GLEANINGS — November 9, A.D. 2014
Freedom of Worship?                                                                                                               

The A.D. 2,010 annual report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious freedom noted that this phrase was being used in public pronouncements from the Obama administration, and the use of the phrase by the president and others (such as Secretary Clinton) has continued since then.

Freedom of worship – does it sound harmless, perhaps even good and noble? Not if you consider that it subtly replaces the historic and treasured phrase RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, a freedom enshrined in our constitution and inseparable from genuine liberty under God. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

As envisioned by America's founders, religious freedom meant that citizens associated with the various communions of the Christian faith (or even adherents of non Christian religions) were at complete liberty both to express their beliefs publically, and to live in society according to their moral consciences. The vision was that this liberty would be enjoyed by all – no need for approval of one's religious activity by the civil government, no cause for fear on anyone's part that his conscience would be lorded over by hostile authorties or a state sanctioned religious entity. 

This vision was  hammered into reality within the context of a prevailing, coherent ethical standard. That standard was enshrined in the laws to which all citizens were subject. No serious student of history can deny that this ethical standard was that of the Bible. The Ten Commandments once were on display in virtually every courthouse in America. In those courts of law (and elsewhere, such as at inaugurations) oaths were and still are taken upon a copy of the holy Bible. It must also be affirmed that from America's founding, some individuals and sometimes our society in general have been guilty of flagrant violations of that standard, the Law of God. That does not impugn the righteousness of the standard! (1 Timothy 1:8)

"Freedom of worship" is a dumbed down, nu-speak, emaciated substitute for religious freedom. Its vision is one in which citizens might be allowed to cower in private to engage in religious activities, but dare not express their beliefs in the public square, nor act publically according to conscience. The government supports only the default state religion of secularism, and therefore secularists of any stripe need have no fear when they attack and persecute non-secularists; in fact they can count on civil rulers and judges backing them up. 

Hence, executives of publically owned corporations like Brendan Eich (Mozilla) who make private donations to causes despised by secularists can be forced to resign. Owners of large privately held companies like Dan Cathy (Chick-fil-A) can be vilified by the press and social activist groups when they peacefully and sincerely express an opinion. Owners of small photography salons and bakeries who run their enterprises according to conscience can be ruined by burdensome litigation. Big city mayors can feel free to attempt the cavalier monitoring of religious speech.

Our religious liberties come from God and cannot be hindered by the state. America's founders, men familiar with government sanctioned religious oppression, recognized this and pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to establish a country where religious liberty could be enjoyed. Will Christians today fight, with the weapons of righteousness, to preserve it?