If a group of atheists formed a religion and part of their dogma required them to perform rituals 3 times daily would it be protected?
If their ritual required them to tear pages from religious books and make oragami figurines from them?
If their ritual required them to poke voodoo needles into effigies of Jesus on the cross?
Would that be protected under freedom of religion?
2007-02-27 01:15:12 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I mean to practice it at work
2007-02-27 01:20:20 · update #1
It would be protected under freedom of expression, and possibly under freedom of worship.
Although it wouldn't protect you from a punch in the head, I suppose. Christians are a notoriously humorless bunch.
2007-02-27 01:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by link955 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly,
If they were tearing pages out of privately owned books in libraries, or private citizens they would get arrested. However, if it was books that they buy or found then they could rip to their hearts delight.
The voodoo needles they surely could do so long as it was their own property again. However, if Jesus is not God, or did not exist, why would you bother with the voodoo poking?
Seems a little extreme to do to a "dead man" doesn't it?
2007-02-27 09:22:13 · answer #2 · answered by Solafide55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to assume (dangerous to do, I know) that you mean in the United States.
As long as you are doing this on your breaks (not stealing time from your employer), and are not interfering with the work performance of others, you have a legal right to practice your religion. Just remember, that can be tricky.
Someone could say you were disturbing the workplace if you do this publicly.. lots of loopholes there.
2007-02-27 09:30:41 · answer #3 · answered by Kallan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly hope not! The desecration of any religion for the enjoyment of another should be adviced against. That's a hate crime. If your hypothetical religion tore pages of the Talmud and burned effigies of figures wearing the Star of David, should that be allowed? No! It's no different. It's hateful.
2007-02-27 09:21:36 · answer #4 · answered by sister steph 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real question is, if you don't believe in God or religion why would you bother doing those things? Why would you go so far as to disrespect the millions of people who do, if you REALLY don't believe it's real?
Why make such an effort to destroy and disrespect something you don't believe in? You could just let it be, and respect your fellow man.
I mean... I don't believe in Santa Clause, but you don't see me seeking out little children, ridiculing them for believing, and then tearing up Santa letters in public. That seems stupid....?
2007-02-27 09:21:51 · answer #5 · answered by peacetimewarror 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nobody should be permitted to do anything at work other than work.
I don't bring a priest into work with me and have him celebrate the Eucharist, because that would not be an appropriate use of my time here at work.
2007-02-27 09:26:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If atheists don't believe in religion then how could they form a religion? So, no it wouldn't be protected, because it wouldn't be a religion.
2007-02-27 09:21:13 · answer #7 · answered by Ayesha 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I see nothing illegal about those actions. You wouldn't even need the freedom of religion clause.
2007-02-27 09:19:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if that is their religion then they are protected.
2007-02-27 09:21:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as they didn't steal the books, the effegies, or the needles, why wouldn't it be protected?
god bless
2007-02-27 09:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