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It's becoming clear that there are those out there who seem to be under the impression that we are a Christian nation, this is not the case. Christianity is certainly allowed here, and as it should be, for one simple reason. Freedom of Religion. This freedom is an absolute, pure and simple. It does not mean you have to accept other religions, or that you are not allowed to criticize other religions, but it does mean you have to respect them.Christianity is just as valid here as Islam, Judaism, Hindu, Buddhism, Paganism, Shinto, Zoroastrianism, and even bloody Scientology. It is here we all need to take a little lesson from Voltaire "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." I may not practice what you do, but so long as it's not hurting me or anyone else, I shall defend your right to practice it.

This of course is not representative of all Christians, many of which are quite tolerant toward other faiths. But there are sects within it that are...well, not. Factions like the WBC and the FRC, and some factions within the GOP.

Lawfully, we are not a Christian nation. Our constitution marks our nation as one of religious freedom, our founder fathers proposed the "wall of separation" a concept borrowed from earlier philosophies, aside from our founders men like Thomas Paine also expressed the need for one faith not to rule, and finally we have the Treaty of Tripoli which states outright that we are "not a christian nation". We are a land of many, not of few.

To all the tolerant Christians out there, this rant isn't directed at you. You have just as much of a right to practice your faith as I do mine. This statement is for those who feel the need to reject one of our founding freedoms.

This right goes both ways of course. And I personally attempt to respect Christian doctrine where I can. But, as I said, this freedom doesn't mean you can't criticize and speak out against. After all, we also have freedom of speech and freedom of press. Christians can have their Christmas, as long as I can have my Yule. They can have their god so long as I can have my gods. Were I will speak up is on social issues that affect everyone. Just as I have no right to tell Christians how to behave, they have no right to say, legstite the marriages of LBGT citizens. Through freedom, we become free. As much of a tautology as that is, it has merit. By giving the freedom of choice to all who call themselves American, we separate ourselves from nations like Iran and NK.

Freedom is nonnegotiable.

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