Sadly, “liberty” and “freedom” are just words to most people. They are too often just catch words used in conversation that are, many times, used out of context and interchangeably without the knowledge of their true meaning or even the desire to know.
OK, so the implication above is that the two words should not be used interchangeably, and I’m sure at least a few of you are wondering why. What’s the difference? Put simply, the liberty, or liberties that you enjoy are enshrined in the constitution and enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Liberty allows you to think, act, speak, write and worship as you choose, within certain confines of the law.
Freedom, on the other hand, means unconfined. That you are free to do as you please, regardless of consequences. You are free to run red lights, drive 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, rob a bank, or take a deer out of season. However, you must understand that if you do these things and get
caught, you are subject to lose both your freedom and certain liberties.
No, it’s not nit-picking. It’s a real thing, and it matters how you use those words.
Many Christians believe that the U.S. Constitution and other founding documents were written by men that were Divinely inspired to do just that. As Christians (or anyone else that agrees with and supports the founding documents), we should set the bar for others in the proper usage of these words by demonstrating our love and knowledge of these sacred principles every time we get the opportunity.
I frequently hear people thank Heavenly Father for their freedoms during a prayer. No. You don’t have “freedoms.” You have freedom… singular. But you have multiple liberties within the liberty granted by the founding documents.
Teach your children, friends, and neighbors the difference! We owe it to the Founders.
Featured picture by Cope Reynolds- Walter Craig – WW II veteran, Battle of the Bulge survivor. Picture taken at the Vernon cemetery on Memorial Day, 2020-Mr. Craig passed away on April 28, 2020.
Op-ed by Cope Reynolds for Mountain Daily Star