Posts: 100
Threads: 38
Joined: October 25, 2015
Reputation:
1
Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 5:42 am
This is something I have lots of trouble with an don't just understand as an American. We have the first amendment, and yet, we still allow religion to influence laws here in the states. Why is this? Also, it just never ceases to amaze me at how there's many Christians here in the USA who believe that America is a Christian nation.
IT'S ANGERING JUST TO THINK ABOUT!!!! 
Posts: 30746
Threads: 1382
Joined: March 15, 2013
Reputation:
152
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 5:45 am
It is true that there are some theistic organizations which influence government toward their way of thinking. Unfortunately, what are we to do about it?
"Never trust a fox. Looks like a dog, behaves like a cat."
~ Erin Hunter
Posts: 43947
Threads: 528
Joined: July 24, 2013
Reputation:
109
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 5:57 am
But your First Amendment doesn't prohibit religious groups from influencing legislation. It forbids the establishment of a State religion and government providing preferential treatment of one religion over another.
Granted, there are grey areas. But if religious groups weren't allowed to lobby legislators, you'd have violations of 1) the free exercise clause and 2) the free speech clause.
Boru
‘But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods or no gods. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.’ - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 455
Threads: 14
Joined: December 2, 2014
Reputation:
21
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 8:52 am
(This post was last modified: December 17, 2015 at 8:53 am by Strider.)
(December 17, 2015 at 5:42 am)godzilla_22 Wrote: This is something I have lots of trouble with an don't just understand as an American. We have the first amendment, and yet, we still allow religion to influence laws here in the states. Why is this? Also, it just never ceases to amaze me at how there's many Christians here in the USA who believe that America is a Christian nation.
IT'S ANGERING JUST TO THINK ABOUT!!!!
Read Brian's response explaining the scope of the First Amendment. They are free to try and influence the laws all they want. However, a law cannot be established for a specific religious reason because that would be tantamount to a state religion.
If you want to look at the real threat to the First Amendment, you best focus your attention on recent events on college campuses and social justice warriors.
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid." ~ Benjamin Franklin
Posts: 69248
Threads: 3759
Joined: August 2, 2009
Reputation:
259
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 11:12 am
(December 17, 2015 at 5:57 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: But your First Amendment doesn't prohibit religious groups from influencing legislation. It forbids the establishment of a State religion and government providing preferential treatment of one religion over another.
Granted, there are grey areas. But if religious groups weren't allowed to lobby legislators, you'd have violations of 1) the free exercise clause and 2) the free speech clause.
Boru
They are in violation of the laws granting them tax exempt status. There is no constitutional right to a tax exemption.
Posts: 43947
Threads: 528
Joined: July 24, 2013
Reputation:
109
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 7:29 pm
(December 17, 2015 at 11:12 am)Minimalist Wrote: (December 17, 2015 at 5:57 am)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: But your First Amendment doesn't prohibit religious groups from influencing legislation. It forbids the establishment of a State religion and government providing preferential treatment of one religion over another.
Granted, there are grey areas. But if religious groups weren't allowed to lobby legislators, you'd have violations of 1) the free exercise clause and 2) the free speech clause.
Boru
They are in violation of the laws granting them tax exempt status. There is no constitutional right to a tax exemption.
I don't disagree, Min, but that wasn't the bitch in the first place (the First Amendment says nothing about taxes or exemptions therefrom).
Boru
‘But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods or no gods. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.’ - Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 27187
Threads: 519
Joined: June 16, 2015
Reputation:
90
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 8:06 pm
You don't think christianity, islam, judaism have not had the same effect in other countries? Might want to take a look around.
I don't have an anger problem, I have an idiot problem.
Posts: 9176
Threads: 76
Joined: November 21, 2013
Reputation:
40
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 8:17 pm
We've gotten to the point where some people believe that the country was founded on christian principles, and the first amendment only applies to different denominations of christians. Despite evidence to the contrary. I've argued with someone on this board who believed separation of church and state was only meant to keep the state out of church business. Not the other way around as well. This is how far we've fallen as a secular nation.
Posts: 69248
Threads: 3759
Joined: August 2, 2009
Reputation:
259
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 9:47 pm
(December 17, 2015 at 7:29 pm)BrianSoddingBoru4 Wrote: (December 17, 2015 at 11:12 am)Minimalist Wrote: They are in violation of the laws granting them tax exempt status. There is no constitutional right to a tax exemption.
I don't disagree, Min, but that wasn't the bitch in the first place (the First Amendment says nothing about taxes or exemptions therefrom).
Boru
It's really very simple. In exchange for tax exempt status they give up their right to lobby congress or endorse candidates. If they wish to engage in those activities all they have to do is give up their tax exemption.
(You'll see them cut their own nuts off with a rusty saw before that happens, man.)
Posts: 5436
Threads: 138
Joined: September 6, 2012
Reputation:
58
RE: Why doesn't the United States follow it's own rules when it comes to the 1st amendmen
December 17, 2015 at 10:26 pm
(December 17, 2015 at 5:42 am)godzilla_22 Wrote: This is something I have lots of trouble with an don't just understand as an American. We have the first amendment, and yet, we still allow religion to influence laws here in the states. Why is this? Also, it just never ceases to amaze me at how there's many Christians here in the USA who believe that America is a Christian nation.
IT'S ANGERING JUST TO THINK ABOUT!!!!
Could you provide some examples?
|
![[Image: dcep7c.jpg]](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=i46.tinypic.com%2Fdcep7c.jpg)
