"Free to believe" is for everyone: A conversation with Randel Everett of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative

Dr. Randel Everett joins Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison to discuss religious freedom, the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, and why the state shouldn’t be run by religion.    Show notes:  After giving his personal story, Dr. Randel Everett discusses the surprising role of a Baptist in religious freedom in the US’s founding (7:22). He then talks about the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, how they got started, and how they defend religious freedom and challenge persecution and oppression (10:39). Dr. Everett relates what this mission currently looks like internationally, such as in Myanmar, Burma, and Bangladesh (20:18). They discuss the unique aspect of the Judeo-Christian ethic that allows for freedom of belief (28:10). Dr. Jim Denison considers the negatives of when the church tries to control the state (32:25). Finally, Dr. Everett ends by encouraging us to strive for virtue to make society a better place from the ground up, and how listeners can get involved in 21 Wilberforce (35:21).   P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading: 21 Wilberforce - defending freedom “What does the Bible say about religious liberty?” - Dr. Jim Denison  “What does the Bible say about freedom?” - Dr. Jim Denison Religious Liberty in Crisis - Ken Starr Liberty for All - Andrew T. Walker   About the Guest  Dr. Randel Everett founded 21Wilberforce in 2014 to focus attention on religious persecution abroad and the enduring importance of religious liberty in the United States.   As President, Randel leads the 21Wilberforce team, often on the front lines internationally. He spent four decades pastoring churches in Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, and Texas. He founded the John Leland Center for Theological Studies, led the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and currently serves in leadership for the Baptist World Alliance. Throughout his career, Randel has traveled to nearly 40 countries and witnessed persecution first-hand.   About the hosts  Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content.    Dr. Mark Turman is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.