Posted on 05/02/2004 12:49:25 AM PDT by DIM1
Do you really think that Religion is not a right? If so, what is your conception of rights and what standard is it based on? I think a case might be made that - for some things - rights may have a wider and clearer application to innate characteristics than to certain kinds of choices - but that is to long a conversation to take up right this moment (though it would be good to do at some point). But, the conception of rights itself arose in the context of the Judeo-Christian Tradition - and is hard to entirely justify outside that tradition - and harder still without any connection to faith at all. Many very smart and well educated people have tried to do this over the last 2000 years or so. And, though they came up with many interesting, and even some useful ideas - on the whole I believe that their project has failed. That they strove (and strive) so hard at it just shows to me that G-d imbued us all with a conscience, which calls to us even if we don't know its designer. C.S. Lewis said as much in "Mere Christianity," Worth a read.
As far as reconciliation of rights goes - one of the most valuable contributions of those thinkers who apprehended expressed the concept of "Natural Rights" is the distinction between the Public and Private spheres of life. That in the public sphere we all equal citizens and should be treated as such by other citizens and our government - as long as we also respect the rights of others in return, and fulfill and observe those other duties required to preserve our republic and the rights of all, i.e. obey traffic laws support the military and judiciary, and help to sustain other institutions - such as marriage. But, in our own spaces we may live as we choice, associate with whom we want to, and make our own rules - as long as they are also compatible with the rights and duties of all.
Many of the conflicts between different rights may be reconciled through observance of this distinction - though its rough going in many cases anyway. For example homosexuals and lesbians may be free to live as they want as long as they don’t involve children, and keep it inside. They certainly have the right to kick out anyone who they want to from their own homes, clubs or whatever. All citizens have those rights, and we all should have the right to walk down the street without being harassed by others, but we don’t have the right to forcibly interfere with the protected expressions of others in either Private domains or public areas set aside for that purpose, and that includes all private media, (though time and availability might be restricted for the sake of children), public forums, and other private institutions. Places of Worship and Holy Scripture are doubly protected in this view by both rights obtaining to property and those particular to faith.
Sorry to be so abstract. This is not easy going for anyone – let alone yours truly. But being a fee people never is. Thank you! and, Be Well,
DIM1
Yes! I call it the "Euro-Disease". It's what happens when fear, and egalitarianism overwhelms liberty. Tocqueville saw it as the internal conflict inherent in democracy. Thought it would happen here though - but that was back when Europe was still ruled by kings and queens. They, Canada and Britain took the wrong model - Rousseau - rather than the American Founding Fathers. Too bad.I Like Canada and Canadians otherwise.
Thank you, and Be Well!
DIM1
Freedom of conscience is the rock bottom of this republic. To make judgments and express them in ones private life and public forums is the foundation of all other liberties. That's why "political correctness" is so vile. By making people incapable of hearing things they may not like it makes them incapable of being free.
Thank you, and be well!
DIM1
Wonder who has the beer franchise for the games down there? Don't think its Coors.
I'm not for banning "hate speech" in any case, free people can't have thin skins. But if they force the issue its only right to make sure its applied "fairly". No more Marxist-hate speech!
Be Well! DIM1
Are you Canadian? Do you know if there is unequal enforcement of that law? I would really like to know. I'm certain the day will come soon enough when we'll be given asylum to Canadians fleeing persecution for expressing their faith. I just pray we can keep the light going down here.
Bless you! Be Well,
DIM1
Good point! We need to exercise justice in our judgment of others and their beliefs - that is required of us - and we need to be accurate to do that. In the case of Moslems - treating all alike just drives more into the hands of the militants.
Thank you! and, be well
DIM1
Yes! A good point. I will try and apply that lesson in the future.
Thank you, and Be well
DIM1
This is why many of us faith full consider some of the "Churches: non other than a "business" front..
In Spirit...
Rev. J.D.
It probably will cross the border, but I wouldn't give it a good chance at passing -- at least not if the slumbering Christian communities here wake up to fight it.
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