Brian Nicklaus mentioned a book to me yesterday, a book called Resident Aliens. Investigating the book, I read a review which mentioned the phrase “the idolatry of religious freedom.” That phrase jumped off the screen at me. I need no explanation of that; I’ve faced it time and again, just didn’t realize what it was.
It comes up in almost every discussion of Christians and politics. “If Christians aren’t involved in politics, we may lose the religious freedoms we have.” “We have to make sure that our children have the same freedoms we do.” (I could point out the fact that the religious right has been more visible and influential politically than ever the last few decades, yet most feel that we’ve made no progress in achieving more religious freedom. But that would distract from the main point.)
Dare we base our decisions about what is best on something that isn’t set out for us in the Bible? Surely the book of Revelation is pertinent here. When writing to an oppressed church, Jesus told them to be faithful. No words about religious tolerance or religious freedom. The Christian’s job is to be faithful.
Religious freedoms are wonderful. I admit it. I view them somewhat like riches; they make life easier, but they are also dangerous. The church that lives in a country that grants freedom tends to grow fat and lazy. The lack of resistance allows the church to grow soft. It also creates confusion between patriotism and holiness. Just as I won’t willingly seek poverty, I won’t willingly seek to lose my religious freedoms. But I can’t see making the preservation of those freedoms a principal goal in my life.
When Jesus talks about being willing to give up everything to follow him, he means everything. Would we be willing to give up our religious freedoms in order to be faithful? If not, then religious freedom has become an idol in our lives.
I can somewhat understand being involved in politics to help end war, to help protect the unborn, to fight for the environment, to work to bring about social justice. I think that’s the wrong way, and I think it’s the least effective way. But at least I can understand it. However, the fight to preserve religious freedom has no biblical base. And it borders on idolatry.
Or is there something I’m missing?