Freedom of Religious Expression in Society

• What is point 1?

  Some may prefer the separation of Church and State, and to allow a greater measure of religious expression (only their own religion) within society. They may claim freedom of expression to strongly oppose actions within society they see as contrary to their faith eg abortion
• Where is the biblical evidence for point 1?

  Evangelicals emphasises that Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and therefore that secular rules have no relevance to personal salvation. Salvation is a matter of grace through faith in Christ. Since personal choice is key, this emphasises the importance of complete freedom in matters of religion. Obedience to secular rules is not the same as a personal relationship with God
• What is the Christian responsibility with point 1?

  Promote Christian values within society for the benefit of all. Freedom is needed for genuine moral choice. Eg in the statement Religious Freedom, the Path to Peace delivered on 1 January 2011 for the World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict XVI said 'Respect for essential elements of human dignity, such as the right to life and the right to religious freedom, is a condition for the moral legitimacy of every social and legal norm.
• What does the Universal Declaration of Human rights state? (Point 2)

  Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression
• When would we question if religious freedoms should be limited or forbidden?

  For FGM or forced marriages, which are not permitted by law. There are situations where rhe general social good can override right ro express religious convictions publicly. People can be protected by violent hatred but not from being offended
• Where is there protection from discrimination?

  In the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010
• What is point 3?

  Christians see people as created in the image of God, and a person's relationship with God is an essential part of who they are. Any attempt to restrict their expression of the Christian religion is a restriction on them as a personal relationship.
• What is one question about the free expression of religious views?

  What to do when it appears to be in conflict with equality legislation. For example, should a Christian running a bed and breakfast be free to object to a homosexual couple renting a room, on the grounds that their religion considers homosexuality to be a sin? In this instance, equality legislation favours the rights of the gay couple
• How is this different to the gay cake controversy?

  The bakers won in this case because they were not directly discriminating against homosexuals
• What is another example of cases for freedom of religious expression?

  British airways employee, Nadia Eweida was told by her employer that she could not wear a cross lapel at work. She won the case. Whereas, nurse, Shirley Chaplin, was not allowed to wear a cross on a chain. This was because of health and safety reasons, whereas BA had no reason to prevent Eweida from wearing the cross
• What is point 4?

  The problem is deciding what is an essential expression of one's Christian faith and what is not. For example, a registrar refused to conduct a civil ceremony because she argued that the Church's teaching on marriage was a core feature of her faith. The argument against her was that requiring her to conduct the ceremony as part of her job did not interfere with the core feature of her with - the right to worship as she wished
• What is point 5?

  Society in Britain is both liberal and plural. People have a right in law to be treated with equal respect. However, Christianity includes principles and moral teachings that go against this assumption of equality.
• A02 'There should be no limits on freedom of religious expression'

  1. Universal declaration of human rights says that we all have freedom of expression —> the law can still restrain us eg forced marriage, wearing a cross at work

  2. Exclusivists argue that they should be free to preach their message —> they say that this is only for their faith though. Other religions should not be allowed to openly share religious faith

  3. Inclusivists point out that all religions are able to discuss their religious beliefs —> outcome is watered down beliefs

  4. Conservative evangelicals argue that they should be able to follow their faith and not do something if it goes against it eg bakers row or B&B —> this can lead to discrimination sometimes, there has to be a limit