Why do Adventists Emphasize Religious Liberty?

Adventists see religious liberty as an essential human right. After all, God endowed humanity with freedom of choice from the very beginning. So we believe it’s best for governments to also support their citizens’ rights to worship based on their convictions.

This isn’t an ideal we simply agree with—we actively support it. The Seventh-day Adventist world church headquarters has an entire department focused on promoting and defending religious liberty.

And Adventists certainly aren’t alone in this. Freedom of Religion​ has been a global concern for centuries, especially for the early Christian church. People faced imprisonment, torture, or even lost their lives to cruel governments or state churches—simply because they refused to surrender their religious beliefs. And that just shouldn’t be.

So it’s no surprise that numerous faith groups uphold religious liberty. But what are the specific ways Adventists have supported religious freedom throughout the years?

Let’s go through:

It’s important to note that according to the Bible, this challenge will never go away. In fact, it warns of a time when religious liberty will be further endangered than ever before (Daniel 7:25).

All the more reason to be aware of this hot topic! So let’s get started.

What is religious liberty?

The American Constitution, which contains the first amendment that protects religious freedom

Photo from Freeimages

Religious liberty is defined as the “freedom of religious opinion and worship.”1 And to get a good grasp of its full meaning and implications, let’s take a look at some history.

Even before it fully became a country, the United States frequently confronted matters of religious liberty. In fact, many of its founding citizens came to America to flee the oppressive state churches of their home countries.2 But despite their own desire for freedom, many of them forced other colonists to convert to their religion.3

Eventually, many Americans wanted the nation to declare Protestant Christianity as its national religion. But leaders soon realized this could empower Protestants to attack other religious groups.4

So in 1789, James Madison created the Bill of Rights, complete with 10 amendments.5 The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution included the right to freedom of religion.6

It reads:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”7

This law ensured that the government wouldn’t intervene with anyone’s religious rights.

Of course, other countries have also made laws about religious liberty. One notable instance was the Edict of Nantes.8 This law gave religious freedom to protestants in France during a time when Protestants and Catholics were in constant conflict.

So even when we look at just a few pieces of history, we can see how foundational something like religious liberty is when it comes to establishing a civil society that values individual freedoms. And Adventists want to do everything we can to defend this concept.

Why is religious liberty important to Adventists?

The Roman Colosseum, a place where Christians were tortured and killed because of their religious beliefs

Photo from Freeimages

Adventists believe religious liberty is crucial for numerous reasons. But first and foremost, it’s rooted in the fact that God created humanity with freedom of choice. With love and sincerity being the priorities, He never wanted anyone to be forced into worship.

It is indeed true that in the Garden of Eden, exercising free will resulted in catastrophic consequences (Genesis 3:16-24). That’s how our world became closely acquainted with sin, death, and suffering.

There are those out there who fear religious liberty for similar reasons. They’re afraid that by allowing citizens to choose who and how they worship, which would be the basis for their value system, it might make society harder to control or unify.

Amid that fear, it’s often forgotten that if people are forced to follow someone, it’s highly likely they’re not truly following them at all.

God wants a genuine relationship with all of us. For that to happen, He wants us to choose Him. Even if there’s a risk we won’t.

But for religious and government officials that strive for power and control, this concept is a struggle.

The Roman government persecuted the early Christians for their beliefs.9
They ordered them to worship their gods instead of allowing them to worship differently. If they were caught worshipping God they were captured, tortured, or killed.

Later on, the Romans adopted Christianity, but their intolerance toward those of opposing religions did not change. They slaughtered Protestant Christians for their beliefs during the Spanish Inquisition.

There are countless examples of religious persecution throughout history. From conquistadors targeting Native Americans to the Church of England threatening the Puritans.

Most of these violent and oppressive acts were supposedly done in God’s name. What a sickening way to take His name in vain.

That’s why Adventists wholeheartedly emphasize the importance of religious liberty. Worship of the God we love shouldn’t be built on fear, but on faith and love (1 John 4:18).

We see this kind of freedom as everyone’s right.10 If we want to be able to worship God freely, as we’re so convicted, it’s only fair that we want the same opportunity for others.

But what happens when someone is not permitted to worship freely?

An Adventist organization called PARL steps in to ensure they receive fair treatment.

What is PARL?

PARL stands for Public Affairs and Religious Liberty.11 It was created by the Adventist Church to support and defend religious liberty, and it’s thought to be one of the largest Christian efforts to preserve religious freedom.12

So how does PARL accomplish this?

They help by:13

  • Participating in international efforts to advocate for the freedom of religion (ex: Geneva Convention)
  • Holding special events to discuss the importance of religious liberty with government officials
  • Spreading awareness, such as the production and distribution of Liberty Magazine
  • Connecting church members with legal counsel or advice if their religious freedom is not being respected by their employer, educational institution, care provider, etc.

And on several occasions, PARL intervened in Congress’ attempts to pass religious laws.

For example, in the 1880s and 1920s, Congress tried to pass laws that would forbid most types of business to take place on Sundays.14 This was because most Christians considered Sunday a holy day, and a time to encourage church attendance.

