No Christian with half a brain would say 'we support religious freedom.'

The quote "No Christian with half a brain would say 'we support religious freedom.'" by John MacArthur challenges the notion that true Christian belief aligns with advocating for religious freedom in the sense of endorsing the right of others to practice different faiths. MacArthur, a prominent pastor and theologian, is arguing that a true Christian perspective should not merely tolerate other religions but should be inherently exclusive, meaning that, from his viewpoint, Christianity does not embrace the idea that other belief systems should have the same freedom. The quote suggests that true Christians would prioritize spreading Christian doctrine over supporting a broad understanding of religious freedom.

The origin of this quote comes from MacArthur's views on the relationship between Christianity and religious pluralism. As a conservative evangelical, MacArthur has been critical of the idea that Christianity and other religions can coexist on equal terms in a society that promotes religious freedom. His statements often reflect a belief that Christianity should be the central guiding force in shaping laws and society, and that any endorsement of religious freedom for other faiths may undermine the exclusivity of Christian teachings.

In this statement, MacArthur is emphasizing the doctrine of Christian exclusivism, which holds that salvation is only available through Jesus Christ and that other religious beliefs are ultimately false or insufficient for eternal life. By saying that no Christian with "half a brain" would support religious freedom, he is asserting that supporting the free practice of other religions goes against the very nature of Christianity as he interprets it.

Ultimately, this quote represents a theological stance that views religious freedom as a concept that contradicts the fundamentalist Christian belief in the exclusive truth of their faith. It reflects MacArthur's conservative approach to Christianity and the complex tension between promoting personal freedom in a pluralistic society and upholding the doctrinal integrity of a single religious tradition.