Free to believe is a thought-provoking commentary on the controversy surrounding religious freedom. A very well-written treatise that I recommend for anyone troubled by the political aspects surrounding how various religious beliefs are bound by legal issues.

Religious Freedom is not something to be taken for granted. We see it in some communist countries where governments persecute religious people. We see it in secular states that continue to jettison matters of faith outside public circles. We are seeing religion being pushed to the margins in many parts of the world, including the traditionally religious West. With Western Europe mostly secular today, the issue of religious freedom is becoming more urgent each day. The interesting question is this: If the freedom of religion has already been enshrined in the constitution, why do we still need to battle over religious liberty? In order to deal with this question, author and senior counsel Luke Goodrich explains why this problem has become more acute over the years. Beginning with a real case of a Christian School Teacher suing the Church affiliated with the school over wrongful dismissal, we see how secular civil law meets with a Church claiming to follow religious instruction. Can a Church be sued for discrimination if she was just observing their religious obligations? What about gender selection that pits biblical obedience against secular laws? Then there is the baker refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. These are some of the examples of how religious freedom as we have known from the past is no longer the same in the present and the foreseeable future. In writing this book, the author aims to answer three key questions:
1) What is Religious Freedom?
2) What are the Most Serious Threats to Religious Freedom?
3) What Can We Do About It?

First off, Goodrich shows us how Christians misunderstand what religious freedom means. On the one hand, some believe that as "pilgrims" they have the right to using religion as a "founding principle" to be applied as a special privilege because of the Judeo-Christian heritage. This however is problematic because Scripture often reminds us that persecution, not privilege is the norm of faith. On the other hand, there are those on the other extreme who believe that Christians ought to be "martyrs" and thus give up any desire to even battle for any form of freedom. The problem however is that living as sitting ducks makes one's faith too shallow and passive. Still, there are many who see themselves as "beginners" who just don't know how to go about thinking or responding to issues regarding religious freedom. The author goes further to include arguments not only for Christians but also how religious freedom benefits non-believers! Religious freedom is important for all of society because it not only benefits society, it protects other rights such as limiting government interference and preserving fundamental human rights. One might not be a believer now, but what if he/she believes in the future? Thus, protecting religious freedom includes protecting the right of unbelievers now to freely believe in the future! It protects their freedom to change. So Goodrich gives us a broad definition of religious freedom, that: "the government, within reasonable limits, leaves religion alone as much as possible." This is important as it avoids both extremities of uncontrolled religious fanaticism or harsh religious oppression or persecution. Another important argument is the phrase "under God" which many atheists, secularists, and unbelievers have insisted on excluding. Goodrich argues powerfully that it is highly relevant for all of society to preserve that because it includes limiting governments by reminding them that they too are under Someone or Something higher than themselves, implying that they too do not have absolute right over their citizens.

Second, he shows us the importance of limiting authorities from overstepping their boundaries. There is the issue of a Christian club being disqualified by the University because the club insisted on appointing only believers in its leadership. Then there is the age-old issue of abortions, the definition of marriage, and a secularized principles invading the religious space. The culture is also changing where traditional Christian beliefs are increasingly viewed as threats to the public space. Other issues include discrimination where "religious discrimination" arguments are increasingly pitted against other rights. For instance, can a Church limit hire to only persons of faith? Can a Catholic School hire a teacher who does not hold to the Catholic faith? What about gay rights overshadowing religious freedom? Should Christians care proactively about religious freedom for other religions?

Third, Goodrich shows us that we ought to learn the way of wisdom instead of wanting always to win. In "Let Go of Winning," he shows us how to manage our emotions and not let them go out of control. The Bible is replete with references to patience and perseverance in the midst of suffering and persecution. He gives us seven principles on how to deal with challenging situations today.

My Thoughts
==============
This is one of the most important books about learning how to weigh our passions against a backdrop of anti-Christian mood in our culture today. We need to stand up for the truth. We also need to learn how to do that legally and lovingly. We cannot take our freedom for granted. We need to get the best people in our communities to stand up against injustice and biased treatment against believers of all faiths. I have three thoughts about this book.

