Early Christian Freedom of Religion and Conscience

Tertullian, Apology Direct teaching

For see that you do not give a further ground for the charge of irreligion, by taking away religious liberty, and forbidding free choice of deity, so that I may no longer worship according to my inclination, but am compelled to worship against it.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

And I further desire, that he who is entrusted with the government of the province shall not compel the Christian, who confesses and certifies such a matter, to retract;

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

What, therefore, is conceded as the common right of all, we claim for ourselves, that we shall not be hated and punished because we are called Christians (for what has the name to do with our being bad men?), but be tried on any charges which may be brought against us, and either be released on our disproving them, or punished if convicted of crime — not for the name (for no Christian is a bad man unless he falsely profess our doctrines), but for the wrong which has been done.

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

and no one is hindered by law or fear of punishment from following his ancestral usages, however ridiculous these may be.

Lactantius, On the Anger of God Supporting witness

...lf be kept or protected without fear? For what is not feared is despised, and what is despised is clearly not revered. So it happens that religion, majesty, and honor exist together with fear. But there is no fear where no one is angry. Therefore, whether you take away from God kindness, or anger, or both, religion must be taken away. Without religion, human life is full of foolishness, wickedness, and outrage. For conscience strongly restrains people if we believe that we are living in God's sight. If we think not only that the actions we do are seen from above, but also that our thoughts and words are heard by God, conscience holds us back. But some think it is useful to believe this, not for the sake of truth, but for usefulness, since laws cannot punish conscience unless some fear from above hangs over us to restrain wrongdoing. Therefore religion is completely false, and there is no divinity. Instead, all these things were invented by clever men, so that they might live more upright and innocent lives. This is a great question, and it is outside the subject we have set before us. But because it necessarily comes up, it ought to be discussed, though briefly.

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

...ayer to the gods of my country. But, as they did not respond, I called upon those among us known as Christians. Upon investigation, I found a great number and multitude of them and initially acted against them, which was quite inappropriate, as I later understood their power. They began the battle, not with weapons, armor, or bugles, as such preparations are detestable to them because of the God they carry in their conscience. Therefore, it appears that those we think are atheists have God as their guiding force entrenched in their conscience. Throwing themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me but for the entire army, that we might be saved from the current thirst and hunger. We had been without water for five days because there was none, being deep in Germany, in enemy territory. Simultaneously as they threw themselves on the ground and prayed to God (a God unknown to me), water poured from the sky, refreshingly cool upon us but as withering hail upon Rome's enemies. Immediately we acknowledged the presence of God following their prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible. Based on this, let us pardon such individuals who are Christians, lest they pray for and ac

Cyprian, Life and Passion of Cyprian Supporting witness

For nothing else was proper than that he who in the secret recesses of his conscience was rich in the full honour of religion and faith, should moreover be renowned in the publicly diffused report of the Gentiles.

Minucius Felix, Octavius Supporting witness

...thers is certainly a man to himself, whether he wants to be or not. For he does not deceive his own conscience, even if he deceives that of others. Moreover, false flattery shamefully flatters princes and kings, not as great and chosen men, as is right, but as gods. Yet honor is more truly given to an illustrious man, and love is more pleasantly given to a very good man. Thus they call on their deity. They beg before their images. They appeal to their Genius, that is, their demon. And it is safer to swear falsely by the genius of Jupiter than by that of a king. We neither worship crosses nor wish for them. But you, who consecrate gods made of wood, perhaps worship wooden crosses as parts of your gods. For your standards, your banners, and the flags of your camp, what else are they but crosses gilded and adorned? Your victorious trophies not only imitate the appearance of a simple cross, but also that of a man fastened to it. We certainly see the sign of a cross naturally in a ship, when it is carried along with swelling sails, and when it glides forward with outspread oars. It is there also when the military yoke is lifted up, and when a man adores God with a pure mind and with

Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Supporting witness

Deuteronomy 12:32 In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.

