Let Freedom Ring

Let freedom ring! It's a cry that echoes throughout our history, down through the ages and still rings out today. Let freedom ring! It is the hallmark of our country, our way of life, and all that we enjoy. Let freedom ring! Many will celebrate today with food, fireworks and fun. For many people, today is a day of leisure, but a day in which we (hopefully) also pause and remember all those who have put their lives on the line to ensure, defend and protect the freedom we enjoy. Let freedom ring, indeed!

Yet, as I watch our current politics and our public discussions, our online rants and the way we treat each other, I wonder if we remember, even in this day, what freedom means. Freedom rings when those you disagree with are safe to express their opinions, able to share what they are thinking without being shouted down or called names or labeled as "hate-mongers." Freedom rings when the minority opinion is as safe as the so-called majority. Freedom rings when we respect the other rather than fear him or her, when we're able to listen to "the other" with respect. And freedom rings when everyone is able to worship, believe and live out their faith without fear.

I'm not certain any of that is true in the culture at large these days. Just a week ago, I voiced an opinion with a person who disagreed with me and was quickly called out and labeled "wrong" on Facebook. On a much larger scale, our politics have taken a nasty and divisive turn; we aren't able to even listen to each other let alone seek compromise. These attitudes have even invaded the church, as a well-known pastor this week took advantage of a speaking engagement to "rebuke" a scholar and fellow believer, one with whom he would have much in common, and publicly call him a "false prophet." Denominations argue with each other and within themselves. Can freedom ring in such circumstances?

To an extent, the divisiveness in our country ought not to surprise us. It is, in many respects, the logical outcome of where we have been heading for the last many years. However, what happened to the unity that Jesus prayed for among the body of Christ? He died on the cross to bring freedom to all people, and he prayed that his followers would be one (John 17). He gave his life to that end. Our lack of unity must tear at his already broken heart. Personally, I am thankful to be part of a pastor's prayer group that fights against this disunity by coming together across denominational lines and theological perspectives. If you were to poll the group, there would be many issues we would likely disagree on. But what brings us together and keeps us linked is our unity in Jesus Christ. He is the one upon whom we ultimately stand. The rest of the issues that we might disagree (or even argue) about aren't critical. Christ is what matters, and our praying together is a response to his prayer in John 17. The world might not be able to come together, but the body of Christ should be able to.

Not only was that Jesus' prayer, but out of my tradition, that was John Wesley's prayer and desire as well. Listen to his words from a sermon entitled, "Catholic Spirit."

Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.

The way to freedom is found in charity, unity and love. So, on this Independence Day, let freedom ring!