First, I am thankful for the author's contributions toward highlighting the need for a fresh look at what religious freedom is and what it is not. Many believers have taken the privilege of faith for granted. In a new world, what is accepted in the past is being challenged at present. What is not yet challenged would be in the future. Due to the lack of legal knowledge and confidence, many believers have taken the stance of silence to avoid conflict or confrontation. This is a sad posture to take. We need to be reminded that Truth does not fear the volume of opposition. Truth is strong enough to stand on its own. If we believe the gospel is Truth and that God is sovereign, we should not fear being marginalized.

Second, Goodrich reminds us to learn to speak the language of the culture. What would ultimately convince the secular public are not our religious convictions but legal and arguments that prove we are fighting for the common good. As long as Christians remain in their enclave, immersed in self-focused agendas, they will be isolated and ignored. If they could champion common matters of interest and fight for the good of the general welfare of society, they would be seen in a more positive light. This does not mean we go around replacing our gospel with social justice matters. It simply means learning to serve society just like how Jesus served when He was on earth. I agree that the basic issue behind the fight for freedom and against discrimination is basically the perception of injustice and a desire to right that "wrong."

Finally, beware of power play. Politics and governments are formidable powers and principalities that the Church might come up against. Sometimes, governments might have good intentions but they could miss out on certain angles. We know that it is impossible to please everyone. Yet, governments are often expected to do just that. The Church and the Christian community ought to make their voices known not just as Church members but as voters and fellow citizens with fundamental rights. By regularly going back to the constitution and expressed principles of our founding fathers, we need to be vigilant against any effort to dilute these principles. When we battle against these principalities, we need to see beyond just Church, but to be ready to let Scripture guide our thoughts and actions. Pray for our leaders and lawyers who are Christian. Our world today needs the Church and Christians to be a voice for Christ, not necessarily in combative ways. We can guide governments and public opinion to see that when we fight, we are not fighting simply for our Churches or faith. We are standing up for the basic freedom to choose what we believe, how we believe, and who we believe in. That freedom is universal.

Luke Goodrich is Vice-President and Senior Counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, where he has won multiple Supreme Court victories for clients like the Little Sisters of the Poor and Hobby Lobby. He frequently discusses religious freedom on networks such as Fox News, CNN, ABC, and NPR, and in publications like the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Time magazine. Goodrich also teaches an advanced course in constitutional law at the University of Utah law school.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Multnomah Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Fascinating Discussion About Religious Freedom
This book is a rather complete discussion about Religious Liberty in the USA. The comparison of religious freedoms in the times of the founding fathers, how it changed in the time of my grandparents, how it changed in modern times and how it is in the time of my grandchildren. The book discusses how the change in the beliefs of the general population actually changes the legal protections. The author uses relatively current legal cases to show how discrimination travels both ways and not all of it is detrimental. This is a slow and serious book. It is also incredibly fascinating. It is not hard to read, but it is not 'light reading'. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

While I disagree theologically with one of Goodrich's foundational principles, his arguments for the importance of religious liberty still hold up. He repeats throughout the book that religious freedom is a God-given right "because God gives us the freedom to choose Him or not" (paraphrase), but as someone who believes in predestination I substituted that it's a God-given right "because God calls some to follow Him and enables others not to." Which I found to function just as well with everything Goodrich said.

This book explains what religious liberty means, why it's important, how to stand up for religious freedom, and how to avoid religious liberty conflicts where possible while holding to one's convictions. I found my view of religious liberty both bettered and expanded through reading this book.

