From the beginning of recorded history, there has been a constant and inescapable theme in the relationship between governments and those being governed—the desire of those in power to set the boundaries of acceptable religious expression. From the edicts of Nebuchadnezzar requiring, on pain of death, that all his subjects bow down and worship the image he had fashioned to the multiple Roman Emperors and Holy Roman Emperors in the Middle Ages, requiring all to worship their gods, and do so in the way that they designate as appropriate, governments have demanded and enforced their right to control the religious life of their subjects. Sadly, the results of this mixing of politics and religion, as history so clearly shows, are full of mindless and pressured obedience, painful and deadly persecution, and the eventual death of a vibrant spiritual community.
Lest we think that this religious/political marriage or power and control is a thing of the past, think again! Most countries around the world still do not practice an absolute separation of faith (church) and the power of the state. I’ve lived for years in countries where the state directly controls the affairs of faith. Even in the United States, we see a growing and troubling move to comingle politics and religion, where churches openly support political personages and causes, thus slowly dismantling the separation of church and state.
The problem and danger with this paradigm of a marriage between government and religion is that history shows, in bold and clear examples, in most cases, it is the majority in power that will exploit, discriminate, and even persecute those who have minority religious practices and beliefs. Early Christians suffered at the hands of those espousing emperor worship. Then, centuries later, Christians turned on and persecuted other followers of Christ who did not fit neatly into their prescribed orthodoxy (think of the sufferings of the Waldenses in Europe).
For this reason, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has always wholeheartedly promoted religious liberty. From our beginnings, we have had a robust voice on the American and world stage, speaking boldly for the rights of the religious minority and encouraging all to keep the powers of the state out of the life and work of the church, mosque, or temple.
Yes, we know that prophetically, we are approaching the day when church and state will once again persecute the remnant and faithful people of God (Revelation 13-14). But, today, while liberty still allows for open expression of opinion, I praise God for our church’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty team, standing for freedom of religion. One day, when the cup of God’s wrath is full, the final chapters of this world will come to an end along with the destructive rule of Satan, and we will not be able to hold back the tide of oppression. But, in the meantime, let’s pray for religious liberty and use this time of freedom to boldly work together for the mission of Christ and the growth of His kingdom.
