Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

[Brandon13]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Does the Constitution ensuring freedom of religion mean that there cannot be a National religion? I would think so but maybe not.

[Herbsinator]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Like an above poster stated, 78.5% of Americans adhere to Christianity. Thats the majority and we live in a democracy, so the majority should represent who we are IMO..

I'm not exactly sure if that is quite how a democracy works. The majority just doesn't get to do whatever the hell it wants. American democracy is set up so civil liberties will be guaranteed to the minority. A democracy should protect the minority just as much as it empowers the majority.

[The GIGGAS]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Like an above poster stated, 78.5% of Americans adhere to Christianity. Thats the majority and we live in a democracy, so the majority should represent who we are IMO..

Way to completely miss my point...

[MassNole]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Does the Constitution ensuring freedom of religion mean that there cannot be a National religion? I would think so but maybe not.

Pretty much yes, naming an official or national religion would certainly constitute the Government's endorsement of religion. Think about it, people go nutty when the local government wants to give money to private schools for text books or for school vouchers.

We'll likely never even get to have a national language as the 1st Amendment probably prohibits that, much less say a national religion.

[SidVish]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

"The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion by Congress or the preference of one religion over another, or religion over non-religion."

[Brandon13]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Pretty much yes, naming an official or national religion would certainly constitute the Government's endorsement of religion. Think about it, people go nutty when the local government wants to give money to private schools for text books or for school vouchers.

We'll likely never even get to have a national language as the 1st Amendment probably prohibits that, much less say a national religion.

Thanks. I figured you'd have the answer.

"The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment prohibits the establishment of a national religion by Congress or the preference of one religion over another, or religion over non-religion."

Gotta love Wikipedia.

[bsb13]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Maybe I misunderstood what is meant by a national religion. I dont believe that the goverment should endorse any religion, but I do think Christianity represents America better than any other religion. Only makes sense that it would since the majority of Americans claim to be of the Christian faith. Everyone has the right to believe in what they want and I would fight for that right, but Christianity represents America better than any other religion. I think thats more of a fact than an opinion.

I wont say nothing more about this though because these discussions always turn bad quick.

[MassNole]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Maybe I misunderstood what is meant by a national religion. I dont believe that the goverment should endorse any religion, but I do think Christianity represents America better than any other religion. Only makes sense that it would since the majority of Americans claim to be of the Christian faith. Everyone has the right to believe in what they want and I would fight for that right, but Christianity represents America better than any other religion. I think thats more of a fact than an opinion.

I want say nothing more about this though because these discussions always turn bad quick.

I see your point about why it would be the national religion, and honestly it would make sense. However it would be the repercussions of naming it as such that would be problematic. Not to mention the different branches of Christianity that would cause a headache.

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

No, I do not believe there is any official "national religion"... but at the same time, if we have to respect those that don't believe in religion why is it so hard for those few to respect those that do believe in religion? It's a double standard...

Hey you have to respect my beliefs because I'm atheist... but I don't have to respect yours because your Christian...

That just doesn't make sense to me.

The majority made it a holiday... you don't like it? So what... move on. The mall will still be there tomorrow.

[bsb13]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

I see your point about why it would be the national religion, and honestly it would make sense. However it would be the repercussions of naming it as such that would be problematic. Not to mention the different branches of Christianity that would cause a headache.

I agree, I dont think it would be good to name it as so.

[DC]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Good discussion fellas. Nice job of keeping it civil. (no sarcasm intended)

[Brandon13]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

No, I do not believe there is any official "national religion"... but at the same time, if we have to respect those that don't believe in religion why is it so hard for those few to respect those that do believe in religion? It's a double standard...

Hey you have to respect my beliefs because I'm atheist... but I don't have to respect yours because your Christian...

That just doesn't make sense to me.

The majority made it a holiday... you don't like it? So what... move on. The mall will still be there tomorrow.

Eh, I'm of the opinion that you usually need the minority challenging the majority, else the majority does too much with its power. I agree that for the most part respecting everyone else's opinions/beliefs is ideal, but I still believe that the majority usually needs to be challenged.

Edit: BTW, I don't mean this just pertaining to religion, just in general.

[PVarck31]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

There is no "national religion" in this country. As it was previously stated it would be unconstitutional to have one. However for intents and purposes the majority of Americans follow some form of Christianity.

Our founding fathers did found this country on Christian principles and beliefs, however they also realized not everyone would agree so they instilled freedom of religion in the constitution. The fact that someone doesn't agree with Christianity doesn't give them the right to say Christianity shouldn't be allowed. You always hear about this stuff around Christmas time where someone is "offended" by a nativity scene at city hall. Or even in someone own yard. Just ignore it and move on. If you are offended because some stores are closed on Easter Sunday, then you need to just relax.

[Herbsinator]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

No, I do not believe there is any official "national religion"... but at the same time, if we have to respect those that don't believe in religion why is it so hard for those few to respect those that do believe in religion? It's a double standard...

Hey you have to respect my beliefs because I'm atheist... but I don't have to respect yours because your Christian...

That just doesn't make sense to me.

The majority made it a holiday... you don't like it? So what... move on. The mall will still be there tomorrow.

I think Christianity gets plenty of respect in the United States. Generally, the only time non-Christians have a problem with Christians is when they try to over step their boundaries....legally

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Question About Out Nation re: Affiliation

Or like all those times they decide that "Under God" has to be removed from everything? They weren't overstepping their bounds their... it was the minority making a stink over something they have no right trying to change.