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Ummmmm...
You missed the point of the distinctions, though. You write "Religion came along..." But where did it come from?
Do you mean "Freedom from religion" or simply "Let-me-do-my-thing-dammit-and-just-shutup?" You see, you are also missing a second fundamental point here: that the "individual" is not the center of the universe, humanity is.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on April 2, 2004 at 12:35 AM
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I don’t see the correlation between “Freedom from religion” and “Freedom from Gender.” I could see “Freedom from Gender Stereotypes” as a simile and a contrast.
It is true that as humans we do quest to answer the big questions like, “Why are we here?” “How did we get here?” “What happens when we die?” “Are we alone in the universe.” Etc.
Religion has sprung up throughout human history as an option. Religion says, “Here are the answers. You don’t have to think about it anymore.”
If an adult chooses this option for himself or herself that is their choice, but when adults choose for their children or tries to choose for other adults this is wrong.
Children should have the freedom to explore and choose what belief, if any, is right for them. Too many religions claim to the "one true religion". How can one set of beliefs be right for every unique person in the world? We all see things differently. If you and I went to see a movie together we would come out having gained something different. Our views of a simple movie would be unique.
No one can see things they way I see them because they have not lived my life. How can different people perceive a book in the same way? They can't. Freedom from Religion to me means accepting the truth that we are all unique and shouldn't be forced to believe the same intangibles as everyone else. Children’s freedom to think for themselves should especially be advocated and protected.
We do not need a religion to raise our children to know right from wrong. We don’t need to be in a religion to be a good person. We can take the religion option but we shouldn’t have to.
posted by
Kay-Ren
on April 2, 2004 at 12:23 AM
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Check it out
it is a historical fact. No other institution spoke about freedom of religion before the Catholic Church.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on April 1, 2004 at 9:08 AM
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Friar_Tuck I see and understand the distinctions you are making
and was in full agreement until you suggested the Catholic Church promotes freedom of religion. We must be thinking of two different institutions.
posted by
gomedome
on April 1, 2004 at 8:57 AM
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There you go...
Please pay attention to the distinctions I make about "religion." "Spirituality" strictly speaking is a Christian term and refers to the way a Christian responds to the promptings of what Paul calls the "spirit." "Pagans" however speak of openness to the spirits, which I think is different.
posted by
Friar__Tuck
on April 1, 2004 at 8:29 AM
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I agree with your idea in a way
but when Kay-Ren writes of "Freedom from Religion" she is talking about organized, stifling religion. Religion of itself is limiting.
Spirituality is that yearning of the heart you were speaking of. Spirituality and religion, though linked, are seperate entities.
Religion is nothing more than a group of people who have the same beliefs coming together to worship their chosen deities.
Spirituality, on the other hand, is the actual opening of one's mind and heart to deity on a personal level.
One can go to church and go through all the motions without actually believing. In order to be spiritual, one must truly believe.
And don't even get me started on the "Roman Catholic" religious entity as a whole....
posted by
koriani
on April 1, 2004 at 7:27 AM
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