Written by Don Byrd
The Baptist Joint Committee has issued an extremely helpful one-page handout reminding us all of the nature of “religious liberty.” It sounds fundamental, right? Why would we need to define such a basic principle? One reason is that the phrase is widely being used, perhaps misused, by candidates for office, legislators, and news reports. The end result is that many who would otherwise be strong proponents of religious liberty find themselves uncomfortable, or even opposed to “religious liberty” as it is being thrown around.
The BJC’s clear-headed, thoughtful explanation of religious liberty is a welcome reminder, clarification, and statement of principle regarding our precious first freedom.
Here is an excerpt from the BJC’s “What is Religious Liberty?”
Just like any freedom, religious liberty is not without limits. As the old saying goes, “My right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins.” Some religions involve beliefs or practices that conflict with other laws, such as compulsory education laws, animal protection laws and anti-drug laws. In those cases, legislatures and courts must step in to determine how to accommodate sincere religious beliefs while protecting other government interests, including protecting those who may not share the same beliefs. So, when government makes exceptions for religious exercise, it must look out for the rights and well-being of others who may be detrimentally affected.
The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty advocates a “golden rule” of religious liberty: Do not ask government to promote your religion if you don’t want government to promote somebody else’s religion; and do not permit government to hinder somebody else’s religion if you don’t want government to hinder your own religion.
Read the whole thing. In fact, don’t just read it, print it and distribute to your sunday school classes, Bible studies, or other church gathering. “Religious liberty” has never been more prominent in our political discourse than it is today. It’s a good time to reflect on just what it is everyone is talking about.
