宗教与文化有着密不可分的关系。宗教不仅是文化的实质，也是文化的表现形式。宗教信仰塑造了人类的价值观、伦理道德、艺术表达等诸多文化层面，同时通过文化载体得以传承和传播。美国神学家蒂利希认为，宗教作为文化的核心，为文化提供了深层的精神支撑；英国史学家道森则进一步指出，宗教是文明的基础，甚至界定了文明的特征。然而，当一个国家试图通过限制或压抑宗教信仰来维持政权的稳定，这种关系将面临严重挑战，并导致一系列社会问题。

一、宗教与文化的共生关系

1. 宗教作为文化的核心：宗教为文化提供了深厚的精神基础，是文化的实质所在。文化的表层多样性和繁复性正是宗教深层蕴涵的展现。通过宗教，文化得以升华，超越了世俗层面的物质追求，成为人类精神世界的重要组成部分。

2. 文化作为宗教的表现形式：文化不仅是宗教的载体，也是宗教的外在表现形式。宗教通过艺术、音乐、文学、道德伦理等文化形式表达其核心信念和价值观。这种表现形式使宗教信仰得以广泛传播，并在不同的文明中留下深远影响。

二、大洋国压抑宗教自由的社会问题

    当一个社会的宗教信仰受到压抑时，社会的文化基础和精神支柱将受到严重削弱，进而会引发一系列社会问题。在奥维尔小说《1984》中的大洋国，宗教信仰与言论自由的限制尤为显著。国家不仅不鼓励发扬传承了2000多年的传统文化基础因素，也不支持公开的信仰自由，甚至压抑涉及人们思想观念的言论自由。这种局面使得社会各阶层的声音难以发出，造成了多重问题。

1. 文化多样性的减少：大洋国具有深厚的文化传统，包括各种宗教等在内的多元文化体系。然而，其当前的社会环境中，这些文化因素并未得到充分发扬。国家更倾向于以政治立场取代宗教信仰和传统文化，导致文化多样性逐渐减少。没有了文化的多样性，社会的创造力与思想活力也随之减弱，文化的单一化使得人们的精神世界变得贫瘠。

2. 社会凝聚力的削弱：传统的宗教和文化信仰在历史上为大洋国社会提供了强大的凝聚力。然而，当这些信仰受到限制，甚至被替代为强制性的政治立场时，社会的凝聚力开始瓦解。人们无法在共同的精神信仰中找到归属感，而被迫接受的政治立场也无法真正深入人心。社会凝聚力的下降，使得不同阶层和群体之间的隔阂与矛盾日益加深。

3. 道德观念的混乱：在缺乏宗教和文化的精神引导下，道德观念变得更加模糊和混乱。传统的道德体系因宗教信仰的抑制而失去了影响力，而国家推行的道德观念往往带有强烈的政治色彩，难以被广泛接受。这导致了社会道德水平的下降，很多人在没有精神信仰约束的情况下，容易陷入道德危机，甚至产生极端行为，如将人体及其器官甚至遗体当做商品谋求暴利。

4. 心理健康问题的增加：宗教信仰对许多人来说是一种重要的精神寄托，能够在面对压力和挑战时提供心理支持。然而，当这种信仰被限制时，人们容易陷入迷茫和焦虑。尤其是在一个无法自由表达思想的社会中，心理健康问题更加突出。缺乏精神寄托和言论自由，使得人们的精神压力难以得到释放，社会的心理问题愈加严重。

5. 社会秩序与稳定的威胁：在宗教信仰和言论自由受限的环境下，社会的不满情绪容易积聚。当人们无法通过正常途径表达自己的思想和信仰时，极端主义和激进行为可能成为发泄的出口。这不仅威胁到社会秩序的稳定，也可能导致社会的长久动荡。

三、宗教信仰自由的必要性与迫切性

    在探讨宗教信仰自由的必要性时，不仅要看到其对个人精神生活和文化多样性的促进作用，还应理解其对社会和国家稳定的重要意义。事实上，保障宗教信仰自由，不仅不会削弱执政阶层的执政能力，反而有助于增强其合法性和社会认可度，促进社会的和谐发展。

1. 恢复文化多样性与活力：宗教信仰自由能够恢复文化的多样性，使各种文化表现形式得以充分展现。多样性的文化能够激发社会的创造力，促进思想的自由交流，从而推动社会的进步与繁荣。没有文化的多样性，社会将失去前进的动力，思想也会逐渐僵化。

