Freedom of Identity

In 2009, teenager Justin Bieber released his first single—a love song that would begin a craze among young people across the globe. Fans of this Canadian popstar called their idolization “Bieber Fever.” Some would even go so far as to create shrines dedicated to him in their bedrooms. 

Twelve-year-old Billie Eilish was one of these intensely dedicated fans. Her infatuation was so strong that she remembers crying for fear that “I’m never gonna feel this way about anyone [else].”¹ 

And Bieber isn’t the only one who has gained such an ardent following. Throughout history, celebrities have received worship and adoration, whether they be royalty, musicians, or sports stars. Within our hearts, there is an unconscious urge to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to a person, a thing, an experience, or even a concept. 

Sociologists have observed that humans gravitate toward experiences that give them a sense of transcendence. Some people discover a sense of self-transcendence through the adoration of celebrities because it gives them a bigger-than-life experience. Others turn to extreme sports, art, music, media, or spirituality. A perfect example is rock climber Alex Honnold, who risked death to climb the 914-meter rock wall of El Capitan (in Yosemite National Park, USA) without any ropes. The New York Times described his experience as a “a miraculous opportunity for the rest of us to experience what you might call the human sublime.”² We feel a sense of awe when we encounter that which is meaningful, heroic, or inspiring.

The question, then, is not if we worship, but rather who or what we worship. Worship is not solely a religious or dogmatic concept; it is a human concept—one that crosses all lines of race, nationality, and religious (or non-religious) background. As such, the act of worship is a human right, one which forms a fundamental part of our human identity. Worship is never something that should be forced or prevented. Even so, an ancient prediction warns us of a coming time when our liberty will be threatened.

Forming Our Identities

The Judeo-Christian Scriptures frequently mention the topic of worship. In its stories, true worship is always described as the result of a heart that was devoted to its object of worship. Since love, devotion, and loyalty cannot be forced, worship is a voluntary act.

As we form our identities, we should be free to choose who and what we worship. We don’t want our deepest loyalties to be manipulated by sneaky marketers or social media campaigns, or, as in some countries, to be compelled through fear of reprisal. To worship or not to worship, and the choice of who and what to worship, must stem from one’s own identity, values, and sense of personal freedom. 

However, the Bible also describes antagonistic players that have attempted to force worship throughout history and will do so again. 

Forced Worship?

The Bible’s book of Daniel introduces Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrews who were taken from Israel to Babylon as slaves. Their Jewish identity forbade the worship of statues and idols. 

All was well for these three young men until the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, erected a golden statue on the plain of Dura. He called the people to the plain and told them that when the music played, they must all bow down to his idol. Anyone who refused would be thrown into a burning furnace.

Of all the people gathered, only three chose to refuse based on their convictions. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow when the music played. But despite the dictator’s anger and his command to kill them, their lives were miraculously spared (see Daniel 3). It is a narrative of faithfulness to one’s convictions, even in the face of death. It reminds us that true worship cannot be forced, but that there will always be those who want us to bow to the music.

True Worship Versus False Worship 

The Bible talks about an entity which will seek to force worship in our times. It is the same religiopolitical power that persecuted “the saints of the Most High” during the Dark Ages (see Daniel 7 and Revelation 13:5–8). This power was “wounded” and lost popularity after the Dark Ages but has been regaining popularity. The Bible predicts that there will be a point in which the “deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed” this entity (Revelation 13:3). It is at that point that a forced worship law will be enacted—defying human rights to choose and form our own personal identities (see Revelation 13, 14, and 17).

But there will be one group of people who cannot be coerced. These people will be rooted in their personal spiritual identities. They will respect the individual choices of others while remaining true to their own values. In fact, their freedom will mean so much to them that they will rather die than follow the worship code that goes against their spiritual convictions. They will understand that the core of worship must be freedom. Worship is—and always has been—a choice. 

To learn more about this predicted crisis and what it means to understand worship as a human right, contact us at the information on the back of this paper.