freedom and faith

[cally]

I was listening to AAR this afternoon and Schulz played a * clip. * said something about him believing in God and that he believes that God gives all the gift of freedom. Putting aside how crazy *'s faith is, but the reference to freedom confused me. I don't think there is any implication in the Bible that God expects us to be free in a political sense. Can anyone explain to me this theology or where he's getting this from? Any insights or thoughts about this are appreciated.

[RevCheesehead]

1. Oooh! What a delicious question!

What one calls "freedom," someone else might call "self-determination." And I think one could make an argument that it was the sin of "wanting to be like God" that got Adam and Eve expelled from paradise.

Similarly, when the people of God came to Samuel, and insisted on having a King, God was greatly distressed. He had hoped that they would abstain, but the people wanted to be like other nations.

Throughout the Scripture, God has chosen to interact with humanity in a covenant relationships: with Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses and the Israelites, King David - and ultimately, in and through Jesus. In this kind of relationship, there are certain kinds of expectations. If we enter into this agreement, are we free to reject it? I think the answer is yes, but we're also always invited back to it.

Overall, I think the concept of "freedom" is alien to ancient Israel. All of love was inter-connected, and there was a very strong sense of community. There was a real belief that we are all connected to one another, and yes - we are our brother's keeper.

I would also add that today, the word "freedom" has become so politicized that it's lost its meaning. Mostly because those who freely use that word also want to spy on others, and tell others whom they can sleep with, and whether or not they have a right to die.

[cally]

2. Thanks for the thoughtful reply...I think what

folks like * are thinking is freedom as in capitalism and US type democracy. I always sense what they mean is corporate dominance of economic life but I doubt they think that's what they mean. Nevertheless, if my assumption is correct then where in the Christian faith is there anything to infer that God expects us to have a democracy. I actually think there is evidence that God in the Bible expects us to live our faith and that various powers will come and go but God's rule will prevail.

[Kat45]

3. Well, God gives us free will, and perhaps bush has

somehow mistaken that for freedom. :shrug: