Can Christians drink craft beer, dance at weddings, or binge Netflix without compromising their faith? Depending on who you ask, the answers range from “Absolutely not!” to “Why not?” and everything in between. For centuries, believers have wrestled with these gray zones of Christian liberty. Some drew hard lines (Fundamentalism). Others blurred them (Compromise).
From banning beards to outlawing laughter, the church’s history is full of strange attempts to keep holiness intact. But in a culture of extremes, where some Christians isolate in fear and others assimilate without a second thought, is there a better way?
A History of Boundaries
To avoid worldliness, the church has sometimes leaned into heavy restrictions.
- Some medieval monks sketched women as serpents in the margins of manuscripts, to tame temptation with artistic distortion.
- In 13th century Europe, pointed shoes were banned. The reason? The church said vanity, and even demons, could inhabit the extra inches.
- In certain Slavic traditions, ties were banned because they “point to hell”.
- Beards became theological battlegrounds. Russian Orthodox men couldn’t shave. In contrast, Victorian Anglicans labeled beards as “too bohemian”.
- Women wearing pants? That stirred a storm in the 19th century (and many Slavic churches to this day) because it supposedly confused gender distinctions.
Even joyful activities weren’t safe:
- Puritans banned mirth (excessive laughing).
- The Plymouth Brethren outlawed dancing, even at weddings.
- Some branches of the Church of Christ banned singing in harmony to preserve “spiritual simplicity”.
Over time, Christians have swung between two extremes:
- Fundamental separatism: Avoiding the world at all costs.
- Liberal syncretism: Blend in with the world and compromise truth.
But Jesus offers a different way. In His high priestly prayer Jesus prays the following for His followers:
John 17:15-18 “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one… As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world”
Jesus didn’t pray for our escape from culture, but instead for our protection in it, our sanctification through truth, and our mission within it. That means living in the tension, engaged but not entangled.
So how do we actually navigate this tension?
Seven Questions for Navigating Christian Liberty
Whenever you find yourself wondering “Should I do ___________?” about music, movies, fashion, friends, alcohol, games, or social events, run it through these seven pricniples:
#1 GOD – Will this glorify God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink… do it all for the glory of God.”
Worship doesn’t just happen on Sunday. It’s for everything, your Spotify playlist, your hobbies, your hangouts, your vacations, etc. If it doesn’t reflect God’s greatness, maybe it doesn’t belong.
#2 BIBLE – What does the Bible say?
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God… for training in righteousness.”
God’s Word is clear on things like drunkenness, sexual sin, lying, and greed. But for the “gray areas”? Bible doesn’t speak directly about every modern issue, however, Bible does give clear principles on how to live a godly and holy life. That’s where the rest of these principles help.
#3 CONSCIENCE – What does my conscience say?
Romans 2:15 “Their conscience also bears witness…”
If the Bible is silent on a specific issue, your conscience plays an important role. God gave it to you for a reason. But be careful, your conscience isn’t someone’s law. Don’t make your personal convictions into universal rules.
#4 GOVERNMENT – What does the law say?
1 Peter 2:13 “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…”
Whether it’s national laws or your parent’s rules, obey. Christian liberty doesn’t give you a pass to break civil law or household expectations.
#5 TEMPTATION – What does my weakness require?
James 1:14 “Each person is tempted… by his own desire.”
You know your struggles. Don’t flirt with the edge. Just because you’re free doesn’t mean it’s wise. If something pulls your back into addiction, pride, or lust, run from it.
#6 NEIGHBOR – Is it loving to my neighbor?
1 Corinthians 10:24 “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”
Freedom without love is selfishness. If your liberty trips someone else, it becomes a liability. Love sometimes lays down its rights for the sake of another’s soul.
#7 EVANGELISM – Am I being a good witness?
1 Corinthians 10:33 “I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.”
Does your freedom help others see Jesus or confuse them about who He is? In a watching world, how you live speaks volumes.
Christian Liberty Isn’t About Doing Whatever You Want
It’s about learning to ask better questions. Not “Can I?” but “Should I?” Not “Is this allowed?” but “Is this loving, wise, and Christ-honoring?“
You were not saved into a rigid rulebook nor released into reckless freedom. You were called into a life of purposeful grace, where liberty is governed by love, truth, and mission.
So, the next time you’re wondering whether something is ok to do, walk through these seven questions. Not to burden your faith, but to bless your walk with Jesus.