2. 增强社会凝聚力与稳定性：宗教信仰为人们提供了共同的精神基础和道德指南，有助于增强社会的凝聚力。在一个尊重宗教信仰自由的社会中，信仰不仅能够帮助个人找到生活的意义和目的，还能促进社会的和谐与稳定。社会的稳定不应仅靠强制性的治理手段来维持，而是应通过给予人民精神自由，形成真正的社会认同感和归属感。

3. 促进执政阶层的合法性与公信力：当人民感受到他们的宗教信仰和基本人权得到尊重时，他们对政府的信任和支持度也会相应提高。宗教信仰自由的保障可以增强执政阶层的合法性，使其不仅依赖于权力控制，更依赖于社会的广泛认可和支持。这种合法性和公信力的提升，有助于执政阶层在国内外赢得更多的尊重与合作机会。

4. 重建道德体系与社会秩序：通过尊重宗教信仰自由，社会能够重建其道德体系，从而维护社会秩序。宗教信仰所倡导的道德观念可以成为社会法律和规范的重要补充，帮助人们在复杂的社会环境中做出正确的选择。当道德观念重建，社会秩序将得到稳固，社会风气也会向好发展。更重要的是，人民的道德水平提升，有助于减少犯罪率，增强社会的整体安全感。

5. 保障心理健康与社会和谐：宗教信仰提供的精神寄托能够帮助人们应对生活中的压力和挑战，维护心理健康。一个允许多种宗教信仰共存的社会，能够更好地满足人们的精神需求，减少社会不安定因素，促进社会和谐。只有在一个尊重思想和信仰的环境中，人们的心理健康才能得到保障，社会的整体幸福感也会提升。

6. 提升社会批判性思维与公民意识：当言论自由受到压抑，思想被迫统一时，社会的批判性思维能力也会大大削弱。宗教信仰自由的保障，能够促进思想的多样性和自由表达，进而提升公民的批判性思维能力。在一个健康的社会中，公民能够对政府和社会现象进行独立思考和批判，从而推动社会的进步与改革。执政阶层应认识到，健康的批评和意见不仅不会威胁政治的稳定，反而是社会进步和完善的动力源泉。

四、专制管辖是否可以取代宗教信仰自由

1. 政权与宗教的本质区别

    专制管辖的核心目标是维护权力的集中和稳定，而宗教信仰则追求精神的超越和灵魂的拯救。政权通过强制性的手段、法律和政策控制社会行为，但难以触及人的内心世界。而宗教信仰则深入人们的内心，塑造个人的价值观和生活方式，提供精神的安慰和道德的指导。因此，专制管辖虽然可以通过压抑、替代和控制宗教来暂时维持其权力，但很难真正取代宗教信仰在个人心灵深处的地位。

2. 压抑信仰自由的结果

    当大洋国‘老大哥’的政权试图取代宗教信仰自由时，通常会通过强制推行国家意识形态、压抑宗教活动、控制宗教机构宣教广度和深度等方式来实现。然而，这种做法往往会产生以下结果：

• 精神上的反弹：宗教信仰被压抑后，信徒可能会更加坚定其信仰，产生强烈的内心反弹。这种反弹不仅表现在个人层面，还可能发展为集体的信仰复兴运动，甚至推动地下宗教活动的扩展和传播。
• 社会矛盾加剧：当政阶层试图以国家意识形态取代宗教信仰时，容易导致社会的分裂和对立。信仰群体和当政阶层之间的矛盾会逐渐加剧，社会的不满情绪可能积聚为更大的社会冲突，威胁政治的稳定。
• 文化根基的破坏：宗教信仰往往是文化的根基和精神源泉，当这种信仰被压制时，文化也会随之衰退。当政阶层虽然可以通过替代性的文化形式来填补空白，但这种文化往往缺乏深厚的精神内涵和历史沉淀，难以持续。

