You are correct for any specific organization. Those who disagree can leave and start their own group. And do. That’s largely the history of Protestantism.
The original poster seemed to be referencing maintaining a consistent body of doctrine for the whole society. And that obviously requires coercion.
In the United States after 1750, certainly. In Europe, not so much.
The original poster seemed to be referencing maintaining a consistent body of doctrine for the whole society. And that obviously requires coercion.
I see your point. That being said, all legislation that is not merely procedural coerces a specific moral view on citizens.
Insofar as morality is doctrinal (and it is), all societies engage in doctrinal coercion.