How should Christians view religious liberty?

Answer

Religious liberty is the freedom to worship or not worship any deity one chooses in any way one chooses. Throughout history, religious liberty has been scarce in most nations. In many countries, the religious freedom of one group is often denied for the benefit of another group. This is one reason why free societies carefully protect the separation of church and state. A fundamental principle of American society is to eliminate authoritarian control from the practice of religion, viewing religious liberty not just as a privilege but as a right bestowed by God.

The roots of the democratic ideal of religious liberty can be found in the Bible. God Himself grants a “freedom of religion” to people, and the Bible provides various examples of God granting individuals the freedom to choose to accept or reject Him (e.g., Luke 18:18-25). While faith is encouraged, it is not enforced. Part of God’s image in humanity is free will, allowing individuals the ability to choose. God respects our decisions and grants us the freedom to make choices about our future (Genesis 13:8-12; Joshua 24:15), even when we make mistakes. Based on these principles, Christians believe that religious worship should be a matter of personal conviction. The actions or inactions of the government are unrelated to matters of the heart.

The early church emerged in a society that permitted religious liberty, albeit with restrictions. However, as the church expanded, persecution of Christians intensified. A significant portion of the New Testament was written for individuals enduring persecution because of their choice to follow Christ “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions o

Of Judæa and Samaria, only the apostles were not scattered (Acts 8:1). Despite the harsh treatment they faced, authorized by the rulers, Christians were urged to remain steadfast in their faith and pray for their adversaries (1 Peter 3:14;1 Timothy 2:2). A significant passage on civil obedience, Romans 13:4–5, was penned by an individual enduring legal persecution for preaching the gospel.

Religious freedom is an unattainable aspiration for millions of Christians globally. Some must gather covertly and, if exposed, might face imprisonment or death. Others understand that upon declaring their loyalty to Christ, they will be disowned by their families, lose their spouses and children, and be left with nothing. Many more fellow believers endure squalid prisons, enduring daily assaults, hunger, cold, and illness, solely because they refuse to renounce Christ. Religious freedom has never been part of their reality, so they do not anticipate it. Despite the repercussions, they are prepared to sacrifice everything to follow Jesus «Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. », (2 Timothy 3:12: Philippians 1:29).

For individuals in liberated nations, religious freedom has been assumed and frequently disregarded. America is among the few countries with religious freedom enshrined in its Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (from the First Amendment). However, this freedom is often underutilized by the populace. Churches remain vacant in every town while bars, casinos, and theme parks thrive. One might assume that the existence of religious freedom would lead to a surge in Christianity.bers and practice, but history reveals the opposite to be true. In countries where Christianity is illegal, the church spreads rapidly, while places with the most religious freedom grow increasingly secular.

Christians should value religious freedom and not take it for granted. In open societies, Christians should utilize their religious freedom to practice their faith, share the gospel, and advocate for biblical values on social issues. They should engage in public service, establish churches, organize outdoor events to reach the unchurched, and live according to Christ’s teachings. Those who oppose exposure to the Christian gospel are infringing on Christians’ rights to freely practice their faith, and any violations of religious liberty must be acknowledged and resisted.

The church emerged during a period of religious upheaval and matured through the sacrifice of its martyrs (Acts 7:54-58;12:2). The church continues to expand even in the most hostile regions, operating under the noses of tyrants and dictators who cannot suppress it. Truth shines most brightly in the darkest places. Christians who have the freedom of religion should not waste this sacred privilege but rather express gratitude to the Lord for it and use it to advance God’s work in the world.