Religious freedom is not a reward for the theologically correct

Not long ago, Pastor Joshua Holmes — a young American unificationist — visited a large evangelical church in Seoul. He arrived in a spirit of goodwill, hoping for understanding at a moment when several Korean religious leaders, including Pastor Son Hyun Bo and Unification leader Han Hak-ja, also known as Holy Mother Han, faced investigation and even pretrial detention. But after Pastor Holmes spoke about the universal value of religious freedom, a church elder cut him off with a chilling statement: “Religious freedom is precious — but your church does not deserve religious freedom.” That sentence has echoed in my mind ever since. It reflects a dangerous misconception. Religious liberty is not a reward bestowed on the theologically correct. It is a safeguard for all of us — especially for those whose beliefs others may find unacceptable. The moment we decide that one faith is unworthy of protection, we begin dismantling the very principle that keeps every faith safe. History offers stark warnings. The pilgrims crossed the Atlantic to escape persecution by the Church of EnglaWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times