Phil Plait asks us to watch this video [Freedom of and from religion]. He says,
Watch this video. We need more like it. And I’m amazed some people can’t figure this out. it’s really pretty simple.I'm one of those people who can't figure it out. I'm all for religious freedom. Everyone has the right to believe whatever they want as long as it doesn't interfere with the rights of others. This applies in all countries, not just in the USA.
But the video seems to imply something more when it talks about "privacy" and "respect." It sounds very much like they are advocating for protection from criticism and challenges to their beliefs.
Is this correct? Is it against the law in America to question religion or make fun of some of the most outrageous examples?
Is it against the law in America to question religion or make fun of some of the most outrageous examples?
ReplyDeleteNo. Not yet, anyway.
I see what you're reacting to, but I think you're overinterpreting. The ad seems to me to be aimed against the known, real discrimination by (mostly) conservative Christians against, well, pretty much anyone else (including other Christians deemed insufficiently orthodox). Simply saying: "My beliefs are none of your business, and you may not use that fact against me" is downright radical in some quarters. And yes, that can include protection from "challenges" -- when such "challenges" come from, say, one's boss, or commanding officer. You know -- the kind of crap Ed Brayton reports on pretty regularly.
ReplyDeleteThat video is somehow very annoying
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous poster that the video is annoying. One of its more annoying aspects is the confounding of religious persecution or favoritism by the *state* (which is what the law prohibits) with respect for one's religious beliefs by other *individuals* (about which the law says nothing).
ReplyDeleteThis I suppose is the type of confused hash you get when the organization that made the video is comprised of an alliance between Americans United for Separation of Church and State (standing against state favoritism toward a religion or religions) with the Interfaith Alliance (standing for the proposition that all religions are worthy of respect).