The Land of Liberty and Discrimination Against Atheists

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” – Constitution of the United States of America, 1st Amendment.Continue reading “The Land of Liberty and Discrimination Against Atheists”

The Religious Clothing Debate

The religious clothing debate has never been a discussion with easily agreed upon conclusions, and has been featured even more than usual in the public eye recently due to the controversy surrounding France’s ‘burkini ban’ over summer, as well as female non-Muslim chess players in Iran being told they could face fine or even arrestContinue reading “The Religious Clothing Debate”

Burkini: Liberation by Oppression or Oppression by Liberation?

A woman on holiday is publicly confronted by locals and forced to leave the beach, another is confronted by state officials in a public place and forced to change her clothing, while others are fined for failing to wear ‘an appropriate outfit’. Unimaginable in a country like France? No. Such instances have been happening onContinue reading “Burkini: Liberation by Oppression or Oppression by Liberation?”

Christianity and the Middle East: A History of Cohabitation, a Present of Persecution, a Future of U

For as long as humans have been able to communicate, there has been belief. Whether it is stone age burials with objects to help someone in the next life or the recent beliefs of modern day Humanism, our capacity to discuss ideas and beliefs has been ever-present. The United Nations (UN) recognizes the vast amountContinue reading “Christianity and the Middle East: A History of Cohabitation, a Present of Persecution, a Future of U”

Christianity and the Middle East: A History of Cohabitation, a Present of Persecution, a Future of Uncertainty

For as long as humans have been able to communicate, there has been belief. Whether it is stone age burials with objects to help someone in the next life or the recent beliefs of modern day Humanism, our capacity to discuss ideas and beliefs has been ever-present. The United Nations (UN) recognizes the vast amountContinue reading “Christianity and the Middle East: A History of Cohabitation, a Present of Persecution, a Future of Uncertainty”

Does Religious Freedom Limit the Freedom and Rights of Others?

In many historically Christian countries in the West, religious freedom or religious liberty can be very different depending on what religion one follows. In recent years there have been many high profile cases involving religious freedom and restriction of this freedom in Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. In someContinue reading “Does Religious Freedom Limit the Freedom and Rights of Others?”

Religious Oppression and the Muslim Brotherhood: Egypt in Focus

The Egyptian government has struggled to consolidate its power since the fall of Hosni Mubarak; the Muslim Brotherhood now dominates the newly elected government. The fact that a religious political organisation is the dominant political power has brought unwelcome consequences for religious minorities in Egypt. Coptic Christians represent the single biggest religious minority in theContinue reading “Religious Oppression and the Muslim Brotherhood: Egypt in Focus”