五、设想大洋国专制阶层下基督教信徒的生存与发展

1. 信仰的坚守与灵活

    在大洋国专制阶层下，基督教信徒面临着巨大的压力和挑战。然而，历史经验表明，信徒可以通过坚守信仰与灵活应对的方式在夹缝中求生存和发展：

• 家庭教会和‘半自主’教会的兴起：在公开宗教活动受限的情况下，家庭教会成为基督教信徒重要的信仰聚会形式。这些非正式的宗教团体通过小规模的聚会、私下的信仰交流和灵活的传教方式，保持了基督信仰的传承和发展。而‘半自主’教会作为政府认可的宗教组织形式应多在信徒灵命成长方面努力。
• 信仰的隐性表达：信徒可以通过低调的方式表达其信仰，如在日常生活中践行基督教伦理，在工作和生活中做光做盐，以言行影响他人，传播信仰的核心价值观。

2. 信仰与社会参与的平衡

    基督教信徒在专制阶层下，如何平衡信仰与社会参与是一个关键问题。他们既需要坚守信仰，又要谨慎应对现实环境，以避免不必要的冲突和危险：

• 关注社会公义：基督教信徒可以通过参与社会服务和公益事业，实践基督的爱和公义，推动社会正义的实现。尽管在专制阶层下，这些活动可能受到一定限制，但信徒可以以合法的方式参与社会事务，为社会和谐与正义贡献力量。
• 内心的自由与外在的顺服：信徒应当牢记内心的自由，始终坚定对基督的信仰和忠诚。同时，他们也应遵循圣经中“顺服掌权者”的教导，在不违背信仰核心原则的前提下，尽可能与外在的社会环境和平共处。

3. 信徒间的团结与互助

    面对压抑，基督教信徒需要加强团结，互相支持，以应对外部的挑战：

• 建立信仰共同体：信徒可以通过建立和维护紧密的信仰共同体，提供相互的支持与鼓励，共同面对困难。在这些共同体中，信徒可以分享信仰见证，彼此代祷，并在灵性成长中共同进步。
• 积极参与全球基督教网络：在国际宗教自由日益受到关注的背景下，信徒可以通过参与全球基督教网络，获取外界的支持和帮助，增强信仰的韧性和传播的广度。

结语

    宗教信仰自由不仅是个人的基本权利，也是社会稳定和文化繁荣的重要保障。大洋国专制阶层虽然可以通过压抑宗教信仰自由来维持一时的权力稳定，但从长远来看，这种做法无法取代宗教信仰对个人心灵和社会文化的深远影响。相反，压抑信仰往往会导致社会矛盾的加剧、文化的衰退和道德的混乱。

    基督教信徒在专制阶层下的生存与发展，需要在坚守信仰的同时，灵活应对外部环境，以信仰的光照亮社会的黑暗角落，推动社会的进步与和谐。通过团结互助、坚持信仰与社会参与的平衡，基督教信徒不仅能够在夹缝中生存，还能为社会的长期稳定和文化的繁荣贡献积极的力量。

    总而言之，保障宗教信仰自由不仅是对个人权利的尊重，也是社会健康发展的基石。在一个尊重思想和信仰自由的社会中，个人能够自由表达其信仰，文化能够多元发展，社会能够更加和谐稳定，国家的治理也会因此更加长久和稳固。
    让我们一起为此祷告！
（如有建议敬请留言讨论，邮箱：[email protected]）
    ～～～*～～～

附加信息：
    文章开头提到的两位思想家——保罗·蒂利希（Paul Tillich）和克里斯托弗·道森（Christopher Dawson）——都是对宗教与文化关系有深刻见解的学者，简历如下：

保罗·蒂利希（Paul Tillich）

    保罗·蒂利希（1886-1965）是20世纪著名的德国裔美国神学家和哲学家，他的思想对现代神学和哲学产生了深远影响。蒂利希提出了“宗教是文化的实质”的观点，他认为宗教是文化的核心，是决定文化形态的深层力量。根据蒂利希的观点，文化的每一个方面——无论是艺术、法律、道德，还是科学——都具有宗教的维度，这些维度提供了深层的意义和目的。蒂利希的神学关注存在的本质和人类面对“终极关切”（ultimate concern）的方式，他认为宗教是回答存在的基本问题的关键，而文化则是宗教表达的具体形式。主要著作有：

