Does Freedom of Religion Include Freedom From Religion ?

United States
January 31, 2007 11:39pm CST
Does the right of freedom of religion we enjoy in America also include freedom from religion? I believe it should, and so do the other American atheists I know, but what do you all think?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@cultoffury (1283)
• India
4 Feb 07
I am an Indian, in India, we have freedom of religion, according to our constitution, but its not all that simple. You have a religion and caste column in every form that you get. You have reservations for a few and none for others, you have communities and groups based on religion and I don't think there is any more credibility left in saying you have the freedom of religion, at least in India.
@StarBright (2798)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Freedom of religion and freedom from religion have different meanings to different people. In fact, we could agree on some issues and be miles apart on other issues. With each side fighting for their right to "freedom" it has gotten to be a tug of war over which freedom will win out.
• Australia
1 Feb 07
Of course everyone has a right to freedom of religion, in America, Britain, Australia and most Western countries at least. Atheism is a religion. Evolutionism is a religion. Agnosticism is a religion. Whatever you believe is your religion, and you have every right to believe whatever you choose to believe, as long as you don't force your beliefs on anyone else. You have a right to be an atheist. I have a right to be a Christian. We can debate about our beliefs in a courteous manner, but neither of us can force our beliefs on the other.
• Thailand
4 Feb 07
I must respectfully beg to differ with you. There is no such thong as Evolutionism. There are people who have taken a long hard look at the vast body of scientific fact that has been gained with so much research and hard work and realize that evolution is real. That does not make it a religion, it makes it a science and a defence against ignorance.
• Australia
5 Feb 07
You are entitled to disagree. That is your right. However, the strongest evolutionists call their teaching the THEORY of evolution. It is not and cannot be called fact. An "ism" is a belief and evolutionism is a belief in evolution. Anyone is entitled to believe that, but that doesn't make it a fact.
@manong05 (5027)
• Philippines
1 Feb 07
I believe it is. Any belief system for that matter is included. It can be a belief in the existence of God or a belief in the non-existence of God. One is free to choose whatever his consience dictates him.
@minerc (1373)
• United States
4 Feb 07
I think that you are getting what you are wanting, it is being taken out of the schools,and other places. How fair is that to us who do believe in God. What is next, if you decide you don't like my red shirt will you take that from me as well? How fair are you athiests being? Why can't I pray in school, or take my bible to school or celebrate Christmas learning the story of Jesus at school. Is it fair to press your views on my children or me. Where is the middle ground, maybe that's what everybody should be asking for instead of asking for only one person's way.