First Freedom: The Beginning and End of Religious Liberty
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Challenges to religious liberty are increasingly common today as historical Christianity comes into conflict with a new, secular orthodoxy. In this thoroughly revised second edition of First Freedom, leading evangelical scholars present the biblical and historical foundations for religious freedom in America, and address pressing topics such as:
* Religious freedom and the exclusivity of the gospel
* The Christian doctrine of religious liberty
* Religious liberty and the public square
* Religious freedom and the sexual revolution
* Baptist contributions to religious freedom, and much more.
The contributors equip churches, pastors, and Christian citizens to uphold this “first freedom” given by God and defended by Christians throughout our nation’s history.
- Seeks to edify and encourage local churches, pastors and citizens at large in their understanding of religious liberty
- Presents the biblical and historical foundations for religious freedom
- Provides an introductory look at the biblical and historical beginnings of religious freedom and reminds 21st century believers of the price paid to establish and defend religious liberty
"Baptists have always been at the forefront in the fight for religious liberty, noting the high stakes involved in the battle. The very able stable of scholars in this volume continue the fight with biblical fidelity, historical awareness, and cultural sensitivity. What they ask for themselves they would ask for all. I hold out hope that their just cry still might be heart."
Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Historically, Americans have embraced freedom of religion, not merely freedom of worship.The former fosters freedom to practice one's religion in the church and the culture. The latter restricts the practice of religion to the confines of the church. As religious liberties erode in America, First Freedom is a refreshing resource presenting pertinent information for all to consider regarding this seminal topic."
Steve Gaines, president, Southern Baptist Convention, and senior pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church
"Nearly every week, the news inform us of new threats to religous liberty at home and abroad. In America, many fear this first freedom is becoming an endangered species as our culture's idols of sex, money, and power converge increasingly against the free exercise of religion. For this reason, I'm grateful for this new edition of First Freedom. This second edition includes several timely essays that strategically update an already helpful book. The result is a 'tract for the times' for Baptists and others who champion a free church in a free state and advocate for the religious liberty of Christians and other groups who suffer under foreign regimes that persecute religious outliers. I will be returning to some of the chapters frequently as I think throught what it means to defend religious freedom until that day when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Nathan A. Finn, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and professor of Christian thought and tradition, Union University