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Is freedom of religion a biblical concept?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
The first amendment of the U. S. Constitution says that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Ever since the Bill of Rights...

July 01 2013 3 responses Vote Up Share Report


1
Data Dana pappas Supporter
I think it is wrong to evaluate what "is" biblical freedom on the basis of world governments declarations of freedom to choose religion. When God gave Man an intellect, he gave him the right to choose, he gave him a will. Israel demanded God give them a king and refused God's response "I am your King", so He gave them a King in his wrath, and they regretted this in deep lamentation. In the Scripture God does not stop anyone from choosing other gods, Saul went into divination with a witch to contact the spirit of Samuel, (God had to have allowed this, as of Saul's consuming error), and God's Will prevailed over Saul. I believe the Biblical statement on freedom of religious choice is this, choose light or choose darkness, you have been given the will to make a choice.

October 17 2016 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Billy P Eldred Supporter
Jesus said : "I am the Way, The Truth and The Life. There is no other Way to the Father except through me." Also, Hell is a pretty big penalty for choosing other religions. Plus, He told us to go into the world making disciples of all nations. 

Even in the Old Testament, God sent judgement after judgement against Israel when they turned to other gods. God is a jealous God as He has the right to be. 

Freedom of religion as provided for in the constitution is not about freedom to make wrong choices. No law can keep anyone from making whatever choice they choose. Rather it is about freedom from consequences by the government for choosing how and when you worship. The Bible is full of consequences for making wrong choices. 

Therefore, I do not believe freedom of religion is biblical. We were created with freedom to choose. That is biblical. But it is also biblical that we are not free from consequence and God commands us to make the choice to choose Him. Number one on the list as I recall.

September 16 2016 4 responses Vote Up Share Report


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