May 27, 2002
TOGETHER:
Treasure & defend religious liberty
___"It's not good news from the Republic of Georgia," the e-mail stated. Religious persecution is on the rise in the former Soviet republic. Previously, when Jehovah's Witnesses were being persecuted, there was not much outcry. But now the Bible has been burned and Baptists are being attacked. There is rising public sentiment for the government to protect Baptist leader Malkhaz Songulashvili and other Christians.
___Did you notice that when it was the Jehovah's Witnesses being persecuted, nothing much was said? The Baptist conviction about religious liberty has to include cults, other religions and those who have no religion if it is to be a genuine conviction. It is not enough to advocate religious liberty for ourselves. If we really believe religious faith must never be coerced and governmental sanctions must not be exercised against any religion, then we must speak up for those who are very different from us.
CHARLES WADE
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
___It may not be easy to insist on religious liberty for everyone, but we should. The basis of our conviction regarding religious liberty is that God made us in his image (Genesis 1:27) and gave us the responsibility of choice (Genesis 2:17) and accountability to him (Genesis 3:9). In the New Testament, it is always invitation and never coercion.
___The Baptist way is to bear witness, live a faithful Christian life, invite people to follow Christ, but never to lift a finger or raise a voice in threat, intimidation or coercion against another soul. We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in the world bringing conviction of sin and a sense of the presence of God. It is our job to pray, be available to influence and proclaim the gospel.
___Thankfully, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze has condemned religious extremism and publicly called for an end to any kind of violence originating from a religious background. He wrote, "Those who think that by fighting against other religions they are safeguarding their own are bitterly mistaken." But those who have allowed fear and hatred of others to take over their lives still are threatening to kill the Baptists.
___This is not limited, of course, to the Republic of Georgia. And it is not limited to Baptists. Around the world, religious persecution is commonplace. People always can find excuses to hate, deny civil liberties and attack those who believe differently. Often attacks are linked to accusations that those who have different religious beliefs are disloyal to the government or the nation. Charges of treason often are leveled against non-conformists, whipping up passions against them.
___So, what can Texas Baptists do? Pray for people everywhere who suffer religious persecution. Write letters to legislators and the president, urging them to speak up for religious liberty. Write leaders in countries where religious persecution is taking place. Make sure you never join any attempt to deny religious liberty to anyone. Continue to treasure and defend the Baptist principle of religious liberty.
___Make sure you exercise your religious liberty to bear witness to Christ and the love of God. One way is to be faithful to attend your church. Another way is to share your faith wherever you have opportunity. Another way simply is to pray before every meal wherever you are. Most Americans have far more religious liberty than they use!
___We are loved. And so are those who are different from us.
___Charles Wade is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas
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