Christian Conception Of Freedom

There are many distinct conceptions of freedom, however, two of these conceptions stick out more than the others. One conception comes from modern culture and modern economics, while the other conception can be traced back to the significance of narratives and Christian tradition. After watching multiple videos and reading through many different articles, it is clear that these conceptions of freedom are very different from each other, but there is one key relationship that I think is very obvious. Happiness is the root of freedom and to be truly free one must not only look out for what is in their own best interest, but what is in the best interest of others, and God is the connection between the two.
In modern culture and modern economics to be

Christians believe that we should desire God and that God is the root to all happiness and therefore freedom. In Happiness Christian Moral Life, they state, “Men and women are made for God and will find happiness and peace only in God” (page 6). Augustine suggests this and says that we often refuse to accept this truth and fall astray from God. Later, in the article/book when Augustine is on his way to a eulogy he passes a drunken beggar and notices that this drunken beggar is happier than what he has ever been in his life. He suggests that this is because less is more, and this beggar has never become greedy to expect too much. If we can find and live with God, this is how we will become most happy and in return free. Another quote from Happiness Christian Moral Life is, “In the Christian life, we are not the primary agents of our happiness, God is” (page 9). We learn what is right and wrong from God, but we also learn from observing others and hearing their stories. We can find happiness by following others but in the end God is the source of our happiness and it is in our self interest to follow