2007-10-15 16:31:21 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
that greatly depends on how you define freedom!
Having faith curtails your physical reactions to given circumstances, in that, you will think the matter completely through before deciding on the course of action you will undertake.
So, in a way, it does restrict your freedom, freedom of movement and freedom of choice, and, also provides you with a logical excuse, for not reacting in a negative manner to the circumstances at hand, an easy way out, should you elect to go this way.
On the other hand, faith effectively deals with large groups of people in that it gives them something in which to believe in, something to 'hang onto' when the chips are on the table!
Have you ever heard someone, on TV or in the movies or even in reality say something like this, during times of great peril: "God have Mercy" or "Forgive me Lord" or anything along those lines?
Having faith in something whether its religion, your country, yourself, allows the human mind to accept and deal with inevitable circumstances, that would normally just boggle the mind of non-believers, in anything!
In answer to your question: It does both, takes and gives freedom!
Thank you,
2007-10-15 22:52:49 · answer #1 · answered by BushMaster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That depends on your definition of "Freedom." If you think freedom is anarchy, every man for himself, if it feels good do it, etc. then faith takes that kind of "freedom" away.
But is that real freedom?
If rich people are free to exploit you, are you free?
If hateful people are free to hurt you, are you free?
If you live in fear of crime, are you free?
If you live in fear of your own government, are you free?
If you are at the mercy of your boss, are you free?
They're certainly enjoying their freedom - but are you enjoying their freedom?
If you have developed a "need" for certain types of entertainment, for certain harmful substances, for dysfunctional relationships, are you free?
Real freedom is freedom that is in everyone's best interest, not just a few, however those few are defined. Real freedom doesn't hurt you more than it helps you. Real freedom can only exist in a society with rules and expectations of behavior - standards that do more good than harm, standards that don't make other people suffer because of your "freedom."
For example, how much less taxes would you have if everyone lived a truly religious life? You wouldn't have to pay for police, prisons, armies, rehab clinics - nor would be in danger of the government, police, or armies running amok, either. That's just a start.
"Freedom" as anarchy, selfishness, and exploitation of others is a burden on society, not a blessing. Faith gives you real freedom.
If nothing else, it is a hope that all of the evil things of society will one day disappear - and that is not a bad thing.
2007-10-15 16:48:19 · answer #2 · answered by Ahavah B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My faith in the one true God who loves me more than I can comprehend has given me the freedom to live my life and pursue whatever I want to do. Because I know that he will always be with me and no matter how hard times get that he will take care of me I don't have to waste my life worrying about my future. He has also given me the freedom not to worry about death because in him I can live forever and spend eternity with him. I thank God for my freedom and wish that everybody else could know the amazing life that he has given me and so many others.
2007-10-15 20:46:16 · answer #3 · answered by Kisses & Hugs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this actually is a great question. If you have faith in Christ, then it is true freedom- because Christ came to set us free. Free from what you ask? Sin, and the power that it has over us= we are free to live the life that God created us to live, in perfect fellowship with Him. However, if our faith is in something else, we can become slaves to the thing we have our faith in.
2007-10-15 19:06:05 · answer #4 · answered by AdoreHim 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give....when you know you have a all mighty God, the power of the universe...looking out for you ...always a prayer away....better than any cell phone package...and I don't have to pay for anything ...Jesus paid it all.....not having to worry about anything...is a very freeing thing...freedom is the main message of being a Christian...we have free will and if we are a child of God... if we mess up he is very quick to forgive us and then forgets what you did and don't bring it up later to try and control us like people do here....and if anyone says we have no freedom then they are not Christian....they are just going through the motions....
2007-10-15 16:50:24 · answer #5 · answered by purpleaura1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are all under a condemnation sentence to the flames of Hell for our sins. We have all been born with a sinful nature, and have all sinned. We have all broken at least one of the 10 Commandments. As the Bible says, to break one is to break them all. The penalty of our sin is not just bodily death, but judgement and the second death of eternal torment in the lake of fire.
By placing your faith in Christ as your Lord, however, you also accept the fact that He paid the price for your sins with His blood on the cross. You have been bought for a price. In return for accepting this Gift from God, you have your sins forgiven; you are justified before God the Father; you have the Holy Spirit indwell you; you inherit the kingdom of God; and, you receive eternal life in fellowship with God.
The greatest freedom of all is freedom from the bondage and penalties of sin. The only way to achieve this freedom is through faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord.
2007-10-16 01:01:15 · answer #6 · answered by BowtiePasta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of freedom are you talking about?
I have not lost any kind of freedom because of faith.
2007-10-15 16:37:23 · answer #7 · answered by jenx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My faith in Jesus gave me freedom to leave the slavery of sin that I was under, and to pursue impossible dreams.
If the Lord sets you free, you will be free indeed!
2007-10-15 18:26:25 · answer #8 · answered by HolyLamb 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Freedom, since all my life and actions are in God´´s hands. But freedom to some extent, cause we are also free to choose every moment between our will and His.
2007-10-15 16:48:45 · answer #9 · answered by nikkita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Faith in God gave me the freedom live again after many years of drug and alcohol abuse. YES!
2007-10-15 16:38:00 · answer #10 · answered by *~Sandra V~* 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