I've heard of Gay Rights, Women's Rights, Athiest's Rights, but do Christians have rights? Or are we just 'Rats' needing to be exterminated?  As a Christian I believe that I'm also entitled to certian rights, but I may just be trying to impede 'progress'.  What do you think?
120816
That's such a stupid question! Every person has rights! Why is  everyone so crazy about protesting about rights?! I mean, "gay rights, women's rights...", just by doing that you're separating them, separating yourself, as if you and they were something apart and alien. I know it's necessary to demand your rights if they are being violated but stop segregating!!!!
118641
Is freedom considered ethical? Of course, personal definitions of freedom vary. Basic human rights for all, including humane treatment of animals. I think American society is just like any other in that we all have our own ethics and values. Even in nations without freedom, their is surely a difference in opinion whether spoken or not.\n\nIs it possible you are confusing religion with ethics? Not all ethics are religious. America is home to many religions so we do not all have the same belief system. I think in general we believe in living without taking others rights away - except for the extreme christian-conservatives who do want to take away certain "non-christian" rights because they believe that they foul up our nation regardless of our constitutional rights.
216489
Its just right wing fear mongering.  That is one of the things they are good at.  I thank my stars we live in a country still where you have the freedom of speech, the right of assembly and the right NOT to have a religion if you choose.  Its also a freedom FROM religion. \n\nI am reading posts here that seem to support a theocracy and are not content to mind their own business.   I have no use for Talibornagain Christians.  I don't get all this gay paranoia in our society.
54498
I am SO HAPPY you brought this up.  I have been trying to figure out how to bring up the exact same thing.\n\nI am a Christian woman.  I am also a VERY PROUD AMERICAN! I have stated elsewhere here that I think we live in the greatest country in the world. For that, I was accused of being biased on the rest of my answer to a question. My response was something to the effect of, You bet I am!\n\n http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AubWJu0Gnc1GUlucTx9SMdDsy6IX?qid=1006021204382\n\n\nNow with that said we are FAR from perfect. As often as this site has made me feel proud to be a Christian and an American, it has made me equally ashamed to be. Being able to honestly say that, makes me sadder than I can express to you.\n\nFor all the brilliant and wonderful people we have in this country, we also have some of the absolute, MOST ignorant! This is the land of freedoms and opportuntites. Unfortunately some people take their rights to be ignorant and stupid to extremes.\n\nNow granted, a portion of the problem, is the chronilogical age of some of the users. I think most people can recognize them and forgive them for their indiscretions here. There is good reason to believe that they will mature as they grow.\n\nThere are so many people here, who truly do not understand what an amazing thing we have here with Yahoo! Answers. I think there are just so many that do not realize that this really IS a direct link to the rest of the world. Instantly.\n\nI on occasion, go to the Politics and or Religions catagories. The "discussions"  that go on in some of these threads is amazing.  We can actually ask people that we are at war with, What do they think about it. Me! You! Everyone here! CAN actually talk to not only your friends and neighbors here, but ALSO those that we are at war with! Right NOW!  What greater tool for peace could there be. The potential is phenominal!  The war is no longer somewhere, on the other side of the world.  It is with the guy I was talking to about religion or politics or anything else, to last night before I went to bed. And you know what? He had to agree with some of my points, and I had to agree with some of his.  Sometimes we have no clue who, we are agreeing with!  Then you have people enter these threads, that just come out with the most assenine things. The worst of course was a man who claimed to be an Anerican Christian Doctor.  He would enter religious threads and start swearing at people who had a different opinion than he.  He answered some medical questions by prescribing self mutilation.  He had made suggestions in both catagories that people should just go and kill themselves. How ignorant.\n\nThe rest of the world sees us as blind sheep that are led reasonlessly by our media.  They think that we could not put two thought together if we were not told what they were first. They also think that we blindly follow our government, without questioning it. They think that we have no respect for ourselves, let alone anyone else. I think they also think that we greatly abuse our "freedoms", and flaunt them to the rest of the world. They think that we are arrogant, and that we have no vision of existence outside of our own boarders.\n\nI am afraid that I agree, that many users on this site reinforce those beliefs.  I stated in another answer, somewhere else, that I do not think that "many Americans" realize that this IS an international site, and that IF they did, I would hope that they would behave better.
416516
What percentage of the US population calls themselves Christian?  It's pretty high.\n\nI would think it prudent to not go here.  When you speak of limiting the rights of others, it is difficult to make them believe yours are worth protecting.
