I find a narrative emerging from certain Christian circles deeply disturbing. On the surface, it sounds righteous, but upon reflection, it is unbiblical, unjust, and simply not very much like Jesus. This narrative, which I refer to as ‘enforced religion,’ involves imposing religious beliefs or practices on individuals or groups, often against their will or in a manner that infringes on their rights.
The narrative I’m referring to is cloaked in the language of religious freedom or rights; yet, it infringes on the freedoms or rights of others, a concern that we all should share.
In Australia
In last week’s blog, I mentioned the Christian Values Checklist, which the Australian Christian Values Institute regularly updates for state and federal elections. This blog is not intended to be an exposé on this organisation. I refer to them as an example of my concerns about enforced religion.
For instance, one of the “Christian values” on the checklist is retaining the parliament’s opening with Christian prayers. As a Christian, I appreciate that parliament opens with an acknowledgement of country, followed by two Christian prayers—a parliamentary prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.
However, I also (as a Christian) have concerns for those in Parliament who hold no faith or adhere to a belief system other than Christianity. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: Treat others just as you want to be treated. It raises the question: If I were an atheist, a Buddhist, or a Hindu, how would I like Christians to treat me? Would I experience Jesus’ love and grace by being subjected to enforced religion?
The Australian Christian Values Institute website discusses religious freedom and freedom of speech. However, some of its views deny liberty to those with differing beliefs—a stance that fails to respect our society’s diversity.
Australian churches and Christian schools must consider this if anti-discrimination laws are reconsidered. Compromise is essential when balancing the competing interests of various parties. I feel we Christians often want to protect our rights at the expense of others. Selfishness is NOT a Christian value.
In America
Across the Gulf of Australia, in the good ol’ US of A, there are even more concerning examples of enforced religion. Last year, the Republican-backed Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, ordered that “every public school classroom in Louisiana has…to display a poster of the Ten Commandments.” Did you notice the word “ordered?”
Now, I value the Ten Commandments and the ancient wisdom they convey. Still, I can’t help but wonder if they would be more impactful if displayed in the White House and Mar-a-Lago, especially the parts about adultery and not bearing false witness against thy neighbour. There are Christian people in the U.S. who enforce the commandments in schools, yet support a president who openly flaunts Moses’ laws.
Meanwhile, a top education official in Oklahoma has ordered schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons. Republican state Superintendent Ryan Walters stated that the rule is compulsory and requires “immediate and strict compliance.” This represents enforced religion.
Paul’s Reflections
Back to the Ten Commandments for a moment. Please read 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and reflect on the apostle Paul’s commentary on these ancient laws. Paul contrasts the Old Covenant with the New—the Law with the Spirit—and speaks derogatorily of the Ten Commandments. He describes them as:
- The ministry that brought death (7).
- The ministry that brought condemnation (9).
These Christians promote a message other than the Gospel by legislating the Ten Commandments in schools. Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Jesus’ Way
Later in 2 Corinthians chapter three, Paul announced, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Freedom, not enforced religion; freedom is Jesus’ way. Nowhere in the gospels do we find Jesus coercing anyone. When a wealthy young guy approached him and asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus went straight to the heart of this guy’s problem and addressed the idol in his heart:
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.
Jesus didn’t chase after him and say, “Listen, mate. If you don’t repent, you’ll burn in hell forever.” There was no coercion or control. Jesus gave him complete freedom to make his own mind up. Some theologians, including myself, believe this man was Barnabas, who later chose to follow Jesus and sold some of his property to help the poor.
Freedom
I encourage you to be wary of anyone—Christian or not—who constantly insists on freedom of speech or religious liberty. They invariably seek freedom for themselves while denying it to others.
Nicholas Ferroni is a high school History teacher, education activist and host. I love this Tweet he posted back in 2022: “If you are okay with having Muslim, Jewish and Hindu students sit through a Christian prayer in public school, and not okay with having Christian students sit through a Muslim, Jewish or Hindu prayer, then it’s NOT religious freedom- it’s religious oppression.”
Reflect on this: when we Christians prioritise our desires at the expense of others’ freedoms and rights, it is not religious freedom; it is religious oppression—and religious privilege.
God created humans and bestowed upon us the gift of free will, granting us the ability to choose, even if it means making poor decisions and facing the consequences. However, no one is coerced, which is why I detest enforced religion. I urge you to be cautious of it as well.
