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Dear Yuyutsu,

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You wrote :

« Perhaps the constitution never intended to protect religious freedoms … »

There is no doubt in my mind regarding the sincerity of the intention, Yuyutsu, but, as we all know, “the road to Hell is paved with good intentions”.

The guarantee of the Australian secular State, or should I say, the “intention” of the Australian secular State is defined in Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which was ratified by Australia on 13 August 1980 and came into force on 13 November 1980 :

« 1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.

2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.

3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.

4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions »
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I guess that’s about the best any secular State can do in terms of a guarantee and ensuring that it is respected by submitting any litigation to the decision of the country’s most competent, professional, High Court judges through the democratic process.

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(Continued …)

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(Continued …)

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But, as we all know, Yuyutsu, nothing in this world is perfect, Even God - if you believe there is one - makes mistakes. You just have to look at some of His “manufacturing errors” in some unfortunate human beings as they emerge from the womb. We honestly can’t just laud His marvels and deny His failures – if, as I say, there is such a God. If there isn’t, then let’s just put it all down to chance and necessity, where chance is a “random variable” and necessity a “inevitable event”.

As for the High Court judges, at least we know that there are some – even though the judges themselves, the High Court system, and even the democratic process itself, are not perfect.

Justice is a moving target, Yuyutsu, and no matter how hard we try, it’s almost impossible to hit it in the bull’s eye. We just have to do the best we can – and, all in all, I think that’s more or less what we’re doing – or, at least, trying to do.

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Dear Runner,

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You wrote :

« It’s the doctrine you live that counts as much as the one you proclaim. Where you spend your time and resources largely shows what or whom you worship »

I just wanted to say how impressed I am by such profound thoughts, Runner. I didn’t realise you had philosophical talents of that caliber.

The only caveat to your words of wisdom, so far as my particular case is concerned, is that most of my personal life-time has been occupied by my work and family or thinking about them. It has been pretty much a relentless struggle.

I can’t say that I worshiped work or money during all these years. Though I didn’t detest my work, I can’t say I did it for pleasure either. It is only now that I have lifted my foot off the accelerator and drastically reduced my work-load that I am sufficiently free in my mind for more personal pursuits.

It's satisfaction rather than worship.

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Dear Banjo,

Thank you, I understand your point of view.

There is just one little problem: "Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others."

- The above could deny individuals practically anything that the regime objects to, especially under the broad cover of "order" and "morals".