492139
Boomer KINDA has a point. But gays should have rights, not as a group, but as individuals. Why shouldn't they have the right to get married and be miserable just like everybody else(except me, I'm not miserable.)?
280203
I do not agree.  What I think would be nice would be for each of us to open our mind, be tolerant of the different religions and beliefs and respect each others diversity and learn from others. I practice my freedom of choice by ignorning hateful, blasphemous and disrespectful questions on this forum.
227463
I have realized that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here is my response to an earlier similar question:\n\n I believe that I have been nothing but courteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.\n\nGranted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)\n\nAs for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.\n\nIn my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are. \n\nI see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.\n\nWe are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.\n\nOur current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.\n\nI know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history. \n\nI see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."\n\nThat said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.\n\nI hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.\n\nI feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent. \n\nIf you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for that. However, I think that this exclusion of other mindsets and worldviews does a disservice to those who would seek such a closed system.\n\nThat's why, as an atheist, I show up on the religion thread.
302781
I just want to know why it was okay to have scriptures & other signs of faith posted on government property in the past and now it's not okay. Who gave a group so much authority to think and act for the majority? If something is offensive, I turn my head away, but I respect someone else's right to do the offensive thing. I don't like it, but I don't go running to the ACLU & cry all over them because I was offended. I don't urge them to hire a multitude of lawyers to make those people stop their vile display, violating my senses. I don't like a lot of things that are happening in this world. I try to make a difference where I live, and an even smaller difference at the ballot box. But, all this talk about separation of church and state is horse hockey. Our constitution DOES NOT have that wording in it anywhere. I've read through it several times and I don't see it. Must have been written with invisible ink! But, the Russian constitution DOES have that wording. I can see how that would be important...to the Russians. This country was founded on scripture and Godly values, not matter what the history revisionists are trying print in our school books now days. And no matter if you or anyone else likes that fact, it's a fact. If it was good enough for our forefathers, why isn't it good enough for us now? I don't believe that we are so very enlightened now that we've forgotten where we've come from. I think a lot of people just don't want to be reminded of any symbol of faith. It might make them uncomfortable, and we wouldn't want that! We want everyone to be happy, right? But, in their effort to please one group, they're offending another. I guess it's okay. Those crazy Christians have had the past couple hundred of years to plaster their stuff all over this country. So, now they can just back off quietly and shut up. That's the attitude that the ACLU sends every time they force someone to remove another symbol of faith from public view. It reminds me of what happened in Nazi Germany. When Hitler was killing all the handicapped people, no one made a fuss because it didn't affect them. When he started killing another group of people, no one said anything because they weren't affected. Then Hitler came for them, with not a whole lot of people left to put up a cry. It wasn't until Hitler started taking over other countries that people stopped him. This tearing down of the symbols of faith will not stop. Many new churches don't even display a cross anymore, blending in with all the other buildings in the area. I believe that this country has been blessed with so much because of Godly people living and working here. Revelation 3:15-17 says, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I wish that you were cold or hot, one or the other. So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. Because you said, I am rich, and have lots of  stuff, and have need of nothing (even God); don't you know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked?" I believe we are already reaping the consequences of our departure of faith. That's why more & more bad stuff is happening to America than ever before. We will believe in anything, as long as it doesn't make us too uncomfortable. I know I am making this really long, but this is something that's very dear to my heart. I love America and I love the people who live in her. I also know that there will be a few who are offended by my long tirade. Sorry that your feelings have been hurt in any way. But, I stand firm in what I believe. Everyone has the right to live out their faith in any fashion they desire. That includes government property, because it's a part of America too. Stopping the public viewing of these symbols isn't going to stop people from believing in Jesus, worshipping God or limiting their church attendance. But,
639121
If my history lessons and further study of history are correct the US is a secular nation and its founders believed that no religion should be put above any other religion. Quite the foresight if I might say as they put this provision into the Constitution to protect the country from the various sects of christianity not the various religions in the world. The controversy you state is only a controversy in your head as I could care less about your religion. However, if any religion tries to usurp the US Constitution it is within the rights of any one to question and eventually put a halt to their actions. Christians have no more rights nor less rights than anyone else. So, if you see a problem with someone who doesn't share your religious views you have not read the first amendment properly. Get over it.
