First of all, what is religious freedom? Contrary to popular belief, it is actually a principal, not a right. It supports the ability to manifest religion or belief in public or private, whether it's practice or teaching. This concept is also generally recognised as the ability to change religion or not to follow any religion at all. However, there are certain "religionists" in the world whom only believe that THEIR religion is the best, and thus dis other religions.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. (taken from Charter of the United Nations).
In short, if you want to change your religion, you can. Also, these are a human being's own choices, and no one is to interfere or change them without the permission of the person himself/herself. Personally, I think that everyone has their own choice to make, whether they want to be a Christian, Buddhist, Free Thinker, Non-believer, etc. These are beliefs. The definition of belief is "A vague idea in which some confidence is placed". Therefore, if someone chooses to be a Non-believer (for example), no one has the authority to stop him.
To me, that is unfair to the believers. They have chosen a path and they will stick to it until their life ends, what right do the skeptics have to change that? We are human beings, not animals or plants or anything for that matter. We have rights - the right to choose, and just because someone chooses a religion different from others doesn't make him any different.
Religious freedom is very important, hence its one of the reasons why Singapore celebrate Racial Harmony Day.
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Firstly i would like to point out Racial Harmony Day is not directed at religious beliefs but instead focuses on the importance of Singaporeans being harmonious despite racial differences.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your point. We must all respect other's religion. Religion is a very sensitive topic and we must never insult one's religious beliefs. Parents must also not force religions onto their children, but instead allow their children to have the right to choose. If skeptics are able to change your view on your own religion, it also proves that your belief isn't strong. People with strong belief in their own religion will not be swayed by the words of skeptics.
Marcus Lau De Hao
I agree with your point that everyone has the right to choose their own religion. In fact this does not only apply to religion, it apply to anything in life. Everyone should be given a chance. There are some religions which forced the child to be of the same religion. I feel that this is not right as religion is meant to be a BELIEF and not forced.
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