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From the Frontline-Episode 220-Roe v Wade Repealed? Where Do We Go from Here?
From the Frontline-Episode 219-We are at War
From the Frontline-Episode 218-Successful Secessions and the Fight for Freedom
From the Frontline-Episode 217-Fight the Good Fight of Faith
From the Frontline-Episode 216-The Blood of Christ
From the Frontline-Episode 215- Lessons Learned from 40 Years in the Frontline
From the Frontline-Episode 214-Behind Enemy Lines for Christ
From the Frontline-Episode 213-Evangelising in War Zones
From the Frontline-Episode 212-Learning From Warfare in History
From the Frontline-Episode 211-Warfare and the Word
From the Frontline-Episode 210-When Is It Right to Fight
From the Frontline-Episode 209-Overcoming Obstacles and Opposition
From the Frontline-Episode 208-Faith and Freedom Under Fire
From the Frontline-Episode 207-Resistance to Abortion and Harassment from the State
From the Frontline-Episode 206-What We Can and Must Do for Life and Liberty
From the Frontline-Episode 205- Is Your Church a House of Prayer for All Nations
From the Frontline-Episode 204-The Leading Cause of Death in the World Today
From the Frontline-Episode 203-Life Changing Lessons from the Mission Field
From the Frontline-Episode 202-Seek First the Kingdom of...?
From the Frontline-Episode 201-A Vision for Your Future
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