Reader comments
Commission lists threats to religious freedom
34 comments | Read story
very odd | 4:29 p.m. May 1, 2009
I find it a bit odd that this guy feels he needs to tell the president of the US
that North Korea and most of those other countries are countries he needs to be
concerned about....lol. It's a bit like saying, "watch out, Al Queda
wants to blow something up!"
crimen del siglo | 8:39 p.m. May 1, 2009
"this guy" doesn't "seem to feel the need to tell the
president."
the committee seemed to feel the need (obligation) to tell the president. the committee's job.
"this guy" has an interest in the activities of the committee due to his previous membership on the committee, and someone happened to ask him because of that history.
the committee seemed to feel the need (obligation) to tell the president. the committee's job.
"this guy" has an interest in the activities of the committee due to his previous membership on the committee, and someone happened to ask him because of that history.
Dee | 4:41 a.m. May 2, 2009
This article is well written. I believe we need not only guard against religious
freedoms being taken from us, but many other freedoms in which this great nation
was founded are eroding as well.
Comments continue below
ceg | 6:11 a.m. May 2, 2009
We need to watch out for the U.S. government infringing on religious freedom.
Watch out for the "hate crimes" legislation currently heading through
Congress. It could have a chilling effect on free speech rights and religious
freedom.
Anonymous | 7:02 a.m. May 2, 2009
A big threat to religion is religion becoming politicized. If the religion
becomes identified with a political party (eg, LDS and GOP), when that party is
out of power, the religion suffers at one level or another. Further, those who
are not part of the party preferred by the religion will more likely reject that
religion. One other consideration. the Christian right getting so involved in
politics is a contributing factor to the weakening of organized religion and
Christianity in general. Christ stayed out of political matters, and he sure
knew what he was doing. This is not to say people should not have a voice and
get politically involved. I means that politics is a worldly concern and
religion should be a spiritual concern. A word to the wise.
just wondering | 7:21 a.m. May 2, 2009
how much do you think members of these "committees" get paid? Do they
do it for free?
Eddie Keen | 7:26 a.m. May 2, 2009
The biggest threat to religious freedom is churches themselves. They're
empire builders who, by virtue of their own proclaimed righteousness, make
everyone else wrong.
Paul | 7:37 a.m. May 2, 2009
With the proposed 'hate crimes' legislation, maybe the US will find
itself on this list in future years.
samhill | 7:39 a.m. May 2, 2009
A 6 year-old girl is part of a family of refugees who are KILLED after being
returned by China to N. Korea after escaping to “relative” freedom,
and the first two comments are a pointless exhange about “this
guy”???
I think someone is missing the point completely.
I think someone is missing the point completely.
China has us over a barrel | 8:31 a.m. May 2, 2009
Our economic policies give us absolutely no leverage with China. We are totally
dependant on China to fund our deficit spending, which is about to explode into
over a trillion dollars a year. Both China and the US know that if the US puts
pressure on China over religious freedom, China will stop lending money to the
US and/or demand a higher interest rate, which it probably will anyway as the US
deficit balloons out of control and repayment of its debt becomes more risky.
Being dependant on China to finance our debt is akin to being dependant on the
middle east for our oil. Neither are good bedfellows.
Memo to the President: if you want China to stop its human rights/religious oppression, pay off your debt to China so that you have some leverage. Until you pay your debts/stop borrowing from them, everyone knows that your words are just like spitting into the wind.
Memo to the President: if you want China to stop its human rights/religious oppression, pay off your debt to China so that you have some leverage. Until you pay your debts/stop borrowing from them, everyone knows that your words are just like spitting into the wind.
sarah | 8:32 a.m. May 2, 2009
Pres. Young doesn't need to look to foreign countries for finding examples
of intolerance of religious freedom. He needs to only look some of the
University of Utah professors who bash the LDS church at every opportunity that
they can...it has been going on for decades and if Pres. Young thinks that it
doesn't exist he is only kidding himself.
Saintly Gent | 8:37 a.m. May 2, 2009
I am praying for all misguided Christians ... and you know who you are deep in
your heart of hearts.
