Christians throughout history have often faced a paradox when it comes to religious liberty. When in the minority or under persecution, Christian groups have championed freedom of conscience; yet when holding power, those same groups have sometimes been quick to deny others the liberty they once sought. This inconsistency raises important questions about the Christian basis for religious freedom. Should followers of Christ defend the freedom of all faiths, even “false” ones? Or is it justified to restrict other beliefs in the name of protecting truth?
This article explores the theological foundations of religious liberty, the philosophical value of allowing people “the freedom to be wrong,” and historical case studies–from early America to John Calvin’s Geneva–that illustrate how religious freedom has been applied differently depending on who holds power. It will conclude with a persuasive argument that Christians, true to their own principles, should support robust religious freedom even when they are in the majority.
Theological Foundations: Scripture and Christian Views on Religious Freedom
Freedom and Coercion in the Bible: The Christian case for religious liberty finds substantial support in Scripture. The Bible portrays genuine faith as a matter of the heart and conscience, not something that can be forced. Jesus never compelled anyone to follow Him by the sword; instead, He invited listeners and allowed even the rich young ruler to walk away sorrowful rather than coerce his obedience (Mark 10:21–22).1
In the New Testament, the spread of the gospel is through preaching and persuasion (e.g. Acts 17:2–4), not through legal mandate. Jesus taught, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight” (John 18:36), implying that the advancement of God’s kingdom wouldn’t be by worldly force.2
Paul echoes this idea, reminding believers that “the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh” (2 Cor. 10:3–4).3 Whenever the church has used earthly coercion “to legislate away false belief or convert people at the point of a gun,” the result has been spiritually disastrous.4
The Freedom to Be Wrong: Philosophical Perspectives
One of the key principles underlying religious liberty in Western thought is the “freedom to be wrong.” In a free society, people must be allowed to hold and express beliefs that others (even the majority) consider incorrect, because only through such freedom can truth ultimately be discerned and genuine faith take root.
John Locke argued powerfully in A Letter Concerning Toleration (1689) that true religion cannot be forced. Locke observed that belief “consists in the inward and full persuasion of the mind,” which by its very nature cannot be compelled by outward force.5
Religious Liberty in American History
The history of the United States offers vivid examples of the religious liberty paradox at work. America’s story includes inspiring advances in freedom of religion, but also glaring inconsistencies where those in power denied liberty to others.
James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance (1785) encapsulated the Christian philosophical case for religious freedom. Madison argued that each person’s faith must be left “to the conviction and conscience of every man,” and this right is “unalienable” because it is a duty owed directly to God.6
John Calvin’s Geneva: A Cautionary Tale
One of the most striking historical examples of Christians restricting religious liberty when in power is the case of John Calvin’s Geneva in the 16th century. Under Calvin’s influence, Geneva became a model of a Protestant “godly” city – but also an example of how a community of the devout can enforce religious uniformity with an iron hand.
The most infamous example is the case of Michael Servetus, a Spanish physician and theologian who denied the Trinity. Servetus was burned at the stake outside Geneva in 1553.7 His execution sparked debates on religious toleration, with Sebastian Castellio famously writing, “To kill a man is not to defend a doctrine; it is to kill a man.”8
Why Christians Should Champion Religious Freedom
Christians should be the champions of religious freedom because:
- Jesus taught invitation, not coercion.
- Faith must be freely chosen to be genuine.
- Persecuting others harms the gospel and breeds resentment.
- History shows that coercion leads to corruption and hypocrisy.
By defending religious liberty, Christians uphold Christ’s teachings, protect their own freedoms, and demonstrate confidence in the power of truth.
Footnotes
- Mark 10:21–22.
- John 18:36.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3–4.
- Lifeway, “What the Bible Says about Religious Liberty.”
- John Locke, A Letter Concerning Toleration (1689).
- James Madison, Memorial and Remonstrance (1785).
- Libertarianism.org, “Religious Toleration vs. Religious Freedom.”
- Sebastian Castellio, “To Kill a Man Does Not Defend an Idea.”