"We hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, that religion, or the duty we owe our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence. The religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an unalienable right."
by:
James Madison
(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
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Wow -- an enlightened view few religionists can accept. Deism well-defined. The essense of the 1st Amendment.
 -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Now that atheism has been legislated the national establishment of religion by the Supreme Court, this unalienable faculty of birth and Christian principle is currently being forcebly (and violently where desirable) suppressed.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    Madison says "religion...can be directed only by reason and convictions" It may be anyone's prerogative to practice it as he sees fit, but so much religion of all stripes uses very little reason and so much conviction
     -- Jack, Green, OH     
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    That is not Deism. It is advocating religious freedom. A rational religious person knows that if he suppresses someone else's religion he invites the other to suppress his.
     -- warren, olathe     
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    Mike, please enlighten me: how and where have the Christians in America been forcefully and violently suppressed by the atheists?
     -- Anonymous     
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    By the very definition atheism itself is a religion is it not?
     -- dhon joe     
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    dhon, by way of clarity, atheism, in and of itself is not a religion. Atheism becomes a religion when it is applied on a moral, virtuous, betterment of man, etc. basis. By way of example: Religion is; "Real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men." (Bouvier's Law Dictionary) The focus here is on the 'do' - real piety in practice and, in the performance of all known duties. When Atheists move by piety in practice, removing all competing religious symbols and practices from their god and church (man / government, etc.) for example, Atheism truly becomes, by definition, a recognizable religion.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    The current occupying statist theocracy infesting this land is a death cult with its human sacrifice to the gods of pleasure and life style. The ANTI/NON-Christian establishment of religion (with its canon definition and enforcement of certain religious sacraments - such as marriage, do not allow other beliefs within its realm.

    Anonymous, Nuns are violated for not actively participating in birth control. Cities nation wide are not allowing bible study of 3 or more people in individual's homes. Professors are being band because of their Christian beliefs. Catholic high school students are verbally and emotional being victimized for acts they were purported doing (they did not do what they were accused), etc., etc., etc.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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     -- jim k, Austin      
    Religion and God are promulgated  and supported entirely by nothing other than cold hearted violent cruelness. The minority speaks for the improvement of humankind, and says eliminate the childish fantasy fraud of the idea of God and the devil. Peace on earth, goodwill towards all. In humanity we must trust for that is all we have.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
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     -- Ronw13, ID      
    True Christianity is not so much a religion or a 'belief' but a practice based upon the teachings and demonstration of Christ.  'As you sow, so shall you reap' is the self-evident law of nature, thus the practice of 'the Way' is a mutual blessing for all and it's antipathy is rightly considered 'evil.'  Don't confuse the two. 
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Sillik, your extremely empty word salad once again demonstrates your promulgation and support for an absolute enslaving ignorance. If your word salad uniquely addressed the definition, theology (religion) and practice of socialism, you would be absolutely right. From your personal “god” complex position, continuing to redefine words and concepts doesn’t fair well for your attempts at furthering your religious propaganda. By example: religion is; “real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to ⋯ our fellow men.” (Bouviers Law Dictionary). “⋯ Socialism is a religion.” (Joseph Goebbels, Diary entry, October 16, 1928)

    Another religion’s author stated: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” Your here stated single doctrine is in toto, antithetical to Christianity and harmonious with your stated attributes of socialist gods (like yourself) and the religion thereof that promulgates and supports nothing but cold hearted violent cruelness.


     -- Mike,, Norwalk     
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