Why can't I live my life without people telling me they'll pray for me, or "God bless you" or In God We Trust or One Nation Under God or "Jesus loves you" or Jesus died for my sins (even though I don't have any sins)?
I'm happy, I'm a good person. What difference is it to you if I've accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior or not.
Why can't I exercise MY freedom of religion to have NONE and be left alone?
2006-06-16 11:43:47 · 21 answers · asked by heynow 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's sad, but we (Americans) live in a Christian country where if you don't at least claim to practice Christianity you are considered a minority and looked down upon. Becuase Christians make up a huge majority of the population, it is easy for them to look past the complete disregard for seperation of church and state that the government and people have.
It's sad. I just hope it doesn't get any worse. Some day we may have to fight for our right not to believe.
2006-06-16 11:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
{In U.S. law, freedom of religion is codified in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which declares:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" } <1>
In short, your question is pertaining to "Atheism" which actually is a "Religion" in the USA. <2> And if you check out the USA's "IRS" Tax codes <3>, under 15(c)(3), there are religious organizations that get religious tax breaks because "Atheism" is classified as a religion in the USA!!!
2006-06-16 18:56:03 · answer #2 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a form of LAW. It is used to control people! for example} If you are not a good boy, when you die you will go to hell and burn forever! If you are a good girl when you die, you will go to heaven! Believe what you want! Providing it is not illegal, illecit, or immoral!
Some people believe in Santa Clause, didn't you, when you were a kid? Yes, freedom of religion also includes, FREEDOM FROM RELIGION!!! If there is a God, and he is watching down upon us, don't worry, my mother prays enough for all of us, may he bless you, too!
2006-06-16 18:52:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then you would infringe on Freedom of Speech. The difference is Christians want you to experience God for who He is. If you are asking this question, it obviously bothers you. Happiness couldnt possibly overwhelm you with the tone of the email either. You sound like someone who is trying to run away from God.
2006-06-16 18:47:04 · answer #4 · answered by brokentogether 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, yes it does. that's why there's such a thing as separation of church and state. nobody has the right to impose a religion on you.
Having said that, these people who say "bless you" and "I'll keep you in my prayers" are simply trying to express themselves in the most polite and kind way they know how. There's no reason to get in their face over a little kindness.
That line, however, is crossed when people tell you "Jesus died for your sins". they are trying to guilt you into following their religion. the reason WHY these people are concerned for your immortal soul is because they get bonus points with God for converting people, and minus points for hanging out with "heathens", figuratively speaking. they want to go to heaven, and no atheist is going to stand in their way.
I guess the only polite thing to say to people forcing religion on you is, "I'm sorry you feel that way". the not polite thing to do (but highly funny to watch their face when you say it) when someone asks you if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior is to say "Have you accepted the eventuality that Satan is the keeper of your immortal soul and eventual overlord us all? no? I thought not."
:) Keep smiling, and be content in knowing yourself!
2006-06-16 18:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by mystique_365 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why can't I send my kid to a public school where they will at least inform the students of what religions believe so they aren't ignorant?
If I am free to practice my religion then why are you saying I must not say 'Jesus loves you?'
Sounds like you are being intolerant. And we all know that non-Christians just haaaaaaate the big I-word!
2006-06-16 18:51:58 · answer #6 · answered by velvet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The idea of freedom of religion was keep the state or government from declaring a religion. No, it wasn't meant as freedom from religion. It was to give people the ability to freely believe what they wanted without the fear of being persecuted or thrown in jail.
2006-06-16 18:49:37 · answer #7 · answered by southfloridamullets 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep- You should indeed have freedom from Religion as well as the State not dictating what Church every citizen should go to!
Thats what some of the problem is in Serbia-Bosnia, the muslim Countries, et al.
2006-06-16 18:51:35 · answer #8 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can. Unfortunately not all people are willing to be tolerant of that choice. However, just take it with a grain of salt and stick to whatever beliefs you have.. it does not change the person you are and there are those that will find your beliefs perfectly acceptable.
2006-06-16 19:07:49 · answer #9 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's so true. Most of those people mean well. They are just so consumed with their religion, it's all they think about. If they push it too far, I tell them that I'm not interested. Go save a homeless person, a drug addict or a drunk.
2006-06-16 18:47:38 · answer #10 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