[steve-b]

Another judge (an agent of the government) making an official government proclamation about what is and isn't religion.

Well, duh -- that is a necessary judicial function.

For example, if some clown in the federal pen declares that he just converted to a religion that requires him to dine on sirloin steak and pistachio ice cream every day and sues to be provided with those delicacies, then the judge is going to have to rule on whether or not this is a genuine religion or an excuse to pester the prison authorities. The same principle applies here.

[spinestein]

[Another judge (an agent of the government) making an official government proclamation about what is and isn't religion.]

[[Well, duh -- that is a necessary judicial function. For example, if some clown in the federal pen declares that he just converted to a religion that requires him to dine on sirloin steak and pistachio ice cream every day and sues to be provided with those delicacies, then the judge is going to have to rule on whether or not this is a genuine religion or an excuse to pester the prison authorities. The same principle applies here.]]



This is an excellent observation, and I think it accurately describes this ruling.