Do you think that standing up for Freedom of Religion helps promote Freedom from Religion? What are your thoughts?
Humm. An interesting question. If you are asking the general question, "should there be freedom to believe in any religion or none without government interference", then the answer would be yes. But we know that our government does promote religion in various ways.
If your question is "does denouncing a particular religion in favor of another in a social setting promote freedom of religion" the answer would probably be no since the Protestant Christian religion has been woven into the fabric of our culture, (in it's more than 900 denominations). Freedom of religion, other than the more accepted Protestant Christian denominations and freedom from religion are still outside the cultural norm.
But we should always stand up for both freedom of Religion, (the belief in Sezmu the God of wine and oil presses if you so choose), and the Freedom from Religion as imposed by government agencies, (Intelligent Design taught in public schools), and that imposed by the cultural majority.
Ot is funny that if a post master puts up a Christian flag at a post office Christian's come in droves to defend freedom of religion. If that same post master put up a Muslim flag they would come in droves to demand it be taken down, all the while screaming "freedom of religion!"
Yes if you defend the right for people to believe as they please without prejudice then that must necessarily include people who choose rationalism, humanism and even atheism.
There is however a difference between freedom of religion and freedom to be religious if that practice comes in to conflict with the law.
We would not for example allow satanist to practice human sacrifice even if they claimed the religious right to do so.
Secular law must take precedence.
Exactly I have thought much about that myself. An Aztec sacrifice cult came to my mind.
I believe that in our constitutional democracy, freedom of religion MUST include freedom from religion.
I would like to see that happen officially.
Religions HAVE had freedoms for as long there have been religions, but NEVER has there a Freedom from Religion right permitted in ANY Society or Culture.
Now seems like a good time to start
Yes... an ABSOLUTE yes... By standing up for the rights of others, we protect ourselves as well. That doesn't mean stand back while religions try to suppress the rights of others, it means defending the rights of all... the religious and non-religious alike. We're all covered under the same Amendment.
I agree with you completely. You understood the context of my question. I do now realize there is much more to be explored by others comments.
I say no because there’s a very sharp contrast between them.
The freedom of religion primarily states that one religion cannot be the only religion. Which was primarily a protection from the Roman Catholic Church then later on the Church of England.
But don’t forget that these very same religious refugees were also known for persecuting those for whom didn’t practice either the Christian religion or no religion at all.
Which leads us to freedom from religion which is similar to the other but it’s intended to provide protection from religious based communities and workplace’s for those of us who have chosen to not live a life within a religious construct.
So unless the religious accept us completely for our lifestyle choices then supporting them would just be counterproductive.
Hopefully this is helpful or at least more so than the others so far.
Since we can not get everyone to dump religion right now, do you have any ideas for our best approach for freedom from religion without impeding on the theist rights to be wrong?
@DavidLaDeau I’m confused as to how is just being ourselves and not trespassing on the private activities of any theist could in any way impede upon their rights.
And if they’re being very public with their theism then they are The trespassers not us.
So it’s very simple we need to establish a social agreement that we won’t enter their houses of worship and attempt to violate their rights and they can just assume that everyone else is some form of theist and focus on their personal relationship with who/whatever they believe in.
I stay out of things like that. I will not debate or argue.
While I contemplate how you are the best I will in the mean time stir the pot!
freedom of religion INCLUDES freedom from religion.
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You can not have freedom of religion without having freedom from religion.
Sorry BUT no it does not simply because the Religious are indoctrinated to always push their religion onto others, even if those being pushed don't want it anyway.
Ergo, there is NO true Frreedom FROM Religion.
I know it should, but does it legally,? Where is that written on any legal document? If such a document does exist why has it failed?
@DavidLaDeau it's the constitution and it's failing in many aspects because people ignore it or try to get around it.
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I think everybody ought to Mind Their Own Business at all times, unless preventing physical/verbal abuse.
Yes, minding my own business is my long suit.
Mind your own business and you won't be minding mine.
Ought can be a nice thing, it is the religious that behead for their oughts.