9
Q:
Define freedom.
A:
Freedom is the responsible pur-
suit and preservation of life. No
other system of belief accomplishes
that goal better than Christianity.
.......................
Q:
In understanding freedom,
what should we remember from
the past?
A:
The Apostle Paul wrote of Je-
sus, "That it was for freedom that
Christ set us free. So keep stand-
ing firm, do not be subject again
to slavery" (Galatians 5:1). Our
forefathers consistently made
reference to the New Testament.
There's something about the writ-
ings of the New Testament that
gave them the basis for their un-
derstanding of freedom.
.......................
Q:
Why is one of the pillars of
freedom to embrace the truth?
A:
Thomas Jefferson wrote into the
Declaration of Independence that
"... we hold these truths to be self
evident." Our founding fathers had
an absolute view of truth, linking
that concept directly to freedom.
Without an absolute view of truth
there is no way by which to govern
an orderly society.
.......................
Q:
How does a person respect humanity?
A:
Jesus taught that we're to treat others
the way that we want to be treated. He also
made it clear that it is impossible in our
fallen state. Something had to take place
in order to resurrect the status of human-
ity. Jesus says we're to love the Lord our
God with all of our heart, soul, mind and
strength and to love our neighbor as our-
selves (Luke 10:27). There is a link between
our love of God and our love of others. A
high view of God promotes a high view of hu-
manity. Since I am created in God's image,
I have an obligation to love people who are
created in God's image.
.......................
Q:
How do you balance freedom
with self-control?
A:
We live in a culture where
people view freedom as license.
Unfortunately, if freedom is go-
ing to be protected, I have to be
cautious about not encroach-
ing upon your freedom. I have
an obligation to control myself.
Freedom is a responsibility be-
fore God to govern myself in a
manner that is pleasing to Him.
That plays out into how I love my
neighbor. Freedom is not simply
having the license to do whatever
I want. If everyone practiced that
Continued on Pg10
A Conversation
............
"At least five laws of liberty can be observed from the life of Christ, and when these laws are followed, freedom
flourishes for everyone," writes Scott Hyland in the Introduction to his book,
The Five Laws of Liberty, Defending
a Biblical View of Freedom.
In this conversation with Editor�in�Chief Major Allen Satterlee, Mr. Hyland points out
the importance of protecting the way in which America's founders articulated freedom according to the Judeo�
Christian tradition. Mr. Hyland earned a Master's Degree in Biblical Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and for
the past 12 years has served as head of the Bible Department at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg, VA.
Scott,
Jennifer
and family.
02-10_WCJuly Final.indd 9
6/13/13 3:54 PM