Religious liberty is a paradox. While liberty (from Latin libertas) implies a lack of constraint, the word religious signals the opposite. The Latin root religio, from religare, means “to bind fast.” Religion, according to fourth-century Christian philosopher Lactantius, means that “we are tied to God and bound to Him [religati].”
true
true
Want to keep reading?
Subscribe for free to access this article and all of our resources.
I’m very grateful for the work of MO and have really appreciated the things I’ve learned and the companion that it has been for me on my spiritual journey.
Mere Orthodoxy reader
Thank you for offering thoughtful, reasonable and decent commentary. It is a boon to my sanity at this stage of my life in this cultural moment.
Mere Orthodoxy reader
Mere Orthodoxy is (for me) a counterpoint to social media, a place of depth and critical thought.
Mere Orthodoxy reader
You're in. Check your inbox.
Something went wrong. Try again.
Ian Speir
Ian Speir is a Senior Legal Fellow with the Religious Freedom Institute and a First Amendment attorney representing religious organizations across the country.
.png?width=5000&height=2188&name=Mere%20Orthodoxy%20-%20Banner.png%20(1).png)
