Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture Religious Freedom in a Polarized Culture (with Robert George)
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Sep 14, 2023 
In this engaging discussion, Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, delves into the vital role of religious freedom in a polarized culture. He explores whether freedom of religion is the cornerstone of all liberties and contrasts historical persecution with contemporary threats. George provides insight into the erosion of free speech on college campuses, urging the importance of robust dissenting voices. He navigates the complexities of both global religious persecution and domestic challenges while advocating for civil discourse across ideological divides.
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Founders' Experience With Religious Strife
- George recounts founders' context of deep denominational divisions among Protestants alongside small Catholic and Jewish populations.
- They feared religious conflict could spark civil strife and thus protected liberty to avoid wars over belief.
Defend Conscience, Not Just External Acts
- Protect internal acts of intellect and will because law cannot compel genuine faith.
- Defend conscience by resisting laws that force only external religious acts without inner assent.
Modern Laws Can Coerce Conscience
- George identifies current U.S. threats: laws forcing religious professionals to facilitate practices they oppose.
- Progressive anti-discrimination enforcement can become coercive against religious convictions.