Archelaus, Connection to Romans 2:15 Supporting witness

Were they not constituted righteous in virtue of their fulfilling the law, "every one of them showing the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing them witness? "

Romans 2:15 Supporting witness

who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

Acts 24:16 Supporting witness

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

... Corinthians 9:19-25 But "the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness of it." 1 Corinthians 10:26 For conscience' sake, then, we are to abstain from what we ought to abstain from. I say, not his own conscience, for it is endowed with knowledge, but that of the other, lest he be trained badly, and by imitating in ignorance what he does not know, he become a despiser instead of a strong-minded man. For "why is my liberty judged by another conscience? For if I by grace am a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God"—what you are commanded to do by the rule of faith. 1 Corinthians 10:28-31

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness

The laws of bondage were given one by one to the people by Moses, suited for their instruction or punishment, as Moses himself declared: “And He commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments.” Therefore, the things given for bondage, and as a sign to them, He canceled by the new covenant of freedom. But He has expanded and widened those laws which are natural, noble, and common to all, granting to people generously and without grudging, through adoption, to know God the Father, to love Him with all their heart, and to follow His word unswervingly, while they abstain not only from evil actions but even from the desire for them. He has also increased the sense of reverence; for sons should have more veneration than slaves, and greater love for their father. Therefore, the Lord says, “For every idle word that people have spoken, they shall render an account for it on the day of judgment.” And, “he who looks at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart;” and, “he who is angry with his brother without cause shall be in danger of judgment.” All this is declared so that we may know that we shall account to God not only for deeds, as sla

Victorinus, On the Creation of the World Supporting witness

...k to the special rules about foods. Those rules were appointed for a certain reason, but now gospel liberty has removed them, since their obligation has been dismissed. The apostle cries out: "The kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy." Romans 14:17 Also elsewhere: "Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods; but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body." 1 Corinthians 6:13 God is not worshipped by the belly or by foods, which the Lord says will perish and are cleared away by natural law into the sewer. For the one who worships the Lord by foods is really like someone who has his belly as his lord. The true and holy and pure food, I say, is true faith, an unstained conscience, and an innocent soul. Whoever is fed in this way also feeds on Christ. Such a guest at the feast belongs to God. These are the feasts that feed the angels. These are the tables that the martyrs prepare. From here comes that word of the law: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Deuteronomy 8:3 And from here also comes that saying of Ch

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Supporting witness

... weak person is supported. I mean conscience not of his own, but of the other person. For why is my liberty judged by another person’s conscience? For if I partake by grace, why am I spoken against for that for which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God for tearing down fortresses, tearing down arguments, and every proud thing that lifts itself up against the knowledge of Christ. Equipped with these weapons, the Gnostic says, “O Lord, give opportunity, and receive proof. Let this fearful event pass. I despise dangers because of the love I have for You.”

1 Corinthians 8:7 Supporting witness

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

1 Corinthians 10:29 Supporting witness

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

Galatians 5:1 Supporting witness

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:13 Supporting witness

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Corinthians 10:28 Supporting witness

But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—

1 Corinthians 8:10 Supporting witness

For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?

Colossians 2:23 Supporting witness

These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Peter 2:16 Supporting witness

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

Lactantius, Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died Direct teaching

...nd completely, and must not be troubled or harassed in any way. We thought it right to speak this clearly about the matters entrusted to your care, so that you might understand that the freedom we have granted to the Christians in matters of religion is full and unconditional. At the same time, you should understand that the open and free practice of their own religions is granted to all others as well as to the Christians. For it suits the good order of the state and the peace of our times that each person should be allowed, according to his own choice, to worship the Divinity. We do not intend to take away anything from the honor due to any religion or to its followers. Moreover, concerning the Christians, we had previously given certain orders about the places set apart for their religious assemblies. But now we order that all persons who have bought such places, either from our treasury or from anyone else, must restore them to the Christians, without asking for money or claiming payment, and this must be done at once and without doubt. We also order that those who have gained any right to such places by way of gift must immediately restore them to the Christians. However, t

Tertullian, To Scapula Direct teaching

It is assuredly no part of religion to compel religion — to which free-will and not force should lead us — the sacrificial victims even being required of a willing mind.

Lactantius, Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died Supporting witness

And we thought fit to be thus special in the things committed to your charge, that you might understand that the indulgence which we have granted in matters of religion to the Christians is ample and unconditional;

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

Just as with men, who have freedom of choice as to both virtue and vice (for you would not either honour the good or punish the bad, unless vice and virtue were in their own power;

Athenagoras, A Plea for the Christians Supporting witness

And to all these both you and the laws give permission so to act, deeming, on the one hand, that to believe in no god at all is impious and wicked, and on the other, that it is necessary for each man to worship the gods he prefers, in order that through fear of the deity, men may be kept from wrong-doing.

