Azaraxzealot said:
...
well i'm not an atheist, but what if i agree to just live and let you live without criticizing? how's that for a start?
That is not enough, because:
1) A lot of churches are "tax-exempt"!
2) There is such a thing as a "church tax" in some countries!
3) Several employees of the church are paid by the state, aka the tax payers even those who do not believe in any faith or that particular faith in some countries! Even though there is no state religion.
4) A lot of churches have the right to discriminate against people! For example it is legal that the catholic church refuses to hire female priests. Imagine the outcry and protest if anyone else would not hire someone because of her sex or fire you because you want to remarry.
5) The churches are influencing laws!
6) There is an official senate or congress or white house chaplain paid for by every tax payer in america. Don't forget the military chaplains and the "Spirituality Test" of the US army ......
Sorry, but you shutting up is not enough.
And then there is this: http://img129.imageshack.us/i/1213119238104yy9.jpg/