Counsel #17 — Uniting Against Secularism, Immorality And Catastrophe

Picture: Counsel #17 — Uniting Against Secularism, Immorality And CatastropheCCW 125.1

Religious freedom is about fostering a society where diverse faiths can coexist peacefully. This requires mutual respect, even where individuals disagree with others’ systems of belief.CCW 125.2

But as elements in the United States become increasingly secular and immoral and catastrophes increase, there will be immense pressure on politicians to legislate a religious-political solution to the world’s desperate state. Just as opposing religious and political groups in Jesus' time united against Him, today's divided factions will find common ground against a shared threat. This unity, however, could lead to a dangerous future, paving the way for a theocracy, a government blending religious and political power. While these "religious-political warriors" might have good intentions to improve society’s morality, their methods threaten the very freedom of religion they claim to protect.^{[185]https://adventistreview.org/cliffs-edge/2101-33/}CCW 125.3

“He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” Revelation 13:15 NKJVCCW 125.4

“Finding herself destitute of the power of love, [the church] has reached out for the strong arm of the state to enforce her dogmas and execute her decrees. Here is the secret of all religious laws that have ever been enacted, and the secret of all persecution from the days of Abel to our own time.” Ellen White in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 127CCW 125.5

Reflect: How does the gentle influence of the Holy Spirit bring transformation and moral values to a society and individuals?CCW 125.6