1. 《存在与勇气》（The Courage to Be, 1952）：这是蒂利希最著名的著作之一。在这本书中，他探讨了人类在面对非存在（如死亡、焦虑、绝望）时的存在勇气。他将宗教视为人类应对这些根本性存在问题的方式，并阐述了宗教在文化中的深层作用。
2. 《系统神学》（Systematic Theology, 1951-1963）：这是一套三卷本的著作，是蒂利希神学思想的全面阐述。他在书中系统地提出了宗教与文化、存在与神性等主题，探讨了宗教如何为文化提供深层次的意义和基础。
3. 《新存在主义：宗教与文化的神学解释》（The New Being: Lectures in Christian Theology, 1955）：本书探讨了基督教神学与现代文化之间的关系，提出了宗教如何通过文化表达其深层的精神意义。

克里斯托弗·道森（Christopher Dawson）

    克里斯托弗·道森（1889-1970）是一位英国的历史学家和文化评论家，他以研究宗教对文明的影响而闻名。道森认为，宗教是每一个文明的基础，甚至在某种程度上决定了文明的特征。他的著作探讨了不同宗教如何塑造了各自的文明，并认为文明的发展和宗教的兴衰密不可分。在道森看来，当一个文明失去了其宗教基础时，它便会面临衰落和分裂的危机。因此，宗教不仅是个人信仰的问题，也是社会和文化稳定的重要支柱。主要著作有：

1. 《宗教与西方文化的兴衰》（Religion and the Rise of Western Culture, 1950）：这是道森的代表作之一，他在书中探讨了中世纪基督教如何塑造了西方文明的基础，并如何影响了欧洲文化的发展。道森认为，宗教是理解西方文明兴衰的关键。
2. 《进步与宗教》（Progress and Religion, 1929）：在这本书中，道森批判了世俗化和过度依赖科技进步的现代社会，强调宗教作为文明发展基础的重要性。他认为，文明的进步必须建立在深厚的宗教信仰基础之上。
3. 《文明的形成》（The Making of Europe, 1932）：本书分析了欧洲文明的形成过程，特别是基督教对欧洲文化和社会结构的塑造作用。道森在书中探讨了宗教如何为欧洲文明提供精神和道德的指导。

    这两位学者的思想共同强调了宗教在文化中的核心地位，以及其对社会秩序和文明发展的重要性。他们的观点警示我们，任何试图通过压制宗教来维护政权的行为，最终可能会导致社会的动荡和文化的瓦解。其著作展示了蒂利希和道森对宗教与文化关系的深刻洞见，进一步阐明了宗教在塑造人类社会和文明中的不可替代的作用，有兴趣的弟兄姐妹可以参考阅读。

Tillich’s and Dawson’s exposition of the relationship between religion and culture

Religion and culture share an inextricable link. Religion is not only the substance of culture but also its mode of expression. Religious beliefs shape human values, ethics, artistic expression, and many other cultural dimensions, while culture, as a carrier, enables their transmission and dissemination. The American theologian Paul Tillich holds that religion, as the core of culture, supplies a profound spiritual support for it; meanwhile, the British historian Christopher Dawson further argues that religion forms the very foundation of civilization, even defining its characteristics. However, when a country attempts to maintain regime stability by restricting or suppressing religious belief, this connection is gravely challenged, leading to a series of social issues.

I. The Symbiotic Relationship Between Religion and Culture

1. Religion as the Core of Culture:

Religion provides a deep spiritual foundation for culture, being its very essence. The diverse and complex manifestations at the surface level of culture are precisely the reflections of the profound layers imbued with religious significance. Through religion, culture is elevated beyond mere worldly material pursuits, becoming a vital component of the human spiritual realm.

• Culture as the Expression of Religion:

Culture is not only the vehicle for religion but also its external expression. Religion communicates its core beliefs and values through various cultural forms such as art, music, literature, and ethics. These forms of expression enable the widespread dissemination of religious faith and leave lasting impacts across different civilizations.

II. Social Problems Caused by the Suppression of Religious Freedom in the Oceanic State

When a society’s religious beliefs are repressed, its cultural foundation and spiritual pillars are severely weakened, which in turn can trigger a series of social problems. In the Oceanic State depicted in George Orwell’s novel 1984, restrictions on religious belief and freedom of speech are particularly pronounced. The state not only fails to promote the traditional cultural elements accumulated over more than 2000 years but also does not support open religious freedom; it even suppresses expression of opinions that relate to people’s ideological views. This situation prevents voices from various social strata from emerging, resulting in multiple issues:

1. Reduction in Cultural Diversity:

The Oceanic State once possessed a rich cultural heritage, including a multicultural system that encompassed various religions. However, in its current social climate, these cultural elements are not adequately nurtured. The state tends to replace religious belief and traditional culture with political ideologies, leading to a gradual erosion of cultural diversity. Without cultural diversity, society’s creativity and intellectual vitality weaken, and the singularity of culture leaves people’s spiritual world impoverished.