Not Odd | 8:55 a.m. May 2, 2009
Mr. Young is LDS but he is someone with broad experience with others not of the
LDS faith. He did not live his entire life in Utah. He is also experienced in
these matters, as indicated by crimen del siglo.
The LDS Church is concerned about people throughout the world and religious freedom is important to us not only from our religious view, but that others might have freedom to worship as THEY also please whether it is LDS or not.
In this country, in ignorance many assume that others in the world may be religious or not, as they choose. But in some countries choice is not an option. You are born into a religion and must stay with it, or the state mandates a religion or a non-religion.
Yet, people all over the world have the same yearning for basic human rights. And this decision of personal worship or non-worship is an innate right that some governments will not allow.
Cudos to Michael Young for getting involved.
The LDS Church is concerned about people throughout the world and religious freedom is important to us not only from our religious view, but that others might have freedom to worship as THEY also please whether it is LDS or not.
In this country, in ignorance many assume that others in the world may be religious or not, as they choose. But in some countries choice is not an option. You are born into a religion and must stay with it, or the state mandates a religion or a non-religion.
Yet, people all over the world have the same yearning for basic human rights. And this decision of personal worship or non-worship is an innate right that some governments will not allow.
Cudos to Michael Young for getting involved.
ds | 9:21 a.m. May 2, 2009
Some religious organizations feel entitled to limit other's freedom but do
they squawk and cry about a percieved limit of their own.
No one wants to keep you from church. Keep your church out of other's private lives!
No one wants to keep you from church. Keep your church out of other's private lives!
Rich | 10:18 a.m. May 2, 2009
Religion should be an individual belief. Regulating organized religion, or at
least getting rid of tax breaks for the various religions, would be a benefit
for our country and the world.
to Mr. Keen | 10:34 a.m. May 2, 2009
Your name certainly doesn't refer to your intellect.
You can not have your | 10:37 a.m. May 2, 2009
beliefs changed
What you need to know is
Your ammendments to the U.S. Constitution is fully under fire
The Gun Act is your right they are trying to take a way
Germany doid this and you do't know what happened
America is ARMED and ready to fight when the time comes, We will all have to pick up our Arms and fight
We no longer have FREEDOM of SPEECH
Utah has seen to that
What you need to know is
Your ammendments to the U.S. Constitution is fully under fire
The Gun Act is your right they are trying to take a way
Germany doid this and you do't know what happened
America is ARMED and ready to fight when the time comes, We will all have to pick up our Arms and fight
We no longer have FREEDOM of SPEECH
Utah has seen to that
to Mr. Keen | 10:42 a.m. May 2, 2009
Having an opinion, be it political, religious, sports team, etc. implies that if
you have a different opinion, you are wrong. Don't restrict it to religion.
Personal conviction is not evil. Respect for others is the key and most
religions follow that ethic.
Anonymous | 10:51 a.m. May 2, 2009
Not that Israel should be classed in the same way as those nations on the watch
list, but Israel has no religious freedom either. Like Saudi Arabia, the
sanction on one religion, but unlike Saudi Arabia, they don't kill those
who may happen to bring a Christian Bible into the country.
wer | 12:05 p.m. May 2, 2009
The U.S. House just passed HR 1913. Should the Senate concur and the president
sign it without MAJOR changes, this one act of legislation alone will further
decimate the Constitution.
While we can be concerned about religious abuses in other nations, we better be focusing on what's going on in and around Washington, DC.
While we can be concerned about religious abuses in other nations, we better be focusing on what's going on in and around Washington, DC.
Aanyone actually read HR1913? | 1:52 p.m. May 2, 2009
HR 1913. the mere fact that a google of the resolution brings up sites such as
the likes of David Duke & American for truth tells me it is worthy of
passing.
Simply put it states:
"Adopts the definition of "hate crime" as set forth in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (i.e., a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person)."
What is wrong with the intent of the resolution? Besides the sexual orientation that so many folks from Utah are afraid of?
Simply put it states:
"Adopts the definition of "hate crime" as set forth in the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (i.e., a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person)."
