Free Thought: (Agnostic or Atheist)

Preface Freedom of thought is the freedom of an individual to hold or consider a fact, viewpoint, or thought, independent of others' viewpoints. I researched and compiled this book: "Free Thought (Agnostic or Atheist)" to ponder one’s mind in the different ways humans think. Included in this book is: History of Freethought History of Agnosticism History of Atheism History of Satanism History of Humanism Conceptions of God Faith Major Religions in the United States The Mind of the Author 'Freedom of thought' is the derivative of and thus is closely linked to other liberties: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression. It is a very important concept in the Western world and nearly all democratic constitutions protect these freedoms. For instance, the U.S. Bill of Rights contains the famous guarantee in the First Amendment that laws may not be made that interfere with religion "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". A U.S. Supreme Court Justice (Benjamin Cardozo) reasoned in Palko v. Connecticut (1937) that: 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. The Human Rights Committee states that this, "distinguishes the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief from the freedom to manifest religion or belief. It does not permit any limitations whatsoever on the freedom of thought and conscience or on the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one's choice. These freedoms are protected unconditionally." Similarly, Article 19 of the UDHR guarantees that "Everyone has the Right to freedom of opinion and expression; this Right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference..." (*) Therlee Gipson