What common ground do Christians & Atheists have maintaining first amendment guarantees of Religious Freedom?

Question

Is there a mutually beneficial component in defending Freedom of Religion together in the courts?

Answer 1

The common ground is neither wants to be forced to conform. Religious freedom guarantees that everyone can choose which religion...or no religion...they wish without any pressure or law to hinder them. It would be mutually beneficial for EVERYONE to defend freedom of religion. It is a vital part of what makes America what it is, for every citizen: Land of the Free.

Answer 2

I think so. The second you get rid of religious freedom, you set the stage for the government to mandate religious belief and make laws against those who do not believe exactly as prescribed by the "law". It's like setting the foundation for the "thought police". You also open the door to having all independent thought discouraged and erradicated. I don't think Christians want that anymore than Atheists do.

Answer 3

The common ground would be that would never become "the state religion." Because the government is not deciding what is the "correct" religion, you're free to have whatever religious beliefs you want. You can decide that god wants you to worship him on Saturday or Sunday. You don't have the government telling you the "correct" role for women in the church. You can even decide that god magicked the world in 6 days if that floats your boat.

The government just says "that is not our job." It doesn't say "god doesn't exist" but says "you are free to worship your god in your way."

I send the founding fathers a figurative big wet kiss for that.

Answer 4

No. Athiests will seek a very liberal interpretation of it now and in the future to muzzle and oppress religion as much as they can. Christians on the other hand want it to be interpreted conservatively and to do what the law says to do!

Answer 5

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are the first things that come to mind.

Answer 6

Well we have exactly the same stand if you don't make it about Christianity. The stands will come together a lot more as Christian influence shrinks in the US like it has in Europe.

Answer 7

atheists want to keep religion out of government christians want to put christianity in government