question about religion for a religion class?

Question

In the United States, a person's religious identity, beliefs, and practices are protected, and the government is restrained from interfering in or promoting any religion. But what does that really mean? How can we promote religious freedom unless we have a workable definition of religion? And whose religion, in our highly pluralistic society, is going to be the norm?

Think about the relationship between the definition of religion (what counts and what doesn't) and the potential for repression, persecution, or on the other hand, cultural domination. How do minority religious communities fare in America? Which religions are acceptable, and which ones are marginalized or even denigrated? Why does this happen?

Bill Mac · Accepted Answer

All good questions. The norm is freedom of the individual to follow whatever religion they want, without government interference or establishment a national religion. In the USA, the majority of people are Christians... and yes, their religious ideals do have an effect on governmental, cultural and social norms and mores. Minority religions and communities have the freedom to coexist along with the majority, yet it is not a matter which is considered superior or dominate. Under our constitution and government, all are ideally considered equally valid and treated the same. People, however, do not always condone or accept some religious beliefs... which is often the source of turmoil and sometimes violence... especially against those they feel are promoting  or supporting violence. This is why the government is prohibited from interfering or promoting any particular religion.

Anonymous · Answer

Pretty much all religions here are free and there is no problems, the problems start when hippies and others start creating their own "religions" when in reality all they want is a legal way to do smoke pot.

Dave D · Answer

There is a political definition of a religion for tax purposes.... it must have a certain number of followers, etc.  There is no "norm".

? · Answer

The government is restrained from interfering. but that does not mean the people have to be impartial, the people can and should attack (with peaceful questioning and discussing) any 'religion' (whatever that means) that is perceived as causing harm. (all of them)

I agree that people should be free to believe whatever they want, but if someone believes god wants them to kill the gays, they should be locked up. and people absolutely should be free to criticize ALL beliefs.

Anonymous · Answer

Don't write out an entire homework question and assume that someone's going to do it for you, you intellectual parasite.

The first word in the second paragraph - "Think" - in an instruction to you, the student. It does not mean "throw the entire question as is on the internet and wait for someone to do it for you".

cadisneygirl · Answer

Courts have been arguing this question for years.  Go look up some of them and then you will have your answer or at least an idea of the way the courts have interpreted it to mean.

Anonymous · Answer

A person can know many truths by reciting the rosary carefully daily.

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question about religion for a religion class?

7 Answers