Hippolytus, Refutation of All Heresies Direct teaching

...n more than a hundred years. They say that the reason for this comes from their extreme devotion to religion, their condemnation of all excess in what is set before them as food, and from their being self-controlled and free from anger. And so they despise death, rejoicing when they can finish their course with a good conscience. However, if anyone should torture people of this kind in order to force some of them either to speak evil of the law or to eat what is offered in sacrifice to an idol, he will not succeed. For one of this group submits to death and endures torment rather than violate his conscience.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...o worship the idol Bel, which the people and the king then worshiped, spoke out with full faith and freedom in defending the honor of his God, saying, “I worship nothing but the Lord my God, who created heaven and earth.”

Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness

So Daniel, too, when he was required to worship the idol Bel, which the people and the king then worshipped, in asserting the honour of his God, broke forth with full faith and freedom, saying, I worship nothing but the Lord my God, who created the heaven and the earth.1

Origen, Against Celsus Supporting witness

...e words he had heard from Jesus. What would that add to any accusation against Jesus or against the Christian religion? And how would this show that its teaching is false? We answered in the preceding chapter the statements that come after this, showing that Jesus was not captured while trying to flee, but that He gave Himself up willingly for the sake of us all. It follows, then, that even if He was bound, He was bound according to His own will. In this way He taught us that we too should undertake similar things for religion, and not in any spirit of unwillingness.

Justin Martyr, The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr Supporting witness

Then the prefect Rusticus said to Chariton, “Tell me more, Chariton, are you also a Christian?” Chariton replied, “I am a Christian by the command of God.” Rusticus the prefect asked the woman Charito, “What do you say, Charito?” Charito answered, “I am a Christian by the grace of God.” Rusticus asked Euelpistus, “And what about you?” Euelpistus, a servant of Caesar, responded, “I too am a Christian, having been freed by Christ; and by the grace of Christ, I share the same hope.” Rusticus the prefect asked Hierax, “And you, are you a Christian?” Hierax answered, “Yes, I am a Christian, for I revere and worship the same God.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Did Justin make you Christians?” Hierax replied, “I was a Christian, and will be a Christian.” Then Pæon stood up and said, “I too am a Christian.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Who taught you?” Pæon replied, “From our parents, we received this good confession.” Euelpistus said, “I willingly heard the words of Justin. But I also learned to be a Christian from my parents.” Rusticus the prefect asked, “Where are your parents?” Euelpistus replied, “In Cappadocia.” Rusticus asked Hierax, “Where are your parents?” And he answered, “Christ

Justin Martyr, The Martyrdom of Justin Martyr Supporting witness

Having come together, offer sacrifice with one accord to the gods.” Justin said, “No right-thinking person falls away from piety to impiety.” Rusticus the prefect said, “Unless ye obey, ye shall be mercilessly punished.” Justin said, “Through prayer we can be saved on account of our Lord Jesus Christ, even when we have been punished, because this shall become to us salvation and confidence at the more fearful and universal judgment-seat of our Lord and Saviour.” Thus also said the other martyrs: “Do what you will, for we are Christians, and do not sacrifice to idols.”

4 Maccabees 14:6 Supporting witness

For just as hands and feet are moved sympathetically with the directions of the soul, so those holy youths agreed unto death for religion’s sake, as through the immortal soul of religion.

4 Maccabees 5:13 Supporting witness

For, bear in mind, that if there be any power which watches over this religion of yours, it will pardon you for all transgressions of the law which you commit through compulsion.

Isaiah 5:13 Supporting witness

For, bear in mind, that if there be any power which watches over this religion of yours, it will pardon you for all transgressions of the law which you commit through compulsion.

2 Maccabees 14:38 Supporting witness

For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.

4 Maccabees 5:18 Supporting witness

And indeed, were our law (as you suppose) not truly divine, and if we wrongly think it divine, we should have no right even in that case to destroy our sense of religion.

2 Maccabees 6:11 Supporting witness

And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the Sabbath day secretly, being discovered to Philip, were all burned together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honor of the most sacred day.