Fortnight for Freedom Reflection Day 1
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The Vatican Synod declares that the
human person has a right to religious freedom. This
freedom means that all men are to be immune from
coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups
and of any human power, in such wise that in matters
religious no one is to be forced to act in a manner
contrary to his own beliefs. Nor is anyone to be
restrained from acting in accordance with his own
beliefs, whether privately or publically, whether alone
or in association with others, within due limits.
human person has a right to religious freedom. This
freedom means that all men are to be immune from
coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups
and of any human power, in such wise that in matters
religious no one is to be forced to act in a manner
contrary to his own beliefs. Nor is anyone to be
restrained from acting in accordance with his own
beliefs, whether privately or publically, whether alone
or in association with others, within due limits.
The Synod further declares that the right to religious
freedom has its foundation in the very dignity
of the human person, as this dignity is known through
the revealed Word of God and by reason itself. This
right of the human person to religious freedom is to be
recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is
governed. Thus it is to become a civil right.
Declaration on Religious Liberty
(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 2
December 7, 1965
freedom has its foundation in the very dignity
of the human person, as this dignity is known through
the revealed Word of God and by reason itself. This
right of the human person to religious freedom is to be
recognized in the constitutional law whereby society is
governed. Thus it is to become a civil right.
Declaration on Religious Liberty
(Dignitatis Humanae), no. 2
December 7, 1965
Reflection for Day One
In the opening chapter of Declaration on Religious
Liberty, the Council Fathers at Vatican II forthrightly
declared that “the human person has a right
to religious freedom.” This right is founded upon the
intrinsic dignity of the human person. From God’s
revelation we know that the dignity of human beings
resides in their being created in the image and likeness
of God (Gn 1:27). Like God we are intelligent
beings with free will. Because of this we can know
the truth and perform God-like actions, such as being
loving, kind, forgiving, etc. Reason itself, in knowing
what a human being is, confirms that we possess
a dignity and worth that exceeds the rest of creation
and that cannot be violated, but rather needs to be
protected and fostered.
In the opening chapter of Declaration on Religious
Liberty, the Council Fathers at Vatican II forthrightly
declared that “the human person has a right
to religious freedom.” This right is founded upon the
intrinsic dignity of the human person. From God’s
revelation we know that the dignity of human beings
resides in their being created in the image and likeness
of God (Gn 1:27). Like God we are intelligent
beings with free will. Because of this we can know
the truth and perform God-like actions, such as being
loving, kind, forgiving, etc. Reason itself, in knowing
what a human being is, confirms that we possess
a dignity and worth that exceeds the rest of creation
and that cannot be violated, but rather needs to be
protected and fostered.
What human beings believe concerning God is of
supreme importance. Religious belief lies at the very
center of who we are in relation to what is most central
and cherished in our lives. Therefore, the Council
insists that the religious convictions of individuals
or groups should never be coerced but must be held
freely, protected by a civil constitutional right.
supreme importance. Religious belief lies at the very
center of who we are in relation to what is most central
and cherished in our lives. Therefore, the Council
insists that the religious convictions of individuals
or groups should never be coerced but must be held
freely, protected by a civil constitutional right.
What challenges to religious liberty do you see
within our contemporary world? When the Council
says that religious liberty must be upheld “within due
limits,” what would fall outside of “due limits”? What
religious belief would seriously offend the moral order
or a just law?
within our contemporary world? When the Council
says that religious liberty must be upheld “within due
limits,” what would fall outside of “due limits”? What
religious belief would seriously offend the moral order
or a just law?
It would be a just cause IF this event wasn't motivated by or used as a tool to drive partisan politics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read my post.
ReplyDeleteIt is a just cause regardless of politics. Religious liberty is a fundamental American right. What's at stake is much greater than politics. I hope that you can see beyond the politics. I also would not be supporting this if it was just political.