Notes (Sermon)

In the modern period, the tendency has been to interpret freedom to mean complete freedom from any constraint. To be free is to do whatever you like doing. However, the modern idea of freedom doesn't fit our experience at all. First of all, society cannot survive if you get everybody to determine their own definition of existence. Take the example of the mass shooting at the Las Vegas concert, the gunman tried to do whatever he wanted according to his own definition of freedom. Secondly, in order to gain freedom, we have to accept limitations. For instance, if you want to be a scientist, you have to conform to nature. Thirdly, modern idea of freedom destroys human relationship of love. If you love somebody, you must accept limitations.

People have freedom to make choices and God gives us different gifts and we should use them. Each of us is the unique individual and has unique contribution to make. This is the origin of human rights. But it does not mean that freedom is without restraint, but it is to adopt the right restraint. Freedom comes from conforming to truth. (Sermon, Dr. David Clotfelter, Tunghai University Christ Church)