'Secular freedom is having to do what you want to do. Religious freedom is wanting to do what you have to do.' ~Richard Rohr

There is a world of a difference between having and wanting to do something. Having to do something implies some sort of pressure to do it and that it's almost expected of you. Wanting to do something is much more positive, there is a sense of freedom, enjoyment, fulfilment, energy and that it has a good feel factor to it. This is exactly what Jesus brought with him. He gave people options and invitations. He invited them to move away from what was negative, restrictive, repetitive and burdensome. In place of all that he offered unlimited freedom to be yourself. He got people to throw away the masks they were hiding behind, to throw away unnecessary burdens and instead to enjoy everything that God had given to them. Religion though is often perceived as the exact opposite, restrictive and set in its ways. But it should never be that way and it has so much more to offer than what it is often given credit for.