The forefathers came from what they viewed as an opressive society. For centuries the Brittish government dictated religion. Not only was England notorious for this, but so was many other forms of government throughout the centuries. Many if not most of our forefathers were diests. They wanted to have the freedom of religious expression. They also wanted others to have the same.
Our forefathers were wise enough to understand. The more freedom we allow another, the more freedom we will have ourselves. If we start to dictate beliefs in one way, our own beliefs will also be dictated in another. We can see evidence of this in todays society. This is caused by people trying to interpret the Constitution in a way that wasn't originally intended. This is also on top of different religions, such as Muslims who believe in dictating religion to the public, and to a certain extent the Christian church in tradition of Calvinism.
So, all in all, I can reconcile my view with what I've read and understand about the original intent on freedom of religion. We should all be free to decide what we want to believe. We should also be free to accept that others are not going to believe like us. Although it might make us feel better because we ourselves wont be faced with so much we disagree with. If we could exercise authority to anothers lives, we will be met with more disdain than we are now. That disdain will not be because of Jesus Christ. It will be because we will become dictators. That will lead to an overthrowing, and even more rampant evilness just for spite. A wolf in a cage is still a wolf regardless how we force it to behave or which means we use to accomplish the task.
We should be content, thankfull and greatfull if we have a safe life, are well fed, and clothed. We should have compassion to help others in need. Help the hungry family, the abused child, the bullied kid at school, etc etc. That is loving your neighbor, that is being the salt of the earth. I think this is why the homosexuality issue bothers me so much. We argue and debate, and vote, and go to great lengths to stop gays, yet, child abuse runs rampant and we do nothing. Very disturbing. I'm also guilty of doing nothing for the most part.
I don't necessarily disagree with any of this. I don't believe Christians should start demanding that our value's must be societies values as well. It wouldn't work and it wouldn't go down very well. I just think that as a church and as individual Christians our beliefs should be evident in how we live, act and interact with others. When put that together with Jesus demand to spread the gospel, I very much believe that these things will, in fact, help sway society for the better. And when I say 'spread the gospel' I'm not talking of the kind of preaching that stands on a corner yelling at people that they're sinners and are going to hell. No confrontation is going to lead to Jesus...well, not many, anyway! We love people, guide them to come to Church if we can, help out when they need it, and just try and steer them towards the realisation that they are lost and blind and that Jesus is the answer.