Carmelotes, Kirk Johnson RE 116

BSA -3 January 31, 2018

1. What is Authentic Freedom?

Authentic freedom is “not doing what I want”. It is not a license or right to say and
do anything, and not my own individual private possession (CFC 694). Authentic
freedom is “to do good” (CCC 1740). It is shared freedom from everything that
opposes our true becoming with others in the community (CFC 696). Certainly
freedom does mean the right to do as one pleases—to think, believe, speak, worship
(or not worship), move about, gather, and generally act as you choose—but only
until your choices start to infringe on another person’s freedom. Authentic Freedom
is a way of life characterized by the consistent experience of inner peace, out of
which we are free to openly share the gifts that God gave us. Authentic Freedom is
our Divine inheritance and the way that God intends us to live!

2. What is Freedom for?

Authentic freedom has a purpose:

1. Is for growing as full persons and disciples of Jesus, sharing in Christ’s life
through His Spirit.
2. It is the freedom found and expressed in authentic love through a genuine
concern and a sincere desire for the good of others.
3. It is the freedom to grow in the likeness of Christ, whose example of loving
service was perfectly revealed in paschal mystery.

3. What is Freedom from?

A. Interior threats to freedom

These are a threat that comes from within like habits or vices, fears, doubts,
disordered desires, prejudices and ignorance.

There are two things that are needed to counter the threats.
1. We need to become more aware of these interior vices, habits, tendencies and
weaknesses.
2. We should seek whatever help we need to keep them in check.

B. Exterior threats of freedom

These are forces of realities in our community that influence us to act in a self
centered way.
 There are two things needed:
1. Discerning and choosing what is truly good amidst all temptations to self-
centered behavior.
2. Asking God for the grace to overcome our built weaknesses through prayer,
the celebration of the sacraments, and good companions.

4. How is human freedom experienced?

Authentic human freedom is experienced by "subjecting oneself" to doing

the will of God! Freedom is a basic human desire, so we would expect to read
about it in the Bible. While the Bible speaks often of freedom, its focus is most
frequently related to the spiritual freedom a person can experience in Christ.
First, freedom in Christ is seen in contrast to the bondage of sin, knowing Christ
provides freedom from the control of sin and eternal life with Him. Second,
freedom in Christ is seen as the only true form of freedom, because it provides
lasting freedom beyond this life. We now know the truth that sets us free as
believers. Third, a person who has experienced true freedom in Christ is called to
live as His servant. We are set free to serve Christ. Fourth, those who find
freedom in Christ also become His children. In short, we experience true freedom
in Christ by knowing Him, walking in His ways, and engaging with the changes
He makes in and through our lives as we focus on service to Him and to others.
This freedom transcends the human freedoms desired in this world, providing
peace in this life and freedom with Christ forevermore.

5. What is meant by “Freedom of the Children of God?

We are dearly loved children, created in the image of God to reflect God's
character by loving. This is our true self, our deepest identity, our ultimate
destiny. Hence we can act freely only when we exercise the power to live as
God's created image and arrive at a state in which we possess only our own
properties, that is, properties that image God. Freedom understood in a Christian
way, then, is the power to live as we were created to live and to be what we were
meant to be. It is the state of willing and acting as God's dear children.