Imagine Congress was considering a bill to protect “religious liberty.” Let’s say the bill’s author openly admitted his intention was to “allow maximum religious freedom.” Maybe he says he’s concerned about attempted governmental restrictions on Christian religious expression in particular.
Now imagine what the reaction to such a proposal would be on “X,” formerly known as Twitter. Surely this would be labeled “Christian Nationalism.” Congress would be accused of trying to establish a theocracy.
What if I told you that bill was real, and that it was called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and that it was introduced by one Democratic Representative Chuck Schumer and signed into law by President Bill Clinton 30 years ago next month?
It’s remarkable how quickly and dramatically the Overton Window has shifted in 30 years. It’s important to remember that RFRA was widely supported and uncontroversial up until about five minutes ago. Christians shouldn’t be ashamed or bullied into believing that the right to live out our faith is asking too much. The truth remains: Everyone benefits when the government respects “maximum religious freedom.”
For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, visit Colsoncenter.org