How does the establishment clause of the first amendment to the US constitution apply to atheists?

Question

Disclosure: I already asked this in the politics area of YA, trying it in the religion area to see what the difference in responses might be.

The establishment clause of the first amendment to the US constitution is generally interpreted to give freedom of religion. How does that apply to atheists? Generally speaking, religious discrimination has been condemned as illegal in theory, if not in practice, as long as a specific religion’s beliefs do not cause them to violate some other US law (e.g. fundamental Mormons and polygamy). But atheists are rarely given the same regard. Do you think atheists face discrimination? If the establishment clause guarantees freedom of religion, does it guarantee atheists freedom from religion? If not, why not?

For reference:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ..."

marbledog makes a good point about the establishment clause vs. free exercise clause, although I don't think it makes a lot of difference to the question as freedom from religion has to do as much with church/state separation as private individual practices, or at least it seems that way to me. Let's just expand the scope to the whole first amendment, shall we? :)

Answer 1

You're a little confused.

The Free Exercise clause protects religion for the people.

The Establishment clause denies religion to the government.

As you mention, it doesn't always carry through in practice, but that is the general intent.

Answer 2

The clause has been interpreted to infer a 'freedom of religion' as well as a 'freedom from religion'. Meaning the government can make no law forcing or restricting any individuals religious beliefs or lack thereof.

Answer 3

Considering Athiest Madelyn Marie O'hare is the reason there is no religion in schools, I would say there is not a discrimination towards Athiests. I would say the reverse actually because of that woman Christians were stopped from their freedom of religion in schools. She better hope she was right too, now that she is no longer here because if she was wrong about God and I believe that she was, then she is now eternally burning in Hell and that is sad...

Answer 4

I think freedom of religion means as well freedom to choose not to have any religion at all... So the amendment provides for atheists too...

I do not think atheists are discriminated. I think they are object of a respectful resentment, because people deep inside know that they are right but do not have the same courage to admit it...

Answer 5

Read up: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_religion

"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/. Freedom of religion is considered by many in many nations and people to be a fundamental human right."

Answer 6

Even though there is a law, everyone faces discrimination. This is due mostly to lack of proper education. I had a person tell me the other day that because I was Agnostic, I couldn't believe in God. It is funny how many people take the word of others just as foolish as them.

Answer 7

No law respecting a religion is freedom from religion too, but if you think this means I have to have one I will be a Jedi.

Answer 8

It doesn't have anything to do with atheist. However, the supremes have correctly interpreted the Constitution to mean that either governmental agencies have to include all religions if they do something or none. But no, doesn't have a thing todo with atheism.

Answer 9

freedom from religion means you dont have to practice any religion. i dont practice any religion. nobody makes me. i have freedom from religion.

what annoys me is when atheists think freedom from religion means that no one else is allowed to even mention christmas or god or anything else about religion. your freedom from religion should not interfere with someone elses freedom OF religion. so go on in your merry atheists way and let religous people enjoy their religion and everyone will be happy.

Answer 10

We do have freedom from religion to a degree. After all, they keep stopping those numskulls from blathering about Intelligent Design to impressionable public schoolchildren...