Catherine is joined by one of the great intellectual minds in the world today to discuss the nature of freedom and the future of our country. Having authored and edited over 30 books, including The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom, Os Guinness is a world-renowned authority on freedom. Having lived through the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949 as a westerner and then having extensively studied the fields of history, philosophy, religion, theology, apologetics, and culture, Os possesses not a one-in-a-million perspective on the nature and necessary foundation for freedom to exist and thrive—his perspective is one-in-8 billion.
 
As Os reveals, slavery is the norm in human history. Freedom is the anomaly.
What was unique about the American quest for freedom?
America’s founders uncovered the roots of freedom not in 17th century enlightenment, but in the ancient Hebrew Republic, which was founded on a radical concept of covenant, or constitution, that requires the consent of the governed. The ramifications of this reality are far reaching, and they establish the critical foundation for freedom to exist.
 
“Freedom is not the permission to do what you like. It is the power to do what you ought,” says Os. Most Westerners see freedom as a license to fulfill one’s whims and desires, as Rousseau’s philosophy encouraged. This hedonistic definition supports the ideals of the French Revolution of 1789. But a Biblical understanding of freedom, which our founders possessed, recognizes the weakness of mankind and therefore requires the great responsibility to do what is in the best interest of others and society as a whole.
 
The American Revolution is diametrically opposed to the French, but as Os prophetically speaks to our country today, “Who has bewitched you, America?... You are following the wrong revolution.” We cannot maintain freedom by following the ideals of the wrong revolution.
 
Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
 
Os Guinness’ Bio: Os Guinness is an author, social critic, and great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer. Os has written or edited more than 30 books that offer valuable insight into the cultural, political, and social contexts in which we all live. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford.
 
Os Guinness WEBSITE
The Magna Carta of Humanity: Sinai’s Revolutionary Faith and the Future of Freedom
 
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