In modern society, the importance of rights and freedoms is often discussed with a near-reverential tone, particularly in democratic nations like the United States. From free speech to religious liberty, these rights are central to our identity as individuals and citizens. We hold these freedoms in high regard because they stem from the belief that each person is created in the image of God, with inherent dignity and value. However, these rights are not without limits, and understanding the boundaries of personal freedom is crucial, especially in a world where those boundaries are increasingly contested.

Rights and freedoms must be understood not as absolutes but as privileges that come with responsibilities—responsibilities to others, to society, and ultimately, to God. In this framework, freedom exists within the moral order established by divine law, and any limitations on freedoms should reflect a respect for this order while preserving the common good.

The Foundation of Rights: God’s Moral Law

The Christian worldview begins with the acknowledgment of God as the ultimate source of all rights and freedoms. Our liberties are not granted by governments or man-made institutions; they are endowed by our Creator. As the Declaration of Independence famously asserts, we are endowed by our Creator with “certain unalienable Rights.” These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but these concepts are grounded in divine principles. True liberty, in this sense, is the freedom to do what is right—not merely the freedom to do whatever one pleases.

Freedom must be tempered by responsibility. Just as God’s law provides moral boundaries, human law, when properly rooted in morality, must also impose limits to protect both individuals and society as a whole. While individual rights are important, they cannot be exercised in ways that violate the rights of others. A truly just society balances the preservation of freedom with the need for order.

The Role of Government: Protecting Freedoms and Enforcing Limits

The role of government is to protect individual rights but also to uphold the moral order that safeguards society. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 13 that governing authorities are instituted by God to reward good and punish evil. This means that while individuals have the right to exercise their freedoms, governments have the legitimate authority to impose limitations when actions cross moral or legal boundaries. Without some restrictions, society would fall into chaos, as individual desires would continually conflict with the needs of others.

1. The Harm Principle
   John Stuart Mill’s “harm principle” offers a rationale for limiting personal liberties. Mill argued that individuals should be free to act as they wish, provided their actions do not harm others. This principle is reflected in many laws, such as those prohibiting violence, theft, or fraud. It is also a reason for limitations on free speech that incites violence or hatred. When one person’s actions endanger the well-being of others, those actions must be restricted.
2. Public Morality and Social Order
   Governments have a legitimate role in maintaining public order, and this often involves placing reasonable limits on freedoms. Laws that regulate moral behavior, such as restrictions on pornography, gambling, and drugs might be justified on the grounds that these behaviors can lead to social harm—destroying families, fostering addiction, and increasing crime. Limiting certain freedoms in these areas may be necessary to protect society from behaviors that erode social cohesion and well-being.
3. Religious Liberty and Freedom of Conscience
   Every person should have the right to practice their faith without interference from the state. However, religious freedom is increasingly under threat when it comes into conflict with progressive social agendas, such as in cases involving Christian bakers, florists, or photographers who are penalized for refusing to participate in same-sex weddings due to their religious beliefs. In these instances, it is essential that limitations be placed not on religious freedom, but on the imposition of secular values that contradict an individual’s deeply held religious convictions.
4. Freedom of Speech and Censorship
   In today’s culture, freedom of speech is one of the most contested rights. Christians often find themselves on the defensive, especially when expressing views on traditional marriage, gender, or the sanctity of life. Increasingly, these views are labeled as “hate speech” or “intolerant,” leading to calls for censorship in the name of political correctness. Any limitations on speech should be rare and carefully justified—designed to prevent real harm, not silence legitimate moral and religious discourse.
5. Protection of Life: A Preeminent Freedom
   Among the rights we hold most dear is the right to life itself. In issues like abortion and euthanasia, the right to life is non-negotiable. Limiting freedoms that allow for the taking of innocent life is not only permissible but necessary to protect the most vulnerable. For example, laws that restrict abortion, while limiting a woman’s “right to choose,” are grounded in the belief that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life that supersedes other rights. These limitations are consistent with true justice and rooted in the sanctity of human life as created by God.

The Threat of Overreach: When Limits Go Too Far

While it’s important to acknowledge the need for certain restrictions, we should also be wary of government overreach. Too often, governments seek to impose limitations on freedoms under the guise of the “greater good” or “public safety.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many people saw the forced closure of churches and restrictions on religious gatherings as a dangerous overstep. In times of crisis, government measures must always be weighed against the fundamental right to worship, which is paramount for believers.

Moreover, there is growing concern that progressive ideologies are being used to justify the curtailment of freedoms in the name of inclusivity and tolerance. Christian institutions are being pressured to conform to secular views on gender, marriage, and sexuality, threatening both religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

The Call for Responsible Freedom

As Christians, we cherish the rights and freedoms that God has bestowed upon us. However, we also recognize that these freedoms are not absolute. They must be exercised within the boundaries of morality, responsibility, and respect for the common good. Governments have a legitimate role in limiting freedoms when necessary to preserve public morality, protect life, and maintain social order, but these limitations must always respect the rights of life, conscience, and religious expression.

The challenge of our time is to ensure that our freedoms are not eroded by those who seek to impose a secular, progressive worldview on all of society. We must remain vigilant in defending the God-given liberties that form the foundation of our nation, while also advocating for a moral and just society that honors God’s truth. Only by balancing freedom with responsibility can we hope to preserve the rights and dignity of all people, in accordance with both divine and natural law.