has historically been defined in this country.
In the statement above, as in the First Amendment, there can be (and often has been) a case made that there is an implication that "everyone worships God - just in his or her own way", just because it's not explicit that one can be a legal citizen on still not worship God.
There are too many places throughout this country where self-avowed atheists (and other blasphemers or church slackers) are constantly being brought to the courtroom even though there is the First Amendment prohibiting the establishment of religion in government, Article IV outlawing religious tests for government service, and the Treaty of Tripoli where "The Government - as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility...".
These are the very large number of sectarians in this country who's religion actively promotes that idea the only reason someone follows laws or is moral and ethical is because of their religion - that without religion, man would be nothing but a mindless beast.
I have heard some of the relatives of my husband from Alabama say they would accept "Muslims, Buddhists, or even one of those New Agers before a [prejoritive is almost always put here, and sick is usually the nicest one used] Atheist - at least those other types believe in something". \I've also heard this from very "good" people who are up in community politics (and not just Christians) here in California.
Half of my husband's very large family will never see him again, since he came out as an atheist.
He "can't be saved", no matter how many good things he does in his life because he doesn't believe. He also can't be good, because only a brute beast doesn't believe, and while a brute beast can seem to do good, it's not really "good" because they don't believe in being good (which comes only from God's mercy) or bad (which comes from Satan's wiles).
They're afraid his sickness is contagious and will influence some of their kids, dragging them into Hell. The few who still talk to him are always praying for his soul, and yes, that is aggravating and borders on assault in some cases.
So, yeah - I can understand why those poor, aggrieved atheists might want to add "worship or not". Just to make it clear that "freedom of religion" includes freedom to live without having to agree to the setting religion above secular interests and laws.
Haele
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