Unshaken Allegience

For many years, Christians in the West have been able to take religious freedom for granted. But it seems those days are over.

In Unshaken Allegiance, Professor Patrick Parkinson draws on decades of experience as a lawyer and legal scholar to impart the wisdom God’s people need in this moment. Blending biblical insight, numerous case studies and deep knowledge of the political and cultural landscape, Parkinson delivers a much-needed playbook for navigating the challenges we face as faithful followers of Christ.

Written for Christian leaders and lay people alike, Unshaken Allegiance will inspire resilience and hope while urging us to live as committed citizens of God’s unshakable kingdom.

Introduction

Part I: Understanding the problem

• 1. When law becomes a source of oppression
• 2. The diminishing scope for religious freedom
• 3. The weaponization of laws
• 4. Religious freedom as a human right
• 5. Faith perspectives

Part II: Law and faith

• 6. The limitations on obedience to government
• 7. What does it mean to obey the law?

Part III: When law comes into conflict with ministry

• 8. Living peaceable lives
• 9. A conflict with Christ’s commands
• 10. Mounting a legal defence
• 11. Religious freedom in a multicultural society

Patrick Parkinson AM, MA, LLM, LLD is an Emeritus Professor of Law and former Dean of Law at the University of Queensland. Professor Parkinson has been involved in advocacy for religious freedom in Australia for many years, in particular as board member and sometime Chair of Freedom for Faith. He is an expert on family law and child protection and has held various positions chairing governmental advisory bodies in Australia in these areas, leading to significant law reform. His books include Child Sexual Abuse and the Churches, first published in 1997. He is currently the Executive Director of Publica, a Christian organization concerned with strengthening family and community relationships.

Highly regarded US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas once explained that the art of great legal writing is “to put a ten-dollar idea in a five-cent sentence”. In other words, there are skilled ways to put important things in language that’s accessible. That is exactly what Patrick Parkinson has done in this book. Drawing on law, politics, culture and theology, Parkinson not only provides an astute overview of the great challenges facing our times, but—crucially—he also offers a clear and practical roadmap on how to respond well as faithful Christians.

—Paul Coleman, Executive Director, Alliance Defending Freedom International

Patrick Parkinson has done us a great service in writing this book. The relationship between Christians and the law, particularly laws around religious freedom, is changing rapidly in the West. Parkinson helps us to navigate the challenges that these changes bring with his typically clear and measured approach. He knows his law and his Bible, and integrates the two with wisdom, practical advice and careful consideration of both domains. This book is a must-read for any Christian who is in public life, or who wonders whether their Christian convictions might put them at odds with the law.

—The Right Rev Dr Richard Condie, Anglican Bishop of Tasmania

This book identifies fast-moving and dangerous illiberal trends in Western culture. This cultural progressivism poses a direct threat to free speech, which is, in turn, a big challenge for the Church. There needs to be a strong push-back against this new illiberalism, and Patrick Parkinson’s book helps us to understand what is happening and what to do next.

—Martin Charlesworth, Founder of Jubilee+, United Kingdom

We are most fortunate that Professor Patrick Parkinson’s expertise in law and public policy has been marshalled in the cause of religious freedom. This lucid and practical guide to the legal pitfalls lying in wait for those in active public Christian service will be a most valuable resource for many years.

—Rex Ahdar, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Otago, New Zealand

Patrick Parkinson has written a timely and courageous book that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our era: the erosion of religious freedom in post-Christian societies. With clarity and compassion, he equips Christians to navigate legal and cultural pressures with both wisdom and faith.

This is a vital resource for church leaders and believers alike who are seeking to understand the shifting legal and cultural landscape. Parkinson offers not only expert and experienced legal insight but deep pastoral concern in urging the church to respond with integrity and courage.

Unshaken Allegiance is both a wake-up call and a guidebook. Drawing on decades of legal and Christian service, Parkinson helps readers grasp the real challenges facing people of faith today, and shows us how to live faithfully—even when the law may not always be our ally.

—David Hodson OBE KC (Hons) MCIArb, Honorary Professor of Law, University of Leicester

Professor Patrick Parkinson’s book is a must-read for Christians who want to understand the rising challenges to religious freedom in Australia, and how to respond when obedience to God brings us into conflict with the law of the land. Patrick has a rare talent to make complex legal issues both comprehensible and engaging. Unshaken Allegiance is a timely wake-up call; for too long we have taken for granted the freedom to practise our faith, and we need to prepare ourselves for adverse headwinds to come. I wholeheartedly commend this book to you.

—The Right Reverend Dr Michael Stead, Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Chair of Freedom for Faith