Freedom of religion

[Drewish]

This is just a thought, but does freedom of religion automatically equate to state imposed Agnosticism? In effect, does it not by necessity, create a society or political system that is bias against both atheism and real religious belief.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

This is just a thought, but does freedom of religion automatically equate to state imposed Agnosticism? In effect, does it not by necessity, create a society or political system that is bias against both atheism and real religious belief.

In the US "Freedom of religion" means that the Constitution prohibits laws that empower or impede religion. Nothing is created.

[Rum]

No I think not. All it does is try to avoid the source and blight of so much European historical conflict and oppression by detaching state and religion totally and thus that source of so much conflict.

The American constitution is in parts a true wonder of the world - quite sincerely.

[floppit]

In effect, does it not by necessity, create a society or political system that is bias against both atheism and real religious belief.

I don't see how it can create bias against atheism, as atheism (of itself) entails no compulsion to coerce or persuade others, therefore tolerance creates no conflict.

As for real religious belief, it undoubtedly acts to curtail parts of belief that compel people to restrict the religious freedom of others but in doing so it also protects those 'others'. The alternative stinks, which I think is what Rumertron is getting at.

[The Dawktor]

Are freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion the same thing??????????????????????????????????????

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Are freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion the same thing??????????????????????????????????????

Being free of religious constraints vs. being free from all religious constraints. It a matter of emphasis and intent beyond the words themselves.

[MrFungus420]

Are freedom OF religion and freedom FROM religion the same thing??????????????????????????????????????

If you don't have the option to be free from religion, then you do not really have freedom of religion because your choices are being mandated.

So, they are not the same thing. You can have freedom from religion without freedom of religion (a choice of a state-enforced religion or no religion), but you cannot have freedom of religion without having the option of having no religion.