OUR BLESSED FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND

          THOSE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE Listen to Audio

                          July 5, 2009

Verses to consider: Deut.31:19, Mt.11:28 and Rom.14:15

 

I.  Freedom of worship flows parallel to freedom of

conscience, whereby we may choose our faith based

upon our being convinced of its truth.

 

II.  It is morally wrong and spiritually unsound to

attempt to coerce men and women against their

conscience with respect to belief about God.

 

III.  The movement to propose, support, achieve,

secure and protect freedom of conscience has been

long and interesting.

      Some characters who have made freedom possible:

1. What happened on Oct.27, 1553 in Geneva, Switz.

2. Sebastian Castellio—argues for religious toleration and

  is opposed by J.Calvin and T.Beza

3.  English thirst for religious freedom grows-

    R.Browne argues for self-gov’t of local churches

4. Thomas Helwys- amazing insight and courage!

    * Now, the fight for freedom in  the New World-

1. Puritans arrive in New England, but do not practice

religious liberty

2. Roger Williams- flees to Providence- 1640

3. Rise of Presbyterians and Baptists in VA- John Leland

  and Shubal Sterns

4. John Witherspoon, Presby. influences James Madison

5. Isaac Backus- Bapt. fire-brand for evangelism and

religious freedom

6.  James Madison befriends Bapt. and supports Bill

of Rights for US Constitution