Yep. Freedom of religion = freedom from religion.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Atheism isn't a religion, it's a lack there of. I assume you're trying to use the definition "a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe" or maybe "something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience". Neither of those work though. Atheism does not in and of itself give any explanation of the cause, nature, or purpose of the universe, nor does it have any particular moral codes. An atheist must go to something other than religion (namely science, or philosophy) to find those. So in short, no that is not what it means, and no matter how much you argue this, that won't magically become what it means.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

I never said atheism is a religion, hence the line "even if none [religion] at all"

by Anonymous 13 years ago

I think anon is referring to "Freedom of religion" which means you are free to practice whatever religion you want. Anon is saying that atheism is not a religion, so "freedom of religion" does not apply to it, just the way "freedom of speech" does not give you the right to remain silent (though you do have this right and the right to be an atheist). Maybe they should add something to the Constitution that says "Freedom FROM religion." UNLESS you think atheism is a religion, then this post is right, but not everyone believes that.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Freedom of religion would also imply freedom of no religion.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

If there was no fifth amendment, do you think freedom of speech would imply your right to remain silent? It's debatable, so maybe a distinction should be made.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

were you talking about the first or fifth amendment? And under both, it would imply your right to remain silent. It's not debatable, it's upheld in the police force and court. Regardless, the fifth amendment DOES exist, such as the First so it should cover all aspects of speech/religion/and press. And atheism should be considered the most useful to "freedom of religion" considering it's free from ALL religion, not just specific ones.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I was talking about the fifth. IF there was no fifth, would the first give you the right to remain silent since it gives you the right to speak? I see what you mean, but I think another way of looking at "freedom of religion" is "freedom of belief systems." In //that// definition, it protects atheism. Yes, that's semantics, but semantics can be important/ make something debatable. I think you thought I was saying the right to remain silent was debatable which of course it isn't.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

What do you think religion is? Praising a god or goddess? Well, some people believe Atheism is a religion. Definitions of things get changed a lot. Like gay, fag, ass, emo. It used to mean happy, cigarette, donkey, and a genre of music. Shit happens.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Atheism is not a religion and will never be considered a religion except by bigots that think atheists are simply spreading their values for religious purposes.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Shouldn't that be up to the atheist be the ones to decide that? When ever you hear someone ask "What is you religion?" An atheist could choose to say "I am Atheist" or "I am not religious." If you are Atheist, shouldn't you be able to choose your own response? I think they should.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Religion, by definition, is the belief and worship in a high power. So no, there is no arguing that an atheist is religious. An atheist is simply a term used to describe someone who doesn't believe in God.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Atheist had a broader definition. Like I am Agnostic. I consider it a religion, though it is merely a the possibility of religions.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Agnostics are not atheists. Nor is agnosticism a religion.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I never claimed that Agnostics were Atheists. Arguing on the Internet is getting neither of us anywhere, because in the end, we are both going to believe the same thing. Let's just agree to disagree.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Learn to read. He said even if NONE at all.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Hehe, this stupid fuck tried to sound smart but couldn't even read the post.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Sshhh, anon. Your opinion is not wanted.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Nope, it means you can only be Christian. Try reading a dictionary.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

If being an Athiest is considered a religion then Jesus was a crackhead.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Thats not that far fetched, alot of "prophets" and "seers" lived in caves where natural gases could have made them high

by Anonymous 12 years ago