2008 Woodie Awards
Have we evolved: Freedom from religion
BOB BEERS
OPINION EDITOR
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Opinion
|
Religious institutions are fundamentally separate from our political institutions, theoretically. The issue is open to debate, though there are observable influences religious institutions have on our country’s policies.
Issues like gay-marriage, stem cell research, abortions and sexual activity have all felt the hot, heavy breathe of religious action.
These specific issues are largely on the level of the individual. For example, if two, of age, adults of the same sex want to spend the rest of their lives together and decide to get married, who does this effect? Why shouldn’t they be afforded the exact same rights as other adults? It apparently doesn’t matter if they love each other and are most happy when together. Gay marriage is illegal, not because it hurts society, but because it runs counter to our prominent religious institution. In America, a registered sex offender can get married, but not a homosexual couple (except for couples living in three specific states).
Here’s another way of looking at it, there were sexual activities that were illegal to perform between two, of age, consenting adults. They were illegal because they were non-procreative and thus fell under archaic Sodomy Laws. Due to religious influences, the bedroom of two consenting adults was no longer private. It wasn’t until 2003 that the Supreme Court invalidated all Sodomy laws and declared such laws unconstitutional. They had been in effect since the formation of the original 13 colonies.
Stem cell research in America is nowhere near the level of advancement as other countries. Our research programs are stifled and often broken due to disputes over cells. The particular cells used for this research come about at an extremely early stage in development, usually around three to five days. They have near limitless potential in their use for the betterment of human life. Until religion gets out the way however, America will not benefit as much from the technology as other countries, both in terms of health care and finance.
Though we preach to be a religiously free country, there are aspects of our lives that are clearly influenced by religious dogma. What is encouraging though, is seeing states like Connecticut stand up and push away religiosity. It is encouraging to hear about financing coming through for stem cell research and to have archaic religious based laws destroyed. America has a chance to survive.
In terms, of having freedom from religion, have we evolved?
Verdict: Yes, for the love of God, we are evolving.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Jonathan Schoenfelder
posted 10/14/08 @ 8:25 AM MST
The bill of rights protects the freedom to practice a religion and prevents the establishment of a state religion. That does not mean that it is unconstitutional to vote with whatever religious ideas you might have. (Continued…)
The Truth Fairy
The Truth Fairy
posted 10/14/08 @ 6:48 PM MST
Mr. Beers,
I have never before heard it said that we are a religious free country, let alone anyone preaching that! Have you ever been to Washington DC to see all of the references to God?
We have the freedom to our own religion. (Continued…)
Post a Comment