Compel Religion?

"It is assuredly no part of religion to compel religion - to which free-will and not force should lead us." (Tertullian, AD220)

It always amazes me that God has given us free will.  It's a scary gift.  Why put the Tree in the Garden that will allow Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit?  Would you do that?  Would you put temptation in front of your children and tell them not to touch it?

And yet...

Love that is forced is not love.  Faith that is compelled is not faith.  Belief is only belief if it is reached through free thought.  God guides us and leads us, he spreads his prevenient grace over us, and makes himself known, so that we will believe, but he leaves the choice up to us.

Amazing.

In the time of Jesus, those in Rome were forced into worship of Ceasar.  Jesus stood and held a coin, and said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's"  Caesar can have the coin.  What he cannot have is worship.  Worship belongs to God, and it is given of free will.  The state cannot dictate it.  Ortberg says, "The influence of Jesus helped create a state (ours) where people could choose not to follow Jesus."

Have you ever thought that one of the legacies of Jesus is the separation of church and state?

"It is assuredly no part of religion to compel religion - to which free-will and not force should lead us." (Tertullian, AD220)