The great thing about America is that the Constitution and Bill of Rights strike a wonderful balance between recognizing the absolute right to freedom of religion and the refusal to let the state establish any religion.

I am convinced that this has allowed Christianity to establish strong roots in American society, and emerge as a dynamic force in much of American life. For the most part, I believe this has been a good thing.

Over the centuries, various Christian individuals and communities took divergent paths. For much of Christian history, different denominations were highly intolerant of each other, and often used the power of the state to suppress and oppress each other. America became a sanctuary from religious persecution and state-enforced religion. This has given Christians a safe space to practice their diverse understandings of their faith, and to experiment with different ways to live out their values.

The ability of Christians to debate and contest their religion without sanction (mostly, but not always) over the past two centuries has resulted in a society that currently has many sound values.

As a Muslim, I recognize Christianity to be rooted in divine revelation. What this means is that I expect that there should be significant wisdom in much of the Christian experience. Americans tend to be charitable, grateful and tolerant. Those are not uniquely Christian values, but Christianity has helped ground these values -- which are in harmony with my values as a Muslim -- in American culture.

It is urgent that we uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion, and prevent all levels of government from establishing religion. I do not want any American to be forced to swear an oath on the Bible to take public office, or have to attend a Christian prayer to receive education in prison. But I learn a great deal and benefit from the attempts of American Christians to live their faith and values in their daily lives.