In an article published recently in Providence, RFI Executive Vice President Eric Patterson reviews Luke Goodrich’s new book, Free to Believe: The Battle Over Religious Liberty in America, which is an urgent call to Christians, but with elements applicable to everyone, to defend religious liberty at this critical juncture in American history.

This book is desperately needed at precisely this moment because religious freedom is poorly understood and under assault across America. If it is lost here, can it thrive anywhere else?

A key contribution of the book, Patterson observes, is the collection of arguments Goodrich articulates “for persuading skeptics about the value of religious liberty.” He offers three, in particular: religious freedom as it benefits society; religious liberty as it protects other civil liberties and limits government tyranny; and religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

Overall, Patterson applauds the author’s emphasis on faithful witness over political wins: “Goodrich privileges Christian witness over winning in order to challenge believers as to their motives and attitudes.” Although Patterson does voice some limitations, he greatly recommends the book as an invaluable resource in the fight to secure religious freedom for all. 

Read: “Why We Need Religious Freedom for All: An Appeal and Invitation to the Church | Review of Luke Goodrich’s Free to Believe”