Is freedom of religion a biblical concept? Or does the Bible only endorse a theocracy?

http://www.gotquestions.org/freedom-of-religion.html

OLAADEGBU:


Is freedom of religion a biblical concept? Or does the Bible only endorse a theocracy?

http://www.gotquestions.org/freedom-of-religion.html

Question: "Is freedom of religion a biblical concept?"

Answer: 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 was ratified, Americans have enjoyed religious freedom. Our Constitution guarantees the free observance of religion and prevents the government from ever establishing a state church. Thomas Jefferson called religious freedom “the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.” Was Jefferson right? Is freedom of religion a divine right? Is it biblical?

Under the Mosaic Law, Israel operated under a theocracy. The nation’s success or failure depended on their degree of obedience to God. “Religious freedom” was not part of the Old Testament system, because God ruled over Israel directly. Of course, Israel’s theocracy was not intended to be a government model for the rest of the world. Nations which have imposed a self-styled theocracy, such as medieval Spain, have produced totalitarian nightmares. The religious intolerance of the Inquisition was not a product of true theocracy; it was the result of power-hungry, sinful men.

In the New Testament, we have a clearer picture of the God-ordained role of government. Romans 13:3-4 delineates the government’s responsibilities, which are, quite simply, to punish evil deeds, reward good deeds, and render justice. So, God has given the government certain duties, but enforcing a particular system of worship is not among them.

There is no conflict between biblical principles and the civic principle of religious freedom. In fact, it is precisely because the United States was founded on biblical principles that religious freedom exists. Only governments rooted in Judeo-Christian values allow such freedom. Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist governments do not allow religious freedom; therefore, countries such as Pakistan, India, and Tibet are, as a whole, intolerant of other religions. Atheistic governments, such as the former Soviet Union, have also proved to be antagonistic toward free religious expression.

The concept of the freedom of religion is biblical for several reasons. First, God Himself extends a “freedom of religion” to people, and the Bible has several examples. In Matthew 19:16-23, the rich young ruler comes to Jesus. After a brief conversation, the young man “went away sorrowful,” choosing not to follow Christ. The salient point here is that Jesus let him go. God does not “force” belief in Him. Faith is commanded but never coerced. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus expresses His desire to gather the children of Jerusalem to Himself, but they “were not willing.” If God gives men the freedom to choose or to reject Him, then so should we.

Second, the freedom of religion respects the image of God in man (Genesis 1:26). Part of God’s likeness is man’s volition, i.e., man has the ability to choose. God respects our choices in that He gives us freedom to make decisions regarding our future (Genesis 13:8-12; Joshua 24:15), even if we make the wrong decisions. Again, if God allows us to choose, we should allow others to choose.

Third, the freedom of religion acknowledges that it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts, not the government (John 6:63). Only Jesus saves. To take away the freedom of religion is to empower human government, with its fallible rulers, to determine the eternal destiny of every soul. But Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and no one becomes a Christian by government fiat. We are made Christians by the grace of God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). What the government does or does not do has no relation to the new birth (John 1:12-13; 3:5-8.)

Fourth, the freedom of religion concedes that, in the final analysis, it’s not about religion; it’s about relationship. God does not desire an external form of worship but a personal relationship with His children (Matthew 15:7-8.) No amount of government control can produce such a relationship.

The framers of the Constitution were God-fearing men making a sincere attempt to establish a new nation on biblical principles, including equity, justice, and liberty. One of the liberties they recognized as “inalienable and sacred” was the freedom of religion. Praise the Lord for such wisdom.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/freedom-of-religion.html#ixzz3HRe0Gw7D

There is no conflict between biblical principles and the civic principle of religious freedom. In fact, it is precisely because the United States was founded on biblical principles that religious freedom exists. Only governments rooted in Judeo-Christian values allow such freedom. Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist governments do not allow religious freedom; therefore, countries such as Pakistan, India, and Tibet are, as a whole, intolerant of other religions. Atheistic governments, such as the former Soviet Union, have also proved to be antagonistic toward free religious expression.

US attitude to religion is not based on any biblical principles. It was based more on Humanistic principles. You'll find more Spinoza (tractacus -theological politics) in it than bible.

The islamic government of the Ottoman empire allowed more religious freedom than the European governments based on Judeo-christian values.

India is one of the most religiously diverse places in the entire world. There are more religions in India than in probably the rest of the world put together. And they keep inventing new ones.

Tibet cannot be intolerant of other religions it is occupied by a communist country (China).

We cannot know if a religion is intolerant of other religions until we see them in a position of political power. If NT christians were meek it wouldn't count cos they were politically weak. We need to know what happens when they come into political power. Do you know of any Politically christian country that was tolerant of other religions? If yes please share it with us.

PastorAIO:


US attitude to religion is not based on any biblical principles. It was based more on Humanistic principles. You'll find more Spinoza (tractacus -theological politics) in it than bible.

The islamic government of the Ottoman empire allowed more religious freedom than the European governments based on Judeo-christian values.

India is one of the most religiously diverse places in the entire world. There are more religions in India than in probably the rest of the world put together. And they keep inventing new ones.

Tibet cannot be intolerant of other religions it is occupied by a communist country (China).

We cannot know if a religion is intolerant of other religions until we see them in a position of political power. If NT christians were meek it wouldn't count cos they were politically weak. We need to know what happens when they come into political power. Do you know of any Politically christian country that was tolerant of other religions? If yes please share it with us.

Why do folks not rush into those so called religious free countries if they happen to be free?

Excerpt from the OP.

There is no conflict between biblical principles and the civic principle of religious freedom. In fact, it is precisely because the United States was founded on biblical principles that religious freedom exists. Only governments rooted in Judeo-Christian values allow such freedom. Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist governments do not allow religious freedom; therefore, countries such as Pakistan, India, and Tibet are, as a whole, intolerant of other religions. Atheistic governments, such as the former Soviet Union, have also proved to be antagonistic toward free religious expression.

OLAADEGBU:


Why do folks not rush into those so called religious free countries if they happen to be free?

Excerpt from the OP.

Eeerrr... Because they lack economic opportunity? After all people from our beloved Nigeria, the most religious country in the world, are rushing every day to India, to Dubai etc. These are non christian countries. You can't go to Tibet because it is an occupied country. Unless you got a permit from China.

As usual, all you've been able to come up with are lies. India is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the whole world. Where did you hear that Indians had any issues with other religions. Or Tibetans for that matter?

US was not based on bible principles. Please bring the part of the constitution that was derived from the bible let us see it.

PastorAIO:


Eeerrr... Because they lack economic opportunity? After all people from our beloved Nigeria, the most religious country in the world, are rushing every day to India, to Dubai etc. These are non christian countries. You can't go to Tibet because it is an occupied country. Unless you got a permit from China.

As usual, all you've been able to come up with are lies. India is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the whole world. Where did you hear that Indians had any issues with other religions. Or Tibetans for that matter?

US was not based on bible principles. Please bring the part of the constitution that was derived from the bible let us see it.

You sound as if you are based in India, no?

OLAADEGBU:


You sound as if you are based in India, no?

What has this got to do with anything? You've been telling porkies again and I merely showed you up.

I wonder what lies you're going to come up with next. You should start market. Porkie Pies trader.

Deuteronomy 13:12-16Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

12 If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, 13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; 14 then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; 15 thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. 16 And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the Lord thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.