Is the "forced" observance of religious practices and infringement of the freedom of religion?

Question

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and arguably that means you can choose whether or not to be religious. One of my friends attended a military function where a prayer was said before dinner and some type of sermon followed. She felt uncomfortable and irritated because she's not religious. I would argue that it's not different than forcing a non-smoker to sit in a smokers room: you're being forced to do or accept something that you didn't choose.

I would like to clarify something here: as far as I'm concerned, a person's religion is their own business. The appropriate place to conduct worship is in church, your own house, or in a group of like-minded people. We don't condone people simple exercising other habits when and where they want - why should praying be an exception?

Morality has NOTHING to do with religion - in fact I find that a lot of supposedly religious Christians hide behind their "beliefs" as if it frees them from social responsiblity. IT DOES NOT. Moreover, it's totally uncalled for to simply start a prayer session during what would normally be a completely non-religious function. I don't have a problem with religion or prayer in the appropriate forums - but seriously, what's next? Praying before a movie starts at the theater? Quoting the bible while paying for your groceries?

Answer 1

I would agree our country was founded because of religious freedom, or lack thereof. And what about the separation of church and state issue? The military is actually a state agency they should not be allowed to conduct religious functions at all under the separation of church & state issue. But the main issue here is if we came here in the first place to be free to practice how and what religion we wanted then the choice of no religion should be honored as well, without fear of humiliation.

Answer 2

A military, which is a part of us government hosting an event which included a prayer service, may be a problem on its own...

But, being in the same room as the prayer is taking place does not mean religion is forced upon you. You can choose to stand quietly in respect of the function, but you don't have to believe in what is being said, or even listen to it.

As much as you have the right to not practice religion, others have the right to practice it. You are always free to not attend the function or leave the room.

I don't ask for the perfect world. I ask for a world where imperfectness is tolerated - both ways.

By the way, I'm an atheist.

Answer 3

We are free to choose whatever religions or belief systems we want. But if we have choosen one religion, then it is our duty to follow the rules or laws of that particular religion.

As an analogy, if we go to certain countries, then we are bound to follow the law of that particular countries whether we like the law or not.

As to the example of a situation your friend encounter, I want to share information how in Islamic countries treat a non-muslims in a function where there will be a general prayer (or supplication). Normally the non-muslims are not required to join performing the prayer or supplication. The non-muslims can say his/her own prayer or if he/she is an atheists, just keep silent for a while until the general prayer or supplication has been completely recited by the "imam", then continue with the function such as having a dinner, meeting etc.

Answer 4

Well forced is a way of opting out on things. The rebellious nature of humans is to do the opposite of what is right to begin with. Im sure if that girl felt uncomfortable it was because she leads a life of waste and vanity like most anyways. The worlds moral fiber is slipping off into the abyss while liberals fight forward to rid people with values from the face of humanity. Obviously a prayer has yet to kill anyone and if someone is so uncomfortable that they can't stand it (upchucks a bit) then they can leave the room. Majory rules and freedom is saying whatever whenever you want.Thing is in America the Christians are slowly getting their rights choked off but that is okay because in the end the underdog gets the rewards. So liberals and gay activists and phedophiles keep pushing someday you will truely get whats coming and it wont be a tranny in a purple dress or a drag queen for president(that is unless Hilary Rotum gets the votes.LOL hope this helps if not whoopy doo P.S. You might notice the tude well its only because as a Christian i get tired of whinners trying to take my God's name out of what is rightly His. Peace out girl scout

Answer 5

Hmmm. Good Question.

As for your analogy – A smoker’s smoke is actually damaging you. You can’t hold your breath and avoid it. But with prayers- you can choose not to participate and not listen to short prayers. I agree, about 99% or sermons are quite offensive. But I can put up with it if I really want to be there/ be with someone who has to be there. I like to think of it like being an anthropologist visiting a primitive tribe. Imagine yourself as Dr. Jane Goodall, observing the beginnings of civilized behavior in chimpanzees.

I participated in another yahoo answer “column” where a “fundie” Christian asked the rest of us how we liked “swearing on the bible” in order to “tell the truth” in court. I was surprised by how many legal alternatives there are to that silly nonsense– and that anybody actual does that – but a few do.

As far as being forced by the fundie christians -I’m a lot more concerned about the “fundies” using laws to limit my freedoms, transfer my tax dollars to their religious “charities”, and setting up a police state to record everything I do so they can decide which of their 8 million sins I have committed.

Answer 6

I agree. A person does not sign up for the military with the idea that they will have to participate in a religious practice. Since that is not part of the job description your friend was being unfairly forced, by the government mind you, to practice a religion she did not believe. It's a clear violation of freedom of religion (in this case, freedom from religion) and should not be tolerated in a country where separation of church and state is a valued part of government.

Answer 7

Just wondering what the actual concern is here. I know that secondhand smoke causes cancer; but what harm does secondhand religion cause? Boredom?

If you tell the religious people that they don't have a right to publicly express their faith, they will claim censorship -- especially since many religions actually require people to publicly express their love for God (To prove that they are not embarrassed to admit that they believe in God.). So who's more right here?

Maybe the atheist can read a magazine while everyone else is praying. I don't understand the actual problem.

If you don’t believe in God, why do you care if others do, and that they feel compelled to say so publicly?

Answer 8

Was she forced to pray or just sit there? I've been in many spontaneous Christian prayer sessions where I just sit there and say nothing. It's not like she's being forced to believe in the religion. Tell her to grow up.

Answer 9

No.

Just because someone is compelled to witness a religious event in no way forces them to observe or otherwise believe in it.

What you're talking about is intolerance of other people's religion.

It's called Freedom OF Religion, not Freedom FROM Religion.

Answer 10

What you claim to be your personal right is also true to others in that military function. It would be stupid to question why somebody is doing what I don't like. In stead you stay away from such situations. You can not demand that your view should be made the rule for everyone.

I sympathize with you.