What is wrong with the intent of the resolution? Besides the sexual orientation that so many folks from Utah are afraid of?
Christ and Politics | 2:44 p.m. May 2, 2009
An earlier poster who ranted about his perceived wrongs when churches involve
themselves in political matters said "Christ stayed out of political
matters...".
On the contrary, Christ spoke often about things that went against those in political power during his time. In fact, his crucifixion was probably more political than anything else. He was openly hated by the political powers at that time (the Sadducees and Pharisees) and they used their political influence to convince the Romans to do away with their political enemy based on trumped up charges.
I believe that churches and religious individuals have a moral obligation to use the political process to uphold the principles on which this country was founded. Those "progressives" who try to erode many of those principles would like their opposition to "stay out of it" because they are "religious". That argument is a total crock!
On the contrary, Christ spoke often about things that went against those in political power during his time. In fact, his crucifixion was probably more political than anything else. He was openly hated by the political powers at that time (the Sadducees and Pharisees) and they used their political influence to convince the Romans to do away with their political enemy based on trumped up charges.
I believe that churches and religious individuals have a moral obligation to use the political process to uphold the principles on which this country was founded. Those "progressives" who try to erode many of those principles would like their opposition to "stay out of it" because they are "religious". That argument is a total crock!
Aanyone actually read HR1913? | 3:57 p.m. May 2, 2009
What is wrong?
It punishes thought.
It require out police and courts, our judicial sustem to become thought police.
IT is not something we want our government to do,
it is entirely un-american if not anti-american,
NOt a road we even want begin going down.
It punishes thought.
It require out police and courts, our judicial sustem to become thought police.
IT is not something we want our government to do,
it is entirely un-american if not anti-american,
NOt a road we even want begin going down.
What is wrong? | 4:57 p.m. May 2, 2009
How about many LDS thinking that the gays attacked the LDS church buildings
(breaking glass) and the "white powder" mailed to the temples after
prop 8?
(I know, the posters and spray painting in LA, nothing else.)
Nothing was ever proved that it was done by anyone gay.
However, many thought it was a hate crime done to the LDS by gay folks.
(I know, the posters and spray painting in LA, nothing else.)
Nothing was ever proved that it was done by anyone gay.
However, many thought it was a hate crime done to the LDS by gay folks.
Mark B | 5:57 p.m. May 2, 2009
If I was Pres. Young reading through these postings, I might be sad, but perhaps
not surprised. Instead of expressing sympathy to people whose experience is very
UNlike our own, most have taken the opportunity to say, in effect "Sure.
OK, But what about MMMYYYYY problem? Huh??", whatever it is. Aren't we
supposed to be on the side of allowing people to worship how, where or what they
may?
Freedoms? | 6:44 p.m. May 2, 2009
Threats to religious freedom are many - as many at least as are the list of
religious freedoms people would claim.
This organization opposes such obvious threats to religious freedom as:
- killing religious people
- beating religious people
- burning the homes of religious people
- running religious people out of town
Religious freedoms:
- freedom to pray in public
- freedom to peaceably assemble (attend Church)
- freedom for churches to own property, build churches and temples
- freedom to speak about religion in public
- freedom to publish religious tracts, books, and magazines
Dubious religious freedoms:
- ability to restrict the rights of non-believers (e.g., same sex marriage)
- ability to hire only those of your own faith and fire those of other faiths
- ability to do business with and rent to people of your faith but not of other faiths
- ability to legally, and with public funding, grant benefits (insurance, survivor, visitation) to people of your faith but deny them to people of other faiths
What exactly are the "freedoms" that LDS people claim they are losing? What "freedoms" are under attack by "the gay and lesbian agenda"?
