Protestantism

» paper_turtle - Whose Freedom

I think there are different kinds of freedom, or maybe different levels.
.
Civic freedom encompasses what is within the constitution and the bill of rights, but it also includes freedom from invasion into my personal life. What I read, who I associate with, how I vote, what I do in my spare time should be my business, and my business alone. In addition, I should have the right to determine what is done to my body--including when I die (should I be in a terminally vegetative state).
.
Religions freedom means I am free to make up my own mind about what I believe (or do not believe), and how I will practice my beliefs.
.
Personal freedom means I am as free in mind and spirit as I choose to be, regardless of any external circumstance. No one can make me feel, think, do, or say anything. Its up to me to choose.
.
Freedom, however, implies that I have an obligation to uphold the freedoms of others, because whatever threatens the freedom of another also threatens mine.
.
In addition, freedom implies responsibility and self-restraint. I am free to do anything (provided, of course I am willing to deal with the consequences). But sometimes I need to refrain from exercising my freedom in the interest of the welfare of another (or group of others).
.
I've only scratched the surface, but those are the basics.
.
peace and love,
Paper Turtle

-- posted by paper_turtle