Religious Freedom

Question 1

What do Christians and Buddhists generally believe

Answer 1

Christians and Buddhists generally believe people should have freedom of religion (the right to practise whatever religion one chooses), including freedom of religious expression (the right to worship, preach and practise one’s faith in whatever way one chooses).

Question 2

Universal Declaration of Human rights

Answer 2

. Rights are protected by the UK government, and included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
.‘’Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to […] manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’’ (Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Question 3

In Britain today

Answer 3

• Christianity is the main religious tradition.
• But nobody is forced to be a Christian because the government protects the freedom of religious expression.
• This gives all individuals the right to follow whichever faith they choose or none.
• Laws forbid the persecution of members of any faith.
• Any person can encourage anybody else to follow their faith, provided they do not preach hatred and intolerance.

Question 4

Christian views on religious freedom

Answer 4

. Teachings encourage tolerance and harmony.

. Different Christian denominations fighting each other or other religions are not following teachings in the Bible.

Question 5

Buddhist views on religious freedom

Answer 5

. The Buddha encouraged people to listen to the teachers of other religions with respect.
. Very few Buddhist traditions try to persuade others to become Buddhists.
. In Buddhist countries, people are usually free to practise Buddhism as little or as much as they wish.

Question 6

Religious tolerance

Answer 6

Despite the fact that Christianity and Buddhism both encourage religious tolerance, there have been examples in recent years where Christians and Buddhists have not been able to live in harmony with people from other denominations or religions.

Question 7

Northern Ireland

Answer 7

Different religious and political views have caused conflict for many years between Protestants and Catholics.

Question 8

Myammar

Answer 8

. Some Buddhists have shown intolerance and encouraged violence towards Muslims, who are a religious minority.

Question 9

Christian quotes on religious freedom

Answer 9

‘If it is possible […] live at peace with everyone’ Romans 12:18 [NIV]
‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love’ Ephesians 4:2 [NIV]

Question 10

Buddhist quote on religious freedom

Answer 10

‘I always say that every person on this Earth has the freedom to practise or not to practise religion. It is all right to do either.’ Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama)