The Value of Religious Freedom: A Biblical Perspective

Dear Friends,

Welcome to part 3 of our Voting Biblical Values series, where we’ve explored the foundation of our biblical values and considered how they inform our vote.  If you’ve missed a piece of the series, you can find them here, just follow the prompt to “Voting Biblical Values”.

Today, we explore an essential theme: the value of religious freedom as illuminated by the Bible. In a world where the freedom to believe and practice one's faith can often be challenged, understanding its biblical foundations can inspire and empower us.

God’s Desire for Choice

From the beginning, God has granted humanity the gift of free will. In Deuteronomy 30:19, we find a poignant statement:

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..."

This verse underscores that God desires for us to choose Him and to engage with Him willingly. True faith can only flourish in an environment where individuals can make their own choices. 

The Importance of Conscience

The Bible consistently affirms the significance of personal conscience in matters of faith. In Romans 14:5, Paul writes, “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” This tells us that genuine belief comes from personal conviction, not coercion. Respecting each person’s journey and their right to follow their conviction is vital for a healthy and vibrant faith community. 

Jesus and Religious Freedom

Throughout His ministry, Jesus exemplified the importance of religious freedom. He often challenged the established religious authorities and emphasized that faith should be rooted in love, not obligation. In Luke 4:18-19, He declares His mission:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free..."

This passage illustrates Jesus' commitment to liberation—not just from physical bondage but from the constraints that hinder authentic spiritual expression.

The Early Church’s Example

The early Christians faced significant persecution for their beliefs, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to worship freely. Acts 5:29 reminds us of their resolve:

"We must obey God rather than human beings!"

Their courage in the face of oppression serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in our faith and advocating for the rights of others to do the same.

A Call to Action

As believers, we are called to champion the cause of religious freedom. Galatians 5:13 exhorts us to use our freedom to serve one another in love. This means standing up for the rights of others, regardless of their beliefs, and fostering an environment where everyone can pursue their spiritual convictions without fear. We know that the heart of our Heavenly Father is that all should come to repentance. Religious freedom is the vital backdrop that allows one to make the choice of repentance and openly and freely worship our Creator. 

Voting for Religious Freedom

The Bible offers profound insights into the value of religious freedom, emphasizing the importance of choice, conscience, and the right to worship. As we cast our vote in the coming election and in elections in years to come. We must consider, once again, which candidate will be more likely to tip the scales in favor of our religious freedom. Consider agendas and ideals that are contrary to your beliefs and how each candidate might try to force those onto our country. Our religious freedom is threatened when laws force us to violate our conviction or when leaders try to close our places of worship. For example, we have laws that require teachers to affirm gender identity regardless of their spiritual conviction. We’ve had leaders who threatened churches with hefty fines if they opened their doors during the pandemic. We have lawmakers who try to legislate their opinions over your convictions.

Will your candidate protect your right to worship freely and follow your convictions regardless of their own spiritual beliefs?

Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to worship freely and vote for religious freedom at the polls. 

Your vote is your voice—make it count!

Use your resources to know the candidates on your ballot. And remember, when you go to the polls, you are voting for your values.