Posted by A B Locke
Freedom of Religion: In Theory Only — Acrylics Painting 2014
This painting was inspired by the religious confusion and conflict in our country, and the contradiction embedded in our U.S. Constitution, which promises freedom of religion for all citizens.
The concept of “religious freedom” in America or anywhere in the world for that matter is grossly misleading. If you honestly think that there will come a time when all Americans will be able to freely express their respective beliefs without discrimination or retribution of any kind, then you clearly do not understand the dilemma with multiple religions in our society, or you are in total denial.
The notion of such a perfect freedom, without cost, without retribution is 1) a vain theory, 2) a promise sure to be broken, and quite frankly 3) “the impossible dream”. Wherever there are diverse people, religious differences, confusion, and conflict are inevitable, even in our own homes, among our closest relatives and neighbors.
The “religious rights” will always collide with the “religious lefts” (so to speak) and vice versa. There will never be religious harmony in a country or world like ours because one man’s freedom is another brother’s slavery. Likewise, one woman’s victory is another sister’s defeat. Our nation is severely divided against itself several times over, and a country or family divided against itself will not sustain (Luke 11:17). True religious harmony is only possible in Christ, under the one and only God of this creation.
Religious freedom — the choice to believe or not believe has always been readily accessible to everyone, but not in the manner that we thought or desired. The precious freedom and rights that we have so long fought for usually come with adverse consequences, tribulations, and penalties.
There is a perpetual cost connected to religious freedom — there always was and always will be. Religious freedom cost Muhammad Ali three years in prison and his heavyweight boxing championship of the world. Religious freedom cost the 12 apostles of Jesus severe beatings and public humiliation. Religious freedom also cost John, Robert, Martin, Malcolm, and many others their precious lives. Jesus’ was stripped, whipped, and crucified for His public expression of religion. This is the sobering reality many of us fail to comprehend. This ideal we call religious freedom comes at an enormous cost.
You are actually free, as long as you understand that what you believe and what you do as a result could cost you your friends, your family, your job, your freedom, your medals and trophies, your pension, and even your life. As long as you understand the basic rules of religious freedom, you are completely free to believe and practice whatever you like. I hope this provides some clarity and comfort.
What NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is experiencing right now illustrates my point. If you do not know, Colin is currently black-listed from the National Football League, not because he committed some egregious felony; not for an illegal substance or spousal abuse — nothing like that. Mr. Kaepernick is temporarily banned from playing football because he refuses to stand for the singing of The Star Spangle Banner — a two-minute song that just happens to be our country’s sacred anthem.
As punishment “for kneeling” during America’s opening hymn, and to force his compliance with their religious practices preceding the game, the NFL has restricted Colin’s ability to earn an income in his profession.
I am not a Colin Kaepernick fan or supporter. I am simply pointing out the blatant hypocrisy and contradiction in our country’s promise of religious freedom to all. Do not be deceived. This conflict is not about politics. It is about religion. Politics is nothing but religion in disguise.
People believe that Sunday afternoons are about football “games” and family “entertainment”, but it is more about our country’s devotion and worship of false gods and idols. The evidence speaks for itself. As with any religious system, there is a protocol for public assemblies. Colin broke the NFL’s religious protocol by kneeling during the opening hymn.
The loyal men and women who create and enforce the doctrines of the NFL have strong religious convictions, that all their football players must stand in honor and devotion to America and her flag, during The Star Spangled Banner, or else…
As the saying goes, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” This national issue between the NFL and Colin Kaepernick reminds me of an ancient national incident recorded in sacred pages of the Bible. This conflict was between Babylon’s ruler, King Nebuchadnezzar and three Hebrew boys. In this account, the King did not insist that the boys stand, but that they bowed down to the King’s statue when they heard the musicians play the national anthem of Babylon. The punishment for not complying was immediate death by fire. In contrast to this biblical account, it seems like Colin got off easy.
As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Dan. 3:5-7
But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.” Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?
Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.
Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Dan. 3:12-18
King Nebuchadnezzar was furious. He wasn’t just going to restrict these young boys from playing their favorite sport; he was going to end their life for good. Amid the threat, just like Colin, these three young men stood their ground and did not bow during the King’s anthem.
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