Isn't the term "religious freedom" a misnomer?

Question

The reason I ask is simple. Beliefs based on faith (especially reilgions) are inherently self binding. With one exception, I see no problem with the majority of the teachings of all religions. They attempt to have humanity better themselves and their situation by altering the believer's behavior. This aids in maintaining societial standards keeping certain natural animalistic human behaviors under control. The exception is that almost all religions teach solidarity vs. unity and are therby flawed by piting those that believe against those that don't. Some people absolutely need to believe in something (or some diety) to give their life meaning and purpose. Without that they wouldn't be able to cope their mediocre and simple life. The segregation of religions amounts to the belief that all opposing views are absolutely incorrect which leads people away from the teachings of their respective religions. People then become enslaved to the absolution of their religion. Very sad.

I guess oxymoron would have been more descript. I was merely trying to show that most religions enslave the beliefs of those they have incorporated and allow little room for growth of their beliefs thereby enslaving them to their belief.

to Friendshipband: "Moral laws" and societal norms always have and always will adapt and change throughout time which is why new religions are created.

to Sparkzalot: Once you had made your choice to follow a certain faith (since you explored all options) you gave up your freedom to believe anything to the contrary.

to Boxer: Perhaps the real question is: Why would you choose to make a choice that inherently limits you from the ability to ever accept the possibility of anything contradicting.

Answer 1

Misnomer, no. Oxymoron, certainly.

Answer 2

this is a good question
I can only attempt to answer based on my own experience of course:
I was raised in a catholic family - rather luke warm at that - but it was all I ever knew, and I never once considered it to be something I could change.

Until I grew up

Around age 26 I began to be aware of several other belief systems, including the occult, astrology, several other main stream religions etc... and came to realize there is far more to explore. I also came to the realization that I could think for myself.

Based on that alone, i would say that my present faith (born again Christian) does indeed give me cause for freedom. I didn't enter into my faith lightly - nor did I enter in with ignorance or training. I explored it and came to the realization that of all that I had experienced, it was the only faith that made sense.

That being said, I feel that I have total religious freedom, as my faith is not based on a "religion" which is man made. I know many people will jump on that statement as untrue in their eyes, but I can't help but wonder if they themselves have truly and deeply explored the option that Jesus offers....

As for being enslaved, I don't feel that I am. I have total freedom to do as I please. The difference is that, as a follower of Christ with a desire to do His will, that I would choose not to satisfy my own desires. Just as you would please the one you love - I would please my God. It's that simple. And yes, it is true freedom.

Answer 3

Did you answer your own question??? It is the extremists that we all have a problem with and those who want to change the moral law. That is where the problem is. The changes to an existing norm. Something that has worked for centuries. Somebody should have stayed in the closet and not teach others an abhorrent lifestyle.

Answer 4

It relies upon on the way it rather is being taught. In Unitarian Universalist church homes, non secular training is rather an training approximately non secular concepts and not (many times) an indoctrination into any single one in all them. I helped coach a UU non secular training classification to 5th graders and it lined concepts espoused via quite a few religions. Their extreme college non secular training classification includes container journeys to different non secular centers close by so the youngsters get a huge view of what faith and faith ability to human beings. for human beings rather wanting an user-friendly and open non secular training, that's the attitude i might propose.

Answer 5

I disagree with you on the all religions part in fact most teach that true faith is an individual thing and educating others is the key. the problem arises with power and people. people follow other people more than the teaching of their faith. most have never read their teachings only listened to those who preach it. faith should be questioned every day. most holly books teach the path to salvation is within and to force another to convert is wrong.
besides interpreting the will of god for another is blasphemy.

Answer 6

You get a point there.
Religion is what guides one's faith, and their actions in life.
A church or religious organization is meant to keep that faith as guidance to a community.
As all religious groups are guided by human beings, greed and power find their way, and people have to keep fighting to win power over others.
Having people believe they are THE ONES increases power.
It is a huge trap.
Humans must be wise and see that, acting in order to avoid destruction.

Answer 7

What you are talking about has nothing to do with religious freedom. We are all FREE to choose whether to be religious or not, and if we want a religion, we are FREE to chose which one to associate with. You are speaking more of how humans behave once they are already involved in a religion.

So to answer your question, no, "religious freedom" is not a misnomer.

Answer 8

LOL
ok buddy listen. The term religious freedom means you can believe whatever you like, even if your relion is very close minded. My religion is not at all like this, I accept all religions and am very open minded. So no the actual term is not a mis nomer, it's the people who practice religion who make the term appear a misnomer...

();-D
shadowgirl

Answer 9

not a bad essay but you need to edit it heavily. You have too many empty words in it and that detracts from the points you are trying to make. As usual I see no question here.

Answer 10

That's why I worship God with my hands in the dirt, planting growing things.

I've been to plenty of churches---never felt him there.....
But I feel God every single time I put my hands into the Earth and plant some rooted things!