33%
Confidence
Belief overview
Freedom of conscience
The tradition values freedom of conscience before God and distrusts excessive ecclesial coercion.
1
Supportive
1
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Historical Congregationalism frequently emphasized freedom of conscience and limits of coercive power in religious matters.
How the tradition understands it: The final submission of the believer is to the Word of God and to the lordship of Christ, not to arbitrary impositions of ecclesial or civil structures.
Basis and context: This theme appeared strongly in contexts of persecution, dissidence, and defense of free communities.
Debates and variations: The tradition did not always apply this ideal in the same way in all historical periods, which is a relevant theme in critical studies.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Roger Williams and freedom of conscience
Williams is important in debates on dissent, church, and religious freedom.
Reference: Writings and studies on Roger Williams and freedom of conscience in Congregational and dissident environment.
Content: The material shows defense of limits to coercive power in religious matters and conscience before God.
Use in debate: Important for freedom of conscience and relation between church and State.
Contrary
Mark 7:8-13
Jesus' critique of human traditions that nullify God's commandment.
Jesus criticizes human traditions that, in his analysis, empty out the divine commandment. In controversies with Catholicism, the passage is frequently used to question the value of later ecclesial traditions. The Catholic response usually distinguishes normative apostolic tradition from abusive human customs.