tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199649182536907045.post1634927884122890264..comments2012-06-07T01:33:32.345-07:00Comments on Generation Atheist: Freedom of Religion -- By Colin GLaura (Editor)http://www.blogger.com/profile/17982748930213221064noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199649182536907045.post-26585047352471797242011-08-02T10:07:18.669-07:002011-08-02T10:07:18.669-07:00Just had a thought: this is kind of like what peop...Just had a thought: this is kind of like what people are trying to do through the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Part of that is about showing how ridiculous religious privilege is.Laura (Editor)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17982748930213221064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199649182536907045.post-53324475272930947982011-08-02T10:04:08.164-07:002011-08-02T10:04:08.164-07:00In the particular situation you described, I feel ...In the particular situation you described, I feel like there might be some doubt as to how others would react. Certainly, the Order of the Unicorn is no more abnormal than other, more "accepted" religions, yet I have no trouble imagining an employer refusing you time off for Unicorn worship rather than going to a traditional church—though a court might uphold your rights, the initial reaction would likely be one of disbelief.<br /><br />There are certainly places where society is too accommodating of religion, but it's also worth noting that some religions are afforded more rights than others. As you noted, Christmas is a government instituted holiday, yet my family must obtain permission to take off Pesah (a Jewish holiday) from their respective employers, and those of secular values are afforded no similar special rights.<br /><br />The solution, from my point of view, is to limit the ridiculous accommodation of religion altogether. Certainly freedom of religion is an important tenet of society, one that I will fight for tooth and nail even if I don't wish to practice it myself, but there are certain extremes that are senseless. If a boss would scoff at the idea of allowing you work off to practice a non-traditional religion, then why is it acceptable to ask no questions around Christmas or Easter? Why is this somehow less sacred than a family occasion?<br /><br />What makes religion so untouchable?Zoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16738927984240278621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4199649182536907045.post-70103361313035047862011-08-02T07:03:56.445-07:002011-08-02T07:03:56.445-07:00I agree, there is far too much respect afforded to...I agree, there is far too much respect afforded to religious ideas. I think there is a distinction between respecting a person, and their right to follow whichever religion they choose, and the ridiculous respect given to ideas purely because they are religious in nature.Laura (Editor)https://www.blogger.com/profile/17982748930213221064noreply@blogger.com