This organization opposes such obvious threats to religious freedom as:
- killing religious people
- beating religious people
- burning the homes of religious people
- running religious people out of town
Religious freedoms:
- freedom to pray in public
- freedom to peaceably assemble (attend Church)
- freedom for churches to own property, build churches and temples
- freedom to speak about religion in public
- freedom to publish religious tracts, books, and magazines
Dubious religious freedoms:
- ability to restrict the rights of non-believers (e.g., same sex marriage)
- ability to hire only those of your own faith and fire those of other faiths
- ability to do business with and rent to people of your faith but not of other faiths
- ability to legally, and with public funding, grant benefits (insurance, survivor, visitation) to people of your faith but deny them to people of other faiths
What exactly are the "freedoms" that LDS people claim they are losing? What "freedoms" are under attack by "the gay and lesbian agenda"?
Cosmo | 8:13 p.m. May 2, 2009
If that abominable "Hate Crimes Bill", becomes law ,
Harry Reid will be the one that brings it about,and guarantee that this nation will be plunged into Civil War.
Harry Reid will be the one that brings it about,and guarantee that this nation will be plunged into Civil War.
Liberty | 8:24 p.m. May 2, 2009
Have any of you actually read the 1st amendment? The first 10 words would
probably really upset you.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"
Just something to think about next time you try to quote the Bible or mention God in your arguments about why something should or should not be legal.
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion"
Just something to think about next time you try to quote the Bible or mention God in your arguments about why something should or should not be legal.
Anonymous | 10:09 p.m. May 2, 2009
"The various forms of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all
considered by the people to be equally true, by the philosopher as equally
false, and by the magistrate as equally useful."
-- Edward Gibbons, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
It does not take a Machiavellian to know why heads of State keep close alliances with religious leaders and vice-versa. The politician and the prophet both have a vested interest in maintaining their power over the gullible masses, don't they?
-- Edward Gibbons, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
It does not take a Machiavellian to know why heads of State keep close alliances with religious leaders and vice-versa. The politician and the prophet both have a vested interest in maintaining their power over the gullible masses, don't they?
Anonymous | 10:34 p.m. May 2, 2009
It's unnerving when anyone tries to promote "religion" in any
country, especially by approaching the President in this way. There should
always be separation of religion and government.
Young is simply promoting his religious agenda overseas.
Isn't this what church missionaries have done in the past? The missionary movement would certainly be enhanced if a religious organization was able to gain religious protection abroad. How better to safely proselytize their scriptures upon society?
Young is simply promoting his religious agenda overseas.
Isn't this what church missionaries have done in the past? The missionary movement would certainly be enhanced if a religious organization was able to gain religious protection abroad. How better to safely proselytize their scriptures upon society?
K | 10:42 p.m. May 2, 2009
In China it is true you can't try to convert a Chinese citizen. There is
much control over all churches in China. But... as a foreigner you have no
problem bringing in a bible for personal use or attending a church for
foreigners. They have them there for the locations that foreigners frequent, you
just have may to show your passport and some services are in English.
Other countries you would have to completely leave your bible at home.
Other countries you would have to completely leave your bible at home.
re:Sarah | 11:51 p.m. May 2, 2009
"He needs to only look some of the University of Utah professors who bash
the LDS church at every opportunity that they can...it has been going on for
decades and if Pres. Young thinks that it doesn't exist he is only kidding
himself."
Actually, "those professors who bash the LDS church" are evidence that our country has freedom of speech, thought, and religion. If we didn't, they would be censored for speaking against the church with the most members in the state, and for speaking against their boss's church.
Actually, "those professors who bash the LDS church" are evidence that our country has freedom of speech, thought, and religion. If we didn't, they would be censored for speaking against the church with the most members in the state, and for speaking against their boss's church.
Christofer | 9:42 a.m. May 3, 2009
Churches always prey upon the poor, destitute, and needy. They have a canonized
rhetoric that makes a divine doctrine out of these target groups (blessed are
the poor), but the practical reasons for their focus are all too obvious. These
peoples are "vulnerable populations".
This is why the Church focuses on providing "Humanitarian Aid" - under the ruse of providing such aid, they expect to get their foot in the door of countries with extensive vulnerable populations from which they can recruit large numbers who have nothing to lose, and who have not been jaded by education in history, science, philosophy, and technology. When people become enlightened, they are no longer easy prey for religion.
This "Religious Freedom" issue is just the latest issue being used opportunistically by Young and his sponsor (the LDS Church) to gain access to vulnerable populations.
