Disagreement, Dissent and Discernment
It is a mark of a healthy society when freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of conscience are respected and protected. One does not have to agree with someone, but one should respect the rights of others to have alternative convictions, without any fear of condemnation. Dissent can be healthy. Discernment is always necessary. Christian love does not demand conformity. It is a fruit of the Protestant Reformation to respect freedom of conscience. When Professor Martin Luther made his bold stand before the Emperor, declaring: "my conscience is captive to the Word of God…”, he championed the principles of freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, freedom of worship and all the other freedoms which have become the foundation of Christian civilisation. Yet, today, there is a disturbing tendency to demonise dissent. Political correctness and charges of "hate speech" are threatening freedom of speech and freedom of conscience. Historically, Magna Carta and bills of rights have protected the rights of the individual to disagree with the majority. Today, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult and even dangerous to go against the tyranny of the majority. How should we, as Christians, respond? What can we practically do to restore discernment and respect for dissent and disagreement?
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage… For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Galatians 5:1,13
From the Frontline-Episode 240-Escape from Babylonian Captivity
From the Frontline-Episode 239-Halloween vs Reformation
From the Frontline-Episode 238-Where the Battle Rages
From the Frontline-Episode 237-Remembering God’s Smuggler, Brother Andrew
From the Frontline-Episode 236-Life, Logic and Love
From the Frontline-Episode 235-Dealing with Death and Grappling with Grief
From the Frontline-Episode 234-The Power of Public Proclamation Open Air Preaching
From the Frontline-Episode 233-Confronting Idolatry and Paganism Today
From the Frontline-Episode 232-Servant and Ambush Evangelism
From the Frontline-Episode 231-Winning The Lost Effective Evangelism
From the Frontline-Episode 230-Effective Evangelism on the Streets and in Marketplaces
From the Frontline-Episode 229-Mozambique Hope After Darkness
From the Frontline-Episode 228-Setting the Captives Free
From the Frontline-Episode 227-Mountain Marathons
From the Frontline-Episode 226-Great Commission Course Testimonies
From the Frontline-Episode 225-Confronting New Challenges
From the Frontline-Episode 224-Dedication and Courage
From the Frontline-Episode 223-The Biblical, Historical and Practical Basis for Self-defence
From the Frontline-Episode 222-The Power of Pentecost
From the Frontline-Episode 221-Mission Reports from Mpumalanga & KwaZulu-Natal
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)