• Weakening of Social Cohesion:

Historically, traditional religious and cultural beliefs provided the Oceanic society with a powerful source of cohesion. When these beliefs are restricted or replaced by enforced political stances, social cohesion begins to disintegrate. People lose the sense of belonging derived from a common spiritual faith, and imposed political positions fail to resonate deeply. The decline in social cohesion exacerbates gaps and conflicts among various social strata and groups.

• Confusion in Moral Values:

In the absence of religious and cultural spiritual guidance, moral values become increasingly blurred and chaotic. The traditional moral system loses its influence due to the suppression of religious belief, while the moral concepts promoted by the state are often heavily tainted with political overtones, making them difficult to widely accept. This leads to a decline in the overall moral standard of society, where many individuals, lacking the restraint of spiritual belief, become prone to moral crises and even extreme behaviors—such as commodifying human bodies, their organs, or even corpses for profit.

• Increase in Mental Health Issues:

For many, religious belief serves as an important spiritual solace, providing psychological support when facing pressures and challenges. However, when such belief is suppressed, people easily fall into confusion and anxiety. Especially in a society where free expression of thought is curtailed, mental health issues become even more prominent. The lack of spiritual sustenance and freedom of expression makes it difficult for individuals to relieve their psychological stress, further intensifying societal mental health problems.

• Threats to Social Order and Stability:

In an environment where religious beliefs and freedom of speech are restricted, dissatisfaction within society is prone to build up. When people cannot express their thoughts and beliefs through normal channels, extreme ideologies and radical behaviors might emerge as outlets for their frustration. This not only jeopardizes the stability of social order but also may lead to prolonged social unrest.

III. The Necessity and Urgency of Religious Freedom

When discussing the necessity of religious freedom, one must not only recognize its role in enriching individual spiritual lives and promoting cultural diversity but also understand its significance for social and national stability. In fact, safeguarding religious freedom will not weaken those in power; rather, it enhances their legitimacy and social acceptance, thereby promoting harmonious development in society.

1. Restoration of Cultural Diversity and Vitality:

Guaranteeing religious freedom can restore cultural diversity, allowing a full display of various cultural expressions. A diverse cultural landscape can stimulate societal creativity and foster the free exchange of ideas, driving social progress and prosperity. Without diversity, society loses momentum, and thought becomes increasingly stagnant.

• Enhancement of Social Cohesion and Stability:

Religious beliefs provide people with a shared spiritual foundation and moral guidance, which in turn strengthens social cohesion. In a society that respects religious freedom, faith can not only help individuals discover meaning and purpose in life but also promote overall societal harmony and stability. Social stability should not be maintained solely by coercive governance but rather through allowing people spiritual freedom that fosters a genuine sense of communal identity and belonging.

• Promotion of the Legitimacy and Credibility of Those in Power:

When people feel that their religious beliefs and basic human rights are respected, their trust and support for the government naturally increase. The protection of religious freedom enhances the legitimacy of those in power, making them rely not only on control but also on broad societal recognition and support. This boost in legitimacy and credibility helps the ruling class gain greater respect and opportunities for cooperation both domestically and internationally.

• Rebuilding the Moral System and Social Order:

By respecting religious freedom, society can reconstruct its moral system to safeguard social order. The moral values promoted by religion can supplement the legal and normative frameworks of society, helping individuals make the right choices amid complex social scenarios. When moral values are reestablished, social order becomes more stable, and the overall societal atmosphere improves. More importantly, a higher moral standard among the people contributes to reducing crime rates and bolstering the community’s overall sense of security.

• Protection of Mental Health and Social Harmony:

The spiritual solace provided by religious belief enables people to cope with life’s pressures and challenges, thus maintaining mental health. A society that permits the coexistence of multiple religious beliefs is better able to meet the spiritual needs of its people, reducing factors that contribute to social instability and enhancing overall harmony. Only in an environment that respects free thought and belief can individuals’ mental health be properly safeguarded, thereby improving overall well-being.