Early Christians, operating in zones of Asia Minor where earthquakes were/are frequent, would rally crowds when a pagan town or temple fell, and urge them to convert while there was still time. The colossal volcanic explosion at Krakatoa provoked an enormous swing toward Islam among the terrifed (vulnerable) population of Indonesia. It has always been thus.
This is why the Church focuses on providing "Humanitarian Aid" - under the ruse of providing such aid, they expect to get their foot in the door of countries with extensive vulnerable populations from which they can recruit large numbers who have nothing to lose, and who have not been jaded by education in history, science, philosophy, and technology. When people become enlightened, they are no longer easy prey for religion.
This "Religious Freedom" issue is just the latest issue being used opportunistically by Young and his sponsor (the LDS Church) to gain access to vulnerable populations.
Early Christians, operating in zones of Asia Minor where earthquakes were/are frequent, would rally crowds when a pagan town or temple fell, and urge them to convert while there was still time. The colossal volcanic explosion at Krakatoa provoked an enormous swing toward Islam among the terrifed (vulnerable) population of Indonesia. It has always been thus.
To Christopher from Chance | 8:42 a.m. May 4, 2009
"Churches always prey upon the poor, destitute, and needy." ??? You
are a liar. The Church helps them. The Church has great programs to assist
people of any religion and race. Members sacrifice to give to others and the
Church is the vehicle for that giving while taking none for themselves and
nobody gets paid. So, if you mean that the Church "always" helps those
that are poor, needy and destitute, you would be right, but in your statement,
you insinuate that we "prey" upon them to hurt or cause them anguish
or take advantage of their situation, when in fact, the opposite is true. With
the pure love of Christ, We allow them to take advantage of us. Again, you are a
liar. No matter how you look at it, we do our best to lift them to higher places
in life through charity and love for mankind. Furthermore, you insinuate that
the "vulnerable populations" are not worth our trouble when in fact,
they are.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Tethering pets is now a crime 2:57 p.m.
- White Sox acquire Dodgers OF 2:56 p.m.
- Portis says career isn't over 2:54 p.m.
- UHP profiling non-Utah drivers 2:54 p.m.
- Gload finalizes deal with Phillies 2:54 p.m.
- SL Co. approves anti-bias laws 2:52 p.m.
- Beyonce leads Grammy nominations 2:52 p.m.
- Settlers bat Israeli police officer 2:48 p.m.
- U.S. plays Iran at basketball worlds 2:47 p.m.
- 2nd-grader sent home for drawing 2:47 p.m.
- Cougar seniors see a new Bronco
- Cougs brace for coaching changes
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney
- Cougars O-line a strength
- Fun games to enliven holiday parties
- Bleak holiday for Powell's boys
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves
- Man lives in Moab cave
- Wet spot found in Powell's home
- Storms dumped lots of snow in Utah
- LDS to emphasize helping needy
128 - Unga might enter NFL draft107
- BYU to wear royal blue uniforms104
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child101
- Disappearance called 'suspicious'98
- Sources: Josh Powell hires attorney98
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves96
- Stay the course with our president91
- Choir, guests unwrap musical magic85
- Barkley says Boozer is big problem81
David Rankin, one of Utah's youngest and ablest astrophotographers has...
There was a time when free shipping was rare. This holiday season, you...
First of all, to "20/20," how can you read newspapers and not understand...
Latest comments
He is capable. It's quite possible to keep up good appearances and be rotten...
WHAT NO INVESTAGATION OF THE SHOOTING?
"Conservative policies are so important to the letter writer that he is...
The attack dogs are out in force on this one! Go get 'im boys!!!
@ neighbor of the family Since when does being a member of the church have...
What does Tiger expect? He used to be respected...now he is no better than...
I agree. This could divide the Democrats to the point that Republicans could...
Rails were invented so wheels could roll at a time when streets and highways...
It doesn't sound like the boy was shot by an officer, it sounds like he was...
Question: Tiger Woods has the same problem as David Letterman. Why does...
Advertisements