Freedom of religion question - Does this follow the definition of religion?

Question

Freedom of religion is a guarantee by a government for freedom of belief for individuals and freedom of worship for individuals and groups. It is generally recognized to also include the freedom not to follow any religion (irreligion) and not to believe in any god (atheism or agnosticism). Religious toleration is the condition of accepting or permitting others' religious beliefs and practices which disagree with one's own. Freedom of religion is considered by many in Western nations to be a fundamental human right.[1]

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion

If a religion preaches hate or has laws that do not conform to what western society considers a religion, should it be considered to be a cult?

For example, a religion that:
1) does not tolerate homosexuals
2) forces conversions to its beliefs or imposes death
3) openly says it is OK to kill children of another religion or belief
4) treats women as 2nd class citizens or property

Etc.

Answer 1

Very good question. Freedom of religion as defined by the United States of America's constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. That means that the government shall not create a state relgion such as the Church of America and that Americans are free to worship as they see fit.

I think I know what you mean by cult, but realize there are many definitions for the word. I'm reading this as you mean cult as in Heaven's Gate, The Moonies, Charles Manson type cults.

I'll address each point.

1.) Tolerating or not tolerating homosexuals does not make a cult. If you force churches who believe that being a homosexual is a sin to accept them, then that violates religious freedom and separation of church and state.

2.) Obviously, murder is a crime. Threatening to kill someone is a crime. That would be a cult.

3.) See number 2.

4.) Treating women as 2nd class citizens is not a crime. It's wrong, immoral, and just plain ignorant, but unless the woman is hit, or abused, there is no crime involved, therefore the government has no say.

Answer 2

Since what you are describing sounds a lot like early Christianity, and they got away with it, then no, it's not a cult. A lot of religions which are practiced by people in the West preach hate...I can think of at least two denominations of Christianity which hate homosexuals and forces conversion through economic means (missionaries) and doesn't allow women to be priests, etc.
And no where in the Constitution does it say it has to be what a western society considers to be a religion. That would probably leave out A HELL OF A LOT OF PEOPLE, considering all major religions of the world started in the EAST, including Christianity.

Answer 3

You would get a F in any logic class I have ever been in or will be.
You make for a very very weak arguement.

1st don't site Wikipedia anyone can post anything on there.

Becareful of your 1, 2, 3, 4
I know people who openly preach it is OK to kill children without question depending on side of the womb they are on.

Please don't try to equate saying something is wrong as them not tolerating something.
I may not like speeders by I tolerate them.

It is freedom to worship not freedom from those religions you don't like.

One more thing don't load up questions and show your bias when asking a loaded question.

Good luck on your quest for truth you are long way away from it.

Answer 4

Freedom of religion does not override the rule of law - if your religion requires you to do something that's illegal, you'll still be punished for doing it. For instance, if you're a Satanist, stabbing someone through the heart is still murder, even if it's required by, and done in accord with, your religion.

The line between religion and cult is blurry and not very meaningful. Generally, if a religion is relatively small, based around a single charismatic leader, and exercises extreme control over it's members (to the point of brainwashing), it might be considered a cult. Also, generally, if you don't like a given religion, you might want to denigrate it as a 'cult.'

Answer 5

well whatever you call it freedom of religion does not mean freedom from law. Religions are just as much bound by the law of the land as seculars. So according to law 1 and 4 MIGHT be legal but 2 and 3 would be illegal.

Answer 6

I find it odd that you would list "tolerance of homosexuals" before "killing children" or "treating women as second class citizens"; that is a very skewed way of thinking. Clearly the first has just as many opponents from a secular and a social perspective as a religious one.

I know where you are going with this (Islam) and you will not find many people on these boards that support their hysterical nonsense in the name of Allah...but PC means we still have to consider it a religion until rational thinking takes precedence over liberal accomadation.

Answer 7

Freedom of religion is a right that has been guaranteed to all Americans.
Religion is personal. As long as it doesn't interfere with others beliefs or lives, it should be allowed.

Answer 8

No freedoms are absolute. Freedom of speech doesn't give you the right to yell FIRE in a crowded theater. Freedom of religion doesn't give you the right to practice human sacrifice.

Answer 9

If you read any of the "books" i.e. Bible, Quran, Torah, you'll find that Christianity, Islam and Judaeism have at some time in their history supported all four.

I agree wholeheartedly that freedom of religion includes the right to be free of religion. I think it's time that the U.S. government stop trying to shove religion down our throats (the Pledge, the money, etc.). One can be spiritual without believing in God.

Answer 10

no its there value's its not a cult man made religion is but not one been here thousands of years like Christianity that is what libs want out they don't have to believe but they also don't have to force everyone else to believe the same thing.