Religious Liberty
Religious liberty is one of the foundational reasons people first came to the Americas—and it's just as hot a topic today. From prayer breakfasts and protests to bakers and photographers, the question remains: What are Christians supposed to think about this? Where do we take a stand, and when do we yield? How do we engage in biblically informed conversations in a culture full of opinions?
In this episode, we dive into what Baptists believe about religious liberty, as outlined in Article XVII of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, and explore what the Bible teaches about the church, the state, and the responsibilities of both. Featuring insights from the Book of Daniel and practical illustrations from today’s world, we tackle hard questions and help you apply biblical truth in a complex cultural landscape.
I. Your government is accountable to God for the way it treats the church. (Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 96:10)
What the government is not authorized to do
o Force worship
o Prohibit worship
o Define worship
What the government is authorized to do—protect the church. (Romans 13:4)
II. The church is accountable to God for the way we treat the government.
What we must do
o show loyalty
o influence it for God’s glory and man’s good
What we must not do— view the government as supreme.