Whatever choice we make, as with all life choices, we are never free from the consequences of them. Our liberties have brewed for us a cauldron of religious alphabet soup in this land. Americans sit at a buffet table of religion and are confused in the mixed up mess. I believe we are now reaping the consequences of our freedom of religion which has led us into idolatry.

Most become politically correct, indifferent, tolerant, and “loving” by accepting every form of worship as legit and say, “If it’s good for you who am I to so anything to the contrary.”

What should my Christian response be to a society that has a synagogue, a temple, a shrine a mosque and a myriad of churches in every village, town and city of this land? Are we to rejoice in religious diversity or be provoked in our spirits at how idolatrous this country we has become? America and ancient Athens have much in common for we both have a pantheon of gods. What message does a Christian have today in an America that is up to its eyebrows in gods and religion?

Paul was moved to speak to the Athenians and I believe he would be declaring the same message to American’s today as well. (Acts 17:22-34) He preaches that God is Creator and has gives life and breath to all things. (sadly, creationism is widely rejected among “Christians” today) He announces his sovereign rule over men and  nations. (Jesus is Lord and Christ is also rejected today) He also informs them that God is not found in icons and idols. Paul adds that there was a time when God overlooked what they were doing in Athens and what America is currently doing today, but no more. Indifference, apathy and freedom of religion was permanently done away with by God after the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus his Son.So Paul says this to Athens and to Americans “The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands (Yes, he commands!) all people everywhere to repent.” Why Paul? “Because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31) That’s right, we will all stand before Judge Jesus and he does not tolerate any other gods before him. We are only free to worship him and no other.

Freedom of religion is a lie. All men are commanded to bow to Jesus and all men will bow eventually in this life or in the judgement that is to come. “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11) Bow now….bow later…but all will bow and confess him as Lord to the praise of God.

I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God – Isaiah 45:5a