Norway ends official state religion

Norway, one of the least religious and most secular nations on earth, voted to end having an official state church. This was a long time coming, especially in consideration of the high number of people in Norway who don't believe in a god or who don't go to church.

I am sure that of the few Christian right-wingers in Norway, some are probably gnashing their teeth. Only 32% of Norwegians in a poll in 2005, stated they believe in a god, with 17% stating explicitly stating they don't believe in a god or life force.

In the U.S., atheists are often still in the closet, especially when it comes to the Bible Belt. Their coming out as an atheist is comparable to saying one worships a devil, actually, atheists are often thought by the religious right-wing to do just that. Heck, I myself was told that one time by a Christian.

Now, it is very important that we in the U.S. not just divorce ourselves from an official state church but every promotion of religion, such as on our currency, Pledge of Allegiance, etc. Religion should not be a matter for the government to concern itself with, but should be left up to the free marketplace of ideas.

The step in Norway was a positive step, but I dream of the day when Saudi Arabia no longer has an official religion of Islam. When that day comes, there really will be freedom in the world.