Do you believe that there is truly freedom of religion? Or is it just a controlled illusion?

Question

For example, if a person believes Judaism and wears a beard for religious reasons it is almost impossible for him to get a job in the non Jewish world because companies create "clean shaven" policies. In a round about way, the company has found a way to discriminate without the hostile backlash. If a different person believes shamanism and wants to smoke opium for religious purposes, he becomes an instant criminal. Every group could probably list major grievances against society and government for limiting the expression of their faith. The examples go on of societal and government control of religious expression. It seems that religious freedom is only true as long as it doesn't violate social "norms". Do you think our freedom the religion is as true as the propagandists herald? Why or why not?

Answer 1

as long as you don´t hurt any one in the process, you are free to worship any way you choose :)

taking drugs have been proved to be harmful to one self and to others, but i do see your point on the "clean shaving" policies. How ever, those companies can be sued for discrimination where applied, i mean where there is no contact of food, or mingling with customers, why shave?

Answer 2

As for your examples they are quite wrong. Even if an organization has a clean shaven policy they could not discriminate because the beard is for religious reasons. The example I use is while I was in the US Air Force it is not allowed to cover your head indoors with a cap or hat or anything of that nature but Muslim, and Jewish believers were allowed to wear there religious head wear. The government allows for religious freedom and trust me the ACLU has nothing better to do than fight these types of lawsuits. The would be all over it if someone actually complained but they are to busy taking the ten commandments from courts and under God out of everything. SO I do not see your argument as valid.

Answer 3

I am sure you are right in your own mind, but the clean shaved policies are not hard and fast in those companies.
A man who works at a deli who has a beard, must wear a net over it to prevent the hair from falling into the food.
Other places will allow a Jewish man to work for them regardless of his facial hair.

The reason you can't smoke opium is the same reason you cant take acid (the drug) or eat peyote. they are hallucinogens, and they can cause you to have a bad "trip" and kill people. even tho you saw them as demons or aliens, they might have been your own children.

This really sounds like a hormonal child who just wants to stir up animosity in the world.

Answer 4

Having freedom of religion and following company policy are 2 different things. If you do not agree with the company's rules you should not take the job.

Answer 5

There should be freedom of religion but this freedom is under constant attack.

The Catholic Church seeks and supports the freedom of religion for all human beings.

In the Vatican II document, Declaration on Religious Freedom, Dignitatis Humanae (Human Dignity), the Church states:

The human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.

For the entire document, see: http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

Freedom of religion is Freedom FROM religion;

religion is Spiritual fraud;

Universal Truth eliminated religion from Spirituality a long time ago;

Here's the Solution for religion:

Create a Private, Personal, Direct, Divine Relationship with Our Creator and save Your Soul from religion's and atheist's beliefs and start Your journey back home, to Heaven.

<<<<<<< UnConditional Love is the only answer >>>>>>>

Love and Believe in Our Creator;
Love and Believe in Yourself.

Only with Our Creator's Love and Peace will we be Truly Free!

Answer 7

You're right: religious freedom is only true as long as it doesn't violate social norms.

Some social norms (not all) are important to keep society unified. That's why excessive multiculturalism, and a deficient defense of the national identities, are disintegrating the countries of the free world.

Answer 8

You must be getting cold feet, or having second thoughts about something. Check your real feelings and stay in touch with them. Is religion REALLY what you seek? A set of rules and laws and rituals? A social outlet, perhaps? A justification for an obsession? What are you REALLY missing...and be honest with yourself? Then pray about it and meditate (if you know how) and see what the next few days bring...but expect nothing...or you will experience more frustration...until you let go and recieve the information. And be ready to get answers from UNexpected places! Watch!

Answer 9

The situations you spoke of don't justify your idea. Being clean shaven is for hygeine purposes if you work around food or other things. It is not to discriminate but to follow health codes. If someone is allowed to smoke opium for religious purposes than you will find many more people having "religious purposes" if you know what I mean.

Answer 10

No man it's imposible for all to agree. coz no one knows who or what God is. plz do not consider me an atheist but I do not follow any cultor sect. I was born a HINDU and married a Catholic. She attends her church and I accompany her though I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN. i follow my own hindu beliefs in my daily life but she doesn't. I am more dominating and she always OBEYS me but I never asked her to change her faith neither she asked me. coz we respect each others faiths. but our children know one thing that God is only a faith a belief which tells you that some one is always there and looking at them. do what you feel is right is what they have learnt and both of us learn from them and get our courage in tough times when we see their faces. when we are about to lose hope just then that feeling tells us about His presence which gives us the support may be from your friends or wife or kids and that person is the God for whom we get ready to struggle again.