There is no simple answer to the question of religious freedoms versus civil laws. This debate dates back to Greek times, when Sophocles wrote Antigone. This Greek play explored the conflict but ultimately gave no definitive answer as to who was right. However, as time passed, the answer became increasingly clear. Civil law should take precedence over religious law due to its consistent and impartial protection for the majority of people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Civil laws were created to keep people safe and government stable, so religion should not interfere with it. In Antigone, Creon's actions were all in the best interests of the state. When Creon addressed the chorus, he stated that “No one values friendship more than I; but we must remember that friends made at the risk of sinking our ship are no friends at all” (Episode 1, Lines 158-159). Creon's main concern is the state, so he will not let anything stop him from carrying out his duty. Furthermore, when Antigone breaks the law, Creon does not give her any special treatment just because they are related. When Creon discovered that Antigone was guilty, he said, "Who is the man here, she or I, if this crime goes unpunished?" (Episode 2, lines 382-383). To protect the state, Creon cannot treat his relatives differently. Antigone tried to convince Creon that she was only doing it for the Gods and that “there are honors due to all the dead” (Episode 2, Line 413), but Creon's judgment remained firm. Even though Antigone had good intentions, Creon had to punish her to keep the state stable. The law was designed from the beginning with people's safety in mind, so it cannot make exceptions because dangers could arise. Religious freedoms are used as an excuse to break the law, discriminate against others and not do your job. Kim Davis is an example of people who do actions like these because she used religion to not do her job and at the same time discriminate against others. In “Drawing the Line Between Civil and Religious Rights” by Linda Greenhouse, many prominent people expressed their opinion on Kim Davis' actions. For example, presidential candidate Donald Trump said, “Whether you like the decision or not, you have to get along with the Supreme Court” (Greenhouse). This quote shows that even if you agree with a law, you still have to follow it. Additionally, Governor John Kasich of Ohio said, “I respect the fact that this lady doesn't agree, but she's also a government employee. He doesn't run a church” (Greenhouse). This means that Kim Davis has the right to express her opinion, not the right not to do her job. Finally, Michael Gerson wrote in the Washington Post: “There is no serious case to be made for public officials' right to break laws with which they disagree, even for religious reasons” (Greenhouse). Since Kim Davis is in the position of a public official, she is breaking the law by not doing her job. While Kim Davis is a more extreme example, that doesn't change the fact that you shouldn't use religion as a reason to break the law. While civil laws are consistent and absolute, religious laws vary so would not be a good standard to base society on. on. For example, interpretations of religious laws between different religions. In “Religious Morality vs. Civil Law: Religious Conflicts Over Neutral Civil Laws” by Austin Cline, the extreme end of the religion Islam was shown. Cline wrote that.
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