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What about Freedom of Religion?
The Story of NehorNow it came to pass long ago, in ancient America, a man named Nehor went about among the people, bearing down against other believers, mixing his own doctrines with scripture, and calling it the word of God. Nehor flattered the people, saying they could lift up their heads in pride. If people sought any pleasure, it was of no consequence, he said, for Nehor’s plan was the easy way; it promised security for all. Now, if they would only let him be in charge, he told them, in the end he would see everyone had all the money, power, and glory their hearts desired. People began to believe him and give him money, and he established a following. And it came to pass that he met an old man named Gideon, who belonged to the church of God. Nehor began to contend with him, but Gideon withstood Nehor with the words of God. Angered, Nehor drew his sword and began to strike him, but Gideon, being old, could not withstand his blows. So Nehor killed Gideon with the sword. Nehor was brought before the prophet and Chief Judge, where he pleaded boldly for himself. The prophet said, “This is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. Behold, you are not only guilty of priestcraft, but you have tried to enforce it with the sword. If priestcraft is enforced among this people, it will cause their entire destruction.”(Remnant, P.159) “The law of the land is, ‘Whosoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed,’”(Genesis 9:6), said the Chief Judge. “You have shed the blood of a righteous man. If we were to spare you, our just God would hold us accountable for the innocent victim. Your crime is against the law of the land, therefore justice demands that you pay for your crime with your life.” So Nehor was executed. Table Talk. 1. Was Nehor punished for his religion? 2. Was Nehor’s crime religious or civil? 3. Was Nehor’s punishment revenge. . . or justice? “Freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast. (Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning, p.156) 4. What important limit does true freedom carry with it? Know This, That Every Soul Is FreeKnow this, that every soul is free To choose his life and what he’ll be; For this eternal truth is given: That God shall force no man to heaven. He’ll call, persuade, direct aright, And bless with wisdom, love, and light, In nameless ways be good and kind, But never force the human mind. May we no more our powers abuse, But ways of truth and goodness choose; Our God is pleased when we improve His grace and seek his perfect love. — Anon.— |
