis highlights a paradox of freedom, where absolute religious liberty is guaranteed but simultaneously limited by exclusionary measures against those who do not conform to certain beliefs. This delineates a troubling discrepancy in the notion of freedom, raising questions about the true nature of inclusivity and the consequences of intertwining faith with civic responsibility.
