What does the "Right to the Free Expression of Religion" mean to you?

Question

There is great verbal violence against people who believe different than others. Isn't it time to stop, to try to understand, to support people in their beliefs even if you do not agree.

The rubber meets the road in "Free of speech" for example, when you protect my right to say something that you disagree with.

Of course it should work both ways. I was a strong atheist for many years, and I poked harder then, than I do now when I believe that a Creator must exist. My life speaks for itself.

My point was for people to respect that fact that not all people believe the same thing, and that is good.

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Zhimbo: There is no right to exercise religion as per se. There is a prohibition to prevent others from restricting my free expression of religion, and this prohition gives me my right. Our founders were wise.

Answer 1

Well put. I have long said that everyone has the right to believe as they choose. As a Christian, I will gladly and humbly express my beliefs and what I stand for in the *hope* that it may lead someone to Christ. However, if it falls on deaf ears or isn't the choice one is ready to make, I do not get threatening or insulting. I will admit, I do get a little snarky when some (emphasis on SOME) people leave questions, comments, or remarks blaspheming Jesus, or criticizing or belittling Christians, but hey, I am human-rattle my cage too much I am bound to bark! I can't honestly think of a time when I got violent with anyone. Sarcasm is usually my weapon of choice! ;-)

Side note--Love the avatar pic!

Answer 2

I understand it to mean that the government cannot prohibit a person from choosing a particular religion - or choosing no religion - and celebrating it within the context of other laws. By this I mean that if my religion requires human sacrifice, I cannot practice that without violating laws on homocide. Some have tried to argue that this conflict results in a violation of the right to freedom of religious expression, but it does not.

Technically the First Amendment refers to the role of the government/, but I also understand it to mean that others cannot force me to accept a religion - or even beliefs and practices within a chosen religion - if I do not agree to it. They can choose to condemn me if that is part of their religion, but they cannot breech other laws, such as libel and slander, with their speech (I mention this because violence is, as you point out, often verbal and not physical) and also cannot violate other laws, such as prohibitions of assault and battery or homocide.

Unfortunately, the Rodney King philosphy of "can't we all just get along" has an obvious answer - NO, most of us can't. That said, I agree that we should try, particularly with increasing globalization.

Answer 3

People should have the right to worship and believe in whatever they want. Freedom of Worship is a basic and fundamental human right. However, they shouldn't preach intolerance hatred and exclusion against others. This is why religious groups should not be allowed to get involved in Politics. Unfortunately, many religious groups especially Muslims and Christians are misusing the freedom they have been granted.

I would say practice your religion, but don't impose it on others!!

Answer 4

There is the right to the free expression of religion and there is also the rein that keeps that from violating other peoples' rights as well. You can express your religion in your church, in the privacy of your home, and wear religious symbols on your body--HOWEVER you cannot use tax dollars or public monies to fund and advance your religion/church. This includes having any religious symbol at court houses, schools, etc. You can worship but you cannot force others to do so either by school prayer or making them walk past a statue on the way to the park.

Answer 5

This "great verbal violence" is also those people expressing their freedom of speech! It goes both ways. You are free to express your religious beliefs, and I am free to disagree. No, I do not support people in their beliefs if I do not agree. At the same time, I respect that they have the right to express their beliefs, and I wouldn't want them silenced because that would also take away MY right to express my beliefs.

Answer 6

If you're talking about the U.S.A., there is no such constitutional right.

There is a constitutional right to "exercise" religion - that is, to practice it.

There is a simultaneous restriction on the "establishment" of religion - the government can't weigh in on religion.

There is also "freedom of speech", although nothing specific to religion.

And freedom of speech (with regards to religion) means that one may say whatever they want about religious matters, for or against, without government intervention or fear of reprisal.

It does NOT protect you from "verbal violence", unless you specifically mean threats.

Answer 7

...everyone has the right to SPEAK to their hearts content about their religion. No one has the right to LEGISLATE the moral dictates, behavioral standards and obligitory worship of their prefered religion. This IS a secular government and there IS an establishment clause (not just freedom OF religion, folks, freedom FROM religion too).

As for the "free speech" thing, I support the KKK's or FotF's RIGHT to free speech. That doesn't mean I like one word they say, but they have the legal right to say it as long as they don't incite violence or riot.

Answer 8

Freedom of Expression to me means just that I can express myself any way I wish as long as I am not physically hurting anyone people don't have to agree with my beliefs that is their right. There is no wrong or right answer. This is part of the problem with the war that is going on.

Answer 9

More power to you. I'm tired of the slander. I hold very strong beliefs in my religion, Islam, and I come on to answers with a willingness to learn, and an eagerness to teach. Never to put down. What's that all about?

Answer 10

We are free to express religion to others, but we are also free to inform others about our religion, and to evangelize others. Tell others about our religion in an effort to instill a desire to become a member of your religion. We are free to be tolerant or intolerant of others. However, cruelty is not encouraged.