Religious Liberty and the Ethics of Church Disfellowship

The imposition of religious creeds by civil or ecclesiastical power has historically led to the subversion of religious liberty and the persecution of "otherwise good citizens" for their conscientious dissentAMS January 16, 1890, page 19.2+2. It is a sacred duty to maintain the principle that man's relation to God is above human legislation and that a "Thus saith the Lord" must never be set aside for a "Thus saith the church" or stateGW 389.2+1.

The Danger of Enforced Creeds

• Historical Precedent: History reveals that when a specific creed is established and enforced by power, those who do not subscribe to it—such as Arius or Trinitarian dissenters depending on the emperor—face banishment or deathAMS January 16, 1890, page 19.2+1.

• The Rights of Conscience: Religious liberty is an inalienable right, and no power, whether civil or religious, has the right to dictate in matters purely of conscience or to settle theological disputes by legislative enactmentGC88 295.2+1.

• The Example of the Reformers: True reformers chose to sacrifice their lives and dominions rather than consent to localize religious liberty or admit the right of authority to coerce conscienceSPCCSR 136.2+1.

The Nature of the Godhead and Liberty

• Valid Non-Trinitarian Points: It is recognized as correct that there is only one God in the ultimate executive sense, the Father, and that the oneness of the Father and Son refers to purpose rather than person John 17:3BDOC 66.34.

• The Dignity of the Atonement: Some believe that the Trinitarian view actually degrades the Atonement by suggesting only a human nature could die, whereas a literal divine Sonship ensures a truly divine sacrificeAERS 164.2+2.

• The Inconsistency of Coercion: It is inconsistent for those who have suffered for their faith to use the power of the state or church to enforce their own beliefs on others through force, exile, or imprisonmentSBBS 412.7+1.

The Christian Duty Toward Dissent

• Avoiding a Combative Spirit: Dealing with questions of religious liberty in a criticizing or combative spirit recoils upon the church and prevents many from receiving the truthSWR 5.

• Maintaining Freedom for All: Asserting one's own right to believe is not true religious liberty; true religious liberty is the assertion of the right of others to believe according to their own dictatesTDC May 7, 1889, page 4.13+1.

• The Final Accountability: Every individual shall give an account of himself to God, and therefore one brother should not judge or set at naught another brother in matters of faith Romans 14:10-12MEDM March 1906, page 82.5.

May we always remember that the banner of religious liberty must be held aloft, recognizing that God's word is the supreme authority above all human legislationGW 389.2. 🕊️