 Exploring Freedom On the face of it, it seems strange
to identify Christianity as an enemy of freedom. After all, Christians
have historically stood up for the poor, the oppressed, the captive,
and the underprivileged. Likewise, liberation from ignorance, disease,
and political oppression have invariably resulted whenever Christian
faith and principles have been adopted. Why, then, would some view the
faith as repressive? Perhaps part of the answer lies in
the problem of legalism. Whenever Christianity is made into a list of
dos and don'ts, it becomes intolerant and restrictive. Instead of
enjoying an intimate relationship with a loving God, the legalist is
obsessed with rules and regulations, as if God were a celestial
Policeman just waiting to catchs us out of line. To be sure, Christ does make demands
on us that sometimes limit our autonomy. But true Christianity sees
this as part of a relationship based on love and grace, not unlike a
healthy marriage in which both partners sometimes sacrifice their own
desires in order to serve the other. More on Exploring Freedom in tomorrow's meditation. From "10 Myths About Christianity: Christianity Stifles Personal Freedom" in The Word In Life Study Bible-NKJ : Discover the Truths of God's Word for You and Your World ©2006 CopperCountry.com,Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. |
