How so is this discussion overtly opposed to Natural Rights and the primary freedoms of men?
As a historian and as a Roman Catholic, no one on FR is more aware than myself how one person’s or one group’s concept of religious freedom is another person’s living nightmare of oppression. Ask any Jew about oppression by Christians and Muslims.
The history of religious oppression in Europe was very well known to the Founders of our nation. I believe that history was the primary impetus behind the opening to Amendment I of the U.S.Constitution: CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION...
The fact that some feel this opens the opportunity for states to establish a state religion is deeply troubling. Such an establishment would be created, I am sure, for the greatest of moral reasons, but such reasons can and do degenerate into abusive practices.
Ready for another Inquisition, folks?
It's not a "feeling" Satindoll. As I mentioned to you upthread, establishment of a State Church was not prohibited to the States under the "establishment clause," it was prohibited to the national government. Many States had a State Church well into the 1800's, others disestablished their State Church not long after ratification.