• Fostering Critical Thinking and Civic Awareness:

When freedom of speech is suppressed and thought is forced to conform, the society’s capacity for critical thinking diminishes sharply. Protecting religious freedom promotes diversity in thought and free expression, which in turn elevates citizens’ ability to critically assess government and societal phenomena. In a healthy society, citizens can engage in independent thinking and criticism, thereby driving social progress and reform. Those in power should recognize that constructive critique and divergent opinions do not threaten political stability; rather, they are a powerful source of social advancement and improvement.

IV. Can Authoritarian Rule Replace Religious Freedom?

1. Fundamental Differences Between Regime and Religion:

The core aim of authoritarian rule is to maintain concentration and stability of power, whereas religious belief seeks spiritual transcendence and the salvation of the soul. A regime may control social behavior through coercive methods, laws, and policies, but it is unlikely to reach into the inner lives of people. In contrast, religious belief profoundly influences an individual’s values, lifestyle, and provides spiritual consolation and moral guidance. Hence, while authoritarian regimes may temporarily sustain their power by suppressing, replacing, or controlling religious practice, they can hardly supplant the deep-seated role of religious belief in personal hearts.

• Consequences of Suppressing Religious Freedom:

When the “Big Brother” regime of the Oceanic State attempts to replace religious freedom, it typically enacts measures such as forcefully promoting a state ideology, suppressing religious activities, and restricting the scope and depth of religious institutions’ preaching. However, these measures often lead to the following outcomes:

Spiritual Backlash:

When religious beliefs are suppressed, adherents may find their faith strengthened, leading to a strong internal reaction. This backlash is not only observed on an individual level but can also evolve into collective movements of religious revival, even fostering the expansion and dissemination of underground religious activities.

Exacerbation of Social Conflicts:

When the governing class attempts to supplant religious belief with state ideology, societal divisions and antagonisms tend to intensify. The conflicts between faith communities and the ruling powers gradually intensify, and the mounting social discontent may erupt into larger-scale conflicts, threatening political stability.

Destruction of Cultural Foundations:

Religious belief is often the very root and source of a culture’s spirit; when such belief is suppressed, culture itself withers. Although the ruling powers might try to fill the void with substitute cultural forms, such forms typically lack deep spiritual substance and historical accumulation, making them unsustainable.

V. Envisioning the Survival and Development of Christian Believers Under Oceanic State Authoritarian Rule

1. The Perseverance and Flexibility of Faith:

Under the authoritarian regime of the Oceanic State, Christian believers face enormous pressure and challenges. History shows, however, that believers can survive and develop even in tight spaces by steadfastly maintaining their faith while adapting flexibly to their circumstances:

The Rise of House Churches and “Semi-Autonomous” Churches:

In situations where public religious activities are restricted, house churches become an important avenue for Christian gatherings. These informal religious groups maintain the continuity and development of the Christian faith through small-scale meetings, private exchanges of belief, and flexible evangelism. Meanwhile, “semi-autonomous” churches—recognized by the government—should primarily focus on nurturing the spiritual growth of their members.

Discreet Expression of Faith:

Believers may express their faith in low-key ways, such as practicing Christian ethics in everyday life, being salt and light in their work and social circles, and influencing others through their words and actions by conveying the core values of their faith.

• Balancing Faith with Social Participation:

For Christian believers under authoritarian rule, balancing faith and social involvement is critical. They need to maintain their faith while cautiously engaging with the surrounding environment to avoid unnecessary conflicts and dangers:

Focusing on Social Justice:

Christians can participate in social services and public welfare activities as a practical expression of Christ’s love and justice, thereby advancing social righteousness. Although such activities may face restrictions under authoritarian rule, believers can still contribute to social harmony and justice through legally permissible means.

Inner Freedom Coupled with Outward Submission:

Believers should remember the freedom within their hearts—steadfast in their faith and loyalty to Christ. At the same time, they should heed the biblical teaching to “submit to authorities,” thereby striving to coexist peacefully with the external social environment without compromising the core principles of their faith.

