In Christianity, the doctrine of Christian liberty or Christian freedom states that Christians have been set free in Christ and are thus free to serve him.[1] Lester DeKoster views the two aspects of Christian liberty as "freedom from" and "freedom for" and suggests that the pivot between the two is the divine law.[2]
In the area of Christian living, liberty is often discussed in terms of what activities Christians are free to engage in. Modern-day issues concerning Christian liberty include alcohol drinking, women's head-coverings, and birth control.[3] These things are sometimes called adiaphora, or "things indifferent".[4]
Some Christian denominations who require office-bearers to subscribe to certain creeds and confessions allow liberty of opinion on non-essential matters.[5]
Having been liberated by Christ from the penalty of sin, the Christian is challenged to employ this liberty properly in Christian living.