An analysis of the current situation in the United States regarding religious liberty written by a lawyer who has handled many of these cases on appeal.
I was hesitant to read the book at first because of my opinion that much of the "persecution" of American Christians is at best overblown and often provoked by the religious person claiming persecution. American Christians are the least persecuted religious group in history. True religious persecution exists against Christians in Africa and the Middle East, but American Christians are primarily interested in maintaining or expanding their position of power in society.
The author recognized my complaint and put it in context. He contends that there are three camps among evangelical Christians on this issue: Pilgrims believe that America is a chosen nation that was founded on the Judeo-Christian worldview and that the government is wrong to restrict Christian religion; Martyrs say that Christians should not expect or seek a position of cultural dominance, but should expect persecution; Beginners are in neither camp and are unsure about what to think about religious liberty and persecution.
Although I am still in the Martyr camp, Goodrich opened my eyes to movements that are taking place to restrict religious freedom and to place Christians in untenable positions in a changing society. However, Goodrich's answers to restrictions on religion are not what most would expect. He takes cases to protect the free exercise of religion, regardless of the religion that is being restricted. He also gives a Biblical understanding of religious persecution and notes that Christians should not always seek to win. The warrior mentality hardens each side and does not promote positions which are fair and lead to peace.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had mixed feelings about this book, but thought overall it was well organized. The author did a great job reviewing landmark religious freedom cases I would never have been introduced to otherwise, and did so in a sequence that made sense. Where this book lost me was its heavily religious (Christian) overtones, which makes sense given that it's classified as Christian but I suppose I expected it to read a little more objective. There are portions of the text where you can easily see it's written to a Christian audience and holds views consistent with the religion (very supportive of "conscientious objectors" for various causes).
This book didn't end up being for me, but I'm giving it 3 stars because for the right audience I think it was well-written and the messages would be appreciated.

I found this book to be fascinating. Admittedly, I do not spend scores of my time going through legal cases and analyzing the outcomes, but this book was interesting. You can see the bent and the harm that people try to bring to the courts. I honestly could not believe some of the cases that were brought to court as well as their outcomes. Free to Believe gives you a fresh perspective on how to handle the world changing around us and reveals why religious liberty is important. I enjoyed reading it.

Questions of religious freedom show up in the news from time to time. Depending on the sources you read, you can be forgiven for believing that religious freedom for Christians in America is under assault. Luke Goodrich, a lawyer for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, has been at the forefront of many high-profile religious liberty cases, including some he has argued--and won--at the U.S. Supreme Court. He is perfectly suited for bringing an informative and realistic assessment of the state of religious liberty in America in Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America.



I appreciate Goodrich's level-headed, practical approach to the subject. Too often, coverage of the religious liberty culture wars is strong on emotional appeal, weak on constitutional treatment. The emphasis is riling people up, whether for fund raising or simply to stir up emotions. Goodrich clarifies that sometimes the issues are more nuanced than they appear, and reassures readers that religious liberty in American may not be as fragile as the popular conservative Christian press implies.



To Goodrich, "religious freedom means the government, within reasonable limits, leaves religion alone as much as possible." He writes that religious freedom "is worth protecting because it benefits society, protects our other rights, and is a fundamental human right." Christians today readily acknowledge the history and importance of religious freedom in America, but most have a harder time coming to grips with the fact that "for the first time in American history, common Christian beliefs are view as incompatible with the prevailing culture."



As Goodrich looks at hot-button issues like abortion, gay rights, and Muslim influence, he promotes the model of the conscientious objector. Just as certain religious groups have won the right not to enlist in the military due to their religious objections, so should conscientious objectors have the right not to act in other ways that violate their religious principles. So Christians (and other objectors) should not be required to participate in medical procedures like abortion. They should have the option not to provide services for same-sex weddings. But many cases Goodrich discusses involve the Christians for who conscientious objection was not an option.



Goodrich brings a solid evangelical perspective, informed, first-hand experience with the cases, and a broad view of our diverse society. He reminds Christians to take a deep breath and recognize the expansive freedom we enjoy in the U.S. He reminds Christians that religious freedom for other faith groups can open the door to evangelism. He reminds Christians that sometimes "we are called not to 'win' but to be like Christ. That means we expect suffering, respond with joy, fear God, strive for peace, keep doing good, love our enemies, and care for one another in suffering." He sets exactly the right tone and makes me glad he's out there, defending religious freedom for all of us.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

I highly recommend this book!! It's a very interesting, well organized, and well explicated book about our religious freedoms in America that affect every one of us. Not only is it important know these cases and precedents, it is an interesting read. While this book is geared toward those of the Christian faith, these cases affect people of all religious backgrounds. Amazing book!

Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America
By Luke Goodrich
I don’t even know where to begin. I enjoyed this book so much. I’ve read it on my own but also out loud with my family. It has opened up conversation and has been very enlightening. I was reassured in my faith and beliefs as well as in my country. I am thankful for God-honoring people such as Luke Goodrich who have boldly fought for the freedoms, we often take for granted. I strongly suggest reading this book for any and all. Goodrich has addressed religious freedom in an easy to understand and practical way. I appreciated how the big cultural issues were addressed as well as how to Bible-based the book stayed.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Thanks for the ARC NET GALLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Free to Believe is a tutorial in the Constitution as it relates to the question of religious freedom. Mr. Goodrich is deeply respectful of the people on both sides of the issue. I was surprised that he dealt with cases involving multiple forms of faith which allows you to see the issue clearly and from new angles. Tedious at times, the guy is a lawyer :), but overall very well done.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Luke Goodrich, and WaterBrook and Multnomah for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

At a time when religious freedoms are being questioned and pushed through the courts, Luke Goodrich has penned this interesting piece that mixes some legal analysis with a plea to let those who have religious beliefs from being treated as outcasts. The topic of religious freedom—in America and around the world—is nothing new, but it would seem that there is a new birth of entitlement on both sides that their beliefs are enshrined in constitutional documents and legal precedents. Luke Goodrich begins by trying to help the reader understand the role of rights and freedoms in American jurisprudence before tackling anything more complex. What would seem straightforward is constantly revised and reinterpreted, making discussion of the topic all the murkier. With an understanding of what the Founding Fathers felt as they wrote the US Constitution and some of the Supreme Court precedents on the topic, the reader is ready to wade into the depths of religious beliefs and how they stand up to the law. Goodrich effectively argues that there is a place for beliefs without violating the law, as long as both sides understand the rules and roles involved. Citing cases related to abortion, employment based on religious beliefs, and same-sex marriage, Goodrich explores the perspective of the devoutly religious, both individuals and institutions, before trying to parse through current legislation and court precedent. This permits the reader to better understand the battle taking place, presuming there is a general understanding of the person feeling aggrieved by actions from the aforementioned devout group. Taking that ‘battle’ analogy a little further, Goodrich devises the ‘conscientious objector’ role, whereby those who are not violating laws in a sinister manner ought to be protected from prosecution. One example is the pharmacist who does not want to dispense the ‘morning after pill’ because of their religious beliefs, but is happy to direct customers to another pharmacy. There is no inherent judgment about the client seeking the medication, but also not a requirement to go against one’s personal beliefs in order to allay financial or legal punishment. Goodrich pushes the argument further to include religious freedoms outside of those tied to the Christianity he mentions throughout the tome. In an era when many beliefs are making their way into mainstream society, there’s a conscious need not to be hierarchical, as long as there is a clear understanding of the limits. In the latter portion of the book, Goodrich shows how the Bible makes mention of many early examples of religious persecution and defence of those beliefs. It is telling to see how the arguments can be made and scriptural passages presented without bringing the fire and brimstone coming from each page. Goodrich makes his point effectively and keeps the arguments sound, while not denying his bias on the subject at hand. Recommended to those who enjoy an open-minded discussion about one of the hot button issues of today, as well as the reader who finds legal topics of interest.

When I saw this piece on offer, I knew that I would have to give it a try. While certain provincial governments in Canada flex their muscle about religious limitations, Luke Goodrich makes strong arguments about the larger themes that have certainly affected many national governments around the world. Religious freedoms have grown over the years as courts re-evaluate views and inherent rights of all people. While Goodrich cites some horrible limitations on religious sentiment from decades past, the hyper-vigilant citizen is quick to call for unfettered freedoms. Two parties claiming freedom from opposing sides cannot always find solace in the law, but Goodrich seeks to find the happy medium, based on his years litigating in cases of this nature. The reader will not only see some of the arguments he made, but also the level-headed approach to the law when religious sentiment enters the debate. There is a happy medium, though it will require both sides to relax their vehemence. The tome is laid out effectively so as to offer the reader a clear path to understand the arguments, the triggers, and the solutions to the various issues. Goodrich is clear in his explanations, peppering the text with some Scripture where it helps substantiate his point, but not shying away from legal matters either. While the focus of the book is on Christian beliefs, there is a great chapter exploring Islamic freedoms and how they cannot be dismissed without creating a double standard. While some readers may want something more academic or detached, Goodrich effectively makes his points and is able to sway a sometime skeptic like me to see the larger picture. I can accept many of the arguments being made without suspending by own belief system, though I can see how many may not feel this same luxury. With poignant topics and well-argued chapters, Goodrich adds to the discussion without vilifying any side.