• Unity and Mutual Support Among Believers:

Faced with oppression, it is crucial for Christian believers to strengthen solidarity and support one another to counter external challenges:

Establishing Faith Communities:

Believers can create and maintain close-knit faith communities that offer mutual support and encouragement, enabling them to face adversities together. Within these communities, individuals can share testimonials of faith, pray for each other, and progress together in their spiritual journeys.

Active Participation in Global Christian Networks:

In an era when international religious freedom is receiving increasing attention, believers can engage with global Christian networks to garner external support and assistance, thereby strengthening the resilience of their faith and broadening its reach.

Conclusion

Religious freedom is not only a fundamental individual right but also a crucial guarantee for social stability and cultural prosperity. Although the authoritarian ruling class in the Oceanic State may temporarily maintain its power by suppressing religious freedom, in the long run, such practices cannot substitute for the profound influence that religious belief holds over individual hearts and cultural landscapes. On the contrary, suppressing faith is more likely to exacerbate social conflicts, erode culture, and create moral disarray.

For Christian believers under authoritarian rule, survival and development depend on a dual approach: steadfast adherence to their faith coupled with flexible adaptation to external conditions. By uniting, offering mutual support, and striking a balance between faith and societal participation, they not only manage to survive in narrow spaces but also contribute positively to long-term social stability and cultural prosperity.

In short, safeguarding religious freedom is both a matter of respecting individual rights and laying the foundation for a healthy societal development. In a society that values freedom of thought and belief, individuals can express their faith openly, culture can flourish in its diversity, society can achieve greater harmony and stability, and governance will be more enduring and robust.

Let us all pray together for this cause!

～～～*～～～

Supplementary Information:

The two scholars mentioned at the beginning of the article—Paul Tillich and Christopher Dawson—are renowned for their insightful perspectives on the relationship between religion and culture. Here is a brief overview of their profiles:

Paul Tillich (1886–1965):

Paul Tillich was a prominent German-American theologian and philosopher of the 20th century whose ideas profoundly influenced modern theology and philosophy. Tillich proposed the view that “religion is the substance of culture,” asserting that religion is the core of culture and the deep force that determines its form. According to Tillich, every aspect of culture—from art and law to morality and science—has a religious dimension, providing deep meaning and purpose. His theology focused on the essence of existence and how humans address their “ultimate concern.” He believed that religion is key to answering fundamental existential questions, while culture represents the concrete expression of that religion. His major works include:

1. The Courage to Be (1952): One of Tillich’s most famous works, in which he explores human courage in the face of non-being (such as death, anxiety, and despair). In this book, he views religion as a means by which humans confront these existential challenges and explains religion’s profound role in culture.
2. Systematic Theology (1951–1963): A three-volume work that comprehensively articulates Tillich’s theological thought. In this series, he systematically explores themes such as religion and culture, existence and the divine, and examines how religion provides deep meaning and foundational support for culture.
3. The New Being: Lectures in Christian Theology (1955): In this work, Tillich discusses the relationship between Christian theology and modern culture, proposing that religion expresses its deep spiritual significance through cultural forms.

Christopher Dawson (1889–1970): Christopher Dawson was an English historian and cultural critic known for his studies on the impact of religion on civilization. Dawson argued that religion is the foundation of every civilization and, to some extent, defines the characteristics of that civilization. His writings explore how different religions have shaped their respective cultures and assert that the rise and fall of civilizations are inextricably linked to the fortunes of religion. In Dawson’s view, when a civilization loses its religious foundation, it faces the crisis of decline and fragmentation. His major works include:

1. Religion and the Rise of Western Culture (1950): One of Dawson’s representative works in which he investigates how medieval Christianity laid the foundations of Western civilization and influenced the development of European culture. Dawson argues that religion is the key to understanding the rise and fall of Western civilization.
2. Progress and Religion (1929): In this book, Dawson criticizes modern society’s secularization and overreliance on technological progress, emphasizing the importance of a robust religious foundation for the advancement of civilization.
3. The Making of Europe (1932): This work analyzes the formation of European civilization, with particular emphasis on the role of Christianity in shaping European culture and social structures. Dawson explores how religion provided the spiritual and moral guidance essential to the development of European civilization.

Both scholars’ ideas underscore the central role of religion in culture and its importance in maintaining social order and fostering the development of civilization. Their works remind us that any attempt to preserve regime power through the suppression of religion will ultimately lead to social unrest and cultural decay. Interested readers are encouraged to explore their writings for further insights.