05 Nov 2008
From: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/r04.html
Definitions
In evaluating claims of "persecution" and "intolerance," it is helpful to keep the following definitions in mind:
Religious Freedom
http://www.paralumun.com/cult.htm
Definitions
In evaluating claims of "persecution" and "intolerance," it is helpful to keep the following definitions in mind:
Religious Freedom
- The freedom of individuals to believe in, practice, and promote the religion of choice without (government) interference, harrassment, or other repercussions - as long as practices based on, or resulting from, those beliefs do not break the law (e.g. do not encourage or result in fraud, tax evasion, murder, terrorism, acts designed to undermine the government or the constitution, the use of unethical persuasion tactics, etcetera).
- The practice of discouraging religious freedom and the freedom to express and/or promote all or certain religious beliefs - with repercussions ranging from discrimination and harassment to prevention and prosecution (by legal and/or illegal means). Does not cover legitimate legal measures designed to prevent and/or prosecute illegal practices such as fraud, tax evasion, murder, terrorism, acts designed to undermine the government or the constitution, the use of unethical persuasion tactics, etcetera.
- a) Refusing to acknowledge and support the right of individuals to have their own beliefs and related legitimate practices.
b) Also, the unwillingness to have one's own beliefs and related practices critically evaluated.
- Exercising the right to challenge a religion's claims (e.g. regarding alleged compatibility with, or superiority over, other religious beliefs)
Condemning and disallowing illegal practices
Rejecting a movement's claim to be a ''religion'' when there is sufficient evidence showing religion is used as a cover (e.g. the Church of Scientology).
- Acknowledging and supporting that individuals have the right and freedom to their own beliefs and related legitimate practices, without necessarily validating those beliefs or practices.
http://www.paralumun.com/cult.htm