Naturally, because Adventists celebrate the original seventh-day Sabbath as God’s holy day of rest, this could make business more difficult for them, and it could single them out as a group of people worshiping on a different day than the one the government recognized.

But more than anything, if the government appeared to favor one religion or worship practice over another, that would be a violation of the Bill of Rights. And it would make religious liberty in general more difficult to promote.

Fortunately, PARL was able to produce enough signatures to help that legislation get rejected.15

Additionally, PARL has frequently helped Adventists defend their right to honor the Sabbath by abstaining from work and making it a day of worship. They protect employees if their employers insist they work on Sabbath. They also provide opportunities for students to take exams on another day if tests are scheduled for Saturday.

All in all, PARL has been instrumental in maintaining religious freedom for Adventists, and for Christians in general, throughout the world.

Does the Bible support religious liberty?

Even when bringing up the idea of humanity’s freedom of choice, there are some who wonder if religious liberty is indeed a biblically-supported concept. After all, wasn’t the nation of Israel a theocracy? In other words, didn’t the Hebrews’ government require its citizens to worship God?

The answer is a bit complicated. It’s true that Israel was technically a church-state instituted by God. They were commanded to abstain from the pagan worship practices of the nations around them (Exodus 20:2-3)—some of which were outright harmful, perverse, or dangerous.16

Additionally, the Israelites were a nation already identified as believers (Joshua 24:16-21). And rather than enforcing worship to God on the rest of the world, they were to be a light to the nations around them (Isaiah 49:6).

An embroidery of children holding hands around the earth to show that we are all children of God

Photo from Freeimages

Their main goal was to witness to others about God.

And the world is vastly different today. The world has grown much bigger than a collection of militaristic nations centered around one religion. Due to globalization, more countries are full of people who practice a variety of religions.

And now, instead of spreading the gospel through one nation, God has believers all over the world that lovingly seek to finish this work.

Ancient Israel was ultimately unsuccessful in witnessing to the nations around them. Because of this, Jesus opened the way for everyone, not just what we’d come to call the “children of Israel,” to help spread the gospel (Acts 18:4-6).

As we can find by reading the New Testament, God no longer has a special nation of followers. Instead, people from all over the world choose to serve Him.

It’s not the church’s job to police people, or to punish or condemn them in the name of God. Romans 14:5 encourages every individual to be “fully convinced in his own mind” (CSB). And 1 Corinthians 10:29 cautions against a person’s freedom being “judged by another person’s conscience” (CSB).

Instead, the commission to all believers is to share the gospel, make disciples, and open the door for the Holy Spirit to personally convict each person (Matthew 28:18-20). And it works out much better this way because God knows men’s hearts in a way we never can (1 Kings 8:39). He has no bias against them, He is only seeking their best interest, and He will never violate their freedom to choose their allegiance.

Jesus will never push anyone to accept Him. The Bible says that Jesus merely knocks, leaving it our choice to answer (Revelation 3:20).

How can we help support religious liberty today?

Much of the Bible addresses the issue of religious freedom. So what are the best ways we can apply these biblical principles to the concerns of today?

For one thing, we can see how God has cared for those whom He convicts to stand up for Him in the face of hostile unbelievers or oppressive governments. We can remember people like Daniel, Moses, Paul, and more.

And we can see an example of how to approach people who believe differently in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Even though she had different beliefs (John 4:20), Jesus approached her kindly. He did not focus on where He knew she was mistaken about things, and instead emphasized the promise of the gospel (John 4:1-26).

And as for specific ways to get involved in religious liberty efforts, many options are available:

But the most important way we can promote the love of God through religious liberty is to model this respect in our daily lives. We can take a genuine interest in every person we meet, listening to their stories and getting to know them. We can model mutual respect and show that God’s love doesn’t discriminate—He cares for everyone, whether they currently acknowledge Him as their Savior or not. So we should, too.

Jesus died for every human being in the name of freedom—namely, to free us from our sins. And He gives us the power to use our free will to make better choices, and to understand what we’re choosing against.

Although He paid a heavy price just for us to have the option of believing in Him, He is against forcing it on anyone. That would defeat the purpose of creating humanity with the ability to choose, so that we could learn to genuinely love.

So instead He waits patiently, gently asking us if we would like to accept His free gift of salvation.

Want to learn more about how the Bible talks about religious liberty, and its role in our world’s future?

Related Articles

Questions about Adventists? Ask here!

Find answers to your questions about Seventh-day Adventists

More Answers

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

How Are Seventh-day Adventists Different from Other Protestants?

As a Protestant Christian denomination, the Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the Bible as the ultimate guide and looks to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. We do have some differences of belief or interpretation when it comes to topics like Bible prophecy, end-time events, the Sabbath, and a person’s state after death.

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

How Adventists Handle Death and Funerals

Most Seventh-day Adventist funeral services are similar to those of other Protestant denominations, such as Methodists, Baptists, or Presbyterians, but you might find a few differences or unique nuances.

