Why Evangelicals Can Champion Religious Freedom.

 Religious freedom is fundamental to maintaining a free society. I argue that the evangelical mind offers the strongest foundation for defending this essential freedom. But what makes the evangelical viewpoint stand out compared to other perspectives? Let’s consider why the evangelical perspective on religious liberty is so unique. 

Evangelicalism Rightly Defined  

The term "evangelical" is often thrown around by media pundits and politicians seeking endorsements. We are often identified only in political terms rather than for our core theological roots. At its heart, evangelicalism is about believing the Bible is a divine revelation from God, trusting in Jesus Christ’s work of atonement and His literal resurrection from the dead, an exclusive trust in His saving grace for salvation, and an impassioned activism which is motived by love for God and neighbor. Our focus on evangelism and the authority of Scripture gives evangelicals a solid basis for championing religious freedom. 

Why Evangelical Ethics Are Better

Evangelicals lean on the truths laid out in Scripture to form their ethical beliefs, giving them a clear and steady understanding of the world around us. This is in contrast to secular or purely natural law ethics, which can sometimes fall short considering the extent to which sin has affected human reason.  

A Bit of History 

Looking back, many evangelical thinkers and activists have grounded their arguments for religious freedom in Christian beliefs. Take Tertullian, for instance;: he argued for religious liberty by pointing out that we all act according to our beliefs, and true belief must come from a place of free will, not coercion.  

 John Calvin also weighed in on the importance of religious freedom, asserting that faith should be a free choice. He believed humans think rationally about their place in the world, and that our time here should focus on establishing God’s kingdom in our hearts.  

 Roger Williams built on Calvin's ideas, promoting religious freedom rooted in the incarnation of Christ, which he saw as transforming how we relate to God and each other. He emphasized personal faith and the role of conscience in that relationship. 

Evangelicals and the Concept of Freedom 

Many secular views struggle to pin down solid moral boundaries, leading to an empty understanding of freedom. Our modern world that is teeming with choices, and many without a strong biblical foundation, elevates autonomy to a "god" like status —human choice becomes an idol itself.   

 In contrast, evangelicals see freedom as rooted in the absolute moral truths revealed in Jesus Christ. His perfect life sets the standard for goodness, and his resurrection confirms it. For evangelicals, true freedom means willingly serving God and others, creating a life that balances personal liberty with responsibility. 

The Evangelical Understanding of the World  

Evangelicals believe that both the seen and unseen aspects of life bring order to our existence. This broad perspective allows for a richer view of justice that considers not just actions but also motivation and intent, which often outshines utilitarian or purely natural law approaches. The evangelical understanding of religious freedom acknowledges the truth-seeking nature of both believers and non-believers alike, fostering an environment where both can explore deeper realities. 

  Church And State 

The evangelical approach clearly outlines the roles of civil and spiritual authorities. When Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's," he highlighted a key distinction between secular affairs and sacred beliefs. This principle keeps civil matters in their lane while allowing spiritual questions to be handled by God. 

  Evangelical Relationship to our World  

The way evangelicals view religious freedom supports their mission by clearly defining who’s in and who’s out. Baptism creates a clear line between insiders and outsiders, allowing people the freedom to join or leave the faith as they choose. This approach respects everyone’s right to seek truth, promoting a more civil and peaceful society. While at the same it allows religious institutions to govern themselves by their own doctrinal standards. This is not to say that religious institutions must not engage in the political process. Religious freedom rightly understood allows religious individuals and institutions to participate in public life without fear of state coercion when they challenge policies and practices that undermine human flourishing.  

  Religious Freedom and the End of the Age 

Evangelicals have a unique perspective on time, recognizing it as personal and guided by a Savior who was crucified, resurrected, and now reigns. This understanding of time gives a cohesive view of justice, reminding us that everyone will face Christ one day. The promise of future judgment inspires both patience and urgency in our lives today, ultimately fostering a culture of civility and hope. Evangelicals recognize that religious freedom is a temporary state, which will end when Christ returns and ushers in the fulfillment of his kingdom.  

  Conclusion 

The evangelical vision for religious liberty stands strong because it rests on solid foundations of being, knowing, and purpose. It provides a thorough understanding of humanity, the world, and our place in time, creating a robust defense for religious freedom. By valuing personal faith, the conscience’s role, and the hope of future judgment, the evangelical approach fosters a culture of civility and genuine freedom for everyone.