Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #2 — Biblical Foundation Of Religious Liberty

Picture: Counsel #2 — Biblical Foundation Of Religious Liberty CCW 110.1

The biblical foundation for religious liberty rests on the cornerstone of human dignity, as established in Genesis 1:27. Humanity was created "in the image of God," imbuing each person with inherent worth and value, transcending cultural background, ethnicity, or religious belief. Because we are created in God's image, we possess a unique capacity for independent thought, conscience, and ultimately, the freedom to choose our faith path. Coercion in matters of faith undermines this God-given dignity and reduces worship to a mere formality. The concept of Imago Dei^[166] suggests a direct relationship between each individual and God, free from the constraints of human institutions dictating religious beliefs. This in-built dignity extends to the freedom of conscience, ensuring that our faith is a genuine expression of our beliefs, rather than a product of external pressure.^[167] CCW 110.2

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NKJV CCW 110.3

“Now, as to the relation of the state to the conscience of man, Christ found men enslaved to kings and priests. … He freed us from the chains of priestcraft by teaching the absolute independence of the individual soul in matters religious, and by promising the Spirit of truth to guide each one into all truth.” Ellen White in Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships, 26.2 CCW 110.4

Reflect: In your view, what are the boundaries of religious liberty? When does the exercise of one person's faith freedoms infringe upon the rights of others? CCW 110.5