561269
I agree with you. We all have the right to choose what or who we want to believe in and people have to respect that! \nI am a Christian and I believe that Jesus is the only way to God but that does not give me the right to force my belief on others.\nThe way I see it, my life as a Christian should express God's love in such a way, that people are drawn to Him even without me preaching or shoving the Bible down their throats!\nI want God's goodness and mercy to shine through me in such a way, that it will create a desire in people to get to know Him!
354300
When your fellow christians are condemning you for being gay you should point out that none of them are living by the word of God either. I'm pretty sure God frowns on divorce, adultery, and a lot of other stuff that christians do all the time. According to God's word you're not even supposed to work on the sabbath, but they're not trying to ammend the constitution to enforce that rule, are they? They are using their religion as a moral cloak to hide their homophobia. Doesn't it seem strange that they crusade against homosexuality, but have nothing to say about any of the other sins people commit daily. Why do you want to be a part of all this nonsense anyway? Find your own path.
415161
I am told by gays that it is discrimination but it's not.  They think we hate them.  I don't know any Christian that hates them.  We believe the bible and the bible says they're life style is wrong, that no homosexual will inherit eternal life.  We all have our own sins we have to bring before the Lord.  It's no worse than any other sin.  But how can God forgive them of it and heal them if they insist it isn't sin?  If your attitude is loving even though you don't accept what they do, then you are right with God.  The rest isn't yours to deal with,  it's theirs.  God bless you for having such a kind heart.
255354
God has every right in everything. He has a place in the government, in schools , etc . because look at what this country is coming to with all these people wanting God out of the picture. America needs God and as for the question, God did not intend on Man to be with Man or Females to be with Female. It is wrong according to the bible. DOesnt mean I dont have gay friends. I just keep my opinion to myself around them. Just like the ones who dont believe in GOd being in the pledge need to deal with it. Because the people that started this country had the right way of doing it. NOw everyone wants to mess it up. Lets see how far we get without God. This Country is already showing the effects. I cant believe half the things people say about Bush, gay marriage, etc.. its crazy
243344
In my opinion, these types of things happen because we as Christians do not stand up for the rights that the founders of America gave us.  We get mad and complain to people around us, but we do nothing on a big scale to fight against it.  America was founded on religious freedom:  the freedom to worship the god of our choice in the manner in which we choose.  There is no national religion because of this.  I'm not trying to tell everyone that they should worship the way I do, but they should allow me to worship God the way I want.  Posting the Ten Commandments somewhere doesn't force a person to read it.  "One nation under God" does not force a person to say it.  Christians need to start fighting for our rights as much as the ACLU and other groups fight for what they deem to be the rights of any other group.
218477
Let's see if I have this correct, a Christian student is suing her school for the right to harass gays?  And, there are people here hiding behind their Bible and defending this?  Just when I think humanity can't possibly surprise me, I come here and read ignorant and hateful comments and find out I haven't heard it all yet.\n\nLet me ask everyone this question.  If my religion said that I should be as intolerant and hateful to Christians as humanly possible, would you be supporting me if I sued my school? I highly doubt it.  \n\nI believe in expressing an opinion, what I don't believe in is being harassing and intolerant as part of voicing that opinion.  If you don't like gay people, fine, nobody is forcing you to.  Oh, those terrible gays, they want to be treated like human beings.  That's just horrible.  So, to make up for it, some people want the right to insult and berate them while using their Bibles as as shield.  Nope, sorry, bigotry is bigotry no matter whether you're hiding behind a book or not.
551996
My question to you is this: Why did you not pose this question to everyone and only American Christians because you didn't give details on Whose households were used to answer. This is bias. Do you actually know who answered this survey and what group or individuals answered? I hope that you don't think believers only answered that. As a former atheist, I never told anyone what I belived and it wasn't out of fear and rejection. I believe that those who see atheists as the most distrusted group of people is because they seem to be the opposite of any thing that reliigous people belive in for instance some atheist are for abortion. Reliigous are against it. Some atheists are against homosexuality and gay marriages. Some Religious people are against. Some atheists are deadset on pushing evolution on anyone that's against it especially on this site. Stem cell research is another issue and some religious people are for it. Let's not forget how some atheists consistently oppose against religious rights. Not every christian want to destroy religious freedom and seek only one religon nor want others to believe as they do. IMO,Hell was created for a reason not every one wants to believe. There are unbelievers in the christian world that label themselves believers and straddle the fence. No one can be trusted if they want to impose their beliefs or non beliefs on any individual that have made theirs up. As for as I am concern atheists are in every group that you have listed such as Muslims,recent immigrants, homosexuals and minorities and let's not forget christians. Think about it!