Who needs Religious Freedom?

Religious freedom has its obvious benefits. But in the long run, it contributes to the creation of institutionalism in various flavors as we see in countries that are open to religious freedom.

The unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ thrives in countries where there is absolutely no religious freedom. Christians there are not killed because of doctrinal differences. They are tortured and killed for their unwavering trust in the Name of Jesus.

It was His Name that put the early disciples in trouble. It was by that Name that they were conduits of countless miracles. It was by that Name that they turned the world upside down - all amidst the fierce opposition and persecution (for a detailed picture, read the Acts of the Apostles). To them it was all about Him.

Wherever that Name is oppressed, His Gospel (not churchianity) thrives. Perhaps we should pray that the religious freedom that we enjoy be taken away?