The right to religious freedom

UDHR

Article 3 of the UDHR states:

This statement of the freedom of religion should be understood in terms of every person having the right to:

• choose their own beliefs without fear or pressure, including the freedom to change religion

• practise their faith publicly or privately (with others or by themselves).

What do the Abrahamic religions say about religious freedom?

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all teach that everyone has religious freedom - that religious freedom is a fundamental human right - and there are some key teachings that support this.

Christianity

Jesus - the story of the rich young man (Mark 10)

One day whilst Jesus was preaching on the subject of the Kingdom of God, a rich young man approached him and asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life.

Jesus told him to follow the commandments and then to give away his possessions and follow him.

The man chose to walk away, and Jesus allowed him to go, showing that faith must be freely chosen and cannot be forced on someone.

Later, shortly before his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus is with his disciples at the Last Supper. He tells them,

This teaching forms the basis for the Christian belief that salvation comes through faith in Jesus. It also explains why many Christians feel a responsibility to evangelise, or share the Christian message with others. However, this should not be done in a way that forces others to convert, as genuine faith must be freely chosen (as the story of the rich young man shows).

St Paul's letter to the Galatians

We have already seen this teaching from St Paul's letter to the Galatians [see Equality]:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3)

In the context of religious freedom, this teaching shows that no group should be treated as inferior because of their religious beliefs.

Since all people are “one in Christ,” Christians are encouraged to respect the dignity and freedom of others, including their right to hold different beliefs without discrimination.

Judaism

Judaism teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God (as seen in Genesis), which means everyone has equal value and dignity. Because of this, all people have equal rights, including the right to freedom of religious belief and expression of that belief.

The Torah on the treatment of others

Jewish teaching recognises that being Jewish is often an accident of birth rather than a deliberate choice. As a result, Judaism teaches that what matters most is how people live their lives, not which religion they follow. This means that non-Jews should not be judged or treated as inferior because of their beliefs.

Judaism strongly rejects religious intolerance and discrimination. The Torah commands Jews to treat outsiders with love and respect:

This teaching supports tolerance of different religious beliefs, and respect for religious freedom.

Islam

Islam teaches that all human beings are created by Allah and are equal in dignity and worth. Although people may follow different religions, they are all part of Allah’s creation and should be treated with respect.

The Qur’an teaches that people should not be forced into any religion, supporting freedom of belief.

Islamic teachings on the treatment of other religions

Islam recognises that people are born into different cultures and faiths by Allah’s will. What matters most in Islam is not a person’s background or religion, but their actions and character. This means that non-Muslims should not be judged or treated as inferior.

Islam strongly rejects religious intolerance and discrimination. The Qur’an teaches Muslims to act with justice and kindness towards others:

This teaching supports tolerance of different religious beliefs and respect for religious freedom.

Teaching about leaving Islam

Islam teaches that faith should be a sincere and personal commitment to Allah, not something forced upon a person. The Qur’an clearly states that belief must be freely chosen, emphasising freedom of conscience and personal responsibility before God.

Some traditional interpretations of Islamic law have viewed leaving Islam as wrong because it is seen as rejecting the Muslim community and its values. However, many modern Muslim scholars stress that the Qur’an does not prescribe a worldly punishment for leaving Islam and instead teaches that ultimate judgement belongs to Allah alone.

Teachings about Judaism and Christianity

Islam teaches that Judaism and Christianity are closely connected to Islam, as all three are monotheistic faiths that worship the same God. Jews and Christians are referred to in the Qur’an as “People of the Book”, meaning they received earlier revelations from God through prophets such as Moses and Jesus (Isa).

Islam teaches respect for these faiths and recognises many shared beliefs, including belief in one God, prophets, moral law, and scripture. Muslims are encouraged to speak respectfully and peacefully with Jews and Christians about faith:

While Islam teaches that the Qur’an is the final and complete revelation, it also commands Muslims to treat Jews and Christians with justice and kindness. This supports religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for different religious beliefs.

The views of non-Abrahamic religions

Hinduism

Hinduism teaches that there are many paths to truth and God:

“Truth is one; sages call it by many names,” (Rig Veda)

This shows that different beliefs can all lead to truth. Because of this, individuals are free to follow different beliefs and practices without being forced into one religion, which supports freedom of religion and tolerance of other faiths.

Sikhism

Sikhism teaches that all people are equal because they are created by one God. Guru Nanak rejected religious discrimination, famously teaching

“There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,” (Guru Nanak)

This shows that religious labels should not divide humanity. This supports respect for all religions and the right of individuals to choose and practise their own faith freely.

Buddhism

Buddhism teaches that belief should be based on personal understanding and experience, not force. The Buddha taught,

“Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing… but when you know for yourselves,” (The Buddha)

This encourages people to question teachings and make their own choices. This supports freedom of belief and religious tolerance.

The importance of religious freedom

These reasons could be supported by any of the SOWA passages on this page.

It is God’s will

Many religions teach that God gave human beings free will, meaning people must be free to choose what they believe. Because faith is a personal response to God, it cannot be forced without losing its meaning.

Religious freedom is therefore important because it respects God’s intention that belief should be chosen sincerely rather than imposed by others.

Faith must be sincere

Religions often teach that genuine faith must come from the heart and cannot be created through pressure or force. If people are made to follow a religion, their belief is not truly meaningful. Religious freedom is therefore essential because it allows worship and belief to be honest and sincere. Jesus' teaching of the rich young man supports this (Mark 10).

It protects human dignity

Many religions teach that all human beings have equal worth and dignity, regardless of their beliefs. Allowing people freedom of religion shows respect for their conscience and personal identity. By protecting religious freedom, religions support fairness and reject the idea that some beliefs make people inferior.

It allows religions to grow peacefully

Religious freedom enables religions to spread through teaching, example, and persuasion rather than coercion. This helps religions remain associated with peace and moral integrity instead of oppression. It also allows people to explore beliefs freely and make informed choices.

It supports social harmony

Religious freedom allows people of different beliefs to live together peacefully in diverse societies. When religions respect one another’s right to belief, it builds trust and cooperation between communities. This helps create social harmony and reduces division and hostility.

It reduces harm

Religious freedom is important because it helps to reduce harm such as discrimination, persecution, and violence. When people are free to practise their beliefs without fear, there is less religious conflict and tension in society. This promotes peace, safety, and better relationships between different religious communities.