Freedom of Religion Watch

Note on the graphic on the left that was obtained from Wikipedia:

"The two-dimensional work of art depicted is in the public domain worldwide due to the date of death of its author, or due to its date of publication. Thus, this reproduction of the work is also in the public domain. (This applies to reproductions created in the United States, Germany, and many other countries, see Bridgeman Art Library v. Corel Corp.)."

After just going through another Christmas with attacks from the Liberal Tolerance crowd (neither liberal nor tolerant) of the world, the new year is heating up again rather quickly.

• Is this a stunt by a grandstanding atheist?
• Is this a calculated attack on religious freedom?
• Is this silly story that has been blown out of proportion by the media?

Whatever this is, most of the mainstram media (MSM) is not reporting the story. Perhaps the MSM is taking a wait and see attitude. Or, perhaps they are waiting to jump on the bandwagon, one side or another. I'll let you be the judge on the merits of this case. Your comments and impressions on this court case will be appreciated.

World Net Daily: Jesus Christ trial begins Priest sued by atheist must prove Nazarene historically real figure

Viterbo, Italy, north of Rome, is the venue where Rev. Enrico Righi is being sued by his childhood friend, atheist Luigi Cascioli, for allegedly deceiving people into thinking Jesus was an actual historical figure. Previous story: Jesus Christ's existence going on trial this week

Yahoo News: Judge to Rule on Merit of Christ Case

VITERBO, Italy - An Italian judge heard arguments Friday on whether a small-town parish priest should stand trial for asserting that Jesus Christ existed. The priest's atheist accuser, Luigi Cascioli, says the Roman Catholic Church has been deceiving people for 2,000 years with a fable that Christ existed, and that the Rev. Enrico Righi violated two Italian laws by reasserting the claim. Slideshow: Italian Court May Decide Existence of Jesus. Previous Story: Italian Court Told to Prove Jesus Existed

Fox News: Italian Lawyers Asked to Prove Jesus Existed

ROME — Lawyers for a small-town parish priest have been ordered to appear in court next week after the Roman Catholic cleric was accused of unlawfully asserting what many people take for granted: that Jesus Christ existed. CNN: Italy court asks: Did Jesus exist?

CNN: Italy court asks: Did Jesus exist?

ROME, Italy (AP) -- Lawyers for a small-town parish priest have been ordered to appear in court next week after the Roman Catholic cleric was accused of unlawfully asserting what many people take for granted: that Jesus Christ existed.

Freedom of religion as discussed by Wikipedia: Freedom of religion and belief is a guarantee by a government for freedom of belief for individuals and freedom of worship for individuals and groups. It is considered by many to be a fundamental human right.

Currently it is a controversial topic in current American issues, due to recent events such as religous display on government owned land. Also, many believe Intelligent Design infringes upon religous freedom.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the 58 Member States of the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France defines freedom of religion and belief as follows: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance."

Freedom of religion as a legal concept is related to but not identical with religious toleration, separation of church and state or laïcité.

One has to wonder if the case now being heard in Italy is legitimate with the lawyer hype and legal “hocus pocus” that appears in court briefs and articles.

Technorati tags:Religious Tolerance, politically correct, Religious Freedom, Opinion, atheist activist, In God We Trust, One Nation Under God, Anti-Religion, ACLU, Christian ministry program, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Catholic cleric, Luigi Cascioli, Enrico Righi, freedom of thought, Intelligent Design