On 09-26-05, SUE ALEXANDER said to TIM RICHARDSON:

SA>TIM RICHARDSON wrote in a message to JITENDER SAAN:


JS>Well putting the US constitution to one side I do think that freedom of
JS>religion is bit lacking if there is no freedom from religion.


TR> There `is' freedom from religion. When a person pushing some
TR> religion or other calls you up on your telephone, if you do not want
TR> to hear it, you just hang up and there is no penalty.


SA>So it would be OK to go out and proselitize atheism?


I don't care *what* you "proselitize". If I don't want to hear it, I don't
have to stand there listening to you. I just walk away, and that takes care of
that.


TR> If a person pushing religion walks up to you on the street and tries
TR> to engage you in a religious discussion, all you have to do is walk
TR> away without saying anything at all if you want to and there is no
TR> penalty.


SA>It is OK to go out and start up discussions on evolution uninvited? What
SA>about discussions about properly celebrating Beltane?


Who cares *what* you start discussions on. The bottom line is; *I* don't have
to participate. all I have to do is walk away.


TR> If a group of people are going to start a religious program or begin
TR> praying, you do not have to take part if you choose not to and there
TR> is no penalty.


SA>Would you feel comfortable if you were stuck in a location where they
SA>started bashing God?


I don't see how you could be *stuck* in a situation "where they started
bashing God". Your feet work no matter *where* you are. All you have to do is
get up and walk out.


SA>Exactly how far does your sense of these freedoms go?


As far as the reality of *freedom* goes; for *both* groups.


You want to be an *atheist*? I have no problem with that. Believe whatever you
choose. Who cares?


I have never *proselitized* religion of any kind. Nor, have I ever debased
anyone for their religious beliefs, whatever they were, nor for their `lack'
of religious belief.


I have never even discussed my religious beliefs in Fido, with anyone. Nor
have I ever insisted that anyone believe in anything at all.


Religion is a personal thing, its reality is important only to the person who
believes in their religion.





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*Durango b301 #PE* Fama volat - The rumour has wings. (Vergil)