Kudos, Mr. Goodrich, for this wonderful piece. I am pleased I took the time to read it and hope to find other publications to enrich my knowledge on the subject.

This concise and easy to read book is a tutorial in Constitutional studies around the question of religious freedom. Mr. Goodrich is clear and concise in his explanation of the cases dealing with religious freedom, and deeply respectful of the people on both sides of the issue. He is an attorney who has argued cases for religious freedom of different faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Native American) in front of the Supreme Court, and has a wealth of knowledge. .Mr Goodrich asks important questions (and has some good answers) that everyone who has a religious belief should be asking. He is so up to date on religious freedom law. I find it encouraging that there is a way to proceed without hate or long-fueled, anger-ridden fights.

I'd recommend it as a gift to anyone you care about. I was given a free advance copy for professional review on Netgalley, and will be purchasing this book.

WOW this book hit all the questions that EVERYONE who has a religious belief SHOULD be asking. Plus it is a super interesting read.

Finally, someone who is obviously brilliant at religious freedom law, and not just someone who wants to fuel online debates. It is both PRACTICAL and HOPEFUL that there is a way to proceed without hate or long-fueled, anger-ridden fights.

All leaders of churches, schools, or businesses with strong religious beliefs MUST read this book as a blueprint for WHAT TO DO to help ensure your religious freedom protection.

I'd recommend it as a gift to anyone you know in those circumstances. (Ministers/Priests, School principals, business leaders). Despite being given a free advance copy for professional reviewers on Netgalley, I will be purchasing this book for many people I know. It will stop a lot of people from saying stupid things and getting them to really understand what the valid arguments are.

Written by someone who has argued for religious freedom of MANY faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Native American faiths) in front of the Supreme Court, this book is geared to Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) but is applicable to many faiths.

It is organized in a way that you see the history of religious freedom protections, the current debates going on (especially abortion and gay rights), and what we can expect in the future.

Don't hesitate, just get it. I have not felt this strongly about a book in 20 years.

5 Stars

#-FreeToBelieve#NetGalley#
By: Luke Goodrich
Review by: ILoveToRead/Librarian
This is an insightful book by a practicing Christian attorney facing the legal and moral aspects of religious freedom in present-day United States. The chapters are arranged with pros and cons for each problem discussed. The author offers workable solutions for many of the most controversial issues and court cases facing today's culture.
I recommend the book as an instructive compass showing society what is presently going on in our country, and ways to deal with troublesome court decisions and at the same time defend our personal faith.

What’s happening? What should we know? What should we do? What can we do? All are important questions addressed in this eye-opening look at religious freedom.

When I started reading "Free to Believe", I did not know that Luke Goodrich is an experienced attorney defending religious freedom for people of all faiths. I have heard about some of the cases he has done, but attorneys are not always on the front page of the newspapers to be recognizable. He has offered a very different approach to presenting the state of religious freedoms today in the United States than anything I have ever read about it before. Using his personal experiences in court and different outcomes, he proves that religious persecution exists today in our society, and it actually does destroy people's lives. These people do not lose their life literally (yet), but they lose everything they have, they are chastised by the mainstream media, they receive death threats. Luke Goodrich brings up a very good point about provision for conscientious objectors in our laws, it is a genius solution to our problem! I do not understand why it has not been proposed in Washington D.C. yet to vote on!

This book is great, it has a lot to think about and learn from, it has a lot of factual information.