Freedom Of Religion In Sherman Alcorn's Safely Home

Throughout the book, multiple ethical questions are asked such as “am I willing to risk people disapproving of me? Willing to risk my job? My popularity? Maybe someday my freedom? Or someday my life?” (Alcorn, pg. 385) Even though it may seem moral in one society, but completely wrong in another, every civilization has its own form of constraint on a religion. These boundaries can be as noticeable as in China or as discreet as an American business. Alcorn’s Safely Home proves to us that the law of freedom of religion does not always mean people are free to express their religion in public. He uses a fitting example of Ben firing his brother, Doug, for forcing his religion upon others in the work place. Ben justifies his reasoning by stating, “legal says it falls under the category of bigotry, and if we just stand by and let you inflict your bigotry on our employees, Getz can be liable.” (33) Although his actions are immoral to most none believers, many Christians believe Doug did the best thing.

However, the consequences for breaking China's constraints are more harsh. Citizens of China are persecuted for breaking any religious laws. For instance, Christians are not allowed to have Bibles not registered by the government, teach children under the age of eighteen, nor have church meetings without the governments consent. Quan assumes the government wants control over what people should think about Jesus and His rules. He shows his assumption by stating, “the government lets them teach that Jesus was a good man and a wise teacher, just like great Chinese philosopher.” (132) Even though Quan’s actions are illegal, he continues to have church house meetings, teach his son about the Christ, and spread the word of God. Because he resumes to “feed the hungry” (119), or teach others about God, he is standing up for his