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

Do Seventh-day Adventists Believe Only They Will Go to Heaven?

No, Adventists definitely don’t believe they’re the only ones that will go to heaven. As a matter of fact, we don’t believe admittance into heaven is ever based on which church or denomination we belong to. People all over the world from different Christian denominations, religions, and walks of life will be welcomed by Jesus.

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

What Is Children’s Sabbath School in the Adventist Church?

Children’s Sabbath School is a Bible program offered every Sabbath at Adventist churches for children from birth to age 18. These classes give children the chance to learn Bible stories, make new friends, and participate in fun activities.

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Do Adventists Observe Easter-Related Holidays?

Jesus Christ’s resurrection, celebrated on many Easter-related holidays, is central to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And that means we seek every opportunity to remember it.

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

An Overview of Seventh-day Adventist Higher Education

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has about 118 tertiary schools around the world. Though many of them are within North America, you’ll also find Adventist universities in countries across the world—places like Croatia, Austria, Brazil, Madagascar, and the Philippines.

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Are Seventh-day Adventists Christians?

Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination formed in 1863. Just like other Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior and seek to follow the principles of the Word of God.

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

Adventist Movies: Where Faith and Film Meet

The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s mission from the beginning has been to share God’s truth in the Bible. And as times have changed, we’ve explored new ways of doing this—one of those being movies.

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

Do Adventists Celebrate Christmas?

In general, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate Christmas.

Since our denomination doesn’t have specific guidelines about holidays, it’s up to each member to decide whether to celebrate it based on their personal convictions and study of the Bible.

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?

How does one become a Seventh-day Adventist?Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior To be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This means to recognize that Jesus alone can save you from sin and death (Savior), and to give Him full...

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

What Does the Bible Say About Modesty

Seventh-day Adventists and Christians in general try to ensure their outward presentation and lifestyle glorify God. This often involves daily habits like the ways we hold conversations, the ways we dress and accessorize, and the ways we regard other people when we’re out and about.

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Believe in Paying Tithe?

Seventh-day Adventists believe in paying tithe and offerings based on the biblical command and our commitment to being wise stewards of God’s resources. These donations help fund the mission of the Adventist Church by supporting pastors, missionaries, church expenses, and evangelistic projects, among other things.

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

What Is a Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting?

Although camp meetings didn’t begin with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, they’re as much an Adventist thing as haystacks.
Camp meeting is an extended event for Adventists (and non-Adventists) of all ages to gather and participate in spiritual seminars and activities. During the event, attendees often camp in tents, campers, or RVs.

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

How to Join the Seventh-day Adventist Church

Whether you heard about the Seventh-day Adventist Church through a traveling evangelist, during your online searches, or through a loved one or relative, you might be considering joining yourself.

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

How Do Adventists Do Baby Dedications?

For Christians, dedication ceremonies for babies, also for older children, are an important time for parents and the church. It’s a special part of the worship service when parents present their young children to God and the church family. Both parents, along with the congregation, regard this as a solemn promise to be a Christ-like example to the child.

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Do Adventists Celebrate Communion and Foot Washing?

Like many Christian denominations, Adventists regularly participate in communion, also referred to as the “Lord’s Supper” or the “Last Supper.” They also practice foot washing (John 13:1-20), or the “ordinance of humility,” during the service—which isn’t as common.

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Do Adventists Celebrate Birthdays?

Yes, most Seventh-day Adventists do celebrate birthdays because we see them as excellent reminders of the life God has blessed us with. And we celebrate them the same way everyone else does—with friends, family, presents, and a special meal.

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola Scriptura—What It Means and Why It Matters

Sola scriptura is a term that originated during the Protestant Reformation. It represents the way many Christians view the Bible and its authority. While the idea is simple enough, there is so much more to sola scriptura than its basic definition.

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

What Do Adventists Offer for Young Adults?

In recent years, the age group often classified as “young adults” has been trickier to engage. It’s been a significant concern for Christian churches around the world. Though interestingly enough, similar observations regarding young adults have been coming up in conversations about the economy, the entertainment industry, politics, and more.

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

Do I Need to be an Adventist to be Saved?

The answer to this question is simply, “no.”

When it comes to salvation in Jesus Christ, all that is required of a person is to acknowledge Jesus’ sacrifice for us, believe that He has saved us, and claim the free gift of salvation that is always available to us. Salvation is not based on denomination.

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Do You Have to Be Vegetarian to Be Adventist?

Of course not. Membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church has never included any dietary requirements. However, there might be some reasons people might think that. So many Adventists are vegetarians or even vegan, and a plant-based lifestyle has many health benefits.

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

All About Seventh-day Adventist Colporteurs

The Seventh-day Adventist Church uses a variety of methods to spread the hope of the gospel to the world. One of these ways is through colporteuring, also called “canvassing” or “literature evangelism.”

Didn’t find your answer? Ask us!

We understand your concern of having questions but not knowing who to ask—we’ve felt it ourselves. When you’re ready to learn more about Adventists, send us a question! We know a thing or two about Adventists.