Freedom to Worship
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.1
After visiting America in 1831, French writer Alexis de Tocqueville said, “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests; and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning; and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution; and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”2
When Tocqueville passed through America, there were roughly 10,000 to 15,000 Christian congregations nationwide. As of 2026, there are an estimated 350,000 to 370,000 Christian churches and religious congregations in the United States.3
We are blessed to live in a county where we are free to worship the one true God and openly share His love with everyone! And where Jesus is, there is freedom! America was founded on a hope and trust in God. The founding fathers looked to God for the guidance of the country. Over the last two centuries, that faith has waned and, amongst the good, sin has become increasingly tolerated; and although churches are growing, so is sin. The great news is that the Spirit of the Lord continues to abide among us!
This great American nation still celebrates their freedom every year, and this year, as America celebrates 250 years, may we also celebrate the God that this great nation was founded upon. May we seek to make God the center of our lives, our families, and the center of our country. Only then can our country be truly great!
Suggested prayer: Dear Holy Father, today as I consider the freedom to worship that I enjoy, I lift up to you the Christians in the nations around the world who are suffering oppression and persecution in your name. I pray that you fill them with courage and joy as they seek to share your love with those who deny you. I pray that they will know freedom in you. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV).
2. Source Unknown.
3. Hartford Institute for Religion Research.
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.