Freedom FROM Relion?

Question

So you hear Christians say all the time that we have freedom OF religion, not FROM it. What exactly does it mean?

I mean to have freedom of religion that would mean you can practice ANY religion that you want and no one can force you to practice a certain type right? Since no one can tell you to practice a certain type, doesn't that also mean that no one can tell you to practice religion at all? If someone tells you to be a Catholic doesn't that mean they're infringing on your freedom of religion?

So doesn't that mean Freedom OF religion ALSO means freedom FROM religion?

If you don't agree, please post why.

Answer 1

Freedom of religion is a more expansive right than freedom from religion. A lot of atheists interpret their prefered motif of "freedom from religion" as meaning something akin to "practice that perverted religion stuff in your own home, preferably the bathroom or basement."

Freedom OF religion means however that your beliefs and right to make pronouncements in favour of your own outlook are not in any way constrained by the state. Freedom OF religion permits you to say, "I'm Jewish" on public transit, for instance, or even, "I'm an atheist."

"Freedom from religion" advocates would prefer instead that these things not be said in the first place.

Answer 2

No, saying "freedom from religion" is like saying you have freedom from free speech and cannot hear anyone say something that you disagree with. There is a difference between religious tolerance and religious freedom. Tolerance is the ability to withstand pain, but people have a breaking limit where their tolerance will end. Freedom is more limitless. Toleration is to say, "You can be Muslim, but once I see you praying publicly thats it, your finished". Freedom is to say, "You can be a Buddhist. Go ahead. Set up temples."

I have the freedom to not be a Muslim, but I do not have the freedom to never meet Muslims or never see a mosque. I have freedom to read and publish whatever I want, but I do not have the right to never see any atheistic writings.

Saying "freedom of and from religion" is like saying, "We have equality between the races, and freedom from black people". Thats stupid. Its segregation all over again. To lock religion up in the churches and the private household is the same thing as having white only restaurants. "Freedom from religion" is just a cover-up for intolerance and bigotry.

Answer 3

I believe Jesus came to give us freedom from religion;
religion is self righteous and mean;
He came to destroy the devil and his works;
the only ones He rebuked were the self righteous religious people and told them they made the word of God of no effect because of their traditions
and they wouldn't receive Him and have a personal relationship with Him, they missed a lot because they didn't accept Him for who He was

Answer 4

to be true this country has mandated that no one religion should be enforced upon the people. which had happened in the past (catholicism). but you are free to live your life how you want to (within the law) live it. wicked or godly it is your choice. but if a christian truly obeys God he will always be sharing his/her faith in order to bring more to christ. this is a commandment form God himself. that all men should be saved. so as long as there are christians (true ones) it will be a part of their life. but that does not imply forcing beliefs on others in any way. only a pleading and concern for the souls of mankind so we try to persuade men. but if they don't want it, they don't want it. God does not draft anyone into his army.
so freedom from religion in terms of not seeing it anywhere or coming in contact with it people or not seeing churches anywhere is quite impossible.

Answer 5

When people say that they mean that you can't ban religion.

The idea is that you Freedom FROM Religion would mean that religion could be banned for everyone, whereas Freedom OF Religion means you could choose to worship, or not to worship.

The phrase is misused often, but that's what it means when not used as propoganda.

At least, that's my opinion.

Answer 6

If you believe Freedom of Religion includes Freedom FROM Religion, you should join my new Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JusticeForAtheists/

Answer 7

YES! You are FREE to be an atheist. You are free FROM religion. Even the Bible says you are Free to chose to accept the message or not. You don't have to believe. That is your choice.