Adventist Learning Center of Sidney sheds light on religious liberty

In recent years and during the present election cycle, religious liberty has been the topic of much debate and discussion. In fact, the Barna Group released a report showing that concerns over religious freedom in America have grown significantly. The public dialog has often been heated about concerns over the right to worship, Supreme Court decisions on business discrimination or the public debate over Christian holiday symbols, season greetings and celebrations, to controversial issues of prayer in public school and discussions about creation vs. evolution.

Starting Thursday evening at 7 p.m., April 28, and continuing Friday through Sunday, the Sidney Adventist Church will explore this fascinating religious freedom subject in a four-part series entitled “Shadow Empire,” using a historical approach that illustrates the topic perfectly: the life of the Emperor Constantine. It’s the story of an unlikely emperor, born out of wedlock and into poverty, who rose to power against staggering odds and whose legacy has endured for centuries. The story of the costs and sacrifices made in the name of religious freedom will approach his life story from a new angle.

This nation-wide multi-media series, hosted by Voice of Prophecy Speaker and Director Shawn Boonstra, will take a documentary-style, Bible-based approach to this religious liberty topic. Boonstra recently traveled to countries such as Serbia, Italy and Turkey to make history come to life and reveal little-known details about this intriguing historical figure. Boonstra was granted rare access to a major archeological dig site, on the location believed to be one of Constantine’s homes.

By taking a fascinating trip into the past, “Shadow Empire” takes an honest examination of the church and a prophetic history that will answer many questions people have today, such as:

• Was the marriage of Constantine’s government and Christianity a good thing for Christians?

• Why did the early Christians have so much trouble fitting in?

• Did Bible prophecy really predict that the government would persecute the church?

• Was it a good idea for the Roman emperor to step in and try to solve the internal disputes within the church?

• If Christians really are Jesus’ followers, then why do they still have disputes?

The four nightly topics will include: “The Rise of the Early Church,” “The Persecution of the Church,” “A Marriage of Church and State” and “Constantine’s Christianity.”

All are welcome to attend this free event, and all attendees will receive a copy of Boonstra’s new book, Shadow Emperor. Shadow Empire begins Thursday, April 28, and will continue for a total of four nights through Sunday, starting at 7 p.m. each evening in the Sidney Adventist Church located at 2392 Maple St. in Sidney.

For further information, call (308) 254-6135 or visit shadowempire.com.