<< And, of Freedom from Religion? >>
To the extent that one has the right to choose NO religion as their religion yes. BUT, to say that I believe there should be "religion-free zones" no. THAT would restrict both my freedom of religion and expression. Just because someone finds my speech offensive or intrusive does NOT mean I should have to give up my right to express myself.
After all, I find LOTS of things very intrusive and offensive.... like white-supremacist BS, anti-semetism, satanist, rappers calling women bitches and whores, and lots of other things, AND I wish they'd shut up. BUT I don't have a right to MAKE them shut up, and neither does the law.
<< How about religious activity that does not include prayer? Collection of tythe's for instance (as an improbable but nonetheless illustrative example)? >>
Come on dude.... you needn't go through every little possibility.... No state sponsored religion, OK. But neither shall the state restrict the people's right to express such beliefs.
<< And atheists are not allowed to represent voters in positions of Government. Too few would vote for us. Walking a mile in our shoes leaves the same taste of intolerance in your mouths, I see. >>
??? What do you mean Athiests are not allowed to represent voters in position of Government? Run, dude.... Id rather vote for an Athiest who had god morals and values than an avowed Christian who spent his time catting around and making back-room deals. I wouldn't vote for a psycho, anything goes type no matter his religious beliefs though.....
But frankly, Athiest holding office has nothing to do with freedom of religion or speech.
<< Nor does Christian society countenance an Atheist's public affirmation of their belief system, or lack thereof. Again, welcome to our world. Equality means you have to share the inequities common to the unequal: sorta like the earliest Christians, no? How soon people forget. >>
That's just drivel and mis-direction. First, I disagree with your assertion that we have a Christian society. Second, that's the most inane definition of equality I've ever seen. And third, I see much more tolerance given to any religion to include Atheism in public institutions OTHER than Christianity....
<< The Constitutionally mandated separation of Church and State requires that not all Religious Speech be protected as Free Speech. It is the price the religious must pay to ensure equal consideration of all religious speach free from institutionalized, Governmental preference. >>
Where in the Constitution does it say; "Dude, you know you have Freedom of Religion as long as your religion doesn't offend or make ANYONE uncomfortable." My sons are NOT part of the "Government" therefore their speech is not of or on behalf of the Government, thus their speech cannot possibly be considered to be the Government showing preference for one religion over any other.
<< Truth being subjective, then, by your own words, you have no problem with the teaching of Evolution in science class in public school? >>
There you go again attributing things to me that I simply DID NOT SAY. I NEVER said the truth was subjective. My son is a Christian. If somone asked him, "Dude, what is your religion?", he would have the choice of responding with a truthful answer: "I am a Christian." and get punished, or "I believe the Martians colonized us as a food source." (or any other answer) which would be a lie.
But, now that you mention it.... NO, I do NOT mind having the THEORY of Evolution taught in the public schools. I think the theory has flaws, but it also has some valid points as well. And besides, I have no problem at all reconciling Evolution and Christianity.... geez, that's an elementary task.
<< Then, you are a reasonable man with whom I am in agreement on this point. I am, therefore, being reasonable, too. >>
Thank you for the compliment. I TRY to be as reasonable as I can. Sometimes I fail.
I suspect that we could find a great deal of common ground on many topics. I wish everyone would try to do the same, rather than searching for conflict in their disagreements. I do enjoy arguing though, since I am always....
Opinionated