The Protestant Reformation was based upon liberty of conscience and "Sola Scriptura", the Bible and the Bible only. Both were unknown in Roman Catholicism at the time. What is the Roman Church's stance today on the important Biblical principle of "liberty of conscience"? I have studied this matter quite a bit, but would like to know that others think.
Here we find being reported some thoughts regarding liberty of conscience by a Roman Catholic priest:
For the future of the dialogue, Fr. Samir believes there needs to be a new recognition in Muslim countries of the need to respect freedom of conscience and the rights of religious minorities. He said few Muslims have yet to see the issue as important in political or religious terms.
“The importance of liberty of conscience, few people feel that or understand it,” he said. “But the Pope is repeating it — and in my experience it is fundamental.”
While he is optimistic about the possibilities of peaceful co-existence, Fr. Samir believes there must be an agreement within Islam that all violence is “anti-religion” and in fact, a work of the devil. sourceThese are very strong statements coming from an institution that has in the past not valued liberty of conscience in matters of worship. It would be a great blessing to know that the Vatican and her church will not attempt to interfere in state matters that involve matters of worship.
The Roman priest, Samir, has stated an important Biblical truth, "The importance of liberty of conscience....in my experience it is fundamental." And he states that "the pope is repeating it--" They are correct when they state that the Muslim religion does not separate church from state. Therefore, the state is put in the position to force allegiance in matters of worship. Thus we see violence against those who convert from the Muslim religion.
This Roman priest has introduced the subject of separation between church and state and has indicated that Rome values the Protestant principle. Commenting on Islam he said
“In their mentality, the West is still seen as Christian nations. It is still Christianity against Islam — precisely because they don’t make a distinction between religion and the state.” Often in false religions we find inconsistencies in such important matters.