Maximizing Our Religious Freedom: A Guide for American Christians

As Christ-followers who live in America, there are specific freedoms that we are granted that the majority of Christians around the world never experience. These freedoms and rights should not be taken for granted; rather, we should maximize every opportunity we have to share the gospel with others.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are the two biggest rights that protect American citizens. They give us the opportunity to choose who to worship and how to express and practice our beliefs.

 Compare this to our brothers and sisters across the world under abusive regimes, where the state religion is chosen for them, and any conversion or profession of faith in Christ is legally punishable by law and government.

The Foundation of Religious Freedom in the United States

Why are there more human rights and respect for freedom in America, especially religious freedom, than there are in other countries?

The age-old saying is that the early colonists settled in America for three reasons: gold, glory, and God. People came to the new settlements to get rich, to gain fame and become leaders, and to freely practice their own religion of choice. Many were trying to escape the Church of England, where the King was the head of the Church, and wanted to flee to be able to worship Christ as they wanted. They were later followed by groups from Germany, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands. (Source)

Biblical Principles in Early American Law

In the early generations of America, even before it was the country we know today, the ability to worship God according to personal convictions was key. Most knew the Bible and studied it for principles that would soon shape the new country free of England’s and other European countries’ rule. (Source)

While the United States is a country that was built on the separation of church and state, to avoid the blunders that colonists were fleeing from the Church of England, one can still see the strong biblical influence in the laws that shaped the land.

Acknowledging the Freedoms of Christians in America

Most Christians in the world cannot freely profess their faith, and converts cannot legally choose to become Christians, whether they come from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, or other backgrounds.

Here are just a few freedoms that American Christians can easily take for granted that are highly uncommon worldwide:

• Scripture: Owning a physical copy of the Bible (even multiple copies). 

• Media: Listening to worship music on local Christian radio stations. 

• Technology: Watching sermons online or listening to Christian podcasts without fear. 

• Community: Meeting publicly with a Bible study group at coffee shops or parks. 

• Fellowship: Assembling in a building dedicated to worshiping Jesus. 

• Expression: Wearing gospel-proclaiming clothing or accessories. 

• Evangelism: Holding conversations with non-Christians about Jesus and the Bible. 

• Outreach: Handing out Bibles and Christian pamphlets. 

Practices that are common and everyday for Christ-followers like you and me are considered luxuries or dreams for our brothers and sisters around the world. This doesn’t mean we should feel guilty about it; rather, we should use these freedoms to serve God!

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

3 Ways American Christians can Maximize their Freedoms

Galatians 5:13 talks about our freedom from a sinful life, but the same principle can be applied to our religious freedoms. How can we use them to serve others, not serve ourselves and our comfort?

1. Boldly Share the Gospel

Freedom of religion includes the freedom to share our faith and proselytize. This same freedom does not exist in many other countries, like Islamic countries and dictatorships. We can boldly talk about Christ and tell others about Him without fear of imprisonment.

The Great Commission from Jesus in Matthew 28 is exactly that – a commission, a mandate. It is certainly not a suggestion. Especially without the fear of persecution from our own government, we should be passionately obeying this command constantly!

2. Stand Up and Protect Our Constitutional Rights

To honor the gift of freedom we’ve been given in America, it is important to protect and steward these rights so that others may continue to experience them. It is a gift to be in a country with these rights. We must remember that these rights can be taken away. 

Some other powers in the world want to eradicate these freedoms in America. Read some of our blogs about Islam in America to learn more.

Understanding True Freedom of Speech 

One mistake some make is that they confuse freedom of speech— which means having the right to choose what to believe and say— with approving of everything that people say or believe. It is important to know this distinction and always fight for true freedom, which includes the freedom to disagree and voice it. 

However, there are certain ideologies that oppose the principles that shape American laws. For example, in the front lines of American politics right now, there is an ongoing debate about sharia law in America.

Not all laws in sharia law oppose the core principles of American law, but MANY do! When another ideology tries to get a foothold in the laws of the land, there is often no way to “pick and choose” which ones get a place. Once a small part of sharia law gets normalized, the rest of it will be able to follow.

Be informed about what is going on in your state and cities about sharia law, and use your rights to vote, speak out in love and truth– do something about it!

3. Pray Over the United States of America

It should go without saying, but just because biblical principles were used in the foundations of the United States laws, this does not mean that  biblical principles are popular in our country or culture today. In fact, it is the opposite.

This should not surprise Christ-followers. Yes, we are blessed that biblical principles like the value of human life and freedom of expression are foundational in the United States, but the culture at large, just like the entire world, is fallen and sinful at its core.

We need to pray for the United States, so this land can retain the freedoms and rights that shaped its founding for generations to come. We can and should pray for the Lord to protect the country from people who want to use it for power and greed and take away rights and protections, and ultimately want to silence Christ-followers.

“Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.” Acts 2:16

Keeping Our Ultimate Identity in Christ 

One thing we want to make clear is that even though we are covering many strengths and benefits of being a Christian in America, by no means should being an American take a core part of our identity.

 Living in this country is a blessing from God, and we are incredibly thankful for the freedoms we have here, but we should be careful not to turn this into an idol. Too quickly, God’s gifts to us become our false gods, and then we focus on them rather than our Heavenly Father.

Thanking the Lord for the opportunity to live in a free country is wonderful, but knowing our true freedom is in Christ is most important. A Prayer for Boldness 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to live in a free country where I can live out my faith publicly. Give me boldness to make the most of it, and help me not take it for granted. Amen.